A Love Crowned by Destiny

Prologue

The Yamashina estate was unusually quiet, as though the entire household held its breath. In a grand room adorned with family crests and understated elegance, Sachiko sat across from her parents, her back straight but her hands tense in her lap. Her younger sister Michiko was beside her, looking slightly pale and fidgeting, as though she could barely contain her own nerves.

Sachiko’s father cleared his throat, his gaze steady but his tone almost distant. “Sachiko, we have received an invitation from the Imperial Family.” His voice held a gravity that made her pulse quicken. “It is a request for your hand in marriage to Crown Prince Shinichi.”

The words hung in the air like a bell’s toll. She could only stare at her father, her mind racing. Prince Shinichi—the name echoed in her mind, conjuring up memories of the Crown Prince’s reputation. His stoic demeanor, his sharp glances, the rare glimpses of a harder, almost ruthless streak.

A whirlwind of emotions stirred within her, but none of them was joy. Her father, sensing her hesitation, continued, “I understand that this may seem… surprising. But the arrangement is for the good of both our family and the nation.”

“Good for the family…” Sachiko repeated softly, her gaze falling as the weight of his words sank in.

She tried to imagine herself as his wife, standing beside him at official events, hidden behind the strict decorum of imperial life. The thought left a chill in her chest, and her fingers trembled despite her best effort to appear composed.

Michiko leaned closer, her own worry evident. “Sachiko, are you alright?” Her voice was barely a whisper, but her eyes held a sisterly protectiveness.

Sachiko gave her a quick nod, though she couldn’t hide the faint fall of her expression. She swallowed, forcing herself to meet her parents’ eyes once more. “Is this truly what he wishes? Or… just a decision of tradition?”