The doors of the bedchamber slowly opened.
A faint breeze slipped inside, carrying the scent of early spring.
Shayue stepped out.
Her expression was calm—too calm.
Ying and Mei Yi, who had been waiting anxiously outside immediately straightened.
"Your Highness…" Ying spoke first, her voice steady but laced with concern. "What did His Majesty say?"
Mei Yi stepped closer, unable to hide her worry.
"You were gone for so long….did something happen?"
Shayue looked at them.
For a moment, she said nothing.
Then, slowly—
"His Majesty has made a decision."
Her tone was quiet, Measured.
"I am to be married to the Crown Prince of the Lin Empire."
The words fell like a heavy stone.
Mei Yi froze completely.
"W-What…"
Her voice trembled.
"The Lin Empire the enemy kingdom…?"
She shook her head in disbelief.
"No…that can't be… how…can…His Majesty make such a decision. Marrying you…"
Ying's expression darkened instantly.
Her calm composure cracked for the first time.
"That to the enemy Crown Prince…?
Her gaze sharpened.
"…His Majesty intends to use Your Highness as a political alliance."
Mei Yi suddenly stepped forward, her face flushed with anger.
"How can he… do this to you?!."
"For all this years—." her voice began to shake, "Your Highness studied until late at night, learned military strategies, endured everything without complaint—."
"You even trained in martial arts –."
Her eyes turned red.
"And for what?!."
Her voice broke slightly.
"To be sent away like this?!."
Ying spoke next, her tone colder, sharper.
"This is not merely unfair."
"This is a betrayal."
She lowered her gaze briefly, her fists clenched tightly.
"Your Highness has done more for this empire than most officials in court."
"To discard you in this manner…"
"…is unforgivable."
Silence fell for a moment. The air felt heavy.
Mei Yi suddenly grabbed Shayue's sleeve, her voice desperate.
"Your Highness, don't accept this!"
"You can refuse!"
"His Majesty cannot force you to marry someone you don't even know—especially an enemy!"
"Enough."
Her voice was soft. But it carried quiet authority. Both the maids fell silent instantly.
Shayue gently pulled her sleeve free. Her movements were slow, composed.
"I have already received His Majesty's order."
Her gaze lowered slightly.
"There is nothing to refuse."
Mei Yi stared at her.
"…Your Highness…?"
Even Ying's calm expression flickered.
"You mean…"
"I will marry him."
The words came without hesitation, without any emotion.
Mei Yi stepped back as if struck.
"No…"
"That's not true… right…Your Highness?"
Ying's voice was low.
"Your Highness… is this truly what you want?"
Shayue turned away from them, walking slowly toward the window.
Outside, petals drifted gently in the wind.
Her voice came calmly—
"The Crown Prince of the Lin Empire…"
A faint pause followed.
"…is said to be cold, ruthless, and difficult to approach."
A slight smile touched her lips.
Soft,
Unreadable,
"I wish to see him for myself."
Ying narrowed her eyes slightly.
She understood.
"…Your Highness has other intentions."
Shayue did not deny it.
Instead, she spoke quietly:
"This marriage was decided to use me."
A brief pause followed.
Her gaze hardened slightly.
"Then I will use it in return."
Mei Yi looked at her, confused and worried.
"…Use it?"
Shayue gently and mischievously smirks.
Ying thought to herself "I know her Highness is scheming something….and she is absolutely going to follow and support her decisions..."
To be continued...