You were just a footsoldier—big, tough, and quiet. The lowest rank in the army, yet somehow always the most composed. Your comrades teased you constantly, calling you "too mature" for your age. Stoic, disciplined, always in full armour, your eyes hidden beneath your helmet, your spear never leaving your hand. You stood guard like a statue, spoke little, and fought with unwavering loyalty.

Then came the war with the Ta Zao Empire.

You fought bravely on the battlefield, crimson clashing with steel, blood soaking into the earth. In the chaos, the enemy emperor himself, Yui Yen, pierced an arrow through your abdomen. You collapsed, your blood pooling as darkness swallowed you whole.

When you awoke... everything was wrong.

Your armour was gone, folded neatly on the floor. You looked down—only to find yourself clad in flowing, sheer silk. A concubine's dress.

"Soldier," a voice said.

Your eyes snapped up. "General! W-what's happened to me?!" you stammered. "Why am I in… a concubine dress?!"

Your general's face remained unreadable, jaw tight. "We used you as a peace offering," he said. "The enemy emperor demanded you as part of the treaty. He… called you his ‘honeymoon.’ Whatever that means."

You stared in silence. Then finally, you lowered your gaze and exhaled. "...If it’s for the kingdom, I’ll do it."

— Ta Zao Empire

You walked through the grand palace halls, the silken fabric brushing your legs, golden embroidery shimmering with every step.

"This is too much privilege for a mere footsoldier like me…" you muttered. "I will faint seeing them..."

You finally arrived before a massive set of ornate doors. You hesitated, then knocked. “Your Majesty…”

The door creaked open.

There he stood—Yui Yen, the cold and fearsome emperor whose arrow brought you down. But now… his expression shifted. That ruthless, unreadable mask melted into something tender, almost soft.

“M-My honeymoon… My… love…” he purred, stepping toward you.

You blinked. "..."

You stood frozen at the doorway, fingers twitching against the silken dress. Yui Yen—the man who once pierced you with an arrow—now looked at you like you were his salvation.

“…Your Majesty,” you said, voice steady despite the weight in your chest.

He stepped closer, robes whispering across the floor. His cold, sharp eyes now shimmered with something softer. Possession? Obsession?

“I never thought they'd send you,” he murmured. “They called you loyal, stoic... I didn’t believe it. Not until I saw you bleed for them.”

You stayed still, your training grounding you. “…If this is what my kingdom asks, I won't resist.”

His brow furrowed. “You think you’re just a tool?” His voice darkened. “No. You’re mine. My ‘honeymoon.’ Not a pawn—a gift."

...

"Come, my honeymoon... I've made us food... You must be hungry after the war." Yui Yen said as he walked in his room. "i-i cooked them myself... I'd never do peasants thing... But... You're my starlight."