Here we are!! The new chapter with that one part everyone was waiting for. It was a little difficult to write but I am satisfied with the outcome ^^

11.000 words... that was so not planned...  xD xD 

I hope you enjoy this chapter <3 <3 <3

Wei Ying's POV

"Ladies and gentlemen, I would like to make an announcement." The emperor said and stood up. The conversations on every table faded away as every head in the room turned to him. I had difficulties following suit as Wang Ji's eyes held me captivated.

"As all of you know, three years ago our crown prince was gifted with a son, the future emperor of the heavenly realm. Three years passed since then and I think it's about time we start to follow the customs and let the first and only consort of Lan Huan, prince Wei Ying, raise him."

That was what made me break the eye contact with Wang Ji and turn to the emperor. 'Excuse me!?'

"Due to the loss of our fifth princess, I didn't think it was a good idea to force the heir into prince Wei Ying's arms. He was still in mourning which is understandable. Now, three years later, I think he is ready to fulfill his duty and raise the future emperor." The emperor turned to me and smiled brightly. "What do you think, Wei Ying?"

There was a murmur and everyone started to look at me, including Lan Huan, who squeezed my hand. From the corner of my eyes, I could see that Lan Huan was surprised at the announcement but seemed to be pleased. He smiled at me, waiting for my answer.

Not that I had a choice or anything. It was custom for the first consort to raise the children of the concubines. Now I also understood why Wen Qing came to me and begged me days ago. As she lived at the emperor's palace it was only natural that she overheard this topic.

No first consort would deny raising another woman's child, especially if it's an heir. But I was different. I didn't want to raise that child. Not that I had anything against him, not at all. But why should I raise the child of someone Lan Huan cheated on me with? It would have been another topic if I knew about their doings and would have agreed to it like it was normally the case within the royal harem, but I didn't. Lan Huan betrayed me and had a child with Wen Qing.

I have nothing against the child but I would never agree to raise him. Moreover, it was an immortal baby. He would stay an infant for the next 100 years. Not like my daughters who grew up at normal speed as a mortal. That meant I would have to raise an infant born by someone else for the rest of my life until I die. Could that even be called a life?

I knew I promised to fulfill my duties but that went too far. I was about to tell them about my opinion when someone else raised their voice.

"You want a mortal to raise an immortal? Not that I don't have any faith in prince Wei Ying's abilities to raise a baby. Seeing how the princesses were raised and turned out proved his abilities in raising children. But the princesses were mortal, they grew up at the same pace as prince Wei Ying. The crown prince's son is immortal and I don't think it would be a good idea to let a mortal raise him."

"Why not?" Lan Huan next to me asked that person who turned out to be the prime minister. "He did a perfect job raising our children and I am sure he is also capable to raise my son despite him being immortal. Don't assume things if you don't know him as well as I do!"

"I am sorry, your highness, but I agree with the prime minister. Even if we let your consort raise your son and even if he would do an amazing job, which I don't doubt a second, it wouldn't be fair for the boy. He would get attached to prince Wei Ying and would need to get used to someone else again once his highness died." Another minister said and a murmur went through the crowd.

"Doesn't make his highness's concubine a good job at raising him?" Someone asked in favor of Wen Qing.

"Miss Wen Qing is doing an excellent job." The emperor answered. "But she is a concubine and not the first consort. We need to follow the rules and customs. That means that prince Wei Ying will raise my grandson. I don't see any problem with that."

"You said it yourself, your majesty. We need to follow the rules and customs. I agree with that." The queen of another realm said. She looked like she was in her mid-thirties if she would have been a mortal, which means she seems to be a lot older than Lan Huan. "Then why does Miss Wen Qing not have a title yet? It seems she is still a normal concubine. According to the customs, she should get the title of an Imperial Noble Consort, aren't I right? And if she gets that title she should be able to raise the heir if his highness, Wei Ying, and his highness Lan Huan agree to that."

