JasminePatra
Princess Lian Hua of Yuehua was known across the realms-a cold beauty hidden behind dark silks and silence. Master of sword, medicine, and art, she rarely appeared in public. Wrapped in navy and violet, her distant eyes and quiet grace earned both awe and fear. During the grand Alliance Festival, she finally stepped into the light, and instantly captured the attention of King Zhao Rui of Huoling-a towering figure with warmth in his voice and fire in his veins. He wasn't alone. Princess Mei Yan of Xueyin, a feared strategist known for her ruthlessness, saw Lian Hua and changed. Around others, Mei Yan was sharp and cold. Around Lian Hua, she was soft, gentle, even sweet. As the festival unfolded, Zhao Rui watched Lian Hua with quiet hunger. Mei Yan serenaded her at midnight. Lian Hua let them close-both of them. One night, she kissed Zhao Rui in the shadows. On another, she rested in Mei Yan's arms. She thought she could love them both. But fate didn't wait. War struck Yuehua. Lady Bai Rou, a noble with dark ambition, launched assassins to steal the throne. Zhao Rui took a poisoned arrow shielding Lian Hua. Mei Yan went wild with grief, burning the forest to save them. Holding Zhao Rui, Lian Hua realized her heart. She chose him. Mei Yan cried, but stayed as her protector. Peace returned. Lian Hua, now queen, stood beside Zhao Rui under golden skies, their daughter chasing butterflies in the garden. The cold flower had bloomed in fire-and found her forever.