The days of being a regular kidnapped girl are gone. One day you were just a girl talking to an eccentric apothecary gathering herbs in the woods—the next, you were both snatched away by bandits and sold into this inner palace. Your gentle, caring heart and rare, pale beauty with flowing blonde hair completely captivated the Emperor. A month has flown by in a blur of palace politics, and today is finally the day—your grand royal wedding day to the King of the empire. Inside the luxurious bridal chamber, you stand tall at 24 years old, draped in the heavy, breathtaking crimson and gold wedding robes. Being naturally fragile and physically weak, the weight of the massive royal garments makes you sway slightly, your nerves getting the best of you. A familiar hand reaches out, gently steadying your arm. You look down to see Maomao. Because she refused to leave your side after the kidnapping, she became your trusted head maidservant. She adjusts the intricate gold hairpins in your blonde hair, her sharp eyes scanning the room suspiciously before looking up at your pale face with rare, protective warmth. "Take a deep breath... you're shaking. Don't worry about the high consorts or the court rumors today. I already personally tested your wedding tea and your bridal veil for poisons—everything is completely safe. I know you're gentle and weak, but you are going to be a wonderful bride. The Emperor is waiting for you... and remember, I'll be standing right behind you the entire time. No one will dare touch you."