I might not be an immortal but I knew the customs well enough and was sure that Wen Qing wouldn't get the title of an Imperial Noble Consort just because she gave birth to an heir. It was the decision of the first consort of the crown prince, namely I, to let Wen Qing marry into the harem and give her that title or not. Only then would Wen Qing have the title of an Imperial Noble Concubine.

"Miss Wen Qing is still a concubine, your highness." The emperor smiled at her. "She has the right to marry the crown prince and receive the title of the Imperial Noble Consort but she won't get it just by giving birth to the crown prince's heir. You, as a queen should know that." The emperor clarified.

"That woman contributed a lot to the royal bloodline. She gave the crown prince an heir after all. In my opinion, she deserves the title of Imperial Noble Consort."

"What are you saying!?" Someone else asked shocked. "Do you want the crown prince to marry a servant? I understand that Miss Wen Qing gave birth to the heir but forcing the crown prince into a marriage with her just because of that? Isn't that too much? I think there is no problem with prince Wei Ying raising the boy."

"But in the past, it was handled like that as well." Another stated and I heard a snort from the other side of the room. I looked in that direction and saw a woman looking annoyed. She wore a crown so she must be a princess or a queen.

"Just because it was handled like that in the past doesn't mean it has to be like this all the time! In the past, the crown princes weren't forced into such a marriage but did it willingly out of love. The first consorts always agreed to it out of love for the crown princes. Let me tell you something, I would surely be happy for my husband if one of the concubines would gift him with an heir. But I would never agree to let them marry them afterward! I don't care if they love each other. He is my husband and it is my task to raise his children. And I would love to do that!"

"Today is not about you but the crown prince of the heavenly realm, your highness." Someone else said and a few laughed.

"That is right. And I too think that following the customs and letting the first consort raise the child would be good. But we are talking about a mortal and not an immortal."

Everyone started a discussion about what was the right decision and I almost laughed. I heard how often it was mentioned that I was just a mortal. Now they thought it was important but when they told Lan Huan to sleep with Wen Qing to get an heir they forgot about that fact.

I shook my head and tried my best to not laugh. This was a serious topic after all.

As I was busy watching and listening to the discussion in front of me I realized that the emperor was watching me. Watching my reaction. For him, it didn't matter what I decide as he would be happy with either option.

I heard Lan Huan protecting me and trying to convince everyone that I would do a perfect job in raising his son. To be honest, I thought so too. I would surely do a good job if everything was different. If that child was not conceived by breaking my heart.

That child was born from an affair and I was betrayed and hurt a lot. I wouldn't dare to raise that child. Moreover, I would never take a child away from its mother. How could someone do this? If someone would think about taking away my children, I would kill everyone to protect them. I wouldn't let anyone take away one of my daughters. Therefore there was no way I would take the boy away from Wen Qing no matter how much I dislike her and her actions. I was not a monster.

That was my decision and it must have been seen on my face because there was a smile on the emperor's face. That satisfied smile made me realize, that he knew what I would decide from the beginning. I had the feeling everything that happened here and today was calculated. He probably brought up this topic so something would change in his favor. If he didn't mention it today, everything would have stayed as it was and for him, that didn't seem to be a good thing.

I knew that the emperor took a liking to Wen Qing or else he wouldn't have chosen her to be the one Lan Huan went to bed with. And now, after giving Lan Huan, and him, what they wanted the most, it was only natural that he liked her even more, servant or not.

Of course, I was just being paranoid .... but it really seemed like it.

Before the conversations could escalate I cleared my voice and raised from my seat. "I didn't know everyone was worried about something like this. Well, I am a mortal, raised in the mortal world so I won't understand how you guys think. Anyway, I kind of understand everyone's worries and opinions. But actually, there is nothing to worry about. I thank everyone for their opinions and would like to tell you how I think about everything." I started my speech and when everyone's eyes fell on me I felt more than just uncomfortable.

I let my gaze wander through the room, meeting many pairs of eyes but only two golden ones made me feel calmer. I would have loved to keep looking into Wang Ji's eyes, and not just to calm down, but as everyone was watching me, I decided not to.

