THE EMPEROR STOLE THE WRONG BRIDE [BL]
Chapter 1
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.
Authy- newwwwwww storyyyyytt heheheheheh
Chapter 2
୭ 𝙏𝙝𝙚 𝙏𝙬𝙞𝙣 𝙗𝙚𝙝𝙞𝙣𝙙 𝙩𝙝𝙚 𝙑𝙚𝙞𝙡 ˚. ᵎᵎ
Morning sunlight spilled across the palace gardens of Lunaris, painting the dew covered flowers in shades of silver and gold.
The peaceful scenery lasted only a few moments before a horrified scream echoed through the royal grounds.
Royal Gardener: (panicking) "Y... Your Highness! Please come down!"
High above him, nestled comfortably on the thick branch of an ancient cherry blossom tree, sat a young man happily munching on a ripe peach as though he hadn't a single worry in the world.
One leg dangled carelessly over the branch while the other rested lazily beneath him.
A paintbrush was tucked behind one ear.
There were faint streaks of blue paint across his cheek.
His elegant white robes...
Were stained with green grass.
He looked less like royalty...
And more like trouble wrapped in expensive silk.
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(takes another bite of the peach, smiling innocently) "It's a beautiful view from up here."
The gardener looked seconds away from fainting.
Royal Gardener: (throws his hands in the air) "His Majesty will execute me if the future royal consort falls from a tree!"
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(tilts his head in confusion) "Royal consort?"
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
The gardener froze.
His eyes widened.
Royal Gardener: "I... meant.."
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
...
Royal Gardener: "Prince.."
Lucien burst into laughter.
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(laughing brightly) "You're a terrible liar."
The gardener covered his face with both hands.
Before he could plead any further, another familiar voice drifted across the garden.
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(crosses her arms with an exhausted sigh) "I knew I'd find you here."
Standing beneath the cherry blossom tree was a young woman dressed in elegant royal attire, every strand of her silver hair perfectly arranged beneath an ornate hairpiece.
Unlike her brother...
She actually looked like royalty.
Lucien flashed his brightest smile.
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(waves enthusiastically) "Good morning!"
Lyra didn't wave back.
Instead...
She held up one of Lucien's missing shoes.
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(raises an eyebrow) "Care to explain why I found this floating in the koi pond?"
Lucien stared at the shoe.
Then at his bare foot.
Then back at Lyra.
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(thinks for a moment) "...I was wondering where it went."
Lyra pinched the bridge of her nose.
The gardener silently prayed for patience on behalf of the entire palace.
With surprising agility, Lucien hopped down from the tree, landing gracefully before his sister.
He immediately reached for the peach still in his hand.
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(offers it with a cheerful smile) "Peace offering?"
Lyra looked at him for a long moment.
Then accepted the peach.
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(takes a bite despite herself) "...You're impossible."
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(grins proudly) "I've been told I'm unforgettable."
She couldn't help smiling. Only for a second. Then reality returned. The smile disappeared.
Lucien noticed immediately. His own expression softened.
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(gently) "You're thinking about the wedding again."
Lyra lowered her gaze. The palace around them buzzed with excitement.
Servants rushed past carrying bolts of shimmering silk. Musicians rehearsed in the distance.
Tailors hurried through the corridors with embroidered veils draped over their arms.
Everyone celebrated. Everyone smiled. Everyone believed a fairytale was about to begin.
Except the bride.
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(quietly) "Do you know what everyone keeps congratulating me for?"
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(forces a small smile) "They congratulate me for becoming the Empress."
Her fingers tightened around the peach.
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(whispers) "No one asks whether I want to become one."
A gentle breeze carried pink cherry blossom petals between the twins.
Lucien stepped closer. Without saying a word... He wrapped his arms around his sister.
Lyra rested her forehead against his shoulder.
For just a moment... She allowed herself to breathe.
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(softly) "You don't have to pretend when it's just us."
Her voice trembled ever so slightly.
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(barely above a whisper) "I'm scared."
Lucien's embrace tightened.
He had seen kingdoms celebrate this marriage.
He had heard ministers call it glorious.
Historic.
Necessary.
Not once...
Had anyone called it lonely.
He pulled back just enough to look at her.
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(smiles gently) "You'll never be alone."
Lyra let out a quiet laugh.
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(teasingly) "Planning to hide inside my luggage?"
Lucien placed a hand dramatically over his heart.
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(gasps in mock offense) "You discovered my brilliant plan."
She laughed.
A real laugh this time. One that made Lucien smile with quiet relief. He would do anything to hear that sound again. Anything.
Neither of them noticed the elderly royal advisor watching from the palace balcony above. He sighed to himself. The twins had always been inseparable.
They laughed together. Cried together. Protected each other. Perhaps...
Too much.
Far above the gardens, dark clouds slowly drifted across the brilliant blue sky. The wind changed.
As though the heavens themselves sensed that fate had already begun weaving a story no one could stop.
And before the sun set... A single impossible idea would be spoken aloud.
One that would alter the destiny of two kingdoms forever.
Chapter 3
₊ 𝘼𝙣 𝙄𝙢𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙨𝙞𝙗𝙡𝙚 𝙋𝙧𝙤𝙥𝙤𝙨𝙖𝙡 ˚ ⌗
The palace of Lunaris had always been filled with music.
