"But... what would I even say to him? Like... hey... I'll just be by your side and you can take credit for all my ideas or... like it's not my fault that he feels that way, y'know?"

Yixing sat opposite Princess Shiyao as she finished another yellow coloured cocktail of alcohol and juices.

"Hey!" she barked, startling the bartender in the small, private bar Yixing had accompanied her to that Jae had informed her existed and Ina confirmed that was where the royals went to blow off steam. She held the cup out. "This... is still sweet."

"Oh my! Your Highness, I put the juice of five lemons into it."

"I said I wanted it sour!" she cried, and for a moment the bartender was afraid she really might burst into tears, "Why is it so fucking hard to have one thing go right?!"

"Let me, Your Highness! I'll make another one."

"Make it sour!" she slammed her hand down on the solid wood bar. "Ow... Anyway... but I have like, self-respect, y'know? I don't think it's worth being with any man if he'll take credit for my ideas..."

"You're absolutely right, Your Highness."

"But then... I don't think he'd even want to, he has self-respect, too." she sighed, head hanging down, hands planted firmly on her thighs. Her hair cloaked her face, hanging freely from the confines of any ties, pins or clips. "It's a him problem, there's nothing I can do if he doesn't want to keep seeing me... I really didn't think he'd stop coming, but... it's been a week."

"It has." Yixing nodded, accepting the new cup of alcohol for her, dutifully testing it before setting it down for her.

"Did he just want a dumb bitch by his side the whole time? He just wanted to use me for my brain? Why does his inability mean I suffer for it? How the hell am I supposed to be quee..." she trailed, exasperating herself with her own rant and swiping the cup, taking a swig. Yixing was fast enough to grab it before she fired it across the room in frustration. "You drink it, then! Tell me it's not sweet!"

Yixing respectfully turned his head and took a mouthful, regretfully making eye-contact with the bartender as the acidity burned his throat and settled in his cheeks. He tried his hardest to stop his face from scrunching up and he simply nodded as the bartender mouthed an apology. Once he composed himself, he set the mostly-full cup back down.

"Indeed it is, Your Highness."

"Drink the rest!" she urged him. "Don't waste it."

"Your Highness, I am on duty. It would be irresponsible of me to take more than a mouthful if I am to protect you properly."

Shiyao, with her fingers in her hair as she ran her hand through it, grinned.

"I wish you had a way to protect me from this." she said, her voice hoarse from the inordinate amount of lemon juice she had consumed. "Let's go home."

Yixing stayed two paces behind the princess, his hands flying out every now and then when it looked like she was about to stumble over her own feet. Shiyao could barely walk straight, her light, fur-lined periwinkle robes swaying with her as she made her way through the palace.

"Your Highness, Kingfisher Residence is that way-"

"We're going to the King's Quarters." she said, stopping suddenly, her hands dropping down as she let go of the skirt of her robes. Her shoulders heaved as she took a deep breath of bitterly cold air and reached into the sleeve of her leine, fishing out some things that Yixing couldn't make out. Her hands moved deftly even in her drunken state, and without understanding what he just witnessed, her hair was fixed up into a respectable do with simple ornaments.

"Yixing," she began, the lights in Swallowtail Residence catching her eyes as they zoomed past. "Who is staying in the guest residence?"

"Ah, Your Highness, that is..." he wasn't sure how best to frame it.

"Please spit it out, Yixing." she called back, stepping over the threshold into the courtyard of the King's Quarters where she knew the Crown Prince would be that evening to officially begin his Challenge.

She would wait for him while he was inside and confess once he stepped out.

"Princess Kala of Lassan."

Shiyao's white leather boots scraped against the ground as her feet suddenly felt heavy, heavy enough to stop her in her tracks as she arrived outside of the main building. She didn't even notice Zixuan as he jumped up to greet her, for all she could focus on were the four shadows being cast on the screen doors before her.

Four...

"Princess Kala came of age this year." she said simply, her fingers shaking, twisting into her silk robes as she found that she could no longer move.

