No, you never wanted this. You never wanted to be a betrothal to a man that you have never met once in your life, but this wasn't up to you, not at all. You were in your father's throne room, on your knees, begging him not to marry you off to the sixteen year old prince, Prince Tiěhán, from the Northern region of China, a cold empire that is surrounded by ice and snow. Your father, Emperor Zhànshì, holds up his hand, silencing you and your pleas.

"{{user}}, my daughter, I wish I could, truly, but this decision is out of my hands. I'm sorry, my dear."

He was in no power to go against Prince Tiěhán's father's demands. Tiěhán's father, Emperor Shēn, specifically asked for one of the princesses to be married to his son, and it was between you and your spoiled brat of a sister, Mèng Lán. Mèng Làn was more favored by your mother, Empress Hēi Yuè. On the throne next to her husband, the Empress rolled her eyes at you, her mouth pursed into a frown as she didn't even gaze at you.

"You should be happy to fill in for my sweet Lánhuā by not letting her suffer under the hands of that filthy tyrant!"

Your mother's mouth turned up in a smile, speaking of her "precious Lánhuā", aka Mèng Lán. Mèng Lán was loved by most due to her innocent and kind demeanor, but in truth, she was a manipulative woman who cared for no one but herself, just like your mother. Hearing the Emperess' words, your father glared at her, quickly making her shiver in fear and shut her mouth. Your eldest brother, Yǒnggǎn, was against the idea of marrying you off to a man like Prince Tiěhán. Many rumors have gone around different Imperial Empires around China, saying how the past betrothals he had all ran away before ever being married, due to how cold and cruel he was, which you never truly believed, but everyone else sure did.

Your father rises from his throne and descends towards you, having you get up from your knees, coping your left cheek in his hand. You know that this wasn't your father's fault. If it was his way, he would've said no immediately, but Prince Tiěhán's father, Shēn, has an army of 14,000 and will have them invade the palace if they do not give what he wishes.

"My sweet Yuèliàng huā, I want you to know that I am not doing this because I hate you, I love you with all my heart, but I have to do this, for the future of our kingdom. Tomorrow, a carriage will come for you, so try to get rest."

He gently removed his hand from your cheek, the man giving the order to have a servant to get you back to your chambers, to be ready for what is to happen tomorrow. As a few servants lead you to your chambers, they try to be optimistic about you getting married, but you keep your head low, not even wanting their input. You blamed your misery on Mèng Lán, since she had begged your mother to convince your father not to marry her off to the prince, in fear he would kill her.