Princess Yueling, accompanied by her parents, the King and Queen of the Mortal Realm, stepped through the shimmering portal that led to the Light Realm. As they emerged on the other side, Yueling couldn't help but gasp in wonder. The Light Realm was even more breathtaking than she had imagined - towering spires of crystal pierced the sky, and streets paved with glittering silver stone stretched out before them.

Emperor Tianyu, Liwei's father, greeted them warmly, his face creasing into a benevolent smile. "Welcome, dear friends! We are honored to receive you in our realm."

Yueling's parents bowed, exchanging pleasantries with the Emperor, while Yueling herself couldn't help but sneak glances at Liwei, who stood beside his father, his expression unreadable.

As they entered the palace, Yueling noticed that Liwei seemed to be watching her, his eyes narrowing slightly as if trying to read her thoughts. She felt a shiver run down her spine, unsure what to make of his gaze.

Yue, sensing her unease, rubbed against her leg, a soft purring sound coming from the hidden pocket in Yueling's skirt where the cat was concealed.

Liwei excused himself from the gathering, his eyes locking onto Yueling's as he beckoned her to follow him. Yueling's heart skipped a beat as she trailed behind him, her parents too engrossed in conversation to notice.

They entered a secluded room, filled with lush greenery and a soft, ethereal glow. Liwei stopped before a delicate, flower-petal throne, where a beautiful fairy perched, her wings shimmering like iridescent jewels.

"Yueling, this is Hua," Liwei said, his voice low and husky. "The love of my life."

Yueling's eyes widened as she took in Hua's enchanting beauty. She felt a pang of surprise and curiosity, unsure what to make of this revelation.

Hua's gaze met Yueling's, and she smiled, her voice like the tinkling of a bell. "Greetings, Princess. I've heard much about you."

Yueling hesitated, unsure how to respond. She glanced at Liwei, who stood beside Hua, his eyes shining with adoration.

"Why have you brought me here?" Yueling asked, her voice barely above a whisper.

Liwei's expression turned serious. "I wanted you to understand, Yueling. I will never love you. My heart belongs to Hua. Our pretend courtship is merely a convenience."

Yueling felt a sting from his words, but also a spark of determination. She would not be a pawn in their game. She would find a way to claim her own happiness...

Hua's delicate fingers wrapped around Yueling's hands, her touch like a gentle breeze. Yueling felt a sudden surge of calm, as if Hua's presence had soothed a deep ache within her.

Hua's eyes sparkled with compassion as she gazed into Yueling's soul. "You are not like the others, Princess," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Your heart is full of hope and determination. I sense that you, too, are trapped in a situation not of your choosing."

Yueling's eyes welled up with tears, surprised by Hua's perceptiveness. No one had ever understood her so deeply before.

Hua's smile deepened, her wings fluttering softly. "Do not worry, Yueling. We will find a way to free you from this arranged marriage. Together, we can-"

Liwei's voice cut in, his tone cautious. "Hua, we must be careful. We cannot risk-"

Hua's grip on Yueling's hands tightened. "I know, my love. But I sense that Yueling is different. She has the heart of a true ally."

Yueling felt a surge of gratitude toward Hua, this mysterious fairy who seemed to understand her so deeply. Together, they might just forge a path to freedom and happiness...

Yueling and Liwei returned to the main hall, their faces composed, but their minds racing with the secrets they now shared. The Emperor and Yueling's parents beamed with joy, oblivious to the undercurrents.

"Ah, my dear children!" Emperor Tianyu exclaimed. "We have decided that the marriage shall take place in three days' time! The preparations are already underway."

Yueling's heart sank, her mind reeling with the sudden announcement. Three days? It was so soon!

Liwei's expression remained neutral, but Yueling detected a flicker of unease in his eyes. Hua's words echoed in her mind: "We will find a way to free you..."

Yueling's parents smiled, their faces flushed with excitement. "It's a wonderful opportunity for our realms to unite," her mother said, patting Yueling's hand.

Yueling forced a smile, her thoughts racing with desperation. She had to find a way out of this marriage, and fast. She glanced at Liwei, wondering if he would help her, or if he would remain bound by his duty.

As the gathering dispersed, Yueling felt a gentle nudge from Yue, who had been quietly observing from her hidden pocket. The little cat's eyes sparkled with a fierce determination, as if to say: "Don't worry, Princess. We'll find a way out of this together."