The capital was alive with celebration. Lanterns swayed gently from wooden beams, casting a golden glow across the bustling streets. Delicate banners embroidered with imperial sigils fluttered in the evening breeze. The scent of incense, roasted chestnuts, and exotic spices filled the air, blending with the rhythmic beat of ceremonial drums that echoed through the city.
Alina had never seen anything like it.
She had barely begun to adjust to life as Lin Mei, a servant in the palace's outer quarters, when word spread that a grand ceremony was to be held within the Forbidden Courtyard of the imperial palace. It was a rare event, one that even the common folk could witness from the outer walls.
"The Ceremony of Celestial Harmony," Madam Jia had explained in hushed tones that morning, as she tightened the sash of Alina's simple servant robes. "A sacred tradition to honour the heavens and ensure the empire's prosperity. Every noble, every official, every soldier of rank will be present."
Alina had intended to remain in the background, as she always did, until one of the senior attendants pulled her aside. "You, new girl—there aren't enough hands. You will attend to the guests in the outer halls. Do not speak unless spoken to. And do not look directly at the royals."
There was no room for protest. Moments later, she found herself swept into the massive procession of servants filing toward the grand ceremonial courtyard.
The palace grounds were transformed into something out of legend. Rows of silk-draped pillars stretched toward the heavens, framing a massive stone courtyard where hundreds of noble guests had gathered. The imperial throne sat elevated beneath an ornate golden canopy, a masterpiece of delicate carvings and celestial motifs. Incense burned in towering bronze braziers, their swirling smoke perfuming the cool night air.
Alina moved cautiously through the sea of servants, balancing a tray of porcelain teacups as she weaved through the nobles' conversation. From behind lowered lashes, she stole glances at the spectacle unfolding before her.
A procession of soldiers stood in rigid formation near the central dais, their armour glinting under the flickering lantern light. Court musicians played an elegant tune as silk-clad dancers moved in perfect harmony, their flowing sleeves trailing like streams of water.
Then, the murmurs changed. The court's collective attention shifted as figures approached the throne.
The royal family had arrived.
Alina dared not lift her head, but she could feel the shift in the atmosphere. The weight of their presence was palpable. She heard the rustle of fine silk, the deliberate steps of imperial footwear on polished stone.
Then, she heard his voice.
"Proceed."
A single word, deep and commanding, yet devoid of excess emotion.
Her grip tightened on the tray as a chill spread through her veins. She knew that voice.
Carefully, she allowed her gaze to flicker upward—just for a moment.
There he was.
Prince Sheen stood at the head of the royal procession, dressed in ceremonial robes of deep obsidian, embroidered with silver thread that shimmered under the lantern light. His presence was unwavering, exuding a quiet authority that made even the highest nobles bow their heads in deference.
From afar, she had sensed his power. But up close, he was even more formidable.
His face was unreadable—sharp, poised, betraying nothing. His black eyes swept over the gathered guests, distant, unreadable. He looked neither pleased nor displeased, but there was something about him—something restrained, as if he bore the weight of something far greater than anyone around him understood.
Alina lowered her gaze quickly, her heart hammering.
She had seen him before, back in the courtyard. But now, amidst the grandeur of the ceremony, he seemed even more untouchable, an enigma wrapped in silence and power.
As the ceremony continued, a group of court scholars stepped forward, unfurling an ancient scroll of blessings. They spoke of divine favour, of prosperity, of the will of the heavens guiding the empire's future. Alina barely heard the words, her mind spinning with the realization that she was standing mere feet from the man at the centre of it all.
"Do you believe in destiny, Your Highness?" one of the elder officials asked the prince, his voice carrying across the hushed courtyard.
A pause. A heartbeat of silence.
Then, Prince Sheen spoke.
"Destiny is a burden," he said coolly. "One we do not have the luxury of refusing."
Alina exhaled slowly, a strange chill running down her spine.
She knew, in that moment, that her presence in this world was no accident.
And perhaps… neither was his.