After the maid prepared her bath and helped her dress, Ruo Yin realized with a start that she hadn't even noticed when she had fallen asleep the night before.
"At least I managed to sleep," she muttered to herself, though there was little comfort in the thought. "The last thing I need is You Xie telling me I look like I'm going to a funeral, not a wedding... especially not one where I'm marrying the possible killer of my parents."
Before they departed for the Sky Clan, You Xie had spoken to her, his voice heavy with expectation.
"Xiao Yin, I am so proud of you. I know your parents would be proud as well. Remember your mission." His words echoed in her mind as they made their way to the Sky Clan, where the wedding ceremony would be held.
"Don't worry, Your Majesty. I know what my mission is." Ruo Yin spoke with a calmness that barely concealed the turmoil inside. Find the truth… Find the truth… Find the truth… The words became a mantra in her mind, a desperate need for clarity amidst the chaos.
The Demon Lord studied her, his eyes narrowing as he tried to decipher her thoughts, but Ruo Yin's body language betrayed nothing. Keep trying to read me, You Xie. I won't give you a single clue. She was playing the game just as her father had taught her long ago: see the big picture, predict the opponent's next move.
She held herself with grace as they reached the entrance of the Sky Clan.
The guards bowed respectfully as a group of maids awaited her arrival. They were there to escort Ruo Yin to one of the many manors within the Sky Clan's vast grounds, where she would be dressed in her wedding attire. Meanwhile, guards led the Demon Lord to what Ruo Yin assumed was the location of the ceremony—most likely the reunion hall, large enough to accommodate the many guests.
"Miss, if I may, I just want to say that you are so beautiful and lucky! You're going to marry the War Deity!" one of the maids squealed in excitement.
"Yeah, I feel so blessed," Ruo Yin replied, her voice devoid of emotion.
The maids, caught up in their excitement, didn't seem to notice her lack of enthusiasm. Nor did her own maids. They were all so blinded by the idea of her marrying the legendary War Deity that they couldn't see beyond the surface.
Ruo Yin didn't even notice when they arrived at the Eternal Youth Manor, the Sky Empress's residence. The front yard was stunning, with trees and flowers in full bloom, decorating the area with vibrant colors.
"Miss, Her Majesty the Sky Empress herself wishes to help you prepare for your wedding," the maid informed her.
Before Ruo Yin could respond, they guided her inside.
"Princess Ruo Yin, greetings," said the Sky Empress, her voice warm and welcoming.
"Ruo Yin greets Her Majesty," she replied, bowing respectfully.
"Please, no need for such formalities. Soon we'll be family," the Empress said with a smile. "Now, let's get you ready for your wedding. Aren't you excited?"
"Excited… sort of," Ruo Yin replied, her voice distant.
The Sky Empress led Ruo Yin to a vanity table and helped her sit down. As she began to comb Ruo Yin's hair, the Empress spoke in a nostalgic tone.
"You know, my marriage was arranged too. I was just a small immortal from the Bird Clan. Never in my wildest dreams did I think I would marry the Sky Emperor. But it happened."
Ruo Yin, for the first time, was intrigued. "Sorry for my insolence, but… do you love the Sky Emperor?" She couldn't help but ask, hoping to understand more about the nature of these arranged marriages.
The Sky Empress chuckled softly as she continued brushing Ruo Yin's hair. "My dear child, I love the Emperor dearly now, but it wasn't love at first sight. It took us hundreds of years to accept our fate and learn how to love each other. It's better to be on good terms with the man you share your bed with, don't you think?"
Ruo Yin's thoughts turned inward, a wry smile forming on her lips. Better to have my bed to myself.
"Now, let's get you into your dress," the Empress said, patting Ruo Yin's back as she guided her to the dressing room.
The wedding gown was stunning—white with intricate red embroidery. It was beautiful. Ruo Yin could almost appreciate it, had the circumstances been different. If she were marrying under other circumstances, perhaps she would have felt joy. But not today.
The Empress helped her into the gown, then explained the ceremony details.
"Do you understand the ceremony, Ruo Yin?" the Empress asked, a hint of concern in her voice.
"Yes. It's simple," Ruo Yin replied in her usual monotone. "I just get into the carriage, which will take me to the reunion hall. Zhan Luo will then lead me to the altar where we'll exchange vows in front of the clans. Am I wrong?"
"No, my dear," the Empress replied with a smile. "Now, get into the carriage before we miss the auspicious time." She gently ushered Ruo Yin toward the door.
As Ruo Yin climbed into the carriage, all she could think was that there was nothing auspicious about today.