A Tear Frozen in Time

A Proposition

"There can be no marriage alliance between the two of you.  Xiao Wu has already been promised to Mo Yuan.   Her father......" Zhe Yan stuttered and stammered in disbelief only to be quickly shut down by Bai Qian who was also just as stunned.

"A promise that I never made!" she finished for him while her eyes remained on Guotin and his on hers which seemed to be laughing at the old Phoenix rather than at her.

"I see." he said with a polite smile in Zhe Yans direction who was not looking at all pleased with the how this meeting was going.  First the showman ship of his soldiers and people, then the children which he knew would melt her heart, then the hand holding and now this.

"Do you?" he asked abruptly and ignoring the scathing look from Xiao Wu.  "Mo Yuan approached her father directly and after a lengthy meeting, her father accepted the proposal.  I don't know how you Demons do things, but that is how we do things, and her father has already begun to prepare the wedding invitations.  I suggest you think carefully before you say anything more." Zhe Yans voice lowered threateningly and to Bai Qians horror, that look was aimed at her.

Of the foxes, she was the one who knew Zhe Yans moods better than anyone, after all, she was the one who angered him the most, so it was clear to her that he was furious despite the tight smile and softly spoken voice which she knew Guotins advisers would definitely be honing in on. And though she did not know Guotin all that well, she could feel the annoyance steadily rising, so she knew that this meeting was not going to end well, unless she intervened and took over.

"Our women do not need their fathers permission to marry High God Zhe Yan." Guotin replied just as tightly before turning his attention back to Bai Qian.  "You said you did not make any promises, then let me explain  myself a little more." he added before reaching across the table and to Zhe Yans disbelief, he then took hold of her hand before edging in a little closer to her.

"I would never assume that you would want a marriage alliance with me based on your fathers decisions.  So I am asking you directly.  As my wife, you would not have to answer to me for anything you decide, as my Queen, your thoughts and decisions are your own, that includes accepting this marriage proposal...."

"Preposterous!" Zhe Yan seethed beside him.    "Are you saying her fathers position as the Emperor and the head of Qing Qiu is a mere trifle.  That she can just overrule his decisions because she might have other ideas?  That is not how we do things." Zhe Yan snapped and becoming angry which was thankfully going unnoticed by most seeing as his voice was still being kept low.

"Kindly lower your tone Zhe Yan." her voice just as suddenly whipped the air between them and forcing Guotin to also sit back as she then smiled sweetly in his direction.  It might have melted the heart of all men, but those eyes of hers were dangerously close to flaring in anger as she then turned to face him.

"Lord Guotin.  I have received countless marriage proposals over the years, and since the meeting at the Celestial Heavens, I have recieved even more.  Some are from men just as wealthy and with statuses just as high, but I have turned them all down.  Tell me.  Why would I agree to yours?" she asked and instantly putting him on the back foot even though he had expected to be met with resistance.

"Ahhh, but I am the first of the worlds leaders that you have agreed to meet privately, so forgive me for seeing more into it." he said softening his smile for her, while intentionally turning his shoulder towards Zhe Yan and blocking him out.

"However, I did not ask for your hand in marriage on a mere whim.  In fact my dear, your hand is the very first that I have asked for and nor do I deem your fathers decisions a mere trifle, however, you are the Queen of Qing Qiu and a woman who has earned respect from across the world.  I would deem it inappropriate to go above you when you yourself are held in just as high esteem as your father." he said as Zhe Yan fumed beside him at the attention she was actually giving him.