Spring was just beginning to arrive at the Crown Princess residence. The snow had melted from the palace roofs, and small peach blossoms were starting to bloom in the quiet courtyard. Standing beside the open window, the Crown Princess watched the petals fall silently to the ground. To everyone springs meant new beginnings, but to her it was nothing but only pain suffering from the betrayal she just got a few seconds ago….
Few seconds before…
Yu Shayue was drinking tea in the courtyard, her movements slow and unhurried, as if time itself bent to her pace.
Before her, a small peach blossom tree stood at the edge of bloom—delicate petals trembling lightly in the early spring breeze. A few had already fallen, resting quietly upon the stone table beside her cup.
The season had begun to change.
But she had not.
Dressed in flowing robes of soft elegance, she appeared every bit the refined Crown
Princess the palace expected her to be—composed, graceful, untouchable.
Yet her eyes—
They were different.
Calm, yes.
But not gentle.
There was no softness in them. No fear. No submission.
They held a quiet sharpness, like a blade hidden beneath silk.
A gaze that had seen too much
Endured too much
And refused to break
Sound of soft footsteps echoed through the quiet courtyard.
Shayue did not turn immediately. She lifted her cup slightly, taking another sip of tea.
Only after a brief pause did she set the cup down and shift her gaze toward the entrance.
It was Eunuch Dao De.
"This servant greets Your Highness." Eunuch Dao said lowering himself into respectful bow.
Shayue remained seated, her posture straight and composed, her presence effortlessly commanding despite her stillness.
"Rise Eunuch Dao, what matters brings you here?"
Eunuch Dao kept his head lowered as he spoke.
"Your Highness, His Majesty summons you to the imperial study."
For the briefest moment, Shayue stilled.
Not visibly.
Not enough for others to notice.
But her fingers, resting lightly against the porcelain cup, paused.
She lifted her gaze again—calm, unreadable.
"Did his majesty mention the reason?"
Eunuch Dao said lowering his head
"This servant does not dare to inquire into His Majesty's intentions."
This eunuch of her father was quiet loyal to her majesty… didn't dare tell her even didn't dare to stare at her….. She gently placed her teacup aside and said, though her voice remained gentle, her eyes did not soften.
"Very well then prepare my attendants. I will be there in shortly."
"Yes, Your Highness." Eunuch Dao bowed once more before retreating quietly…
After the sound of the footsteps completely faded into silence, Ying stepped forward and stood beside Shayue.
If Eunuch Dao's loyalty belonged to His Majesty. Then Ying's loyalty belonged solely to her mistress. Through hardships, the two had remained by each other's side, unwavering.
"Has His Majesty summoned Your Highness?" Ying asked softly.
"Father must have summoned me for an important matter…..perhaps regarding court affairs," she said calmly. After a brief pause, she added, "Or perhaps….something else."
She turned, her expression composed.
"I will go and see."
Though her face remained bright and gentle, a faint unease stirred within her heart-like a shadow creeping quietly beneath still water.
-
The imperial study stood silent and imposing filled with the faint scent of ink and sandalwood and air which felt heavier.
Sunlight filtered through the lattice windows, casting soft shadows across the room.
As Shayue stepped inside, her movements calm and measured. She lowered her gaze and bowed respectfully.
"This daughter greets Your Majesty. May Your Majesty be blessed with peace and long life?"
Her voice was steady.
She did not knew-
That this would be the last time she would speak such gentle words to her father.
The Emperor did not look up immediately, his brush moving steadily across the scroll before him.
"Rise."
She stood, hands folded neatly before her, waiting in silence.
Only after a long moment did he finally set the brush aside.
"Do you know why I have summoned you?"
"This daughter does not dare to guess Your Majesty's intentions."
His gaze rested on her, sharp and unreadable."
"The war between Yu Empire and Lin Empire shall end."
"Yes, Your Majesty we shall end this war once and for all. Do not worry Your Majesty, this time it will definitely end. We have already prepared the troops and trained them wisely."
Shayue said calmly and gracefully.
After a long silence the Emperor said
"I know but, the war with Lin Empire cannot continue any further."
Her expression did not changed, though her fingers tightened slightly within her sleeves.
"Peace must be secured," he continued.
After a long pause
Then, calmly said –
"You will marry the Crown Prince of Lin Empire."
This nine words spoken by her own father settled heavily in the quiet room…she felt lightning striking her whole body… she couldn't believe that her own Father wants her marry a Ruthless Crown Prince of the enemy Empire…for a brief moment, even the air seemed to still.
The Princess slowly raised her eyes to meet his.
"Your Majesty… wishes for this daughter to marry into the enemy empire?"
"This is for the sake of our peace and stability of our nation." His Majesty said calmly.
A faint smile touched her lips—soft, composed, and distant.
"I see."
She lowered her gaze again.
"Then…this daughter has no choice but to obey Your Majesty's order." She said distantly.
The Emperor's expression remained firm.
"You have always understood your duty."
This time, her silence lingered a little longer.
When she finally spoke, her voice was gentle—yet something within it had changed.
"Of course, Your Majesty."
"After all… this daughter was raised for these very purposes."
The words were respectful. But the warmth within them had disappeared clearly.
She bowed once more.
And said calmly with a gentle distantly tone
---
"Then this subject will take her leave, Your Majesty."
To be continued...