Xiao Zhi saw from inside the hall as the palace gates opened quietly, letting in only two figures. Two men so different, it was hard to believe they traveled together.
Xiao Zhi blinked. Two? That's it? Where were the guards? The banners? The army of horsemen she had braced herself to see?
The pair crossed the Great Hall with an air of absolute performance, turning the entire imperial court into their audience.
The first man was huge. Broad shoulders, scars running across his bare forearms. His steps were heavy enough to shake the ground. He looked exactly like what a barbaric warrior should be, a Tughril warrior straight out of a nightmare.
But then her eyes shifted to the second man.
Her breath caught.
He was… stunning. Too stunning. Every feature looked polished, his skin pale and smooth, his black hair tied neatly with not a strand out of place. His eyes were sharp, gleaming as if he could slice her open without lifting a blade. And that faint smile… too perfect.
Handsome. Ridiculously handsome.
Even more striking than Shen Han, who had just rescued her a few days ago and made her heart pound like crazy.
Xiao Zhi tilted her head, squinting. This was the envoy? This pretty boy? He looked more like a celebrity poster boy than a barbarian lord.
The handsome man stopped a few steps from the throne.
"Greetings, Your Majesty. I am Ruhan, servant to the Great Khan of Tughril."
Shen Han, standing behind Xiao Zhi, leaned close enough for only her to hear. "Princess… I've heard of him. He's a eunuch. Very close to the Tughril Khan. Practically his right hand."
Eunuch?
Her eyes widened. That explained it. No masculinity left. His beauty was sharp, delicate, almost androgynous. No roughness of a warrior. But what replaced it was worse. An aura of control, a keen, calculating air. She felt a cold air crawl across her skin.
The Emperor answered his greetings. "Ah, Ruhan. Your presence is always welcome. You honor our palace with your visit."
Ruhan bowed low, posture flawless. "Forgive me, Your Majesty. I have come empty-handed. Our caravan was attacked on the way here by a group of bandits. They managed to take all of the bride gifts we prepared."
For the briefest second, his gaze flicked toward Xiao Zhi. A knowing glint.
Her stomach clenched.
He knows. He knows the raid was mine. He knows… I failed.
The soldier stood silently behind him, scowling like a shadow ready to pounce.
The feast began not long after. Courtiers filled the grand hall, laughter mixing with zithers and drums. Servants poured wine, steam rose from roasted meats, and spiced soups.
The Emperor's voice boomed proudly as he gestured to Xiao Zhi. "This is my cherished daughter, Princess Lian Zhi, who will be wed in alliance."
She bowed reluctantly. When she dared to glance up, Ruhan's gaze was waiting. He didn't look angry. Not even annoyed. No flicker of surprise at the bride switch. Instead… he looked amused.
Xiao Zhi frowned. Why isn't he angry? Why does he look like he already knew?
Leaning slightly toward Shen Han, she whispered, "Why isn't he upset about the bride change?"
Shen Han's brows furrowed. His hand tightened around his cup. "He's clever. He probably expected it. Or… he already has another plan."
If he knew all along… then everything I thought I controlled… might be a lie.
She tried to shake off the uneasiness, laughing a little at the dancers, drinking a small sip of wine. But her eyes kept flicking back to that calculating face.
He was too calm. Too smooth. Not a hint of irritation or eagerness in his eyes. His gaze drifted over nobles and performers, but always returned to her. Watching. Measuring.
At one point, he leaned forward just slightly, forcing her to notice him. That controlled smile sent shivers down her spine.
Shen Han noticed her uneasiness. "Princess...?"
She shook her head quickly. "He's too calm. Something about him feels wrong."
Shen Han followed her gaze. "The calm ones… they're always the most dangerous. But don't worry. I'll stay by your side."
When the music faded, Ruhan finally spoke. "So this is the famous Princess Lian Zhi." He tilted his head, studying her like a collector examining a jewel. "I expected someone… less interesting."
He lifted a cup in a toast. "May our meeting be fruitful."
Xiao Zhi forced a smile as she raised her cup. "I hope you enjoy your stay in our humble palace."
He smirked, "Oh, I am already… entertained."
She wanted to reply, but Shen Han's hand stopped her in warning. "Don't react," he whispered, eyes fixed on the envoy.
Still, she couldn't shake it. That smirk, that calm gaze. It stripped her down more than any blade could.
The rest of the banquet blurred. She laughed at the right times, ate just enough, but her thoughts never left the envoy.
When it finally ended, she muttered under her breath, almost a growl.
"I don't like this pretty boy."
***
After the banquet, everyone returned to their quarters. Shen Han walked the palace corridor, his mind unable to stop thinking about the envoy.
"General Shen."
He stopped. Princess Lian Yue was walking toward him, amusement glinting at the corners of her lips.
"Your Highness." Shen Han lowered his head in a polite, formal bow.
Her eyes lingered on him, soft but direct. "My sister prepares for her marriage. Perhaps it's time I think about mine."
"You are at the right age, Princess." Shen Han kept his gaze fixed on the floor, his expression perfectly neutral. "I'm certain many noble gentlemen would be honored to have your hand."
"But," she tilted her head, her voice trailing off into a light, playful tone, "I already have my eyes set on one gentleman." Her fingers were brushing dangerously against his chest.
Her meaning was unmistakable.
Shen Han's expression hardened for a second before he stepped back, and he bowed again. "Princess, I am honored… but I cannot accept. My heart belongs elsewhere."
The amusement drained from her eyes. "Why? Lian Zhi is to be married off! Why cling to her as if she matters?"
His gaze sharpened, tone low but firm. "As long as she is here, and as long as I live, I will not allow that marriage."
"You would even go against the Emperor?"
Shen Han took a breath before saying, "I serve this country. Defying the Emperor is not my wish. But if protecting her means walking that path… then so be it."
Without another glance, Shen Han turned and strode away.
Lian Yue stood frozen, fists hidden in her sleeves. For the first time, the spoiled princess tasted rejection.