Disclaimer: Dynasty Warriors is not my idea. This story is fiction, not history.

"Shang Xiang! Shang Xiang, are you listening to me at all?"

"Hmm?"

"You weren't paying attention at all, were you? Damn it, unless it's fighting, you don't care, do you?"

Sun Shang Xiang ran a hand through her tousled bob and gave her big brother a grin from under her bangs. "Come on, Ce, that's not fair." She brushed a kiss on his cheek. "I was listening, really!"

"All right, then tell me what I said." Sun Ce crossed his arms over his chest. The glare he gave his little sister could have melted the rocks of their palace, and she winced.

"Father would like me to meet a suitable marriage prospect, because I'm eighteen and an eligible young lady." She grimaced. But I don't WANT to get married, Ce! I like being able to do what I want, when I want, and with whom I want. I don't want a husband telling me what to do, what to wear, what to say!"

"Come on, it's not that bad."

"You would say that! You JUST got married!" Shang Xiang stared up at the sky. "I even tried talking to Zhou Yu, thinking he'd talk a little sense into you and Father, and I couldn't get any help! He's so besotted with Xiao Qiao, it's like nothing else exists!"

Ce sighed. Talking to his little sister about marriage was like trying to tame one of those monstrous elephants the Nanman tribes rode. The more you pushed it, the more the beast shied away. If it weren't for Liu Bei trying to take over the Jing province and Sun Jian hoping for an alliance, he'd have been just as happy to let his sister be. "Come on, sis, all you have to do is meet him. You don't have to make any promises now, you don't have to marry him immediately, just talk with him. I'll even ask Father to grant you some time to decide if you want to marry him." And hopefully, he won't force you into it, he added mentally.

"Really?" Shang Xiang considered. Ce had their father's ear more than she or their younger brother, Sun Quan, ever had. Maybe he could convince dear Papa that she was old enough to make her own decisions. "All right, Ce. I'll even wear a dress to meet this guy. But you promised." She held out a hand. "Agreed?"

Ce took his sister's hand and shook firmly. "Agreed. You won't regret this, Shang Xiang, I promise."