The sun hung low over the capital, bleeding gold and crimson across the sky.
Shen Miao watched it through the gap in the carriage curtains; her fingers pressed against the jade-green silk of her robe. The carriage swayed gently as the horses climbed the gentle slope toward the princess's mansion.
Bai Yue and Bai Yin sat across from her, unusually quiet. Even they could feel the weight of the evening.
"Miss," Bai Yin said softly, "you look beautiful. The princess will be pleased."
Shen Miao didn't answer. She touched the hairpin—light green with dangling flowers—and felt the small weight of it against her palm.
"Mother," she thought. "If you were here, would you be proud?"
The carriage turned a corner. Through the curtain, she caught a glimpse of a dark figure on horseback riding just ahead—her brother, his posture straight, his dark blue robes blending into the fading light.
He had insisted on riding alongside the carriage rather than inside it. Xi Shu followed on another horse, his face set in careful neutrality.
"Brother," she whispered, though he couldn't hear her.
The carriage climbed on.
---
Shen Yao rode in silence.
The streets were emptying as the sun dipped below the rooftops. Lanterns were being lit along the main avenue, their warm glow spreading across the cobblestones.
Behind him, the carriage wheels rumbled. Inside, his sister was preparing herself for a room full of strangers.
"She's nervous," he thought. "She doesn't show it, but she is."
He didn't know why that bothered him. He didn't know why he had told Xi Shu to stay close to her tonight. He just knew that the idea of her walking into that hall alone—surrounded by vultures in silk—made his jaw tighten.
Xi Shu rode up beside him.
"Young Master, we're approaching the princess's residence."
Shen Yao nodded. Ahead, the mansion's gates came into view—wide, ornate, flanked by guards in ceremonial armor. Lanterns hung from every pillar, casting the entrance in a warm, golden glow.
"The princess's personal attendants will receive the Fourth Miss," Xi Shu continued. "Young Master will enter through the main hall with the other noble heirs."
Shen Yao glanced back at the carriage. He couldn't see her face, but he imagined her smoothing her robes, checking her hairpin, taking a deep breath.
"Stay with her," he said quietly. "For the rest of the night"
Xi Shu bowed his head. "As you command."