When Thrones Collide, Hearts Unite

Chapter 8- Married...But Not Managed 1

Ling Yu'er sat stiffly on the edge of the red-draped bed, her veil already tossed aside. She kicked her feet against the wooden frame like a sulking child.

"I can't believe he just left," she huffed. "My husband—on our wedding night! Who does that? What a jerk."

Li Tian, carefully folding the discarded veil, glanced at her with a sigh. "Princess, you're too calm for someone who just got abandoned."

"Calm?" Yu'er shot up, hands on her hips. "I'm furious! I should march out there, drag him back by his fancy collar, and demand at least one cup of wedding wine before he storms off to—whatever he's doing."

Her maid smirked. "And then what? Scold him into falling in love with you?"

Yu'er flopped back dramatically onto the bed, staring up at the silk canopy. "Maybe. At least he'd have to look at me. Hah! Imagine that—me, Princess Ling Yu'er, chasing after some cold-faced prince. What a story."

Li Tian stifled a laugh, covering her mouth. "If anyone overheard you now, they'd think you've gone mad."

"Maybe I have," Yu'er said, peeking at her through her fingers. "Married to a stranger, in a palace full of rules, with only you for company... of course I'm mad."

She turned serious for half a heartbeat, her voice softer. "Do you think he hates me already?"

Li Tian leaned closer, lowering her tone. "No, Princess. I think he's just... confused. And perhaps afraid."

Yu'er blinked, then burst into giggles. "Afraid? Of me? Oh, that would be perfect." She clasped her hands together dramatically. "The mighty prince, running away from a silly little princess on her wedding night!"

Li Tian shook her head with a smile, though her eyes lingered on Yu'er's for a moment longer, worried.

Ling Yu'er tossed herself across the bed, arms sprawled wide. "What if he never comes back, Tian? What if I become the first bride in history to be left alone on her wedding night? They'll write ballads about me. 'The Lonely Princess of Jianghu.'"

Li Tian snorted. "Stop being dramatic. You'll give the palace maids gossip for years."

"Good!" Yu'er sat up, pointing toward the door. "Let them talk. At least someone will remember me. My husband clearly won't."

Her maid tried to hide her laughter, but the corners of her mouth betrayed her. "Princess, if you complain any louder, the guards will hear."

"Then they can join me," Yu'er declared, falling back again. "We'll form a Lonely Hearts Club right here in the bridal chamber."

Li Tian shook her head, pulling a quilt over her mistress. "Enough nonsense. Sleep, Princess. Tomorrow you'll have to face the whole palace with a smile, and you don't want bags under your eyes."

Yu'er grumbled but let her friend tuck her in. "Fine. But if he sneaks in later, wake me. I want to scold him properly."

Within moments, her playful complaints faded into soft, steady breathing. Li Tian watched her for a while, smiling at her silly princess, before dimming the lantern and slipping quietly into her own corner to rest.

The chamber grew silent, save for the faint rustle of night wind outside. The door creaked softly sometime later. A tall figure slipped in, his footsteps light against the polished floor.

Ji Ling.

He stopped a few paces from the bed, his sword still at his hip. For a long while, he said nothing—just stood there, watching the girl beneath the red quilt. Her brow was furrowed even in sleep, lips pursed as though she were still scolding him in her dreams.

A strange flicker crossed his eyes—guilt, or perhaps curiosity.

He took a step closer but stopped again, the weight of his own hesitation holding him still. After a moment, he turned away, pulling the door shut behind him as quietly as he had entered.

Yu'er shifted in her sleep, murmuring nonsense, unaware of the shadow that had come and gone.

***

The morning sun spilled over the grand roofs of the imperial palace, casting golden light across the courtyards. The entire place hummed with whispers—servants rushing about, voices low but eager.

"Did you hear? The prince never spent the night with the princess."

"Is it true? Already?"

"Poor girl... she must be heartbroken."

Everywhere Ling Yu'er walked, eyes followed her. Some were curious, others mocking, and a few sympathetic. But Yu'er, dressed in her fresh bridal gown, walked with her chin lifted and a faint smile on her lips—her way of pretending she hadn't heard a single word.

Li Tian, however, was fuming behind her. "Princess, if one more maid dares look at you like that, I swear I'll—"

"Shh," Yu'er whispered, squeezing her hand lightly. "We'll let them talk. It makes them feel important."

Still, her heart beat faster with every step. She was to meet the emperor and empress that morning—her new in-laws, rulers of the great Tiandou Empire. She had prepared for this moment, but knowing that Ji Ling hadn't even stayed by her side the night before made her stomach twist.

At the gates of the grand hall, a ceremonial officer announced her presence in a booming voice:

"Her Highness, Princess Ling Yu'er of Jianghu, consort of His Highness, Prince Ji Ling!"

The massive bronze doors opened, revealing the throne room. At the far end, Emperor Ji Chen sat tall and imposing, his presence filling the chamber without effort. Beside him, Empress Lu Yinger, elegant and dignified, regarded Yu'er with eyes that missed nothing. Princes, princesses, and officials lined the hall, their gazes weighing her down.

Yu'er's knees nearly buckled, but she quickly steadied herself. Cheerful, silly, and strong—that's who you are, she reminded herself. She stepped forward, her voice ringing clear as she bowed low: