Warning: This Chapter has 18 scene
AT THE SA TI
I SHEN’S POINT OF VIEW:
The music swirled around like a soft breeze, the glow of chandeliers casting sparkling light on the polished floor. My heart fluttered nervously as Lianwei’s hand found mine, guiding gently into the dance. The ballroom felt vast, yet with him so close, the world narrowed until it was just the two of us moving in rhythm.
I tried to steady my breath, the silk of my gown brushing against his sleeve. His eyes held that familiar warmth, steady and sure, making forget the watchful gazes and palace whispers. For a mont, I was simply i Shen, not the future empress, not a woman under scrutiny just a woman in his arms. As the last notes of the song faded, Lianwei leaned close, his voice low and teasing.
"Co with ." He whispered, a teasing smile playing on his lips. My heart hamred, a mix of excitent and nervousness swirling inside .
We slipped away from the crowd, down silent corridors lit by flickering lanterns, until we reached his chambers. The door closed behind us with a quiet thud, shutting out the world, leaving just the two of us. He pulled gently into his arms, his fingers threading through my hair as he looked at with such tenderness I almost forgot my nerves.
"You’re so beautiful tonight." He murmured, his voice low and full of promise.
I swallowed hard, feeling heat flood my cheeks.
"I’m... nervous." I admitted, my voice barely more than a whisper.
He smiled, brushing his thumb over my cheek.
"I’ll be gentle, I missed you so much" He promised. "Just trust ."
"I mssed you too, Lianwei."I whispered as I found his lips.
His lips found mine, soft at first, then with growing hunger that sent sparks dancing down my spine. His hands explored, careful but eager, and every touch made shiver. The silk of my dress slipped away, and I felt the cool air on my skin mingled with the warmth of his hands.
Ti lted into a haze of whispered nas and stolen breaths. He made feel cherished, desired, like I belonged with him in this mont and every mont to co. When we finally ca together, it was tender and fierce all at once. Afterward, we laid tangled in the soft sheets, his heartbeat steady against mine, and the world outside felt far away.
The next morning, sunlight spilled into the room, warm and golden. I smiled softly as I traced lazy circles on Lianwei’s chest. He was still half asleep, his fingers lightly teasing my skin, making laugh.
The morning sunlight filtered gently through the grand windows as we made our way down to the breakfast hall. My hair was still a wild ss from last night, and I fought the urge to yawn as Lianwei linked his arm with mine, his presence a warm anchor in the flood of nerves and exhaustion still swirling inside .
As we settled into our seats, I dared to hope the morning might be calm. Maybe just a quiet al with my family, no teasing, no awkward glances, just normal. Ha. I should’ve known better.
Before I could even reach for my tea, Lianwei’s mother gave that look. You know the one the one that says ’I know exactly what happened last night and you’re not getting away with pretending otherwise.’ She raised a perfectly arched eyebrow and smiled with a spark of mischief.
Then, just to seal my fate, his grandmother leaned in with a sly grin and said loud enough for everyone to hear, "Well, i Shen, if last night is anything to go by, the palace might need to start preparing for the second grandbaby soon."She said.
I nearly choked on my tea. My cheeks burned hot, and I shot a panicked glance at Lianwei. His cheeks were just as pink, but he just gave a cheeky grin in return and shot his grandma a mock stern look.
"Oh, don’t be shy." His mother teased, her eyes gleaming with delight. "We all know the future empress has important duties. The throne must be secured with plenty of heirs. Don’t you agree, Lianwei?"
He just shrugged, still smiling like he was in on so secret joke, and squeezed my hand under the table.
"I think the empress has things well under control."Lianwei said.
At that mont, Huan, sitting nearby with his breakfast untouched, piped up in his high-pitched, innocent voice, "Mommy, when can I have a little brother or sister? I want soone to play with!"Huan asked.
The whole table froze for a heartbeat, then laughter erupted from everyone, especially from his grandmother, who reached over and ruffled his hair.
"Well, looks like the pressure’s on." She chuckled. "You’ve got a future heir with quite the persuasive argunt!"
Huan grinned, eyes sparkling.
"Yeah! I can teach them all my gas and hide-and-seek spots."Huan added.
I looked down at him, heart lting. He was so earnest and hopeful that I had to smile despite the heat creeping up my neck. Lianwei’s mother gave a mock sympathetic look.
"Don’t worry, i Shen. We’ll make sure you get all the support you need."She said.
"I’m sure the palace staff will be very... attentive to your needs." His grandmother added, winking.
I groaned softly, covering my face with my hands for a second, but deep inside, I felt an odd swell of happiness. This was the first ti since arriving here that I felt truly included, teased like family and not just a stranger or outsider. Lianwei chuckled beside .
"They’re definitely enjoying themselves."He said.
I gave him a playful shove.
"You better be ready for all this ’support’ you just promised."I added.
He leaned close, voice low and warm.
"With you? Always ready."He said and smiled.
More laughter followed, and the teasing kept going throughout the al, plans for nurseries, ridiculous baby nas, who would spoil the kids most, and whether I’d really survive sleepless nights. When I glanced around the table, I saw how happy everyone looked joyful, a little chaotic, and completely genuine. And I realized, with all the teasing and awkwardness, I was finally ho.
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