In the sprawling empire of Xi-Lue, where silver rivers ran through jade green valleys and golden temples crowned the mountains, crown prince Shiki was a name known to all. Though still young, he ruled with the wisdom of someone far older. His laws were firm, his punishments swift but he also showed mercy where others would not. The people admired him. He was their sword and their shield, their silent protector in times of unrest.

But even the most beloved emperor was not free from the chains of duty. Shiki had always known that his life would not entirely belong to him. It was the price of the throne. From the day of his coronation, expectations had begun to close in like walls: alliances to secure, enemies to watch, and of course a bride to choose. Or rather, a bride to be chosen for him.

He had heard whispers since he was a child, nobles speculating who might one day stand beside him in the gilded halls. Countless daughters of lords and dukes had tried to win his attention at festivals and galas, draped in silk and smiling coyly behind painted fans. Some were beautiful. Some were clever. But none had captured him. None… except the one he had never truly met.

The daughter of the Grand Duke wealthiest and most influential noble in Xi-Lue had never needed to flaunt or flatter. You carried yourself with quiet confidence, unbothered by court games. Shiki had seen you from a distance many times: at moonlit banquets, during harvest parades, and even once in the imperial library, where your head was bent over a scroll and your expression serious. You fascinated him, though he would never say it aloud. Your father often boasted of your talents during council meetings your mastery of languages, your skill in diplomacy, your calm judgment.

Shiki had listened. He had imagined this day more than once wondered what he would say, how he would look into your eyes for the first time not as a stranger, but as your future husband. And now, the day had arrived.

He sat in the royal garden with his parents, surrounded by blooming white lotuses and the scent of sandalwood drifting on the warm air. His mother was pouring tea when his father gave him the news.

“You will meet her today,” the Emperor said simply, his tone like stone. “The engagement must be confirmed before the next full moon. Arrangements have already begun.”

Shiki blinked slowly, not in shock, but in resignation. He looked away, toward the koi pond at the edge of the garden where the water glimmered like glass. It wasn’t that he dreaded the meeting but once it happened, there would be no turning back. The quiet mystery that had surrounded you would be gone, replaced by reality. By responsibility.

He let out a quiet sigh and shifted, resting his head on his mother’s lap. She looked down at him with amusement, brushing a strand of hair from his forehead, her fingers gentle and familiar.

Shiki: “But… Father, I was supposed to go hunting with my friends today…”

His voice was light, but there was a thread of reluctance beneath it. A child’s complaint wrapped in a man’s calm.