Here's your scene rewritten with a smoo
The sky outside my window was awash with pale moon light, the kind that softens everything it touches. I sat quietly, my fingers curled around the edge of the windowsill, eyes unfocused as I tried to gather fragments of the night before—pieces that refused to come together.
A knock came, light but urgent.
> "The emperor has called you," the maid's voice said from behind the door.
I rose, smoothing down my dress with fingers that trembled despite my efforts. The hallway felt longer than usual. My footsteps echoed with each step I took toward Father's chambers.
Inside, the room was dim but heavy with authority. My father, the Emperor of Tianxia, sat on a broad chair carved of dark wood, draped in layers of gold and crimson.
I bowed slightly and sat beside him, hands folded neatly in my lap.
> "I heard something troubling," he began, tone clipped and expression unreadable.
A cold shiver ran down my spine. I nodded, already knowing where this was heading.
> "Is it true that you and Prince Bai Long crossed the line before marriage?"
His voice struck like thunder—stern, unforgiving.
I froze.
> "It's not—n-not like that," I said, barely above a whisper, my throat tightening. "I don't even know wha—"
But he raised a hand, silencing me with just a glance.
> "You two are getting married this month," he said, voice sharp as a blade. "That is my decree."
His tone wasn't fatherly. It was imperial.
I blinked, stunned.
> "What?" I breathed. "This month? Father, that's too soon—"
> "Shut up!" he thundered, his voice a sudden storm. "Go back to your room."
I flinched. My mouth opened, then closed again. There was nothing left to say.
Just then, the tall wooden doors creaked open. Shoudao entered with practiced grace, bowing low before the Emperor.
> "Long live the Emperor," he intoned, then turned to me, offering a smaller bow.
I acknowledged him with a silent nod, rising without another word. My feet carried me out of the room, but my thoughts remained trapped inside—colliding, unresolved.
Behind me, Shoudao bowed again.
> "Congratulations, Your Majesty," he said. "Now Princess Fengxi and the Crown Prince's wedding will be complete before the end of the month. Once that's done, she will be safe."
The Emperor's voice dropped lower, thoughtful.
> "I want her to be happy too. Have you done everything?"
> "Yes, Your Majesty. The astrologers selected the most auspicious date. The wedding gifts are prepared. And the imperial guards have already been stationed to ensure the Princess's safety."
The conversation faded behind me, but their words echoed in my chest.
Safe. What did that even mean anymore?
I walked until I no longer heard the whispers or saw the towering palace walls. My feet led me out, through the back garden, past the old stone lanterns, until I reached the gate that opened to the forest path.
The cold air of the evening bit into my skin, but I welcomed it. I needed it.
The moon lit my path as I wandered up the mountainside—my childhood refuge, the one place where no one demanded anything of me.
When I finally reached the top, I stopped and let the view steal my breath. The stars above shimmered like scattered jewels, and the night wind danced around me. Fireflies flickered through the trees, lighting the darkness like floating dreams.
I stepped toward the edge, looking out across the valley, heart swelling with something too heavy for words.
> Ten years... and this place hasn't changed at all.
The thought brought a sting of tears. Here, I was just Xiao Feng. Not a princess. Not a pawn. Not a bride-to-be.
Just a girl under the stars, searching for answers in the silence.