Chapter 8

The red candles burned brightly, casting a warm, crimson glow throughout the bedchamber. The elaborate ceremonies of the Southern Kingdom were finally over. The noise faded away, leaving only the quiet murmur of the wind and snow outside.

Heavy footsteps approached from a distance. The bridal veil was lifted, and I raised my eyes to meet a pair of deep, eagle-like eyes.

Helian Yi’s tall figure nearly blocked the candlelight. “Fifth Princess, you have been waiting long.”

The tension in my heart eased slightly. I tried to offer a gentle smile, meeting his gaze. “You may call me by my name, Jiang Huiyin.”

He sat down as I suggested, his broad shoulders almost touching mine.

The ceremonial cups for the wedding wine in the Southern Kingdom were rugged silver goblets. He picked one up and handed it to me, his movement slightly awkward. As our arms intertwined and we drank the spicy, warming liquid, I could feel the muscles in his arm tense.

After setting down the cup, he was silent for a moment, his eagle eyes fixed on my face as if choosing his words carefully.

“I know,” he began again, his voice lower and hoarser than before, laced with an almost clumsy sort of consideration. “You delicate people from the Central Plains are not used to the climate here. The wind is harsh, the snow is cold, and the food is coarse.”

He paused, as if gathering a great deal of resolve before continuing. “But if there is anything you want, tell me. I… I will get it all for you.”

He said the last few words quickly, as if unaccustomed to such direct attempts at “pleasing” someone. It was such a stark contrast to his decisive and formidable reputation on the battlefield that a warmth spread through my chest. I couldn’t help but reach out and gently wrap my arms around his strong waist.

“I understand your sentiment, my King,” I said, leaning my head against his shoulder, my voice soft. “Rest assured, I will learn to love this land and its people, just as you do. This is my duty as a princess in a political marriage, and it is also… my wish to share your burdens.”

I could feel his body tense slightly, then slowly relax. A large hand, calloused and well-defined, carefully covered my own hand resting on his waist. The gesture was tentative, yet gentle.

He said nothing more, only pulled me closer into his embrace.

The red candles crackled. Outside, the wind and snow continued to fall, but inside the chamber, there was only the sound of two breaths and two heartbeats, slowly merging into one.