Chapter 91: Love Is Love
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"Father, I want to get married."
The entire court choked on their tea. There was a deadly silence in the award ceremony.
The Emperor was seated on the highest platform that the eye could see. There were many prominent ladies and men present. They were all here to witness the award ceremony.
Daughters whispered to their mothers and sons muttered to their fathers. This was the Fourth Princess who had spoken up. They were all astonished by her audacity, but expected as much.
The Fourth Princess was the Emperor's favorite. The entire country knew that. Whatever she wished for, she got. It was at the price of her happiness and freedom. She was a beautiful bird in a cage of gold.
"To whom?" The Emperor calmly asked, his voice heavy with irritation.
The Emperor had expected to award his precious daughter for the sword fighting tournament, but didn't think she'd betray him like this.
Lina knew this was an ambush. She could be severely punished.
However, Lina had enough. She knew her father would never agree, not unless she cornered him. The last time she brought up this topic in private, he had dismissed it.
Now that aristocrats and ministers were gathered for the award ceremony, the Emperor had no choice but to listen to her.
"I've fallen in love, Father," Lina admitted. "To the Seventh Prince of Ritan, His Highness Kade."
"Ritan!" Someone repeated, astonished at the twist of events.
The Emperor's favored daughter was going to marry across the border?
"Oh dear…"
"The enemy kingdom…"
"A Prince, at that."
Whispers one after the other erupted like angry bees. Their mouths moved quickly as everyone discussed this groundbreaking information.
The Favored Princess of Teran was going to marry the Seventh Prince of Ritan, and not the Crown Prince?!
Everyone was expecting her to one day marry a suitor from one of Teran's alliance countries. The Fourth Princess was pampered enough to become the Empress, yet she was choosing some Seventh Prince?
"You will never be able to return home," the Emperor coldly said.
The Emperor could not deny his daughter's request. He could only make her regret saying it. How could he reject this request when she had professed her love? How could she, when the entire upper society and minsters understood what this marriage could entail?
"Do you realize that?" the Emperor added on.
"Yes, Father," Lina responded.
The Emperor scowled even deeper.
If the Emperor held her back, then people would call him selfish. It was one Princess against thousands of lives saved from this war. It was a single woman against the hundreds of thousands of men that would return home.
"You are not marrying a Crown Prince. You will never be able to sit on the throne. Your life would be in shambles. Ritan will discriminate against any and every Teran citizen. You are the Fourth Princess of Teran. They'll tear you into shreds," the Emperor continued, his face taut with disapproval.
Lina could see his frown lines begin to show. There were wrinkles on his forehead and mouth, a vein popping out on his handsome face.
Lina stood proud and unwavering amidst his crude words.
"They will not show you any kindness. You will suffer in Ritan more than any woman of war would've suffered. Your children will not be loved by Ritan. Your children may not even become true Princes and Princesses of Ritan. And who is to say your husband will fight for you?" The Emperor berated.
The Empress' eyes flashed at this golden opportunity. She allowed her husband to continue insulting the Princess' intelligence for a bit longer.
"You are a fool in love, my dear Lina. It is this love that will blind you. It is this love that will bring your ruin. If you marry any man of Teran, you'll live a life of joy. If you marry someone who's not a Crown Prince, especially a man of Ritan, you'll never experience happiness ever again," the Emperor warned.
"Now, now, my Lord Husband, the Princess—"
"I am willing," Lina boldly said.
Once again, the court dramatically gasped. Their eyes trembled at this juicy gossip and dreadful topic.
The Fourth Princess had never gone against the Emperor. She was the most obedient, but also most mischievous Princess of the court. She loved to play pranks and was known to be childish. It was why the Emperor loved her so dearly—she reminded him of his younger self.
"I am willing to be the most unhappy wife if it means our Second Princess can return home. I am willing to be torn apart by Ritan if it means our men can come back home." Lina jutted her chin in the air, throwing his words back at him.
Lina knew her father meant well.
The Emperor didn't want her to get hurt. He didn't want to see her unhappy. He never wished for her to experience pain. But her father did not know she had experienced far worse agony, and it happened on her journey to see her older sister.
