Before dinner Du Fen was instructed to go to meet his husband-to-be's Imperial Mother and some family. They would gather before the meal at times to converse, and he was supposed to greet them formally while they did so. It made him nervous to think he would meet them so soon.

Therefore, in preparation he had a nap while the household was moving in. He bathed the dirt and sweat of the road from himself, and put on his fanciest new robes aside from his wedding attire. He had his hair combed and put up in his family's special headpiece.

His robes were a rich auburn brown with gold stitching on them, not as bright as the royal gold robes that many of the Imperial family favoured, but very complimentary to them. The fact that they also made his eyes look like two rich pieces of polished gold was just a side benefit.

The cut was definitely that of a high noble, and the craftsmanship second to only the Emperor's robes. He didn't want his future in-laws to think that he was poor or unimportant just by the robes he chose to wear.

Jian Jun had told him that there was no person above him but these family members that he was meeting, so he knew that first impressions were going to be important. He went over in his head all the etiquette that his mother had taught him before going to the Peony Pavilion.

The Head Eunuch for the Empress Mother came to bring him over, and he noted that the palace they were approaching was also close to the Emperor's, and very exquisitely decorated. Many eyes followed his progress with his appointed personal servants.

In the garden, a very beautiful older woman sat with half a dozen men and a dozen women about her. The matriarch watched him come in with sharp eyes and stone face. If she did not blink, he might think she were an intricately carved statue.

He bowed to her, recalling his mother who said that one must speak second always with permission to those of higher station. He smiled mildly and waited patiently for his future-mother-in-law to recognise him to speak. She waited for a touch longer than was polite, but he didn't raise a brow.

"We see our son's bride-to-be has come to us. Go ahead." She said in a flat voice. Everyone was staring at him, and he tried to keep calm.

"I am honoured to meet my Most Esteemed Imperial Empress and future mother. Hoping for long life and happiness for her person. Pleased to have you guide this servant." He bowed again and then was forced to wait for her to look him over.

"We are pleased to meet one Lord Du Fen. We will graciously send you teachers to help instruct you on proper etiquette in the palace. You must strive to be worthy of my son, your Emperor." Her eyes narrowed as though what she found were lacking.

"O-of course, Imperial Empress Mother. I will learn well and strive to be worthy always." He managed to get out under the hard eyes of all those present. She flicked her hand, and he was removed from the garden.

He was a little shocked that he was not invited to stay and chat, nor was he regarded very well by those present. It was a bit disheartening. He hoped that he might get along with the Emperor's mother, but that might not be the case.

Now he felt like he was overdressed and had nowhere to go. His head was in the clouds as he went back towards his palace, and therefore hardly noticed as the Emperor approached from the other direction.

It was only when they were nearly upon each other that he started and came out of his thoughts. He saw the slight confusion on the Emperor's face, and his glance over to where they came from, before the man's face became impassive again.

"We are surprised, Lord Du. Did you not go to see Our Imperial Mother?" He asked briefly. Du Fen nodded and replied.

"Indeed, Your Majesty. I have seen your mother the Empress just now, and given her my compliments." He gulped at the memory of his reception and could not help a sad smile as he bowed.

"Did Our Mother not invite you to join their chat, or dinner?" He asked in a low voice, watching the youth's reaction. Du Fen looked down at his feet and shook his head.

"No, Your Majesty. It would seem Your Imperial Mother is too busy today to speak with me." He excused the Empress Mother with a soft voice. Jian Jun narrowed his eyes and inwardly scoffed. His mother was probably just mad that he hadn't married her choice of bride first.

"I see. If Our mother is too busy, then We shall not bother her. Come Lord Du, We will have you to dine with Us instead." The Emperor snapped his fingers and turned around towards his own palace.

The servants and guards moved quickly and respectfully. One group continued to the Empress' palace to inform her of the change of plans, the rest followed the Emperor as he went back to his palace. Du Fen nervously gulped and followed him in behind.

The Emperor's broad back was covered in his splendid royal robes now, and Du Fen admittedly liked to look at him from his two steps behind. He was nervous that the slight from the Empress Mother had created conflict with the Emperor just now.

