My name is Yao Junwan. Jun, as in ruling the world; wan, as in turning the tide. Everyone says you and I were born enemies, two imprisoned birds in this deep palace, jealous rivals who would tear each other apart over a single set of fine robes.
My name is Jiang Yuning. Yu, as in jade that would rather shatter than remain whole; ning, as in frost and snow. They have never known that you and I are allies bound by life and death, family who rely on each other to survive in this man-eating palace, confidantes who would entrust each other with their lives and protect each other with all their hearts.
The palace walls rise high, and rumors cut like knives. You and I dance together on their edges.
Before others, I look at you coldly, and every word you say is barbed. We face off in the halls and pass each other in the courtyard with nothing but a scornful sneer, playing our bitter enemies so convincingly that no one can see through it.
In private, with candlelight flickering, we cast off every disguise and sit knee to knee, sharing a cup of cold tea and sighing together over the storms of the night.
Yuning, if you would rather shatter than yield, then I will turn the tide for you, and we will go home together.
Junwan, if you would rule the world, then I will build you a city behind walls of frost, and shield you from every storm.
