Pretend.
Who said you'd have to be original?
The best thing to get you out of any unwanted situation, is to go with the flow. At least, that's what your more successful friends always did. You accidently got engaged to that TangTang? So be it. Since YanRan is out for now, you only have him to rely on. Forget that. You should rephrase that: you only have him to take advantage of.
You run over to TangTang and hide yourself behind him. You grab his sleeve, pull his arm and try to cover your face. When you peek over his shoulder you see the group of guards stare at you in disbelief. You notice the leader quickly glancing at a person you didn't realize was here. It's the person you've been trying to escape all this time. The Emperor.
'TangTang, what happened here?', he says with a grim face. He crouches down and takes a closer look at YanRan. 'How come she's in this state', he continues. While he tries to look at you, he says 'And what is that person doing over there?'. 'Who are you talking about?', the prince answers in a joking manner. You're relieved he doesn't rat you out yet. Perhaps, he'll help you escape.
The Emperor gives him a foul look. 'TangTang, don't even think of messing around now. I was asking seriously who the person hiding behind your back might be', he coldly states. Apparently, that man does not like to joke around. Although these two are brothers, they barely resemble each other. Their physical appearances create a contrast that can't go unnoticed: while the emperor is tall and terribly pale, the prince is rather small and beautifully tanned.
The prince, unaware you've met before, then takes a step back. He goes to stand next to you and introduces you: 'Brother, this is my fiancée, (Y/N). (Y/N), this is my older brother His Majesty Bei Tang Yi, the Emperor of Zodiac Land.' You pretend you've never met and bow as courtesy. You have no idea whether you're supposed to say anything so you take a few steps back and go back in hiding. TangTang notices and turns around. Turning his back to the Emperor, he takes your hand and whispers: 'Why are you hiding again? Worried about my brother?' You nod. 'You'll be fine, I promise. After this, I assure you that I'll take you to my personal palace. There will be no need to feel uncomfortable because of him', he comforts you.
'Ahem-' With a theatric cough, the Emperor interrupts the small-talk. 'So, this time you are engaged with a fugitive? TangTang, why can't you just come home and commit to your responsibilities as a prince?', he adds in angry tone. Not understanding what the Emperor's referring to, you tilt your head and give TangTang a questioning look. Unhappy since he has to explain himself, he sights and after a deep breath starts his side of the story: '(Y/N), he's just a tad dramatic. I regularly go outside the palace grounds. I go abroad often and try to experience the cities, talk to normal people... However, he and other state officials accuse me of ignoring my duties.' Well, everyone their cup of tea. If the prince enjoys running off, why not let him? Zodiac Land can be run without him.
In order to avoid talking to the Emperor, you try to show some empathy and urge TangTang to continue. To your surprise, he seems to understand your uncommon gazes and adds: 'I used to make the weirdest excuses for my absence. Hence, my brother is not taking our engagement seriously. He might think of it as my usual joke, you see. I'm glad you know better. I did accept your sachet on national lucky day.'
As if those words are your cue, you repeat what you've said about the matter once more. This time, nevertheless, you're addressing the Emperor. 'National lucky day is very important in Zodiac Land. It's the only day a woman can force her crush to marry her – if he accepts her sachet. Men are allowed to do that the other 364 days. Since TangTang -my sweetheart', you add in an exaggerated tone, 'has accepted my sachet out of the bazillions that were offered to him, I'm now his fiancée.'
The Emperor starts laughing. 'It seems like I can't do anything about it then. Good luck, TangTang, marrying a fugitive. Fate has set you up with a mad woman!', he lets out while laughing. Offended, TangTang grab your arm and angrily walks away. You have no choice but to play along in this theatrical piece that has become even more absurd.
YOU ARE READING
Oh! My Emperor
Fanfiction'Kill her', is Gu Jiacheng 2.0's answer. Brief yet concise. As a reaction to this statement, a slender man steps forward. He seems to be part of this group: he's dressed the same way, but the colour he wears somehow makes him stand out. It's deep pu...
