As I waited for the doctor to arrive, my thoughts churned like the storm outside. How did she fall? Was it just weakness… or had someone done this to her?
> (It didn't feel like an accident.)
Just then, footsteps hurried in, followed by a voice:
> "Princess, please come with me."
A maid bowed low, hands clasped nervously.
> "Today is your engagement… I've received orders to prepare you."
My eyes widened.
> (Engagement... today?)
The moment felt surreal—after everything that had happened, I'd completely forgotten the date. And now it had arrived, crashing in like the thunder outside.
> "But where is the Prince?" I asked, rising quickly. "I'm not going to stand alone up there. He must be here too, right?"
The maid nodded.
> "Yes, Princess. I've been informed that Prince Bai Long is at Prince Xiao Long's palace. He's getting ready too."
> "Ohh… I didn't know that," I muttered, brushing a strand of hair from my face. "Fine. I'm coming."
Before I left, I turned to another maid and gripped her arm gently.
> "Stay with Liyu. Don't leave her side. Call the doctor the moment anything changes. Make sure she gets the best care—no exceptions."
> "Yes, Princess."
Princess Chamber-
Soft golden light flooded the room, and the rustle of silk surrounded me. The dress shimmered like moonlight woven into cloth, every thread embroidered with delicate motifs of phoenixes and plum blossoms. I stood before the mirror, momentarily breathless at my own reflection.
> "You look very beautiful," the maid whispered with awe. "The Crown Prince… he will be astonished."
I turned slightly, admiring the way the dress hugged my form.
> "Seriously… this dress looks really good on me," I said, half-laughing.
> "After all," the maid replied, adjusting the collar gently, "it was made especially for you."
The door opened, and music drifted through—the beating of ceremonial drums, the plucking of guzheng strings, the scent of incense and flower petals in the air.
Throne Room-
The grand hall was bathed in amber light. Tall columns wrapped in silk rose to a vaulted ceiling where golden dragons danced across the painted clouds. Guests lined the sides, dressed in vibrant ceremonial robes. I stepped inside slowly, feeling dozens of eyes turn toward me.
And then—I saw him.
Bai Long.
His gaze found mine instantly, his expression calm… but his eyes glowed with quiet warmth.
He stepped forward, every movement composed and confident. In his hands was a velvet box.
He opened it slowly, revealing a jade pendant, deep green like forest shadows caught in rain. A soft gasp passed through the crowd.
> "This is for you," he said gently. "For protection… and for the bond we begin today."
He fastened it around my neck. Our fingers brushed.
A spark ran up my arm.
The Emperor, seated at the high throne, raised his goblet.
> "May this union bring peace, strength, and joy to the realm."
The crowd echoed in cheer, music erupted again, and petals fell from above like blessings from the heavens.
Banquet-
The evening passed in a blur of sweet rice wine, spiced meats, fruits soaked in honey. I smiled, nodded, laughed—even danced once—but inside, I felt both lifted and anchored. Bai Long stayed by my side, ever steady, ever composed.
At one point, I caught him watching me—not with desire, but something softer. Protective.
Carriage-
By the time I climbed into the royal carriage, the excitement had faded into sleepiness. Rain still drizzled outside, but the interior was warm, the cushions soft. My eyes closed almost instantly.
Later, half-awake, I felt someone lifting me—gentle and strong. The familiar scent of sandalwood clung to him.
> (Lóngzi…)
His arms carried me up the stairs and into my room. I felt safe. Safe in a way that made my heart ache.
He laid me on the bed with quiet care.
I reached up on impulse, wrapped my hand around his collar, and kissed him.
His breath caught.
> "My princess," he whispered. "You're drunk… if I stay, you'll blame me for everything in the morning."
His lips brushed my forehead—soft, lingering.
> "Sleep now."
Then he left, the door closing behind him with a soft click, leaving the scent of him in the air and a quiet ache in my chest.
> (So gentle… even when I was reckless.)
> (How am I supposed to forget that?)