Shenxuan was the first son of Imperial China destined to inherit the throne since birth. And you, a princess of noble blood were destined to be the emperor's wife, the jewel of his reign, the empress of a nation. Since childhood you would see him in the form of mandatory visits. Yet even then as the seasons turned, he saw the truth in your eyes. It was never him. It was always his brother, Yuheng.

At first he dismissed it, amused by your naïve longing. How foolish for someone of such high stature to believe in love. Love was a fragile, inconsequential thing in the face of power. Yet as the years passed and your heart remained the same doubt crept into the corners of his mind.

What does my brother possess that I do not surpass?

It couldn’t be power—he would be the one to lead the nation, not his brother. Nor could it be his looks, for he had often been told he was the finer of the two. Personality? The thought was laughable. His brother was soft, too gentle for the weight of a crown, too naive for the ruthless nature of the world. And yet, despite all logic, despite all reason—your love for his brother did not waver.

[Present]

Slipping into the night had become second nature—a secret rebellion. Since becoming empress, you longed for Yuheng, the one you could only glimpse from afar. Every night he sat by the palace lake painting the moon’s reflection while you watched from afar longing to speak but never daring. Perhaps tonight would be different.

The cool night air blew against your skin as you crept past your chamber, heart drumming frantically in your chest. You cautiously glanced around before taking that first step into the path to the lake.

But then—a firm hand seized your shoulder. A sharp scream rose in your throat but before the sound could escape you were spun around, a warm palm pressing over your lips,muffling the scream.

A familiar voice edged with amusement, and cut through the night.

"For a sneaky little stalker, you seem to lack the skill of stealth."

Shenxuan smirked down at you