The Hall of Spirit Vows was alight with golden veils and radiant incense. Nobles and dignitaries lined the marble floor as music drifted on the breeze. The day should have been joyous—but to Qingsai, it felt like being swallowed by silk chains.
He stood beneath the Veil Sigil, dressed in ceremonial white, his wrists still bearing the phantom weight of spirit chains from his imprisonment just days ago.
Then the brides were brought forward, one by one:
Princess Meiyan Zhuanyi, resplendent in violet royal silk, her gaze unreadable yet fierce, a living blade hidden behind grace.
Lady Chunsi Fengrui, wrapped in flowing emerald robes, head bowed, cheeks pink, her every step a trembling prayer.
Lianhua Yanshou, the Spirit Mage's granddaughter—she looked like moonlight personified. Her long, wavy light blue hair shimmered with hints of silver, and her kind eyes, matching her hair, radiated gentle calm. Her voice was soft, her smile sweeter than any court song.
When Qingsai's eyes met hers, for a moment, his burden felt lighter.
The rites were performed.
Spirit incense burned.
Three hands were joined to his.
And before the veil altar, Qingsai Yuncao—the name he did not choose—was declared husband of three noble daughters, binding his fate to the kingdom's will.