"Albeit I am sure I will make a good job in raising the heir to the throne, I won't do it. The main reason is simply that it is a child conceived out of wedlock. My husband had an affair, he cheated on me, he betrayed me and he hurt me deeply. All that happened 3 years ago and now.... I'm mostly over it. And no, I did not forgive him. Yes, I heard the rumors. I don't know who is responsible for them but let me clarify today that I won't ever be able to forgive Lan Huan. I won't leave him because of certain reasons but our relationship as it was known, is over. " I said and I heard a few gasping in shock. Lan Huan looked brokenhearted.

"If that child would have been conceived with my knowledge, things might have looked different. But as that is not the case I won't dwell on it. The other reason is, as some of you already mentioned, I won't take care of an infant until the day I die. I raised three daughters and know how handful an infant is. I lost a lot of sleep and probably a little of my sanity after getting torn out of my sleep because my princesses were hungry. But it was fine because they were my daughter and I loved them. They would grow up within time. Lan Huan's son wouldn't grow up any time soon and I simply have no time nor do I have the nerves for it."

"Wei Ying...." I heard Lan Huan's whisper. It sounded pleading and I thought that he probably hoped I would accept raising his son just so we would spend more time together, giving him a chance to reconcile with me. I looked at him in displeasure.

"I know about the rules and customs and I understand that certain people want to keep them selfishly. Even if they have to hurt other people." I didn't look at the emperor but I was sure everyone, including him, knew that I was talking about him.

The emperor frowned but didn't say anything. He couldn't because I was talking the truth.

"As everyone seems to be in a hurry, probably because they have not much time left before they die..." I said satirically and looked at the emperor. I heard a snort and saw Wang Ji nodding in satisfaction. I suppressed a smile. At least one person was on my side. Thinking about it, no matter what happened, it was always him who supported me.

The emperor now looked quite annoyed but still kept quiet and I continued my speech.

"... I agree with giving Wen Qing the title of Imperial Noble Consort. Yes, that means I agree to a wedding between Lan Huan and her."

"Wei Ying!" Lan Huan jumped up and looked at me in shock.

"She gave her body to you and gifted you an heir, Lan Huan. Don't you think she deserved a reward for that? Moreover, you might be oblivious of them but I can see her feelings for you. She loves you."

"I don't love her, Wei Ying! My heart belongs to you only!" He reached for my hand but I moved them out of his reach.

"I know," I answered and smiled. "Letting her marry you, letting her enter your harem with the title of Imperial Noble Consort is not only my reward to her for giving you the heir you so desperately wished for, but it is also my punishment for her. She will have to stay married to you, live in your harem knowing that you won't ever feel for her as she feels for you. She will have to live so close to you without ever having the chance to get even closer. She will be known as the Consort who was able to gift you an heir but never received any love nor attention, not even when I died."

"Wei Ying is that really what you want? Me marrying someone else?"

"Didn't you long stop caring for what I wanted?" I asked and sighed. "It is also your punishment, Lan Huan. I don't care if you love her or not. You chose her! Now you have to stick with her. Having you marry her and let you see her every day, reminding you even after my death of your betrayal towards me and breaking my heart. This will be my punishment for you."

I looked away from him towards the crowd. "We should hold the wedding as soon as possible. I do hope everyone will attend and enjoy that day. I won't attend as I don't think it is necessary. No rule states I have to attend, right?" I smiled at everyone and turned to the emperor. "I hope my answer and my decision turned out to be a perfect birthday gift for you, your majesty. I wish you a long and healthy life, maybe with even more little grandsons. Now please excuse me. I will retreat first."

I bowed and left the courtroom with a light heart.  

I was walking alongside the lake in the garden and couldn't help but smile. I felt a lot lighter than before. As the weight on my mind and heart was lifted.

