The teal robes flowed around her like water, the silver phoenixes catching the light with each step. Her hair was an artwork of pins and ornaments that framed her face perfectly. Her skin glowed in the lamplight, and her eyes…..
They were carefully lowered now, focused on the floor ahead of her as she walked with as much grace as she could muster.
She looked like something from a painting. Like a celestial maiden who had descended from the heavens and decided to grace the mortal world with her presence.
Liang Jian felt his chest constrict painfully, and he turned his face away.
Don't look. Don't look at her. Don't—
But he could still see her in his peripheral vision. Could still see every eye in the hall fixed on her with varying degrees of appreciation, desire, or envy.
"Your Imperial Majesty," Soyeon's voice rang clear and respectful as she performed a perfect bow. "Your Highnesses. This humble one greets you."
The whispers began immediately.
"Look at her—"