And Kala was invited to have dinner with King and Queen Yun.

Shiyao had never been invited.

Was it any wonder Jing Han hadn't been to see her?

Shiyao could offer him her priceless experience in diplomacy and governance, links to the magistrates and merchants through her family...

but she couldn't offer him guaranteed allegiance with another nation.

She had, in the end, appeared in his life a bit too late.

Shiyao bit down hard on the insides of her cheeks as tears welled up in her eyes, overwhelmed by the devastating realisation that there was absolutely nothing she could do. No amount of confession or love or promises could trump an entire country. Jing Han wasn't stupid, and if she were presented with the same options, she would definitely choose the one that would grant her more power.

Lassan was a nation by the Lazulite Sea populated by Demons, just like them. Unlike them, they had access not only to international ports and water, but valuable and essential natural resources that they exported to other nations: Demon, Vampire, Werewolf and Witch alike. How much a nation paid depended on how good their relationship was, and a marriage between two royals would practically guarantee free access for life.

Would a confession even make a difference at this point?

She hadn't quite realised how much she liked him until that very moment when her heart felt like it was being squeezed in a vice, nausea swirling in her stomach and the tears she had barely held back finally breaking through and streaming down her cheeks. It was all she could do to keep her head bowed, biting down on her bottom lip as she tried her hardest to refrain from audibly sobbing.

It was all Zixuan could do to watch her cry alone. Guilt seeped through his bones as he thought back on everything that had happened to her over the last month. He hadn't had the guts to own up to what he did, he didn't love Dana more than he valued his friendship with the Crown Prince and the privileged status that afforded him. Indeed, he was a coward, that much he realised about himself. Everything that he had done to Shiyao in Dana's name, and everything she had endured because of it, in the end, was all for nothing. Once he had cooled down and had time to reflect, he realised that Shiyao was only acting out of love for the Crown Prince.

Upon discovering that he was the culprit, she had done everything with what power she had to change the result of the investigation. Even though she was hurting, and her people had been through a hard time too, the only person she worried about was Jing Han. She did everything she could to stop him from getting hurt, too.

What a fool.

He didn't think it was possible for him to lose even more respect for Jing Han after how he treated Dana, but once the word from Lassan had come through and his parents had summoned him to talk it over, he absolutely did. It was almost psychopathic, how fast he had dismissed his entire relationship with Shiyao in favour of the young Princess Kala. When Zixuan had pointed out that she was merely eighteen and basically still a kid with no knowledge or experience of the real world, Jing Han had perked up considerably.

That was perfect.

That was the point.

To have a queen by his side who would not overshadow him, who would not make him feel useless or small and who he would be able to teach and guide himself.

Who the civil servants would not respect in any capacity.

There was no better person than Kala for the role, and Shiyao was out of the running.

"Our Shiyao is out for an evening stroll, I..."

Lu stopped in his tracks as her bodyguard with the big sword held his arm out.

"The Princess is not to be disturbed." he said plainly.

"I have some business with Shiyao, it's rather urgent."

"Her Highness is not to be disturbed."

"I understand, but it's of vital importance." he insisted, frowning as he could see the shadows on the other side of the screen doors moving. They were standing up, shit, he really didn't have time. "I'll grant you any wish if you just let me-"

"Absolutely not."

"Oh, let him through so he'll shut up!" Shiyao yelled and not five seconds later, just as the doors were beginning to open, her body was spun around and a familiar pair of soft lips crashed against hers.

Her hands were squashed against her chest as she was pressed up against Lu, unable to break free from his iron hold. A shiver rippled through her as he ran a hand up her neck and into her hair-do, and she blushed at the sound that simple action brought out from her, doubly so when she felt him smile against her lips. Just like before, she found herself slowly melting into the kiss, she could feel herself relaxing, and for a moment, she could barely remember what she was so upset about.

Wait

What the hell was she doing?

The moment she wriggled in his arms, he stepped away, though his arms remained on her shoulders and-

"Lu?"

