In the Qu's Mansion
"IMPOSSIBLE! I'm not marrying that man!" Xiotan's voice rang through the grand hall, sharp and fierce. Her eyes burned with fury as she faced her father. "Father, why are you doing this? You want to hand me over to someone I've never even met—someone you barely know—and expect me to accept it? No. I won't do it!"
King Fie remained seated on his throne-like chair, his expression stern and unyielding. "You will marry him," he said flatly. "Do you have any idea how wealthy his people are? This marriage is a strategic alliance. It will elevate our family's influence and secure our power. You should be grateful for such an offer. Whether you like it or not, Xiotan—you are marrying him."
Xiotan took a step forward, her fists clenched. "So that's it? You're threatening me now? Blackmailing your own daughter in the name of status and gold? You're willing to trade my life for prestige? I never thought you'd sink this low, Father. I'm ashamed."
"Xiotan, be quiet," her mother, Duguyan, warned, irritation flashing in her eyes.
"No, Mother. I won't be silent!" Xiotan turned to her, desperation and fire woven into her voice. "This is my life! How can you stand by and let this happen to me? Don't support this madness. Please, don't let them do this to me."
"Enough of this drama," Duguyan snapped, rising from her seat. "You're getting married, and that's final. You've brought nothing but disgrace to this household. Don't forget—your life, your choices, your very existence here—they're all under our control. You're nothing without us."
That was the final straw.
"Who told you we are nobodies?" a firm voice cut through the tension like a blade. Lifie, Xiotan's mother, stood slowly, her eyes locked on Duguyan with pure disdain. "You are the true nobody here. Don't forget—you were the second choice. If this man had been satisfied with what he had, you would never have entered this palace."
She stepped forward, her presence commanding the room. "Don't ever speak down to my daughter again. This is your first and final warning. I don't make threats—I make promises. If you ever insult her again, you will regret it."
"Let's go, my dear," Lifie said calmly, placing a protective hand on Xiotan's arm.
"Wait, Momma!" Xiotan suddenly stopped her. "I have something to say."
Lifie looked at her, puzzled. "Xiotan…"
"No, please. Just let me finish," she said quietly, then turned to face her father once again.
"You want me to get married? Fine. I'll do it. But only on one condition."
The entire room fell silent.
Fie narrowed his eyes. "What condition?"
Xiotan gave a faint, sly smile. "If I'm to be married off like a pawn, then I demand something in return. Restore my mother's position. Make her the leading Queen again. Return her crown and her right to rule. She deserves that much."
Duguyan's eyes widened in rage. "What sort of nonsense—!"
"Shut up!" Xiotan cut her off coldly. "I wasn't speaking to you. This is between me and the King. Father, I'm waiting."
Fie stared at her, calculating. "Is that all you ask?"
"Yes. That's all. Do this, and I will obey. I'll marry whoever you want, without protest."
A long pause.
"Very well," Fie said at last. "It's a deal."
"My Lord, you can't mean that!" Duguyan cried out. "You can't do this to me!"
Fie raised a hand to silence her. "Enough. I've made my decision."
Then he clapped his hands. One of his guards stepped forward.
"Inform the royal council. There will be an emergency assembly at the palace," Fie ordered.
Xiotan exhaled slowly, her gaze drifting to her mother with a proud smile.
Later, in Xiotan's Room
Lifie sat quietly on the edge of her daughter's bed, eyes heavy with emotion. "Xiotan… what have you done?" she whispered. "You can't sacrifice your future for me. I'm old. My days are behind me. But you… you still have your whole life ahead of you."
Xiotan knelt before her, holding her hands. "Mother, don't worry. Whether I marry now or later makes little difference. At least now, I've made sure you get what you deserve. This was my chance—if I didn't take it today, I might never get it again."
Lifie cupped her face gently. "Are you sure, my child?"
Xiotan nodded. "I'm sure. Your little princess made a promise—to fight for your place, your dignity. And I'll keep that promise. I'll make this marriage work. I'll find happiness, even if I have to forge it myself."
Lifie sighed and pulled her into a warm embrace. "Just promise me one more thing—promise me you'll never lose yourself. Stay strong. Stay true to who you are."
"I promise, Mother," Xiotan whispered. "No matter what happens… I will always be me."