Yuyan was the first to arrive at the throne room, where her father and brother were already waiting. She hurried into the warm embrace of Emperor Zixuan, but when she turned to face Leng Yue, her expression changed instantly—she rolled her eyes and gave him a deliberately indifferent look. Leng Yue only smiled, knowing she was still angry with him for not telling her about the arranged marriage.
Moments later, Tian Yu entered with his usual calm, quiet presence. He stopped a few steps away, bowed slightly, and greeted politely.
"Good morning, Your Majesty." His voice was smooth, his smile faint, but his gaze remained lowered.
"Good morning, Tian Yu," the emperor replied warmly. "I'm happy to see you both. It seems you and my daughter are getting along very well."
Yuyan coughed softly at those words, and Tian Yu's lips curved in a bittersweet smile.
"Yes," he said smoothly. "We're… getting along well. We're already blending in with each other."
He spoke with such steadiness that no one would guess his real thoughts—that Yuyan treated him like a stubborn little rabbit who refused to be tamed.
Yuyan almost laughed. He could have easily told her father the truth—that she was cold to him, avoided him, and acted like she had no feelings for him at all—but he hadn't. Instead, he'd chosen to protect her pride.
The emperor motioned for them to sit. Once they were settled, he cleared his throat.
"I want to thank you all for your contributions to Lianhua's strength. You three have been at the heart of our victories, and you each mean a great deal to me." His eyes rested on Tian Yu. "Tian Yu, thank you for standing by our side during the war. You were the most fearless soldier I had. You've proven yourself worthy of Yuyan's hand in marriage."
Then he turned to Yuyan, his tone softening. "And you, my brave and beautiful little angel… I'm grateful for your courage. You even risked disguising yourself to protect our kingdom. I'm sorry for making decisions without your permission. I could have asked you first, but I truly believe Tian Yu is the right man for you. He's brave, caring, and loved by all. Forget for a moment that you were forced into this, and look at the bright side. In less than a month, you may feel differently."
Yuyan lowered her head slightly. She couldn't deny he was kind and capable—but her heart still clung to the belief that her dream prince existed somewhere out there.
Tian Yu, on the other hand, was struck by the emperor's words. The trust in his voice, the way he spoke as if he truly knew him—it stirred something uneasy inside.
"But there is another reason I called this meeting," Emperor Zixuan continued. "A dark force I never thought to see again is stirring in the shadows." He glanced at Leng Yue. "Recently, my son had a vision. It was about Hei Xiezhi—the infamous Black Scorpion—but… changed."
Leng Yue's voice was grave. "He was something else now. A real vampire, with an aura darker than anything I've ever seen. And beside him stood a witch—an evil one. Together, they turned men into monsters. Vampires without reason. Beasts with nothing but thirst. It was a horrifying sight."
Tian Yu stiffened. Vampires? That word rattled him. I thought I was the only one left… and a witch too? His mind spun.
Yuyan frowned in confusion. "What are you even talking about? Vampire? Witch? Wait—are you talking about my story? Because the only place I've heard of vampires and witches is in a book."
She leaned forward curiously, but no one seemed to notice her question. Irritation flickered across her face.
Leng Yue continued, his voice heavier. "In the vision, Hei Xiezhi's body was possessed by a demon. He's creating more demons."
A shiver ran down Yuyan's spine, goosebumps prickling her arms. Demons? Is the world turning into one of my fantasies?
Tian Yu's chest tightened. Could it be that his uncle had returned—just like him? The thought of reliving the dark days of war, torture, and endless bloodshed made him feel like thorns were pressing into his heart. His palms began to sweat.
A light touch on his arm pulled him from his thoughts. Yuyan was watching him closely.
"Are you alright?" she asked softly.
He forced a pale smile. "I'm fine."
The emperor's voice broke the moment. "Leng Yue, walk with Tian Yu while I talk to Yuyan."
As Tian Yu and Leng Yue stepped out for a walk, the Emperor's hand closed gently around Yuyan's hand.
"Yuyan," he said softly, his tone carrying the weight of both a father's love and an emperor's authority. "I know… this marriage wasn't what you wanted. You may feel it was forced upon you."
Her eyes lowered, but he tilted her chin up with a warm but firm touch.
"But one day, when you understand my reasons, you will see it was for your own happiness… and you will forgive me and be happy with me.
She wanted to protest, but the sincerity in his gaze made her lips tremble instead.
"Your husband—" the Emperor continued, "—is a good man. He is not perfect, but he will protect you, even at the cost of his own life. Don't shut him out completely, Yuyan. Give him a chance."
The words hung between them like the still air before a summer rain.
Moments later, they spotted Tian Yu and Leng Yue returning along the garden path. Tian Yu's eyes found hers immediately. Without a word, he closed the distance, took her hand in his, and gave it a quiet squeeze. She didn't pull away this time.
Leng Yue glanced between them, a faint knowing smile on his lips.
The Emperor nodded approvingly. "Go on," he said, gesturing toward the palace.
Tian Yu led her inside, his fingers still laced with hers.
A blush crept up Yuyan's cheeks as she savored the warm feel of his hand against hers. But just as he eyes darted up to look at him, she noticed he seemed absent minded.
Usually, he would be looking at her with a smile on his face, with soft eyes that made her heart melt. But right now, he seemed tensed and wasn't paying any attention to her.
"Is something wrong?" She asked quietly.