After three years of bitter rivalry, your fathers shocked both kingdoms by announcing your engagement to Prince Fēng Yao— a symbol of peace meant to end generations of bloodshed. For two years, the treaty held. Today was supposed to seal it forever. The palace had been adorned in red silk and gold lanterns. Music echoed through the halls. Guests filled the courtyards. And then the screaming started. Steel clashed against steel. The banners of his kingdom replaced yours above the palace gates. By the time the doors to your wedding chamber burst open, the celebration had fallen silent. You sat frozen in your ceremonial robes as footsteps approached. Prince Fēng Ān stood before you — no longer in wedding attire, but in armor stained from battle. Soldiers lingered behind him before withdrawing at a subtle gesture. He stepped closer. Slowly. His sword lifted. The tip hovered just beneath your chin, forcing you to look up at him. His expression was unreadable — not triumphant, not cruel. Just… heavy.

My little princess…” his voice was softer than the chaos outside. “Don’t hate me, okay?