"I am willing," Lina repeated again.
Lina placed a hand on her chest. This time, her voice was a whisper, almost like a plea. Her gentle voice was scattered in the wind, her gaze determined against the man who was bent to put her down.
"You are a fool in love then," the Emperor seethed, but he had no choice.
Everyone was watching them. From the ministers that controlled the agriculture to the man that controlled the military.
Every pair of eyes were following the father and daughter duo. The daughter who didn't scream and kick her way out of a marriage. The father who didn't force her into a marriage. Their relationship was far too backward.
"My lord husband," the Empress suddenly said. "Many young women are fools in love, my Lord Husband, but none of them were this brave. The Fourth Princess has made her desires known, and it is a celebratory moment."
Deep down, the Empress was rejoicing at this information. Finally, one of the Second Concubine's horrible daughters was going to be gone!
However, the Empress' joy was short-lived. The Empress was suddenly reminded that Lina was just the devil's sibling.
The true devil was Lina's older sister who could make the Empress' life a living hell. And now that the Commander was returning from war, the real battle was going to begin—right in this palace.
It was almost as if Lina knew what the Empress was thinking. Lina's gaze met the Empress, a sliver of a smirk on her face. Only the Empress had witnessed the flash of emotion. Then, it was gone.
"You are young," the Emperor finally said. "Your love has clouded your judgment. Just because you've wedded into Ritan does not mean the war will end. A discussion will take place between Ritan and Teran. Until then, you're to stay in your room and await the fate I'll discuss for you."
Lina bit down on her tongue. It wasn't what she wanted, but he was right. All Lina had was Kade's empty words. If there wasn't an agreement reached, then it'd be impossible for her to leave for Ritan. It'd be impossible to actually stop the war.
With no choice, Lina bowed her head and agreed.
"Thank you for taking my wish into consideration, Father," Lina responded, dipping herself into an elegant curtsy.
Every pair of eyes were trained onto Lina. The daughters of high society cheered behind the Princess's back, for she was the most sought-after woman. The sons of aristocracy cursed their unfortunate fate, for she was the best woman to marry.
Marriage to the Fourth Princess should've been a dreadful thing, but because of her favorability, many had yearned for her. Alas, all of it was too late.
"But I must warn you, that the Seventh Prince is the least favored of them all," the Emperor added.
Lina froze. She didn't know that. If the Seventh Prince was least favored, then did he truly have the ability to stop the war? She swallowed. Only time could tell.
"Love is love, Father," Lina said.
"Love is love," the Emperor sneered, his lips curling in aggravation.
These were the exact words he had told his third wife, the Second Concubine. Now, they were being thrown back at him, again.
This daughter of his was far too cunning. Why hadn't he noticed that sooner? Now, it was too late. Or was it?
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"Father, I want to get married."
The entire court choked on their tea. There was a deadly silence in the award ceremony.
The Emperor was seated on the highest platform that the eye could see. There were many prominent ladies and men present. They were all here to witness the award ceremony.
Daughters whispered to their mothers and sons muttered to their fathers. This was the Fourth Princess who had spoken up. They were all astonished by her audacity, but expected as much.
The Fourth Princess was the Emperor's favorite. The entire country knew that. Whatever she wished for, she got. It was at the price of her happiness and freedom. She was a beautiful bird in a cage of gold.
"To whom?" The Emperor calmly asked, his voice heavy with irritation.
The Emperor had expected to award his precious daughter for the sword fighting tournament, but didn't think she'd betray him like this.
Lina knew this was an ambush. She could be severely punished.
However, Lina had enough. She knew her father would never agree, not unless she cornered him. The last time she brought up this topic in private, he had dismissed it.
Now that aristocrats and ministers were gathered for the award ceremony, the Emperor had no choice but to listen to her.
"I've fallen in love, Father," Lina admitted. "To the Seventh Prince of Ritan, His Highness Kade."
"Ritan!" Someone repeated, astonished at the twist of events.
The Emperor's favored daughter was going to marry across the border?
