For Their Sake

Tianshi Xue was finally breathing fine once she spotted how close they were to the wall. She could already imagine the nice bath that she was going to have, the food that would be serve exclusively in her room, and the soft bed that she would sleep on until the day after tomorrow.

But then once the heavy gate of the wall was raised, she saw that there was something waiting for her. It was a palanquin in the richest red that she ever saw. She almost groaned.

"That's your seat," Prince Qui said, his face emotionless. With the threat of invasion gone, the people lined the streets, ready to greet their new princess. They were all whispering to one another, looking and pointing at the prince.

Huh, Tianshi Xue thought, they are all thinking about the same thing. The prince should not have married me.

Tianshi Xue bowed to the people before she was helped get settled in the palanquin.

"Keep the curtains open," Prince Qui noted.

She only made a face at him. Who was he to order her around? It was not like she wanted to shut the curtains. She wanted to see the people. HER people.

It was her first time riding a palanquin. She remembered asking her manager into getting her a role in an ancient drama so she could play a princess or a lady but the offer from Ace of Hearts came first.  Then it skyrocketed to an unexpected fame and it went on longer than it should have.

Tianshi Xue gritted her teeth. Now that she was thinking about it, who would replace her role?! What was going to happen to her character?! She 'died' way too young! It was her most successful project and the thing that she would be remembered for.

She actually wanted to play a superhero in a movie once, but unfortunately all she would be was the actress who played a mistress and got so good with it.

Tianshi Xue kept the smile on her face as the palanquin was raised and she waved her hand and smiled at the people. They were all smiling back at her and were throwing flowers and rice grains her way.

"Are you happy?" the prince asked sourly. He was walking by her side.

"I'm not. But at least wipe that sad look on your face. Today, you are their savior."

Prince Qui's lips raised to one corner in a sneer. "Savior? I highly doubt it. You might be celebrated as their new princess but I will be the guy that forced you to marry me."

"For their sake."

"Would you look at it that way?"

"We were desperate. Because if we weren't. I wouldn't have married you."

Prince Qui no longer replied. He wished now more than ever that he had his horse. Then, as if someone heard him, a group of people cut from the street that they were passing with a team of horses. He spotted the shiny black fur and hair of his horse and held himself back and waited for it.

He swung himself upwards way too easily and was thankful that his feet and legs were finally getting some rest.

Looking around, Prince Qui could say that most of the empire was here, welcoming them back. It was going to be a long ride at to the palace.

The only thing that he could do was groan.

**

Tianshi Xue thought that once the ride back to the palace in a palanquin was over, it would be the last of everything for today. She was entirely wrong.

Before they could even reach the palace, she could already hear the fanfares and the celebration of the people. Confettis were everywhere and soldiers lined up on the grand staircase that would lead inside the palace. The Emperor and the rest of the royals were with them.

Tianshi Xue quickly avoided Prince Xiaodan's eyes. She could feel his stare burning onto her skin. Among all the emotion it carried, she knew it was betrayal that he felt the most. But it was not like anybody could do anything about it.

The procession stopped and Prince Qui smoothly dropped down on the ground with soft thuds. The people who had been carrying the palanquin lowered her and the prince's hand showed up in front of her just as she was struggling to get up.

She didn't want to take it but of course, they needed to put up an appearance. "Thank you," she said and held the prince's hand. He immediately let her go once she was upright.

It was as if the sky was celebrating with them. It was clear and light blue with clouds.

Now facing the emperor once again, Tianshi Xue's knees were wobbling. Only his eyes were following them as she and Prince Qui were making their way to meet them in the landing. The fanfares and all the other noises stopped when they reached it, leaving them with silence. They both went down on their knees, her skirt sprawling a small circle around her. She was wishing she was wearing something else worthy of the princess' coming home to the palace other than the white simple ensemble that was in her emergency bag. 

Prince Qui talked. "We are home, Father."

The Emperor was quiet before his chuckles were heard. It was the kind of laugh that fathers do when their sons did something that made them proud.

Tianshi Xue kept her face expressionless when she was burning with hate inside.

"Rise," the emperor said.

From the corner of Tianshi Xue's eyes, she saw the emperor wrap his arms around Prince Qui, patting his back. Then he faced the people and his arms were wide in the air as he said, "Today, Princess Lin Yingyue of Shanmai, is now part of the Yang family. She is now Princess Lin Yingyue of Heping Empire."

"Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty," Tianshi Xue said with a slight bow as the crowd roared with cheers. "I am most thrilled to officially join your family. May our union lead to prosperity and peace."

"I'm sure it will," The Emperor said it like it had been his plan all along to wed Princess Yingyue to Prince Qui. "Come. The rest of the celebrations are waiting."