Xiao Zai was convinced that everything about this wedding was meant to punish him.
He had to undertake a long and arduous journey into Xin, only to escort his future husband back to Zui, which meant he would spent several days on the road.
His dam-father encouraged him to be courteous in the household of the Prince of Jing, and look out for any opportunities for alliances. After all, they were bound to be unfavored with their king too, since their alpha heir was also being embroiled in this messy treaty. They could be useful in the future, and it was best not to alienate them so early on by being rude.
Xiao Zai tried to keep his dam's sensible words in mind as he travelled through narrow roads, sheer mountain faces, and withstood two thunderstorms, just to reach the cursed land of Xin. Where, to add insult to injury, the weather was unseasonably warm.
