The redness of the wedding décor shimmered under the yellow rays of the setting sun. It was finally time, and before the grand banquet hall, servants lined up holding huge fans engraved with "prosperous." Everything was set, and the wedding sedan stood before the Prince's quarters. Everyone was ready except the bride. But choice was not a luxury he could afford.
Prince Liang Chen stepped out, his face shielded under a red silk veil engraved with a phoenix. His dress trailed behind him as the servants helped keep it in order.
At the door, Shen stood, his eyes heavy with glittering tears. He was such a big baby. He reached out a hand, helping his prince mount the carriage.
The streets hummed with curiosity and smiles. Flower petals graced the path and his carriage. It was all he had dreamt of, but his heart was not at peace.
Liang Chen's lips curled up bitterly. All the praises and wishes were good, but then why did he want to murder his groom even before the wedding night?
Before the grand banquet hall, the groom stood waiting, anticipation eating him from within. He looked poised and cold, but his mind raged with questions.
The bride's sedan was running a little late, and while a few others showed panic, he held on to hope. He dared not think of the worst, and soon enough, he caught sight of his dreams.
It rolled over, and the curtains lifted. Liang Chen couldn't see past the veil; hence, he reached out a hand, hoping to be helped down.
Prince Ji Mingyuan smirked, then took the warm hand of his soon-to-be bride. At first, it was too cold. Liang Chen flinched. He tried pulling away, realizing who it was, but Ji Mingyuan had anticipated such a reaction; hence, he held on even tighter.
"Be good," he murmured.
Liang Chen snorted but obeyed.
As they stepped forward, Prince Ji Mingyuan's attire was red, but with a difference of dragon embroidery. His hair was held up completely and crowned with a golden crown.
Every step came with red clothes laid on the floor and grains thrown over the couple. The crowd cheered, and Eunuch Shen sniffed on the side.
Liang Chen felt as though his steps were heavier than ever. His body and soul were reluctant, but the man by his side dragged him forward. His hand slowly took over his slender waist.
At first, he jolted, his body stiffened, and the enemy took over guiding every step and controlling every moment. It was nothing short of a nightmare... his nightmare.
Prince Liang Chen couldn't pay attention. It was as if part of him had left and was watching from the sidewalk. He whispered promises he could never fulfill and said words he didn't hold to heart and then the priest announced:
"Bow to the heavens."
Liang Chen's body stiffened. Ji Mingyuan had long let go. His hands trembled within his sleeves, his teeth grinned, he felt Ji Mingyuan's gaze burn on his skin, and he forced his head down at the same time as the other. And just then, the heavens roared as if in approval.
The room cheered, and Liang Chen hissed. They further bowed to their parents, then to each other.
To love, to cherish, and to hold...
The vows repeated in his head ... a vow he never meant to uphold.
"I now pronounce you married," the priest announced. "You may kiss the bride."
Prince Liang Chen's heart tightened. The veil was slowly lifted, his gaze settled on the green-eyed devil, and he watched him step closer… too close, his lip brushes over his… "mine," Ji Mingyuan whispered.
"To the bridal room!" the crowd chanted naughtily.
Liang Chen's heart skipped a beat. His hands trembled, but Ji Mingyuan was quick to take them into his own. He watched his every reaction, every body language, and it was safe to say Liang Chen hated every second the wedding lasted and every praise and wish that came with it.
To his people, he was a hero, marrying the enemy for peace. But was it really the case? Liang Chen couldn't draw a fine line between duty and vengeance. Deep down, he was ready and willing to walk down any path just to make Ji Mingyuan pay. He was prepared to burn it all.
Even if he did not remember, what was most important was that he did, and it did happen. A second life was no justification for his brutality.
As the guests came with gifts and toasted with the others, words only Liang Chen could see hovered in the air:
{Wedding Mission Completed}
{Reward: See the Truth of the Heart}
{Can't See Husband's}
"Yeah, right," Liang Chen hissed and rolled his eyes.
He was now truly tired of everything and began leaving without Ji Mingyuan. Shen was there to help him out. Everyone watched, but as Ji Mingyuan followed closely behind, they thought nothing of it.
The newlywed carriage stood before the grand hall. Liang Chen mounted, and so did his husband. The enemy sat way too close.
"Scoot over; there is enough room for five more," Liang Chen hissed.
"Does my presence... turn you on?" Ji Mingyuan murmured, his voice wrapping around Liang Chen like a tempting yet unwanted embrace.
Liang Chen stared at him dead in the eye, his face closer and his voice dripping cold.
"Be careful... tonight might be your last."
Ji Mingyuan did not back away. His gaze did not flicker. Rather, his hand grabbed the chin of his husband firmly and pulled his face closer.
"Dying by your hands would be a dream come true."
Liang Chen's knees buckled, his hands trembled, and he unintentionally bit down on his bottom lip.
[SYSTEM UPDATE: Emotional resonance detected. Progress: 16%]
"My prince," Ji Mingyuan whispered.
Liang Chen's breath hitched. Ji Mingyuan's breath was a mix of alcohol and mint, but then why wasn't it irritating?
His eyes lingered on their dangerously close lips; one wrong move and they would kiss. Liang Chen swallowed hard. He could feel Ji Mingyuan undressing him with his eyes alone, not to mention the words rolling off his lips.
"St... stay away," Liang Chen stammered.
But Ji Mingyuan's hand slipped around his waist and pulled him closer. The carriage felt crowded. His heart pounded triple its normal rate, and his body heated up from within. Ji Mingyuan watched every reaction; it was just as he wanted.