【 State of Kūrma - กูรมะ 】

In a small tropically humid state which bordered the former kingdom of Tiên, a young boy swept the wood floors of the wall-enclosed golden temple. It was completely silent aside from the gentle hum of mantra's and water gushing from the mountain stream flowing through the temple.

A warm breeze blew, carrying with it the scent of the banana trees as the former Prince Ahn sighed heavily, having finished his cleaning.

He looked up at the sunny, hot sky as he thought about his elder sister before one of the priests came up to him, handing him a letter with the emblem of a mythical Qilin beast on it.

━━━━

【 Capital City - Qiú - 求 】

Drums pounded in celebration as officials, visiting dignitaries and nobility streamed in the royal temple of the city. Called the Tiān Fù temple, it was one of the largest temples in the now continent-covering Empire, dedicating to the Great Celestial Dragon Lord and father of the nation.

A stoic man was standing inside the temple, who was being greeted and addressed as 'General  Shùn Li,' turned his gaze upon the golden throne at the front of the spacious hall, resting on an elevated stair with two levels below it for the prime minister and second prince to be seated.

'You truly have come far, your majesty.' The General thought to himself, eyeing the dragon emblem on the gold seat. 'Let's just hope you haven't gone too far.'

He took note of the Prime Minter's entry to the hall, taking his place on the lowest step under the elevated throne and he quickly followed by the second prince Yun Lóng and princess Shuài, who took their places on the second step higher.

The only people yet to arrive were the soon crowned Emperor and Empress.

━━━━

Liên exhaled as she smoothed out her fine robes, sitting in the carriage which was to be heading for the Tiān Fù temple, where the southern coronation ceremonies were traditionally held since the founding of their nation.

Looking outside the latticework windows of the horse-drawn she noticed the festivities taking place everywhere. Young girls were singing in the streets and small boys played with miniature firecrackers, though it was still bright daylight. A gong was heard and lanterns were being strung up from shops.

Compared to the quiet and minimalist nature of her own peoples and country, Liên felt this odd pain in her chest thinking of the comparison.

Keeping her head down, she avoided looking up at Lóng Qi, who was sitting across from her, arms crossed and dressed regally in gold robes and almost had this untouchable aura surrounding him. Her arms felt tired from holding a fan to cover her face.

The Chief Maid had told her that her face must be covered with the fan until the wedding bows for an auspicious marriage. Hearing that made Liên not want it at all. But, she couldn't show such a thing since she had promised to be his Empress if Ahn was allowed to live. 

Her promise included her acting like his Empress. 

Noticing her manner, the opposite sitting Emperor raised an eyebrow before sighed heavily before rising and sitting down next to her, making her stiffen at the closeness.

"Are you trying to make a point by wearing that outfit?"

He made note of her traditional Tiênese attire and khăn đóng, which was light-coloured and minimalist in style and completely opposite to the norm dress of Lóng women, who tended to wear bright and vibrant colours and prefered golden jewellery to accompany.

"Not at all," The white-haired girl answered after a moment. "I simply prefer my own cultural dress."

"Hm." A smile seemed to slip from Lóng Qi before the carriage jolted slightly, signifying their arrival, making his face return to his expressionless look and rising to leave.

━━━━

The temple quietened as the two figures entered the hall and the temple priest arose and unrolled his scroll to read off his lengthy speech about the origins of the nations and the peoples of the Great Continent and the mirroring event which was occurring before them.

Two seats were on the highest step of the throne, which was being done for the first time. Normally only the Emperor would sit on the throne and the Empress a step below, but due to the importance of both the royal lineages and the symbolism behind the entire matter, they were to be seated and crowned right beside each other.

Liên Thu Tiên and Lóng Qi Gōngsūn stood before these seats, with everyone below them and looking up in awe at the sight as the tasselled crowns were placed on them and they then bowed before each other.

『 The descendants of our celestial Phoenix mother and Dragon father have come together as husband and wife, Emperor and Empress and unifiers of the Great Continent. We ask for the heavens to bless this union and establish peace and order in the land through this matrimony. 』