They walked into the magnificent palace of the Emperor, a large sign overhead calling the place the Dragon Pavilion. Indeed, all the pillars were carved and the doors carefully painted with magnificent dragons of all sizes and shapes.

The palace was made in reds and golds as they walked through. It was massive, with a large courtyard out front, then a receiving area, rooms on either side that were closed to prying eyes, and finally he was brought to stand at the gate to an inner garden.

At the entrance to the lovely space, he was stopped by the Emperor's guards just outside. He waited there with the servants and personal guards, watching as the Emperor walked into the garden.

He could not go further, as the guards had blocked his way. His brow furrowed in confusion. How was he supposed to eat with the man if he was not permitted to go where he was dining? He turned to stare down the guard that blocked him.

"Why do you block this Lord from entering with the Emperor?" He asked in a calm, clear voice. The guard looked a little surprised at him, and seemed to act superior.

"Is the Lord uneducated? No person is permitted into the Emperor's private sanctum. This garden and the rooms beyond are off limits to all but the shadows and the Emperor himself." The man said with no room to argue.

Du Fen frowned at the man, then turned to see Jian Jun standing only a few paces away, having come back to see what was going on. The Emperor narrowed his eyes at the guard's tone of voice and rude explanation.

"Incorrect. The rooms are off limits to regular guards, servants and visitors unescorted by Ourselves. Come Lord Du. We wish to dine inside." The Emperor cut in with an uncompromising tone.

The guard looked humbled and bowed low before Du Fen, allowing him to pass instantly. His face was red with shame and he remained on his knees as the two left the entrance. Other servants and guards made note of Du Fen's face, as he was the first that the Emperor had brought inside.

They reached the other side of the garden after walking through a beautiful wonderland of trees, flowers and small interests. A bridge ran over a stream, a pagoda stood on a small hill, and a sitting area with low seats and a table marked with game board all marked their passage.

"My father enjoyed playing that with my mother in private." The Emperor told him in passing when Du Fen went by the last area. Du Fen smiled and nodded shyly. He felt overwhelmed with all that the day had entailed.

As they came upon a room which was small for the palace, but large overall, Du Fen hovered in the doorway uncertainly. The Emperor came in with a sigh and collapsed onto a large settee with comfortable cushions. Du Fen was shocked to see his painting hanging up on the wall.

"Those people mean well, but they give me a headache." He confessed to the youth. Du Fen grinned and crept a little further in, feeling emboldened. This was Jian Jun before him now, and he felt more comfortable with the man he travelled with.

"Be glad they are so vigilant to protect you, Your... er... Jian Jun." He ducked his head sheepishly when Jian Jun shot him a warning look as he almost used the title of address.

"Perhaps. They may just be looking out for their own interests though. The court is quite arrogant and demanding in their wishes." He commented as he half lay on the couch with his eyes closed.

"And they... do not wish for me?" Du Fen asked quietly. The Emperor cracked his eyelid open slightly.

"Some do, some do not. Anyone who has my favour is to be feared." Jian Jun replied casually. Du Fen smiled a little.

"And I have your favour?" He asked in a whisper. He looked at the man lounging hopefully, creeping closer. Jian Jun shot out a hand so suddenly that Du Fen jumped in surprise. He made a gasp as he was pulled on top of the hard body of the Emperor in an instant.

"Yes, Du Fen. You have my favour." He purred to the youth before claiming his lips. His strong arm pressed him against the man's equally impressive body. Their full length rubbed infinitesimally against each other.

Du Fen moaned as the man beneath him dominated his senses. He didn't realise how much he missed the closeness that they had experienced on the trip until it was gone with the stuffy rigid rules of the palace.

"Gods I cannot wait to claim you as my wife. If our wedding were not so soon, do not think I wouldn't rush everyone to make it happen tomorrow." Jian Jun teased the man draped upon him. Du Fen giggled and buried his face into the crook of his neck.