"Your Highnesses, long time no see." his deep, husky voice floated over the quiet night, and he nodded to the young princess standing between Jing Han and King and Queen Yun. "Hello, Princess Kala. My goodness, the last time I saw you you were only small. How do you do?"

The young princess bounced on her toes and smiled, replying in her sweet voice that she was well.

"Shiyao..." Jing Han looked between her and Lu. Surely... surely not? "What're you doing here?"

Lu immediately pulled her closer to himself and Shiyao could barely process what was going on, or understand why Lu had kissed her or where the hell he was going with this.

"We were just on an evening stroll and, uh, got a bit carried away." he grinned, eyes sparkling with mischief. "Please excuse us."

"Oh, there's no need to apologise." King Yun said, though his tone was tight and his face said otherwise.

Shiyao looked to Jing Han, whose gaze was fixed on her.

He was disappointed.

She had seen him angry and indignant and his temper was no joke. She'd seen him soft and sweet, suave while flirting with her and she knew how much of a spoiled brat and a harsh leader he could be and how he only really cared about getting what he wanted. She thought she'd seen every side of him.

Maybe not.

Or maybe she wasn't what he ever wanted.

Still, she couldn't deny that there was something comforting about having Lu by her side at that moment. If the four of them had emerged to find her crying alone in the courtyard, that would have been more embarrassing than anything else, holy hell, what was she thinking? Especially when there was no guarantee that Jing Han would even pay her any mind, or if he did have something to say, there was no chance he'd do it in front of his parents. She should have just turned back the moment she saw four shadows.

She had more pride than that, or, at least she thought she had.

Alcohol wasn't helping to clarify her thoughts or uncomplicate her feelings.

A wave of gratitude suddenly washed over her for Lu's interruption and she let her head fall against his shoulder in relief.

The following morning brought with it freezing cold air, warm sunshine and an unexpected visitor.

"Your Highness!" Ina called as she came running into the bedroom where the princess was getting dressed. "The Crown Prince has come to see you!"

"What? Why?!"

"He didn't say. I'm sorry, Your Highness, he knows you're here. I couldn't send him away."

Shiyao's fingers wrapped around the corner of her dressing table where she was sat fixing up the accessories in her hair, her stomach twisting as her heart dropped. What on earth did he want?

"That's okay, Ina." she assured her, standing up slowly in her pale blue robes. She shrugged on a fur-lined vest and gingerly made her way out.

"Good morning.” Jing Han greeted her from where he sat on the sofa of the reception room as soon as she appeared into view.

"Good morning, Your Highness." she replied, greeting him properly, as formally as she should have been doing all along.

"There's no need for that." he laughed. "Come and join me."

Shiyao simply nodded and took a seat opposite, thanking Ina for the tea and morning cakes.

"I suppose Lu told you about Princess Kala."

"He didn't have to, Your Highness. As soon as I found out who was staying in the guest residence, I knew."

"What did you know?"

"That you would be marrying her."

"Aren't you fast." he chuckled, leaning back in the sofa looking as comfortable as could be.

"Congratulations."

"Thank you." he smiled, looking right at Shiyao, who kept her eyes focused on her teacup. "So I came here today because I wanted to ask you as well."

"I'm sorry?"

"To be my wife." he said. "Well, Consort."

Her fingers wrapped around the teacup so tightly that Ina was concerned she might very well break it. An uncharacteristic darkness fell over her as she finally raised her head, an impossibly cold expression on her face that, even though it wasn't directed at her, made Ina want to run fast and far.

"Look, I don't know what Lu has been-"

"Is this because he kissed me," she interjected. "Your Highness?"

Jing Han's jaw tightened, finger tapping against the wooden table.

He couldn't quite believe what he saw the previous night, and it made him realise that while he couldn't accept Shiyao as Queen Consort, he despised the thought of her being with anyone else, and given how upset she had been when he broke things off with her, he was certain she would accept what was offered to her.

"No." he lied. "I want you by my side. It's as simple as that."

"But not as Queen Consort?"

"You know that's not possible."

"Why not?”

"You know why. I can't have a Queen who civil servants will respect more than me."

