Chapter 3: The Broken Promise
The morning sun bled gold over the Shen Residence when a royal envoy arrived at the gates. The servants bowed low, whispering in shock — the imperial seal shimmered on the summons.
"Yifan," Shen Lian said sweetly, though her eyes glimmered with amusement, "it seems you have been called to the palace. What a rare honor."
Mira's fingers tightened around the letter as she read the words — You are hereby summoned to the Imperial Court regarding the matter of your engagement to His Highness, the Third Prince.
A cold calm settled over her. She knew this was no invitation — it was a judgment.
Hours later, clad in a modest silk robe, Mira stood before the gilded gates of the imperial palace. The air shimmered with authority, the banners of gold and crimson fluttering in the wind.
Inside the grand hall, nobles whispered behind their fans. The Emperor sat high upon the throne, his gaze unreadable. Beside him, two princes stood — Crown Prince Li Wei, his silver hair gleaming under the lantern light, and Prince Rui Feng, whose charming smile never reached his eyes.
Rui Feng's gaze slid lazily over her. He bowed with a flourish, a smirk tugging at his lips. "Shen Yifan. It has been some time, hasn't it?"
She bowed gracefully. "Your Highness."
He chuckled — a sound without warmth. "There's no need for formality between us. After all, we were promised to one another once."
Whispers rippled through the hall. Mira's expression remained calm, but her heart beat steadily — each pulse a reminder that she would not falter.
The Emperor cleared his throat. "The Third Prince has requested to annul the engagement, as it was arranged at birth and is no longer deemed suitable."
"I see," Mira said softly. "Then I accept His Majesty's decision."
Her calm acceptance startled many — but not Rui Feng. His smile widened, self-satisfied. "It's for the best, Lady Shen. Our families will still remain close. After all…" His gaze flicked to the side. "I have grown… fond of your sister."
The crowd murmured — her sister?
From among the attendants, Shen Rou lowered her eyes, pretending modesty — but the corners of her lips trembled with hidden triumph.
Mira felt a faint ache in her chest — not from heartbreak, but from the old Shen's humiliation, buried deep in memory. She bowed again, voice smooth as still water.
"Then may Your Highness find joy in the choice you have made."
And with that, she turned to leave.
As she stepped from the hall, her gaze lifted — and met the calm eyes of Crown Prince Li Wei. He inclined his head slightly, a gesture both polite and distant.
"Lady Shen," he greeted.
"Your Highness," she replied.
Their exchange was brief, their voices low — yet something lingered between them, an echo of recognition neither could explain.
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That night, back at the Shen Residence, Mira stood before her mirror, removing the delicate hairpin her grandmother had given her. The laughter of her sisters carried faintly through the walls — celebrating her humiliation.
Her reflection stared back — the eyes of a woman reborn.
She touched the faint scar on her wrist, and in the silence, memories flooded back — the tears of the old Shen, the whispers of betrayal, the assassin's vow.
"They took her voice," she murmured, "but not mine."
Outside, the moon shone cold and full.
Mira stepped to the window, gazing toward the distant palace towers. Somewhere within those walls was the Crown Prince — quiet, unreadable — and the path fate had drawn between them.
But first, she would reclaim her name.
And when the time came, every slight, every cruelty… would be repaid in full.