"Good. I am happy. My future husband likes me and dotes on me well. I will have to be a very good wife for him." He murmured into the expensive clothes there. He felt the man squeeze him a little in response.

"Ah, my stupid stomach. I am hungry for food now, but I do not want to let you go." Jian Jun complained as his belly made an inelegant sound.

"We can sit next to each other, Jian Jun. I am hungry too, so we should go eat." Du Fen replied to him, patting his chest. They shifted themselves and got to their feet reluctantly.

"They should be ready to serve our dishes now. Come on." The Emperor pulled on his love's hand and they went through into another room with a table and benches made of polished wood. He made to sit at the seat next to him, but was pulled onto the man's lap instead.

"Hey! Why can't I sit there?" He pouted and pointed at the other side of the bench. Jian Jun looked at the wood bench disdainfully.

"No, too far. You can sit here." He shifted so one arm was securely wrapped around the youth's waist, and his plump little bottom sat upon his thigh. Jian Jun licked his lips, his hunger for two things now balanced.

"It is awkward to eat like this. You let me sit next to you and eat." Du Fen tried to cajole the Emperor. His face was reddened with a fierce blush. He didn't want the servants to see him like this.

"It's fine. I can eat with one hand. I do it all the time when work is piled and I must have lunch at my desk." The man beneath him insisted with a wave of his hand to bring in the food.

All the dishes in his inner courtyard were tasted before they passed the door, and too many secret eyes were upon them to have to worry about poison. So when they arrived the Emperor was able to eat right away.

Du Fen was too busy hiding behind his hands to avoid the eyes of the servants as they brought in the food. Such a pretty youth with pink cheeks and shy demeanor, the servants immediately liked him and smiled to themselves as he whispered thanks for the meal.

The Emperor smiled as well, happy that his bride won the approval of his inner people so quickly. He offered the boy bites of the dishes to coax him from beneath his hands. Du Fen's hunger finally outweighed his embarrassment, and he picked up his own chopsticks.

They ate in a comfortable silence. The shifting of the youth on his leg now and then did nothing to quell the secondary hunger that Jian Jun was experiencing. It made it difficult not to press the youth down on the table once his primary hunger was fulfilled.

Instead he watched the expressions of eagerness, delight and enjoyment of the food pass over the youth's features. It was an interesting occurrence for him, to feel so comfortable as he sat so close with another.

He trusted Du Fen. It was not something he felt everyday or for very many people. This man in his arms was someone he felt would never willingly betray his trust. His own gain was for simple things, like a kind word for his abilities or a plate of fine food.

His desires were simple and understandable. They made Jian Jun comfortable that the boy had no ulterior motives. His attitude was straightforward as well. He could trust that the lad would tell him what he wanted and how he felt.

"Why do you stare at me?" Du Fen asked in a low voice, his brow furrowed at the serious look on the Emperor's face. The man's face lightened slightly and he smiled with the corner of his mouth.

"You are good to stare at." He teased, tucking a long strand of hair back out of his view. Du Fen pouted a little, wiping his mouth self-consciously and turning slightly to look at him. The movement on his lap had Jian Jun gulping.

"Careful, Du Fen. I may be tempted to eat more than I should." He gruffly said to the boy in warning. Du Fen tilted his head curiously.

"The food is good, but you will feel heavy if you eat too much of it." He replied, not catching the meaning behind the words. Jian Jun chuckled at him. This was a perfect example of his simple love's mind.

He frowned however when he thought of the intrigues of the Imperial Palace. The youth would need instruction if he were to survive, but at the same time he loathed to destroy the innocence of the boy.

"You will have much to learn before our wedding, Du Fen. It will make your head hurt with all the rules, but please be patient. I will make sure you are safe, even if I cannot be with you." He promised his wifey.

"I will do my best." Du Fen nodded and leaned into the warm, strong chest.

"I know you will. If you need me, I want you to send the request to the General. Others might stop your words from reaching me, but they will not stop it from reaching him. Okay? Remember this." Jian Jun instructed him. Du Fen nodded and listened well.

"Okay. I will remember."

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