Long time no see.

Foreign Kingdom

Inside the grand palace of the Foreign Kingdom, the towering pillars cast long shadows as the golden chandeliers bathed the chamber in a regal glow. Emperor David, clad in luxurious royal robes, sat on his ornate throne, his sharp eyes fixed on the map of the Eastern Empire spread across the table before him.

Across from him, Lord Vincent, his most trusted minister, stood with his hands clasped behind his back, awaiting his sovereign's final word.

"The news of Crown Prince Xu Yuheng's death has reached us," Lord Vincent reported, his voice measured. "With the mourning period in place, the royal family of Song cannot perform any ceremonies, including the marriage alliance."

The emperor remained silent for a moment, tapping his fingers rhythmically against the carved armrest of his throne. The death of the Crown Prince had certainly thrown a temporary obstacle in his plans, but it was not an impassable one.