Soft melodies drifted through its halls from dawn until dusk, accompanied by the gentle trickle of fountains and the laughter of servants preparing for the grandest celebration the kingdom had ever seen.
Yet inside the royal library...
Silence reigned.
King Orion Lunaris stood before a massive window overlooking the palace gardens, his hands clasped behind his back.
Beside him sat Queen Celeste, carefully reading another diplomatic letter that had arrived from Aurelia only moments ago.
Neither looked particularly happy.
The door creaked open.
A royal attendant stepped inside and bowed deeply.
Attendant: (respectfully) "Your Majesties, Princess Lyra and Prince Lucien have arrived."
King Orion | MC'S FATHER
(calmly) "Send them in."
Moments later, the twins entered together. Lucien, as usual, wore a warm smile. Lyra's smile... Was nowhere to be found. She looked exhausted.
The King noticed immediately. His heart ached. But a king's heart was a luxury he could rarely afford.
King Orion | MC'S FATHER
(gestures to the chairs) "Sit."
The twins obeyed.
For a few moments... No one spoke. The silence itself felt heavy.
Finally, Queen Celeste reached across the table and gently placed her hand over Lyra's.
Queen Celeste | MC'S MOTHER
(softly) "My darling..."
That single sentence shattered whatever composure Lyra had been holding onto.
Her eyes filled with tears.
She lowered her head.
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(voice trembling) "...Mother."
Lucien immediately turned toward her.
His smile disappeared.
The Queen's own eyes glistened.
Queen Celeste | MC'S MOTHER
(caresses Lyra's hand) "If there were another way..."
Lyra laughed softly.
A laugh completely devoid of happiness.
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(wipes her tears) "Everyone keeps saying that."
She looked toward the window where preparations for her farewell festival continued.
Musicians practiced. Children ran through the gardens. Servants decorated every path with flowers. The kingdom celebrated...
Without realizing the bride wished she could disappear.
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(quietly) "Do they know what the Emperor is like?"
The King answered honestly.
King Orion | MC'S FATHER
(shakes his head once) "No."
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(looks at him) "Do you?"
King Orion | MC'S FATHER
...
He remained silent.
That silence answered everything.
Lucien clenched his fists beneath the table.
For the first time in his life...
He hated politics.
The King closed his eyes for a brief moment before speaking.
King Orion | MC'S FATHER
(wearily) "Cassian Aurelius is respected."
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(frowns) "That's not what she asked."
The room fell quiet.
The King slowly looked at his son.
Lucien rarely interrupted.
Today... He didn't care.
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(firmly) "Is he kind?"
King Orion | MC'S FATHER
...
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(voice hardens) "Does he laugh?"
King Orion | MC'S FATHER
...
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(leans forward) "Will he make her happy?"
The King lowered his gaze. He couldn't lie. Queen Celeste quietly wiped away a tear. Lucien's chest tightened. This wasn't a marriage. It was a sacrifice.
After a long silence, the King spoke again.
King Orion | MC'S FATHER
(gently) "Lucien..."
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(looks up) "Yes, Father?"
King Orion | MC'S FATHER
(sad smile) "You have always been the sunshine of this palace."
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
"...What?"
King Orion | MC'S FATHER
(voice barely above a whisper) "Never lose that smile."
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(trying to lighten the mood) "Impossible. It's my best feature."
The Queen chuckled despite herself. Even Lyra smiled faintly.
The atmosphere relaxed... Only slightly. Soon after, the meeting came to an end.
The twins walked through the palace corridors in silence. Neither knew what to say. They had never felt so helpless. Eventually, they reached their favorite place. A quiet pavilion overlooking the lotus lake.
Lucien leaned against one of the wooden pillars. Lyra stood at the railing, watching koi fish glide beneath the water's surface. Minutes passed. Then... Without turning around...
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(softly) "Run away with me."
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(blinks repeatedly) "...What?"
She laughed. Not because it was funny. Because it sounded impossible even to her own ears.
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(shakes her head) "Forget it."
Lucien stared at the water. Then at his sister. Then back at the water. A thought... Ridiculous.
Absurd. Completely impossible. Quietly slipped into his mind.
He frowned.
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
"..no"
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(confused) "No?"
Lucien slowly turned toward her. There was an unusual seriousness in his blue eyes. One she had rarely seen. He took a deep breath.
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(hesitantly) "...You don't have to run."
Lyra tilted her head. Lucien rubbed the back of his neck. He almost laughed at how foolish the idea sounded. Almost.
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(carefully) "What if..."
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
...
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
...
Princess Lyra Lunaris | 23 | MC'S TWIN
(raises an eyebrow) "Lucien?"
He looked directly into her eyes.
Then said the single sentence that destiny had been waiting to hear.
Prince Lucien Lunaris | 23 | MC
(completely serious) "What if... I became the bride?"
The world... Seemed to stop. Even the breeze over the lotus lake fell still. Lyra simply stared at him. Her lips parted. No words came.
Somewhere in the distance...
A temple bell rang.
As though the gods themselves had just heard the most reckless proposal ever spoken.
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