"Oh dear…"
"The enemy kingdom…"
"A Prince, at that."
Whispers one after the other erupted like angry bees. Their mouths moved quickly as everyone discussed this groundbreaking information.
The Favored Princess of Teran was going to marry the Seventh Prince of Ritan, and not the Crown Prince?!
Everyone was expecting her to one day marry a suitor from one of Teran's alliance countries. The Fourth Princess was pampered enough to become the Empress, yet she was choosing some Seventh Prince?
"You will never be able to return home," the Emperor coldly said.
The Emperor could not deny his daughter's request. He could only make her regret saying it. How could he reject this request when she had professed her love? How could she, when the entire upper society and minsters understood what this marriage could entail?
"Do you realize that?" the Emperor added on.
"Yes, Father," Lina responded.
The Emperor scowled even deeper.
If the Emperor held her back, then people would call him selfish. It was one Princess against thousands of lives saved from this war. It was a single woman against the hundreds of thousands of men that would return home.
"You are not marrying a Crown Prince. You will never be able to sit on the throne. Your life would be in shambles. Ritan will discriminate against any and every Teran citizen. You are the Fourth Princess of Teran. They'll tear you into shreds," the Emperor continued, his face taut with disapproval.
Lina could see his frown lines begin to show. There were wrinkles on his forehead and mouth, a vein popping out on his handsome face.
Lina stood proud and unwavering amidst his crude words.
"They will not show you any kindness. You will suffer in Ritan more than any woman of war would've suffered. Your children will not be loved by Ritan. Your children may not even become true Princes and Princesses of Ritan. And who is to say your husband will fight for you?" The Emperor berated.
The Empress' eyes flashed at this golden opportunity. She allowed her husband to continue insulting the Princess' intelligence for a bit longer.
"You are a fool in love, my dear Lina. It is this love that will blind you. It is this love that will bring your ruin. If you marry any man of Teran, you'll live a life of joy. If you marry someone who's not a Crown Prince, especially a man of Ritan, you'll never experience happiness ever again," the Emperor warned.
"Now, now, my Lord Husband, the Princess—"
"I am willing," Lina boldly said.
Once again, the court dramatically gasped. Their eyes trembled at this juicy gossip and dreadful topic.
The Fourth Princess had never gone against the Emperor. She was the most obedient, but also most mischievous Princess of the court. She loved to play pranks and was known to be childish. It was why the Emperor loved her so dearly—she reminded him of his younger self.
"I am willing to be the most unhappy wife if it means our Second Princess can return home. I am willing to be torn apart by Ritan if it means our men can come back home." Lina jutted her chin in the air, throwing his words back at him.
Lina knew her father meant well.
The Emperor didn't want her to get hurt. He didn't want to see her unhappy. He never wished for her to experience pain. But her father did not know she had experienced far worse agony, and it happened on her journey to see her older sister.
"I am willing," Lina repeated again.
Lina placed a hand on her chest. This time, her voice was a whisper, almost like a plea. Her gentle voice was scattered in the wind, her gaze determined against the man who was bent to put her down.
"You are a fool in love then," the Emperor seethed, but he had no choice.
Everyone was watching them. From the ministers that controlled the agriculture to the man that controlled the military.
Every pair of eyes were following the father and daughter duo. The daughter who didn't scream and kick her way out of a marriage. The father who didn't force her into a marriage. Their relationship was far too backward.
"My lord husband," the Empress suddenly said. "Many young women are fools in love, my Lord Husband, but none of them were this brave. The Fourth Princess has made her desires known, and it is a celebratory moment."
Deep down, the Empress was rejoicing at this information. Finally, one of the Second Concubine's horrible daughters was going to be gone!
However, the Empress' joy was short-lived. The Empress was suddenly reminded that Lina was just the devil's sibling.
The true devil was Lina's older sister who could make the Empress' life a living hell. And now that the Commander was returning from war, the real battle was going to begin—right in this palace.
It was almost as if Lina knew what the Empress was thinking. Lina's gaze met the Empress, a sliver of a smirk on her face. Only the Empress had witnessed the flash of emotion. Then, it was gone.
