The Bridal Chamber** (I)

Da Xia sat quietly in the bridal chamber, her heart beating rapidly in her chest. The air was filled with the gentle scent of roses and the warm glow of red candles, their soft light dancing on the walls. Red silk drapes framed the bed, and the entire room felt like a dream—a beautiful, intimate space reserved for the beginning of a new chapter in her life.

The maids had just left, placing the veil over her head once more before excusing themselves to allow Da Xia the privacy she needed. She found herself alone, waiting for the arrival of her husbands.

She had spent the day with them in the eyes of the court and their people, standing proudly as their empress. Now, however, they would be together in the privacy of the bridal chamber, no longer emperors and empress but simply Li Wei, Li Jun, and Da Xia.