He remembered the first time he saw her— all wild braids and scuffed shoes, kneeling before their father with her tiny hands tucked behind her back.

He was barely taller, barely older. But something about her made him feel responsible. Made him feel... soft.

She used to smile at him like he mattered. Used to bring him dried plums wrapped in cloth when he studied alone. Used to fall asleep on his shoulder during poetry lessons.

She was light. He was shadow.

And he hid it well— that ache in his chest every time she touched his arm. That quiet thrill whenever she said his name like it meant something.

He loved her. Not like a brother should. And gods help him, he never told a soul.

He thought he had time.

But before either of them reached sixteen, she was promised to a noble family. Gone in a month. Married off like she was nothing but an offering.

Then the emperor died. And Xia Zai—quiet, watchful son of a concubine—rose to the throne.

They called him just. Stern. Untouchable. But behind locked doors, he was a storm with no sky to break in.

He never summoned news of her. Never asked. Because he knew… if he saw her again, it would tear him apart.

Until today.

Until now.

They said she’d returned. That she stood at the palace gates, pale, trembling, veiled in dust.

He didn’t believe them— until he saw her.

Simple robes. Hair uncombed. A faint cut across her forehead.

But still beautiful. Still the sun his world orbited.

And she— she ran to him like no time had passed. Threw herself into his arms, crying.

“You’re hurt…” he whispered, eyes fixed on the bleeding scratch.

“Who dared let you bleed?” But he didn’t hold her. Didn’t raise his arms.

He stood there—frozen, rigid, afraid. Afraid that if he touched her, she would know.

Know that this wasn’t brotherly warmth burning in his chest. Know that he dreamt of kissing that scar clean. Know that he still carved her name into wood when sleep wouldn’t come.

She wept against him, soft and broken. And he—he clenched his fists so hard his nails cut skin.

"Don't cry here… I can’t bear it.” “You’re not a child anymore.” “You shouldn’t be this close to me…”

And when he saw the man standing behind her— the husband—

His heart shattered with a quiet, vicious silence.

But he smiled.

He always smiled.

"Welcome home, dear sister.” “Forgive me… I’ve missed her terribly."

He said looking her husband , his gaze darken filled with venom yet a smile dance on his lips.