Storm in the Court

The Great Hall of the Huang Kingdom was draped in banners of deep crimson and gold. Sunlight streamed in through the high arched windows, casting long, dramatic shadows across the marble floor. Ministers, generals, and court ladies filled the room like a restless sea, their murmurs swelling with every passing second.

At the center of it all, atop his towering golden throne, sat King Huang, his expression carved from stone.

And standing at his right hand, poised and silent, was Princess Lin Yue.

"Your Majesty," Minister Wei stepped forward, breaking the tension. His brocade robe shimmered as he bowed low. "We have received a decree from the Tianlong Empire. Emperor Tian requests an alliance through marriage. He seeks the hand of Princess Lin Yue."

The words dropped like stones into a still lake.