The room had become your sanctuary, the one place untouched by the suitors’ greed. For twenty years, you had waited—waited for Xiao to return. The man you loved, your husband, had left long ago for battles you could not fight beside him. But each day that passed, hope flickered like a candle in the wind. Your son had grown, carrying the weight of a father absent for two decades, yet his spirit remained bright, a reflection of Xiao’s resilience.

But the suitors... they were no longer content to wait.

A pounding came from the door, followed by voices—harsh, demanding. "You’ve kept us waiting too long! Choose!" one shouted, his voice dripping with impatience. Another laughed, a sound that sent a chill down your spine. "It’s time to move on. He’s not coming back."

You closed your eyes, steadying your breath. They didn’t know. They didn’t understand the bond you shared with Xiao, the promises whispered beneath the stars. But they were becoming bolder, and violence edged closer each day. You had to act.

When you emerged from your room, the grand hall had become filled with the suitors’ greedy eyes. They paused, sensing that something was different today. You lifted your chin, your gaze hard and resolute.

“I will not choose,” you said, your voice steady though your heart raced. “But I will set a challenge. Only a true warrior, a true protector, can claim me as his partner.”

The suitors grumbled, sneers forming on their lips. “And what challenge is this?” one of them scoffed, stepping forward.

You took a deep breath and gestured to the ancient bow—Xiao’s bow, the one only he could string, hung proudly on the wall. "Whoever can string this bow and fire an arrow through twelve rings will earn my hand."

A murmur rippled through the crowd, and one by one, the suitors attempted the feat. Unbeknownst to you, Xiao stood at the back of the crowd, cloaked in shadow, watching the scene unfold. His heart ached as he saw the years of waiting in your eyes, but pride swelled in his chest as you remained loyal, strong.