The long-awaited day had finally arrived.
The entire palace was alive with movement. Maids rushed through the corridors, completing the last touches they couldn't finish the night before.
Inside her chamber, in her father massion. Mimi stood before the mirror.
The reflection staring back at her made her breath catch.
A young woman in a radiant red gown, embroidered with phoenix patterns, smiled softly. Her hair was adorned with delicate gold pins and blooming jade flowers. Her cheeks glowed with shy joy.
Behind her, her maids gasped in admiration.
"my lady, you look like a goddess descended from the heavens!" one whispered.
"Prince Lianyi will faint when he sees you," another giggled.
"The prince adores you so much," an older maid added warmly. "I still remember the way his eyes followed you yesterday. Truly… fate tied both of you long ago."
Mimi lowered her gaze, her heart fluttering.
She bit her lip gently, trying to calm the mixture of excitement and nervousness blooming in her chest.
---
A knock at the door make them purse. Then her father entered. wearing formal robes. His eyes widened the moment he saw her.
"My daughter…" he breathed, voice breaking slightly. "You look… you look so beautiful."
Mimi smiled softly. "Father…"
He stepped closer and gently placed his arm around her.
"It is time," he said gently.
They walked out together. Servants bowed as she passed, whispering blessings. Outside, a ceremonial carriage awaited them. painted red and gold, draped with silk curtains.
Mimi climbed in and her father mounted his horse beside the carriage, leading the escort toward the palace of Xiyue.
---
The palace was bursting with celebration. Musicians lined the courtyard, playing soft wedding melodies.
People murmured excitedly when the carriage arrived.
"The bride is here!"
Mimi's heart thumped as she stepped down, helped by two attendants. She lifted her head and saw Prince Lianyi waiting for her, dressed in silver-embroidered robes, his eyes warm and fixed solely on her.
The ceremonial drums sounded, marking the start of the wedding rites.
"Let the bride and groom step forward.
Let the heavenly union begin."
Mimi inhaled shakily as she took her first step toward the man she loved.
And so…
their long-awaited wedding officially began.
As Mimi approached, Prince Lianyi moved forward to meet her halfway. His expression softened, the corners of his lips lifting ever so slightly, the kind of smile meant only for her. For a moment, the noise of the courtyard faded. Only the two of them remained, standing under the crimson wedding canopy.
The officiant raised his voice.
"Today, under the witness of Heaven, Earth, and all gathered here, we unite Prince Lianyi of Xiyue and Lady Mimi the daughter of.Assistant general Ruichenin a sacred bond."
Mimi lowered her head shyly as attendants stepped forward to guide them. She could feel the warmth of Lianyi's presence beside her. When their sleeves brushed lightly, her heart gave a tiny leap.
As she remembered the event that happened between them, few days ago.
They performed the first bow to Heaven and Earth.
The drums echoed. Then they bowed the second time.
to their parents and elders.
Mimi's father wiped a quick tear with the back of his hand, pretending to adjust his sleeves. As he thought how their humble family became royalty.
Finally, they bowed to each other.
Prince Lianyi's eyes never left her.
Mimi felt the heat rise to her cheeks.
A soft cheer rippled through the crowd.
Before the next rite, a pair of maids lifted the red silk ribbon. Mimi and Lianyi each took one end, symbolizing that from this moment on, their fates were tied.
They walked slowly, hand-in-hand through the ceremonial passage lined with lanterns. People tossed flower petals as they passed. The air felt warm and bright.
Once they reached the final step of the platform, the officiant declared:
"From this moment, you are husband and wife. May your days be harmonious and your hearts remain bound through all seasons."
A louder cheer burst forth now applause, laughter, blessings shouted from every corner.
Mimi's breath trembled. At the reality that she was married and the next queen to be.
Lianyi leaned slightly toward her, voice low enough that only she could hear.
"You look beautiful," he murmured. "I've never seen anything… or anyone… more breathtaking."
Mimi lowered her eyes, unable to hide her shy smile.
By the time the final blessings were offered and the ceremonial bows were completed, the sun had already slipped behind the mountains.
Prince Lianyi was immediately pulled aside by Rong Yuan and a few other close friends who had come to honor him. They talked, laughed, and reminisced, yet even as he smiled, Lianyi's eyes kept drifting toward the direction of his chambers.
He knew she was waiting.
And he had already kept her too long.
When he finally managed to excuse himself, night had fully settled over Xiyue. The palace corridors were quiet, lit by flickering lamps. Lianyi gathered his robes and moved swiftly, almost running, heart thumping with a mixture of excitement and anticipation.
"She must be nervous… I shouldn't have delayed," he murmured as he turned the last corner.
---
Mimi sat at the edge of the bed, her fingers twisting nervously in her lap.
The candle in the room flickered gently, casting warm light across the silken curtains. The maids had already helped her wash and change into the delicate night-robe before slipping out quietly.
Now she was alone.
Waiting.
Her heart beat faster the longer she sat.
He must still be with his friends… It's fine… he'll come soon…
Just then...
The doors opened.
Footsteps entered. quick, almost rushed.
Lianyi stepped inside, slightly breathless, as if he had run the whole way.
The moment his eyes landed on her, his expression softened instantly.
"Mimi." His voice was warm. "Forgive me… I made you wait too long."
She looked up, cheeks warm. "I don't mind… You were with friends. I understand."
He closed the distance between them in a few long strides and stopped right in front of her.
Mimi lowered her eyes shyly, but Lianyi slipped a finger under her chin, lifting her face gently.
"You look like you're afraid of me," he murmured with a faint smile.
"No," she whispered. "Just… nervous."
He chuckled softly.
"You weren't nervous few day ago ."
Her face instantly turned red. "That...! That doesn't count! We were drugged!"
Lianyi raised a brow, pretending to think.
"Mm. True. But I still remember."
" Lianyi!" She slapped his chest lightly, embarrassed. "Stop teasing me…"
He leaned in, his forehead brushing hers, his breath warm on her lips.
"I'm only teasing because I can," he whispered. "Because you're my wife now."
Her heart fluttered, and her lips parted slightly in surprise.
Then he place a gentle kiss on her forehead before pulling her into his arms.
"Today was a long day," he murmured against her hair. "Thank you for marrying me."
Mimi's hands trembled as she slowly hugged him back.
"I… I wanted this too," she whispered.
He pulled away just enough to look at her face.
His thumb brushed her cheek tenderly.
"Don't be nervous," he said softly, his voice low and playful again. "Tonight, I promise to be gentle."
Her breath caught.
And Lianyi, smiling at her shy expression.