"Are you truly willing to sign this agreement?" His voice was low and hoarse, yet carried a trace of pain that was difficult to detect.
The red candles flickered, their light making the crimson wedding quilt on the phoenix bed look like blood.
I stared straight at the pair of black boots beneath him, utterly devoid of any wedding cheer, and clenched the yellow silk hidden in my sleeve. Written on it was the unspoken bargain between us: he was free to marry the woman he loved, and I would leave the palace in safety three years later.
"Your Highness the Crown Prince, if you want to change your mind, there's still time," I said evenly, though I had already guessed his answer.
He was silent for a long while, then finally rose and walked toward the palace doors. His back was straight and cold as steel. "Three days from now, I will personally write the edict deposing you as empress."
The moment the doors closed, I let out a soft laugh. But before the sound had faded, I suddenly heard a heavy object hit the ground outside with a dull thud.
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