The tall walls of the throne room seemed to close in on him. The lingering scent of burnt incense and lavender mixed with the tension and swaying drafts on the giant windows only helped to suffocate Liang Chen further.
The imperial ministers lined the court like stone statues, their robes swaying in the wind and their eyes buried on the ground as if the floors had suddenly become interesting.
Before them was the ruler, the almighty Emperor of Yunzhou, who sat elevated on his throne; silence hovered in the air like a taunting reminder of what was to come.
Prince Liang Chen bowed.
"Father... I don't see why I should be part of this so-called alliance. Yunzhou has numerous beauties from prestigious clans... the prince of Yelan can pick from them."
The emperor listened to every word and every reasoning and considered every outcome.
"What an elder sees sitting down, a child cannot—even on the tallest mountains."
The emperor's cold gaze swept through the court but settled on his son. A hint of warmth flashed through those chilling, commanding eyes.
"Liang," he called softly. "The heavens do not look kindly on endless war."
There were murmurs amongst the ministers.
"The priest has read the stars, and omens have appeared at the four cardinal gates: water swallowing mountains, thunder without clouds, and a phoenix drowned in fire."
Liang Chen's body stiffened. He knew better. He had seen it, lived it, and drowned in it. The Heavens' Drowning Curse was not just an omen but his worst nightmare.
"I have spoken with the grand priest, and the only solution is to eat from the same bowl as the one we hate most. Yunzhou cannot fall under Heaven's wrath. The marriage between both kingdoms must happen."
The emperor paused; his gaze settled on his son.
"This is Heaven's only appeasement."
Liang Chen's throat dried, his hands trembled beneath his sleeves, and his pupils flickered. The course of events was changing. There was no marriage in his past life, but the prophecy came faster than expected, and his father's support of this malicious idea was not expected. Not when he needed him to take his side, and not that of the green-eyed devil.
"But my king—" Liang Chen began, but his father held up a hand, stopping him.
"Your duty is to your people, your land, and the throne."
Liang Chen swallowed hard.
"The Crown Prince of Yunzhou... shall wed the Second Prince of Yelan... Ji Mingyuan."
Liang Chen's lips trembled; his eyes begged for mercy. He glanced at the ministers, those who usually erupted with protest, but they were too stunned to speak.
The Prime Minister stepped forward and bowed. He had finally found his voice.
"Your Majesty, with respect, Yelan is our enemy. Our prince shouldn't be sent to a land where everyone aims for his head," Mr. Shen murmured.
The emperor's silence swept through the hall.
"You would have me share a bed with Ji Mingyuan?" Liang Chen roared.
The emperor's gaze sharpened, his fingers tightening on his throne.
"I would have you preserve the world, save our people, and divert the anger of the heavens... Even if you should die, it should be for your land, for the people... for the throne."
Liang Chen's fists clenched. Maybe he had been too emotional after his rebirth to have forgotten the nature of his father. It was always about the throne and the people, and never him. A bitter smile crept on his lips, dragging memories buried deep in his heart. The dagger. Ji Mingyuan's taunts. The burn from his touch.
How was he to sleep with the same man and trust himself not to stab him in his sleep? How was he to drink with him and not poison him? How was he to sit and make decisions without ambush? He craved peace, but not at this cost.
"You must obey the decree," the emperor said.
It was at that point that Liang Chen truly felt the weight of the crown he wore, as it pressed him into the depths of the river, just like the flood, with no way to escape. It was only the beginning, but he was drowning fast.
Just when Liang Chen thought it was over, a panting guard entered the hall and kneeled.
"Your Majesty... Prince Ji Mingyuan has agreed to the wedding with Crown Prince Liang Chen. His delegation awaits outside the Xianlan Palace. He has come in peace."
"Peace." A laugh slipped from Liang Chen's lips, too sharp to be kind.
"So he wishes to make me his consort now?"
The word "consort" tasted like ash on his tongue.
"The decision has been made," the emperor murmured.
"The wedding will commence tomorrow night under the rising moon."
Liang Chen's body trembled, his eyes flickered with rage.
"You can't wait to get rid of me, can you?" he whispered, but his father turned away.
"Fate."
Liang Chen chuckled bitterly. This was the second chance... or maybe the second entrapment. There was nothing more left. Liang Chen turned away, his legs carrying him out, never turning back, not even once. Since they had decided to send him into the arms of their enemy, he wouldn't be at fault if he died under his sword.
The fresh breeze outside the hall hit Liang Chen's slim body, his loose grey hair dancing with the wave, leaving a few strands dangling over his eyes. Liang Chen drew in a long breath. This was the freedom his soul craved, but that too was short-lived.
Just beyond the palace steps, dressed in black embroidery, was Ji Mingyuan—his presence ever commanding and his gaze dangerously calm. Their eyes met, but Liang Chen was quick to evade his.
"You heard," Liang Chen hissed.
Ji Mingyuan stepped closer, closing the little space between them.
"I expected," he whispered, his voice laced with awareness.
"You knew this would happen?" Liang Chen roared, pushing the man backwards. But Ji Mingyuan was not one to be tossed around. His hand swiftly wrapped around the slender waist of his soon-to-be groom, and his cold breath settled on the exposed nape of his neck.
"I hoped," Mingyuan murmured, a little too sensually, like a tempting invitation as his cold breath grazed the other.
For a second, Liang Chen forgot to breathe, his body frozen to the foreign touch.
"Imagine all the time we will have together now, my crown prince." Ji Mingyuan whispered, his tone dangerously tempting yet dangerous.
Liang Chen regained himself. He tried pushing the man off, but Mingyuan was stronger. This made Liang Chen even more furious. He wanted to slap him, to punch that dirty grin off his face, but nothing would have prepared him for the next line.
"Will you let me ruin you, Liang Chen?"
Xieyue's voice chimed in, "Mission accepted."