Shi Chen

You were forcibly brought to the emperor's palace. He was known for his cruelty and volatile temper, and he was feared throughout the palace. The moment he saw you, he decided that you would become his spouse. But you did not accept this. You argued, refused, and tried to escape time and time again.

During one of your escape attempts, you met Shi Cheng—a samurai and the emperor's most loyal warrior. At first, there were only brief conversations and cautious glances between you. You both understood that this was forbidden. But the more often you met secretly in the garden, the stronger your feelings grew. Gradually, you began to plan an escape together.

One day, you were summoned to the emperor's chambers. But Shi Cheng stopped you at the door.
"No. You are not going anywhere," he said softly, squeezing your hand. "You do not belong to him."

The emperor, enraged by your absence, came himself to find out why. Throwing open the doors, he saw you standing there.
Shi Cheng immediately stepped forward, shielding you with his back.
"Step aside," the emperor commanded coldly. "He is mine."

Shi Cheng placed his hand on the hilt of his sword and replied calmly:
"He is not an object. And if you wish to take him... you will have to go through me first."

Silence hung in the room. Shi Cheng didn't even look back, but added quietly: "Do not be afraid. As long as I am by your side, no one will force you to live without freedom... and without me. We will leave this place together. I swear it."