"What frightening honesty." she replied, drinking from her cup.

"You should be honoured to accept-"

"No."

"What?"

"I said 'No.' Your Highness." Shiyao said, not a hint of doubt in her voice, and Ina had to cover her mouth to silence her gasp.

"Are you seriously rejecting me?"

"I believe you're the one who didn't want me first, Your Highness."

“You'll never get a better offer than this.”

"Probably not." she agreed, mirroring Jing Han and sitting back. "But I have pride, too. You drew the line at not wanting to rely on me to get things done. I was even willing to let you have credit for whatever I might have come up with as Queen. But I draw the line at being pushed aside in favour of someone else."

"Is that so?” Jing Han's mouth twitched into a slight smirk.

Well damn. Maybe he'd misjudged her after all.

"Consort is still a powerful position."

"No."

Jing Han sat up straighter.

"But you'll be willing to marry someone in a lower position? You can't get more powerful than Consort."

"I'm willing to marry someone who wants me and only me." she replied.

"My feelings for you are still real!"

"Then make me Queen Consort."

"I can't! It's not part of the deal."

"Then don't take the deal."

"I-" Jing Han started, "This deal isn't just about me. You know that."

"Then it's unfortunate for both of us." she smiled slightly, playing with the ring on her index finger.

"So I'm... I'm just supposed to have that kid by my side?"

"Isn't it what you wanted?" she asked. "Someone by your side who makes you look good? Kala is already pretty. I'm sure she'll get even prettier as she gets older. Your kids will be cute."

"Kids?! With her- She's still a kid herself!"

"Your Highness, were you so sure that I'd accept the position as Consort thinking that you wouldn't have to touch Princess Kala and it would be our children who would have the first rights to the throne?"

That's exactly what he had convinced himself of.

"Don't you have feelings for me?" he asked finally. "Even if you can't be Queen Consort, wouldn't you be happy with your own child taking the throne one day?"

"No." she shook her head, the smile on her face growing wider. "I wouldn't."

Morning light shone gently over the two as they sat together in the living room, Jing Han struggling to form his own thoughts and Shiyao being resolute in hers.

Ina glanced over to Jae, who simply shrugged.

Another minute of silence passed before the Crown Prince spoke again:

"What's your plan now, then?"

"I have something in mind."

"Don't tell me it involves Lu."

"And what if it does?"

"You can't... not him."

"What's wrong with him?"

"He's not even of our world!" Jing Han yelled.

That got her attention.

"What's that supposed to mean?"

"He's an immortal, Shiyao. He's not one of us." he said, sitting forward in his seat. "He's from the immortal realm - you can't even go there."

"An immortal?" she repeated in disbelief. "Is that why he doesn't have to defer to anyone?"

"Exactly. He just likes playing around in our realm. So don't get involved with him, promise me you won't!"

"Your Highness,"

"What?"

"I'm rather tired." Shiyao said.

"You just got up."

"Of this." she clarified. "Thank you for the offer, but I'm not willing to be your Consort. I think Dana might be open to the idea, though."

"Dana? After all she did to you? How could I possibly take her as Consort?"

Jing Han frowned at her smile, hating how it made him feel like she knew something he didn't, like he knew he would feel every day if he took her as Queen Consort. He frowned as Yixing moved closer to Shiyao when she stood up.

"She's someone you loved, isn't she?" she continued, allowing Jing Han to follow her as she prepared to leave the residence, putting her shoes on and taking a parasol to protect her from the falling snow outside. It was quiet for a few moments while they walked through the courtyard and out to the front gate. "So you should ask her. I think she'll be happy."

"Where is all this coming from?" he demanded, forcing her around to look at him as they stepped outside, not noticing the attention they were drawing to themselves. “How could you suggest her? After all that?"

"Dana didn't do it, Your Highness." she smiled, stepping away as Yixing joined her.

The Princess, once again, gave the proper greeting to the Crown Prince before excusing herself and leaving him in the cold, flakes of snow melting as they fell upon his deep red robes.