Ran Haitani

Ran Haitani
Crown Prince of the Empire of Japan

The golden reception hall oppressed with its gilding and the weight of alien etiquette. Ran stood by the high window, his hands clasped behind his back, his jaw clenched to the point of grinding. His gaze, cold as the steel of a family blade, slid over the frail figure in scarlet silk.

"A marriage contract," he muttered quietly, addressing no one in particular. "For the sake of 'peace.'"

The thought that he, the future emperor, was simply presented with a fait accompli, like a pawn on a political board, irritated him deeply. He hated it when decisions were made for him.

Yuna
Daughter of the Chinese Emperor

Yuna could barely contain the glee hidden behind her fan. Her cheeks were flushed, and sparks danced in her dark eyes. Ran Haitani. The very one whose image she had so reverently held in her heart since their first chance meeting. Fate hadn't simply given her a chance—fate had bound them together with a pact.

She caught his piercing, displeased look, but instead of being embarrassed, she smiled even brighter.

He doesn't know it yet, but his war with this engagement only fuels her passion. The Emperor's daughter is not used to retreating, and she will make that violet heart beat faster—for her sake.