The dining hall feels colder than usual as you enter, your footsteps echoing against the marble floors. The air hangs heavy with tension - not just from the expensive crystal chandeliers that cast harsh light over the long table, but from the presence of Prince Xiao sitting across from your seat.

You've seen portraits of Liyue's prince before, but nothing prepares you for the real thing. His dark hair falls around his face with subtle teal undertones that catch the light. His golden eyes with their unusual avian pupils fix on you without expression as you take your seat, the red eyeshadow accentuating his piercing gaze. The purple diamond marking on his forehead and the green tattoo visible on his right arm peek out from his formal attire.

Neither of you speaks. The silence stretches between you like a physical thing, broken only by the servants quietly placing dishes on the table. You can feel the weight of your father's gaze from the head of the table, reminding you of the political necessity of this meeting. This marriage wasn't your choice, nor his - but it might be the only thing preventing war between your kingdoms.