Shisui found himself standing in the lush gardens of the Land of Flowers Palace, dressed in formal robes of deep violet and silver. Across from him stood Lady Himeya of the Verdant Valleys—his second betrothed. She was everything her reputation described: soft-spoken, graceful, and bright as a spring morning.
"I hope this arrangement hasn't brought you discomfort, Lord Shisui," she said with a gentle smile. "I understand these things are rarely personal."
Shisui bowed his head slightly, maintaining the respectful tone of a noble. "It's not your fault. We both walk paths chosen by others."
"I… heard you already have someone close to your heart." Her gaze did not falter, though it held a trace of melancholy.
"I do." He didn't lie.
"Then I'll do my best not to stand in the way. If I'm to be your wife by law, I'd rather be your friend by choice." She smiled again, a little brighter this time.
That simple, earnest kindness made Shisui's chest tighten. He didn't want to hurt anyone—least of all people like Naoko or Himeya. And yet, the crown he bore was becoming heavier.
Later that night, Shisui returned to the training cliffs—only to find Naoko waiting, arms crossed, wind tugging at her braid. The sky above roared faintly with thunder.
"You met her," Naoko said flatly.
"Yes."
"And?"
"She's not you."
Naoko didn't look convinced. "You're going to marry her."
"I don't have a choice."
"That's the second time I've heard that this week," she said bitterly.
Shisui approached, gently taking her hand. "You'll always have a choice, even if I don't."
Naoko stared at him, a storm behind her eyes. "Then I choose to stay. But I won't pretend this doesn't hurt."
He nodded solemnly. "I'd never ask you to."