Chapter 4 : Theodore?

Seven years passed by.

Ruiyan had honored his vow of celibacy, and as the day drew closer, the ministers of the Phoenix Empire breathed a collective sigh of relief. At long last, the emperor would bring a bride and ensure the succession of the empire.

The Northern Kingdom and the Phoenix Empire exchanged lavish gifts in the days leading up to the wedding, their relations solidifying further. Both realms were abuzz with excitement as preparations for the grand celebration filled the air. The capitals gleamed with the vibrant hues of red and yellow-symbols of joy, love, and prosperity-for the union of the two powerful lands.

Every day, countless carriages crossed the borders, delivering gifts, goods, and messages. The trade routes flourished, and diplomatic alliances between the lands grew stronger, bringing with them the promise of a prosperous future.

Amid the bustle, Emperor Ruiyan spent his nights writing heartfelt letters to the princess. Each letter was filled with longing, each word an expression of his love. He could hardly contain his excitement, knowing that soon, he would be able to hold her in his arms, call her his empress, and begin their life together as husband and wife.

Jade read each of Ruiyan's letters with a calm expression, though a subtle sadness lingered in her eyes. How could she tell the emperor now that her heart belonged to someone else? To another man?

The thought weighed heavily on her. What would the consequences be? Would the emperor hate her, and, in his anger, declare war on the Northern Kingdom? Or would he punish her by forcing her into a painful marriage she could never escape? She knew whatever the outcome, it would be nothing short of devastating.

That night, rest eluded her. Tossing and turning, she stared at the moonlight filtering through the white curtains. Sitting up in bed, she gazed at the moon's silhouette, its pale light casting a quiet glow across the room. Ruiyan's letters flashed in her mind-each one more heartfelt than the last. How he had called her his "beloved moon."

Jade sat in her room, Ruiyan's latest letter clutched in her trembling hands. Her heart ached with guilt as she read his tender words, each line a stark reminder of the deception she harbored.

She closed her eyes, Theodore's face flashing in her mind. How could she confess her love for another to a man who spoke of her as his beloved moon? Yet the thought of marrying Ruiyan, of living a lie, filled her with dread.

Jade couldn't bear the restlessness any longer. Slipping out of bed, she made her way to the king's chambers. The guards, momentarily flustered at the sight of the princess in her delicate nightgown, quickly regained composure and allowed her entry.

The king looked up from his papers, surprised to see her.

"You're still awake?" he asked, his voice tinged with concern. "It's way past your bedtime."

Jade hesitated as she approached him, her fingers nervously twisting together.

-"I feel restless, Father," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper.

The king sighed, setting his papers aside. Reaching out, he gently stroked her hair.

-"It's normal to feel this way," he said softly. "Pre-wedding nerves. I'll miss you so much when you leave, but think about it-you'll have a new life, Jade. As an empress. Isn't that exciting?"

For a moment, she was silent. Then, gathering her courage, she spoke, her voice trembling.

-"I don't want to be an empress."

Her father's hand froze mid-stroke, shock flashing across his face.

"What?" he exclaimed. "Why? Did he say something upsetting in his letters? If so, I'll speak with him. But don't make such a decision lightly. The wedding is next week, Jade. We've been preparing for this for months!"

Jade's voice faltered, her gaze fixed on the floor. "No, Father. He's done nothing wrong... He's kind. Noble."

"Then why?" His voice rose, confusion giving way to frustration. "Why this hesitation?"

Her throat tightened. The words felt like betrayal, but they escaped nonetheless. "I... I love someone else."

The king was silent for a moment, his stern expression softening as he finally spoke in a gentle tone.

"Oh... I see. Who is he? The man my daughter loves?"

Jade blinked in surprise, taken aback by her father's calm demeanor. For the first time in days, a glimmer of hope flickered in her heart. Could it be? Could her father truly consider this?

Her lips curved into a small, relieved smile, her eyes filling with hope as she said,

"I love Theodore."

The words had barely escaped her lips when a resounding slap struck her cheek, the sting of it burning not just her skin but her heart. She staggered back in shock, her hand instinctively flying to her face as tears welled in her eyes.

The king's voice thundered with fury, each word slicing through the air like a blade.

"Is this how I raised you? To be a selfish traitor?"

His eyes blazed with anger as he continued,

"Do you have any idea how important this marriage is for our kingdom? How much will it secure our future? And you want to throw it all away-for Theodore, a mere commoner?"

His voice rose, filled with scorn.

"Would you trade gold for ashes? Royalty for disgrace? Have you forgotten your duty to your family and your kingdom?"

She whispered through trembling lips, tears streaming down her face.

"I'm sorry... so sorry, Father. I should never have said that. Please... forgive me."

The king turned away, his expression cold and unyielding. His voice cut through the silence like a blade.

"Go to your room and prepare yourself. You will accept this marriage like a dutiful bride. I will not allow any scandal to tarnish our family's name."

Her breath hitched as she clenched her fists, her voice breaking with pain.

"Then why did you pretend to be kind? Why did you give me hope, only to shatter it? Was it just to use me? To get Theodore's name and destroy his life, the way you've destroyed mine?"

The king's eyes flared with anger as he turned back to her, his tone sharp and commanding.

"Watch your words, young lady. Do not forget that I am not just your father—I am also your king!"

She stared at him, her pain hardening into fury. Her voice, though shaking, carried an edge of defiance.

"And that's all you've ever been." She stepped back, her eyes glistening with unshed tears. "Always the king. Never my father."

Without another word, she spun on her heels and stormed out, the echo of her footsteps fading into the heavy silence.

After Jade's stormy departure, the Northern King summoned his guards. His voice was firm and commanding as he issued his orders.

"Ensure that the princess does not leave the palace under any circumstances. Station additional guards near her quarters. If she attempts to elope, stop her immediately."

That same night, the king sat at his ornate writing desk, his quill poised over a sheet of parchment. The candlelight flickered, casting shadows on his face as he crafted a letter addressed to Emperor Ruiyan. Once finished, he sealed it with his royal insignia and handed it to a trusted messenger.

----

To His Majesty, Emperor Ruiyan,

I hope this letter finds you in great health and high spirits.

The princess eagerly awaits the day she can finally meet you. Each time your letters arrive, her eyes light up with joy, and her heart fills with curiosity about you. She often speaks of her desire to know more about the man who has captured her heart through his words.

Considering her enthusiasm, I humbly request that you arrive at the Northern Kingdom as soon as possible to take her to your empire. While the initial plan was to conduct the engagement here, it would be far more practical for it to take place in your homeland.

As you may know, the princess finds long travels challenging. It would be prudent for her to journey to your empire now, allowing her time to grow accustomed to her new home before embracing her duties as an empress.

I trust you will find this arrangement agreeable and look forward to your swift response.

Warm regards,

[The King of the Northern Kingdom]

----

Days later

Ruiyan sat in his private study, the Northern King's letter in hand. As he read the words, a grin spread across his face, unbidden and genuine.

He leaned back in his chair, his golden robes catching the warm light of the setting sun.

"She misses me," Ruiyan murmured, a fond smile softening his features. The thought brought a rare blush to his cheeks as he pictured her shy smile and hesitant glances.

"Too shy to say it herself," he mused, chuckling softly, "but desperate to see me. How sweet she must look—like the first bloom of spring."

With a tender smile, Ruiyan ran his fingers over the parchment, as though the words themselves carried her presence.

"Your wish is my command, my beloved moon," he said aloud, his voice full of promise.

He folded the letter carefully, his mind already racing with plans. For the first time in what felt like ages, his duties felt lighter, his burdens softened by the thought of her.