* Hong hui's POV
After the day of the banquet, Li juan had been avoiding me. Although, I understood she was angry with me and I knew the reason why, I wasn't going to indulge her tantrum. It was no secret that I loved Li Juan.
To me, loving another was a crime to Li Juan. I fear her soul wouldn't rest in peace. Although Genji had discovered that I knew her identity, I was able to come up with another plan to quench the fire.
The only problem was that Genji didn't want to betray the duke. I know that doing this doesn't make me any better than the duke. Although she wasn't Li juan. She resides in Li Juan's body. But I couldn't love her. That wasn't possible. And now, I would be marrying the imperial princess of Chu state.
I had walked so hard to win Genji over before she married the duke but now, it has all gone to waste. I couldn't do what she was asking me. If I still lead her on, that would be too cruel.
Sighing, I look at Danji who had been keeping me company secretly. Genji didn't yet know about my promise to Danji. I couldn't just tell her. Maybe she would forget about me if I married Danji.
Taking Danji's hand, I lead her to her seat and take a seat opposite her.
"Your majesty, what is bothering you?" She asked.
Smiling at her, I shook my head.
"Is it Li juan? Are you thinking about her?" She asked.
"How did you know?" I asked amused.
" I have known everything. Besides your love story is known far and wide. I know you are in love with Li Juan. Listen, we are getting married for the sake of our two kingdoms. Still we should never hide anything from each other. I will never hide anything from you. We are friends who will share both tragedy and fortune. I will never betray you or your nation. Promise me you will do the same." She said.
"Princess, I hope you don't bear improper thoughts towards me or else am afraid this marriage won't work" I said laughing.
"Don't worry. I bear no improper thoughts. From now on, our lives and fate are now connected. We will bear everything that comes our way together. I know you love Li Juan. In this few days, I've seen her character and I know she is a good girl. Love in our world isn't permitted. We bear the lives of so many people. How can we think about ourselves alone?" She asked.
Danji was truly an amazing person. Intelligent and elegant. She would surely make a fine ruler. Taking a cup, I toast her.
"Danji, I will be true to you. From today on, our lives and the fate of our two nations are connected. We will share both weal and woe." I said as we clicked our cups and drank.
"Tell me your majesty, why are you acting so cruel to Li Juan when it is obvious that you love her?" She asked.
"Am sure you heard that on the phoenix day, Li juan was injured?" I asked
"Yes, all the kingdoms heard of it. She was said to be the phoenix of Han. If she had died, it would have brought great chaos." She said.
Getting up, I walk towards the window to look at the moon.
"Legends have it that the phoenix eclipse brings an auspicious meaning. On that day, many strange things happen. Like the dead coming back to life. People gather to wish all sorts of things that day. We had gathered at the Shijan Clan. Then something happened to the time stone. Li Juan got hurt that day. Tianfei said her soul had scattered. The soul residing in Li Juan's body isn't Li juan" I said looking at her.
"So, so, who is in Li Juan's body?" She asked with shock on her face.
"A girl from the future. Her name is Genji. Am only telling you this because I promised there would be no secrets between us" I said.
Standing up, she walks to my side.
" I, Chu Danji will never betray you.. Its okay. I will help you. Just as you have helped me. Lemme just ask, you really don't have any feelings for Genji?" She asked.
" I don't. The one I love is Li Juan." I said telling her and myself.
" Am sure Li Juan will be happy to know you love her this much. But, I believe she will be at ease knowing that you are able to let go." She said touching my shoulder.
Looking into her eyes, I decide to avoid the discussion. I drag her close and rest her head on my chest looking into stars. As if she can read me, she laughs and shakes her head. Suddenly I feel at peace....