"You are young," the Emperor finally said. "Your love has clouded your judgment. Just because you've wedded into Ritan does not mean the war will end. A discussion will take place between Ritan and Teran. Until then, you're to stay in your room and await the fate I'll discuss for you."
Lina bit down on her tongue. It wasn't what she wanted, but he was right. All Lina had was Kade's empty words. If there wasn't an agreement reached, then it'd be impossible for her to leave for Ritan. It'd be impossible to actually stop the war.
With no choice, Lina bowed her head and agreed.
"Thank you for taking my wish into consideration, Father," Lina responded, dipping herself into an elegant curtsy.
Every pair of eyes were trained onto Lina. The daughters of high society cheered behind the Princess's back, for she was the most sought-after woman. The sons of aristocracy cursed their unfortunate fate, for she was the best woman to marry.
Marriage to the Fourth Princess should've been a dreadful thing, but because of her favorability, many had yearned for her. Alas, all of it was too late.
"But I must warn you, that the Seventh Prince is the least favored of them all," the Emperor added.
Lina froze. She didn't know that. If the Seventh Prince was least favored, then did he truly have the ability to stop the war? She swallowed. Only time could tell.
"Love is love, Father," Lina said.
"Love is love," the Emperor sneered, his lips curling in aggravation.
These were the exact words he had told his third wife, the Second Concubine. Now, they were being thrown back at him, again.
This daughter of his was far too cunning. Why hadn't he noticed that sooner? Now, it was too late. Or was it?
"Father, I want to get married."The entire court choked on their tea. There was a deadly silence in the award ceremony.The Emperor was seated on the highest platform that the eye could see. There were many prominent ladies and men present. They were all here to witness the award ceremony. Daughters whispered to their mothers and sons muttered to their fathers. This was the Fourth Princess who had spoken up. They were all astonished by her audacity, but expected as much.The Fourth Princess was the Emperor's favorite. The entire country knew that. Whatever she wished for, she got. It was at the price of her happiness and freedom. She was a beautiful bird in a cage of gold."To whom?" The Emperor calmly asked, his voice heavy with irritation. The Emperor had expected to award his precious daughter for the sword fighting tournament, but didn't think she'd betray him like this. Lina knew this was an ambush. She could be severely punished. However, Lina had enough. She knew her father would never agree, not unless she cornered him. The last time she brought up this topic in private, he had dismissed it. Now that aristocrats and ministers were gathered for the award ceremony, the Emperor had no choice but to listen to her."I've fallen in love, Father," Lina admitted. "To the Seventh Prince of Ritan, His Highness Kade.""Ritan!" Someone repeated, astonished at the twist of events. The Emperor's favored daughter was going to marry across the border?"Oh dear""The enemy kingdom""A Prince, at that."Whispers one after the other erupted like angry bees. Their mouths moved quickly as everyone discussed this groundbreaking information.The Favored Princess of Teran was going to marry the Seventh Prince of Ritan, and not the Crown Prince?! Everyone was expecting her to one day marry a suitor from one of Teran's alliance countries. The Fourth Princess was pampered enough to become the Empress, yet she was choosing some Seventh Prince?"You will never be able to return home," the Emperor coldly said.The Emperor could not deny his daughter's request. He could only make her regret saying it. How could he reject this request when she had professed her love? How could she, when the entire upper society and minsters understood what this marriage could entail?"Do you realize that?" the Emperor added on."Yes, Father," Lina responded.The Emperor scowled even deeper. If the Emperor held her back, then people would call him selfish. It was one Princess against thousands of lives saved from this war. It was a single woman against the hundreds of thousands of men that would return home."You are not marrying a Crown Prince. You will never be able to sit on the throne. Your life would be in shambles. Ritan will discriminate against any and every Teran citizen. You are the Fourth Princess of Teran. They'll tear you into shreds," the Emperor continued, his face taut with disapproval.Lina could see his frown lines begin to show. There were wrinkles on his forehead and mouth, a vein popping out on his handsome face. Lina stood proud and unwavering amidst his crude words."They will not show you any kindness. You will suffer in