THE EMPEROR STOLE THE WRONG BRIDE [BL]

The continent of Elarion had known war for far longer than it had known peace.

For centuries, kingdoms rose only to crumble beneath another's conquest. Borders shifted with every generation, rivers turned crimson after every campaign, and children grew up learning the names of battles before they learned the names of flowers.

Among the countless kingdoms scattered across the land, two stood above all others.

The Golden Empire of Aurelia, whose banner bore the majestic Phoenix, ruled over fertile plains, towering fortresses, and an army so powerful that neighboring rulers spoke its Emperor's name with equal parts respect and fear. It was a kingdom built upon discipline, strength, and unwavering order.

Across the Moonveil Mountains rested the elegant Kingdom of Lunaris, whose banner carried the White Moon Lotus. Though smaller in territory, Lunaris possessed unmatched scholars, gifted artists, skilled diplomats, and a prosperity born from wisdom rather than conquest. Where Aurelia wielded swords, Lunaris wielded words.

The two kingdoms had been rivals for over a century.

Neither had truly won.

Neither had truly lost.

Every generation inherited the hatred of the last.

Until one devastating war changed everything.

Thousands had fallen.

Villages had vanished beneath smoke.

Even victory tasted bitter when every family mourned someone they had loved.

This time...

Both kingdoms desired something they had never sought before.

Peace.

After months of negotiations, envoys crossed borders carrying scrolls instead of weapons. Kings and ministers debated for weeks beneath glittering chandeliers, each clause examined as though another war hid between the lines.

At last, an agreement was reached.

Not through surrender.

Not through tribute.

But through marriage.

The only daughter of Lunaris would become the spouse of Aurelia's Emperor, forever binding the two royal families together.

If the marriage succeeded...

So would peace.

If it failed...

The continent would bleed once again.

Word spread faster than wildfire.

Merchants discussed it in crowded markets.

Travelers carried the news from one tavern to another.

Children reenacted the upcoming royal wedding in village squares, wrapping flower garlands around one another's heads.

Everyone wished to witness history.

Far away, within the magnificent Imperial Palace of Aurelia, servants hurried through endless corridors carrying bolts of silk embroidered with golden phoenixes. Jewelers worked through sleepless nights, polishing crowns until they reflected every candle in the room. Musicians rehearsed without pause, determined that not a single note would falter before the Emperor.

Outside the palace walls, nobles from every corner of the continent arrived in lavish carriages, each hoping to secure alliances, spread rumors, or simply witness the grandest wedding of the century.

Even the palace staff whispered excitedly whenever they found a spare moment.

Maid: (placing fresh flowers into a crystal vase, smiling brightly) "They say Her Highness of Lunaris is the most beautiful royal in the continent."

Another Maid: (giggles softly) "I've heard the Emperor has never looked at anyone twice."

Footman: (joins in with a grin) "Maybe that'll change after the wedding."

The older butler passing by cleared his throat.

Butler: (raises an eyebrow) "Finish your work before His Majesty hears such nonsense."

The three servants immediately lowered their heads.

All Three: (nervously) "Yes, Sir."

As the butler continued walking, he allowed himself the faintest smile.

Even he was curious.

After all...

The Emperor of Aurelia had rejected countless marriage proposals over the years.

Princesses.

Duchesses.

Daughters of powerful nobles.

None had ever been accepted.

Yet this time...

His Majesty had agreed without hesitation.

No one knew why.

No one dared ask.

Hundreds of miles away, in the royal palace of Lunaris, preparations were no less extravagant.

Silvery fabrics shimmered beneath the afternoon sun. Palace attendants rushed from room to room with embroidered veils, jeweled accessories, ceremonial robes, and countless gifts that would accompany the royal bride to her new home.

The entire kingdom celebrated.

Musicians filled the courtyards with joyful melodies.

Children scattered flower petals along the palace pathways.

The air smelled of blooming jasmine and fresh rain.

It was supposed to be the beginning of a new era.

A future where swords remained sheathed.

A future where children would know peace instead of war.

No one...

Not the kings.

Not the ministers.

Not the priests preparing the sacred vows.

Not even the heavens above...

Could have imagined that one simple decision, made out of desperation between two loving siblings, would turn the most important wedding in history into the greatest scandal the continent had ever witnessed.

And somewhere inside the Moon Palace...

A certain prince was about to make the biggest mistake of his life.