Li Xueyue woke up to the sunlight pouring in through the windows. Her vision was still blurry as she scooted closer to the warmth beside her. She let out a contented sigh and hugged him tighter, not seeing the amused smile on his face.
Li Xueyue felt a sense of tranquility unlike any other. It was rare for her to wake up feeling well-rested. But that meant yesterday must’ve taken a toll on her, for she had the best sleep of her life.
When the arm around her waist pulled her closer, Li Xueyue realized he was awake. She attempted to prop herself up on her elbows, but it trembled and gave out from under her. She didn’t expect her whole body to be so sore.
“Good morning?” she mumbled. He caressed her cheek.
Li Xueyue leaned into his gentle touch as his thumb stroked her skin.
“It’s a very good morning,” he reassured her.
Yu Zhen’s fingers hooked under her chin, bringing her face up for a kiss. But she turned her face away and his lips brushed against the corner of her mouth.
“Uhm… my breath,” she whispered, covering her mouth, knowing it wasn’t pleasant. His chest rumbled from underneath her and her heart fluttered in response. He was highly entertained by her reaction.
“You’re too adorable for your own good, Sunshine,” Yu Zhen mused. His hand lazily grabbed the back of her head as he kissed her nose.
“Does it hurt anywhere?” he gently asked, as his fingers massaged her scalp. She closed her eyes in pleasure, relishing in his touch.
“Mmhm.”
Yu Zhen had expected as much. He wasn’t able to control himself last night. Once he had a taste of her sweetness, there was no holding back. He wanted her. And she wanted him. What more could he say?
His eyes trailed down her body covered with bruises and love bites. Perhaps… it was too much for her, but she didn’t complain as much.
“Shall I draw a bath for you?” Yu Zhen asked.
He quite enjoyed their position. She was laying on top of his chest, her hair sprawled out on his upper arm. He could feel her perky breast pressed against him. He wanted to do nothing more but take her again and again.
On second thought…
Yu Zhen grabbed her thigh, the one closest to his hardening member. She was such a tease.
“No…” she mumbled, just as she buried her head into his shoulder.
“No?” he repeated, waiting patiently for her to respond.
“I-I’m still sore,” she shyly said as his rough hand explored downward to her knees. A blush stained her cheeks. She didn’t know why, but it was hard to meet his gaze, especially after the noises she made yesterday.
‘Gosh… he must think I’m wanton [1],’ she thought to herself, worried about his reaction.
Li Xueyue felt guilty for denying him, but she simply couldn’t handle it.
“I’m sorry,” she added on, knowing it was a wife’s duty to please her husband. But that duty felt unfair, didn’t it? What about the wife’s condition and thoughts?
Li Xueyue regretted her words in an instant. ‘Would this make him think—’
“That’s alright, Sunshine,” Yu Zhen reassured. He could’ve sworn he felt her heart race, but it must’ve been a figment of his imagination.
“Really?” she whispered into his neck, enjoying the scent of him.
“Really.”
“Really really?” she asked.
Li Xueyue smiled against his skin when she felt his body shaking. He laughed. It was a sound that tickled her stomach and filled her with warmth.
“We’ve been over this discussion, Sunshine.”
Li Xueyue quietly nodded her head. But the smile quickly disappeared when he untangled their bodies.
“Where are you going?” she sullenly questioned.
It was only for a moment, but she terribly missed his warmth. It was cold without him, despite her silky robes and the blankets covering her.
“To personally draw you a bath, Sunshine,” Yu Zhen told her. It took everything in his will power not to join her in bed. She laid on her side, with pleading eyes, watching his every move.
Yu Zhen leaned into the bed and pulled the blankets higher. He was worried she would feel cold.
The windows were left open last night. It was a habit of his, despite the clear warnings of Lu Tianbi and Hu Dengxiao to close them. But then again, who would dare to attack Hanjian’s Commander?
“Come back soon,” Li Xueyue said.
Li Xueyue watched him saunter to the other side of the room. Her eyes feasted upon his broad shoulders—his muscles rippled with each movement. His backside caught her attention the most.
“Of course,” he told her whilst slipping on his robes. He tied it loosely around his body, revealing a little of his firm chest.
Li Xueyue smiled when he returned to bed. He brushed locks of hair away from her face, which made her heart skip a beat. Then he kissed her on the forehead.
“Don’t miss me too much, love,” he teased.
Li Xueyue rolled her eyes at him but smiled nonetheless. “That should be my line.”
– – – – –
Li Xueyue didn’t realize she had fallen back asleep. She was awakened by the startling discovery that it was airy underneath her. Her head snapped up, and she directly made eye contact with him.
Yu Zhen was carrying her bridal style. He smiled down at her. “We’re almost there.”
Almost where? Li Xueyue could vaguely recall snippets of their endearing conversation the night before, which made her blush. She turned her head and noticed the hallway was empty.
“Every servant and guard was pardoned.”
Li Xueyue blinked, and a puzzled expression flashed on her face not realizing the reasons behind the trivia. She noticed his freshly washed face. There were still droplets of water from the hairs that framed his face.
“Where are we going then?” she asked him.
“To the bathhouse.”
Li Xueyue blinked. Was there such a thing in the palace? Her question was shortly answered when they stopped in front of a thick metal door. She was certain no one would be able to hear anything inside even if they stood right by the door.
Yu Zhen pushed the door open with his shoulders. Instantly, warm gusts of air enveloped them. In particular, Li Xueyue.
Li Xueyue was amazed by the size of the bathhouse. It must’ve been a part of the Crown Prince’s estate.
The walls were lined with a white stone she was unfamiliar with. There was a tall bamboo screen in the center of the room, and she could hear the water pouring from somewhere. The room was steamy but comfortable.
“How come I didn’t know of this place?” she wondered out loud as he carried her towards the bamboo screen.
“Because you never asked,” Yu Zhen responded.
Li Xueyue’s eyes widened upon seeing the enormous pool of water built underneath the floor. It seemed shallow and a sweet, calming scent diffused from the moving waters. Beautiful tiles lined the walls of the underground structure.
“Do you like it?” Yu Zhen asked. He carried her towards the steps and descended into it.
Li Xueyue instantly nodded. Once her body was submerged in the warm water, a satisfied sigh left her mouth. The water soothed her sore muscles as he carried her to a corner.
“My clothes…” she mumbled, realizing they had both gotten it wet.
“The water is comfortable, isn’t it?” Yu Zhen asked her as he sat down in the water. He could see the surprise in her eyes. She was straddling him, her knees resting upon the small seat built into the structure.
“Yes, very.”
Li Xueyue tilted her head as he pulled the clothes off of her. He tossed it behind him, the item landing in a heap on the edge.
“I’ve washed my mouth,” Yu Zhen whispered as one arm snaked around her lower back, his fingers spread when he pushed her against him.
“Will you kiss me now?” he teased, just as one hand grasped her nape.
“Well, I didn’t—” She was distracted when he shifted his body.
Li Xueyue watched as his long arms grabbed the wooden tray beside the edge of the pool. She was caught off-guard when he placed a teacup to her lips.
“Drink.”
Li Xueyue blinked in surprise. It seemed he had planned this in advance. She drank from the teacup, her eyes widening at the taste. The tea was sweet and fragrant. She noticed hints of… rose and honey?
But before she could wrap her head around it, a pair of lips captured hers. Her eyes fluttered shut as she relished in his attention. The kiss was soft and gentle. He was pampering her as his other hand gently massaged her shoulders.
“You brute…” she whispered against his lips, finally realizing where this was going.
Yu Zhen let out a dark laugh. “Did you just realize, Sunshine?”