Ritan more than any woman of war would've suffered. Your children will not be loved by Ritan. Your children may not even become true Princes and Princesses of Ritan. And who is to say your husband will fight for you?" The Emperor berated.The Empress' eyes flashed at this golden opportunity. She allowed her husband to continue insulting the Princess' intelligence for a bit longer."You are a fool in love, my dear Lina. It is this love that will blind you. It is this love that will bring your ruin. If you marry any man of Teran, you'll live a life of joy. If you marry someone who's not a Crown Prince, especially a man of Ritan, you'll never experience happiness ever again," the Emperor warned."Now, now, my Lord Husband, the Princess""I am willing," Lina boldly said.Once again, the court dramatically gasped. Their eyes trembled at this juicy gossip and dreadful topic. The Fourth Princess had never gone against the Emperor. She was the most obedient, but also most mischievous Princess of the court. She loved to play pranks and was known to be childish. It was why the Emperor loved her so dearlyshe reminded him of his younger self."I am willing to be the most unhappy wife if it means our Second Princess can return home. I am willing to be torn apart by Ritan if it means our men can come back home." Lina jutted her chin in the air, throwing his words back at him.Lina knew her father meant well. The Emperor didn't want her to get hurt. He didn't want to see her unhappy. He never wished for her to experience pain. But her father did not know she had experienced far worse agony, and it happened on her journey to see her older sister."I am willing," Lina repeated again.Lina placed a hand on her chest. This time, her voice was a whisper, almost like a plea. Her gentle voice was scattered in the wind, her gaze determined against the man who was bent to put her down."You are a fool in love then," the Emperor seethed, but he had no choice.Everyone was watching them. From the ministers that controlled the agriculture to the man that controlled the military.Every pair of eyes were following the father and daughter duo. The daughter who didn't scream and kick her way out of a marriage. The father who didn't force her into a marriage. Their relationship was far too backward."My lord husband," the Empress suddenly said. "Many young women are fools in love, my Lord Husband, but none of them were this brave. The Fourth Princess has made her desires known, and it is a celebratory moment."Deep down, the Empress was rejoicing at this information. Finally, one of the Second Concubine's horrible daughters was going to be gone!However, the Empress' joy was short-lived. The Empress was suddenly reminded that Lina was just the devil's sibling. The true devil was Lina's older sister who could make the Empress' life a living hell. And now that the Commander was returning from war, the real battle was going to beginright in this palace. It was almost as if Lina knew what the Empress was thinking. Lina's gaze met the Empress, a sliver of a smirk on her face. Only the Empress had witnessed the flash of emotion. Then, it was gone."You are young," the Emperor finally said. "Your love has clouded your judgment. Just because you've wedded into Ritan does not mean the war will end. A discussion will take place between Ritan and Teran. Until then, you're to stay in your room and await the fate I'll discuss for you."Lina bit down on her tongue. It wasn't what she wanted, but he was right. All Lina had was Kade's empty words. If there wasn't an agreement reached, then it'd be impossible for her to leave for Ritan. It'd be impossible to actually stop the war.With no choice, Lina bowed her head and agreed."Thank you for taking my wish into consideration, Father," Lina responded, dipping herself into an elegant curtsy.Every pair of eyes were trained onto Lina. The daughters of high society cheered behind the Princess's back, for she was the most sought-after woman. The sons of aristocracy cursed their unfortunate fate, for she was the best woman to marry. Marriage to the Fourth Princess should've been a dreadful thing, but because of her favorability, many had yearned for her. Alas, all of it was too late."But I must warn you, that the Seventh Prince is the least favored of them all," the Emperor added. Lina froze. She didn't know that. If the Seventh Prince was least favored, then did he truly have the ability to stop the war? She swallowed. Only time could tell."Love is love, Father," Lina said. "Love is love," the Emperor sneered, his lips curling in aggravation. These were the exact words he had told his third wife, the Second Concubine. Now, they were being thrown back at him, again.This daughter of his was far too cunning. Why hadn't he noticed that sooner? Now, it was too late. Or was it?