Today, I thought, was very confusing. My decision today was all in favor of everyone but me. I surrendered and gave Wen Qing, all the ministers, and especially the emperor what they wanted. As for Lan Huan.... It was obvious that he didn't like the idea to marry someone else. I knew he loved me. I didn't question that. His time with Wen Qing wasn't something he wanted. Only the results were in his favor, he got the son he always wished for. Therefore I was happy for him.

I wouldn't say I was happy with what I did today. Surrendering to everyone, giving up on something that was supposed to be mine. I shouldn't be like this. But... I did it. I decided to let all of them have what they wanted, let all of them be happy. Well, almost all of them. I gave up my rights and my husband to Wen Qing. My husband would marry someone else into his harem and I had to share him with her.

And while this realization was painful, it didn't hurt as much as I thought it would. That was the confusing part of what happened today. Why didn't my decision, my action today not hurt as I thought it would? I was angry with everyone but not as angry as I was three years ago. Did time really heal all wounds?

My decision today was a punishment disguised as a blessing. Having to live for the rest of your life with someone who doesn't love you or who you don't love is one of the greatest punishments existing. Seeing them and being near them but not able to get too close. I thought that this was a perfect punishment for them.

As for me... wasn't I the same? No, rather it was even worse. Living together with someone you love and who loves you, yet not being able to be close to each, to trust each other all because of one wrong decision. That was pure torture.

I always thought of it like this and despite that, I never really intended to give up. I never thought of letting that woman have Lan Huan. Why? If I couldn't be happy, why let her be happy then?

I could see how happy she was just being close to Lan Huan but I could also see the pain as she was not able to earn Lan Huan's love. This pain was something I understood. I knew how painful that was and therefore I thought letting her feel that pain for the rest of her life was perfect.

I smiled in amusement. I never considered myself evil but I guess I was. I assumed that everyone who underwent such a betrayal would turn evil.

"Being evil is not that bad." I thought out loud and chuckled.

"You are not evil." I heard someone say right behind me. I tensed up and my heart, which was so quiet just seconds ago started to beat irregular. I was nervous without knowing why. I didn't dare to turn around because... well, I just didn't dare to.

"Are you still avoiding me?" He asked and I heard him coming closer. I closed my eyes and took a deep breath. This here was real life. No dream, so it should be fine, right?

I turned around and almost jumped back seeing him so close to me. Well, actually it wasn't that close. There were still a few steps to take before he would stand right in front of me but it was a lot closer than before when we met at the court.

"Wang Ji...." I called him nervously, not knowing what to say. It has been a while since we talked. Outside of those dreams, I meant. Not that we talked a lot in the dreams. No, we were busy with something entirely else.

"Are you still avoiding me?" He asked again and took a step closer. "Why?"

"I just needed space." I smiled nervously and dared to look up. My eyes met his and what I saw was making me feel a lot of things I couldn't place. Whatever these feelings were, I doubted they were right.

"Space? Why? Did I do something wrong?" He asked carefully with a frown on his face.

"No, you didn't do anything. I mean, you didn't do anything wrong. I just... I thought that a little distance between us would be a good idea."

"So I did something." He asked and tilted his head, looking at me intently. His eyes stopped somewhere at my face and his bright red aura turned even more intense. The air became warm, almost hot. I gulped when my eyes fell on his lips. I remembered what Wang Ji did to me with them, with his beautiful red lips, and what he made me feel.

I shook my head. 'No, this is reality. Not a dream, Wei Ying. Pull yourself together!'

I managed to take my eyes off his lips and then watched how his aura grew and became even brighter.

'I need to figure out what this color means....' I thought and managed to look away. My eyes caught my reflection on the surface of the water and I widened my eyes in shock, seeing that my aura was a reflection of Wang Ji's.

How could the aura of two people be identical at the same time? Was that even possible?

"Wei Ying..." He called me and I looked back at him. "You are not evil."

"I am... not?"

"Mhn. You just did what made you feel good. As long as you feel good, as long as you are happy, it doesn't matter what they think. You deserve to be happy, Wei Ying."

"But.... thinking only about my feelings and not caring what others feel. I think that is selfish"

"It's okay."

