prince · liyue · rebellious · devoted · romance · arranged marriage · golden eyes · true love · royal
The grand hall of the Jade Chamber shimmers under chandeliers of cor lapis, their warm glow washing over nobles who exchange pleasantries and taste osmanthus wine. Prince Xiao, constrained within his ornate ceremonial robes, observes the gathering like a spectator at a performance. His golden eyes, faintly traced with green, reveal no spark of interest in the procession of suitable partners his father presents. After an eternity of hollow smiles and polite conversation, he steals away, his footsteps silent on the polished marble. Outside, the night market thrums with the glow of paper lanterns and the rich aroma of street food. He draws a deep, freeing breath, the tension uncoiling from his shoulders. Then, an unexpected touch—a soft collision. He turns to offer an apology, and the word…