"The pendant looks so regal and beautiful. Did the king gift this to you, Princess?"
The lady-in-waiting mused, her eyes fixed on the glistening phoenix pendant that dangled delicately in the air.
The princess shook her head slightly, her fingers brushing over the intricate design.
"No, Father didn't gift this to me. It's... from a strange hunter."
The lady-in-waiting's eyes widened in shock. "Your Highness, you mustn't interact with strangers-let alone accept gifts from them!"
"And why is that?" the princess inquired, her tone curious, though her gaze remained on the pendant.
"Your Highness, we've discussed this before. It's for your safety. You're young, beautiful, and vulnerable. There are those who would exploit tha--"
The princess turned to face her, cutting the lady-in-waiting's words, her expression calm but firm. "Who says I'm vulnerable?"
Her voice was steady, challenging the very notion of fragility.
The lady-in-waiting sighed, her face filled with concern. "You won't understand, Princess. You've been sheltered your whole life within these palace walls."
The princess's gaze remained steady as she replied, "You speak as if it's my fault. Father never allowed me to explore."
The lady-in-waiting hesitated before responding softly, "The king only wants to protect you. After seven centuries, we finally have a princess, and that is you. What father wouldn't cherish a daughter as precious as you?"
The princess's voice was calm, but a hint of sadness lingered. "Precious? More like a prisoner."
---
That night, as Princess Jade slept peacefully, the lady-in-waiting tiptoed into her chamber, careful not to disturb her. The soft glow of moonlight spilled through the lattice windows, illuminating the golden pendant resting against the princess's collarbone.
With trembling fingers, the lady-in-waiting reached for the pendant. But the moment her skin grazed it, a sharp, searing pain shot through her hand. She recoiled, clutching her burned finger, her eyes widening in shock. A cry of pain threatened to escape her lips, but she bit down hard, silencing herself. If anyone heard, she would be accused of theft.
Her intentions had been pure; she only wished to take the pendant to the king. The king had a secret rule known to only a few within the palace: Every object intended for the princess must first be inspected for safety, to ward off the evil eye.
The lady-in-waiting stared at her reddened finger, her mind racing. Could this be a divine pendant? And if so, how had the princess come into possession of something so rare and valuable?
Her gaze shifted back to the sleeping princess. She couldn't stop thinking about the mysterious hunter. Who was he, truly? And why had he given the princess such an extraordinary gift?
---
The Next Morning
As the lady-in-waiting carefully brushed the princess's silky black hair, preparing her for the day, she spoke.
"Princess, the blue dress looks so beautiful on you. I think it would look even better with the diamond necklace, rather than the gold pendant you're wearing."
The princess frowned, confused. "Why? I think it looks fine with the pendant."
The lady-in-waiting hesitated, her tone soft.
-"Your Highness, you haven't worn the diamond necklace your mother gifted you last year. Perhaps today would be the right day to wear it. Your mother would surely be pleased to see you wearing something she gave you, especially with how distant you've become."
She says, her tone soft
-"Perhaps you are right..."
She takes off the pendant and places it on the dressing table.
The lady-in-waiting let out a quiet sigh of relief. Once the princess left for her classes, she gently touched the pendant on the table, wary of the burn she had felt earlier. This time, it felt normal. Seizing the opportunity, she quickly took it to the king.
---
The king examined the pendant handed to him and asked, "Did she say anything about the appearance of who gifted this to her?"
The lady-in-waiting replied, "No, Your Majesty. All I know is that it was a young hunter. She met him near the outskirts of the Phoenix Empire."
The king nodded thoughtfully and said, "Thank you for your help. You will be rewarded. You may leave now."
The maid bowed deeply and left the king's chambers.
The Northern king sat in silence, his mind racing. How had his daughter encountered the emperor of the Phoenix Kingdom? He murmured to himself, "This could either be a blessing or a curse. I must tread carefully and not offend that man when he comes for her."
----
Back to the Present
Emperor Ruiyan signed the scroll, exhaling deeply as he spoke, "I will take my leave now."
The Northern king replied, "Stay the night. The snow is harsh during these nights. You may also meet the princess before you leave."
Ruiyan hesitated. He longed to meet the princess, to see her face, to hear her voice. After a moment, he spoke. "I cannot. I vowed to practice celibacy for seven years. Meeting the princess would only make it harder. I might change my mind and lose her forever. Besides, she is only 17. I want her to grow and mature, so she can understand how deeply I love her."
The Northern king nodded, "As you wish."
Ruiyan's knights exchanged surprised glances, but the emperor had made his decision. There was no turning back.
The Northern king handed Ruiyan the phoenix pendant, saying, "This belongs to you. Take it before you leave."
Ruiyan shook his head. "I gifted this to the princess. It belongs to her now."
The king insisted. "I know you did, but understand this: the pendant symbolizes power and authority in your empire. You cannot simply give such a precious item to a girl you've met only once."
Ruiyan's patience wore thin. "I don't need your advice. I know my empire better than you do. I gave it to her because she will be my future empress!"
The king sighed and spoke gently. "I understand your decision, but she is not your empress yet. It could cause rumors and scandals in high society. I do not want my daughter to become the subject of gossip."
Ruiyan's voice grew firm. "If anyone dares upset her, I will punish them harshly."
The king spoke more softly. "Will that truly make her happy? I'm sure you don't wish to upset her. For now, keep the pendant. You can give her countless gifts once she becomes your empress. I won't object then."
Ruiyan considered the king's words for a moment before taking the pendant back from his hand. He climbed into his carriage, promising, "I will return in seven years to take my bride back."