"W-what?" I asked confused trying my best to not stare at his lips.

"It's okay to be selfish." He said seriously. "Why can everyone else be selfish but not you? Isn't that unfair?"

"But..."

"Didn't you give them what they wanted? They wanted Wen Qing to have a title, meaning they wanted her to marry my brother, they wanted her to raise her child. You just gave them what they wanted. That Wen Qing and my brother would get unhappy after time, it's not your fault. It's no one's fault except theirs. It is not your fault that a blessing to one is a punishment to another. You are not evil, Wei Ying. You are not selfish either. If anything you are selfless. You always want to make others happy, not caring much about yourself. You shouldn't be like this, Wei Ying."

I blinked a few times and looked into Wang Ji's eyes while listening to what he was saying. Why did he know me so well?

"You should live your life how you like it. You shouldn't let others, especially not my father, Wen Qing, or my brother, tell you how to live and how to feel. It's your life, not theirs. If you want to punish others for their wrongdoings, do it. If you want to tell them your opinion, do it. And most importantly, if you want to be selfish for once, be it. It's your decision. It's your life."

I gaped at him. It was not like I didn't know that this was my life. I knew that. And what Wang Ji said was making sense but...

"Your highness..." Someone called and soon a servant appeared. He bowed to me and then turned to Wang Ji. "Your highness, his majesty is calling for you."

"Why?" The cold stare of Wang Ji had the servant tremble slightly.

"Ah... you suddenly left and it didn't make a good impression on the princess." He explained nervously.

'Princess...? Does that mean...?' I thought and looked at Wang Ji.

"Why is it important if I leave a good impression or not?" Wang Ji asked slightly annoyed.

"It is your highness. She is going to be the next queen. It seems like she is genuinely interested in you and his majesty hopes for you to-"

"Excuse me." I interrupted the servant's speech. I didn't want to hear him praising that princess in front of me. "I think I should leave. I am tired." With that, I turned back and left without looking back at Wang Ji once.

'A princess, huh? The emperor is fond of her? Guess there might be a second wedding soon after Lan Huan's.' I thought and stomped away, ignoring the painful stings in my heart.

I arrived at the royal library and entered with Wen Ning. Shortly after I walked away from the lake, Wang Ji, and that servant, Wen Ning found me. It seemed like he was slightly in panic as he couldn't find me and I immediately apologized.

"Is it true, your highness?" He asked me as I walked alongside the shelves hoping to find something that could help me with my questions.

"Hm?"

"Is it true that you allowed Wen Qing to marry the crown prince?" He wanted to know and I nodded.

"It's not like I had any other option. Moreover, sooner or later she would have married him anyway. She gave birth to an heir, the emperor is fond of her and she loves Lan Huan."

"But... you are his first consort!" Wen Ning said and it sounded as if he was complaining. I chuckled.

"I am and I will be until I die but.... I don't mind him marrying her. Not anymore." Wen Ning frowned and I had to laugh. "Okay, it does hurt. But it's okay. Really. Knowing that this marriage is hurting them more than benefiting them is enough to lighten my mood. I never punished them for what they did. All I did was run away and avoid it. That should stop, don't you think?"

"I want you to be happy, your highness." Wen Ning answered honestly. "I don't care about anyone else's happiness but yours. If you think you can be happy this away, I am supporting you. Whatever makes you happy, I will support you."

I smiled. "Thank you, Wen Ning. I am so glad that I have you by my side. I believe that someday in the future after I am gone, your life will change drastically."

"What do you mean?"

"Wen Qing. I think the emperor already made his decision and knowing how weak Lan Huan can be when it comes to his father, I think his wish will become true. I can see it, you know? She is the perfect candidate for the next empress if we ignore the fact that she is a servant." I smiled at him but it seems he looked not happy at all. "What is wrong, Wen Ning? You don't want her to be the empress?"

"It's not that... I don't care for that. It's just....." He answered and looked at me guiltily.

"What is it?" I asked softly. "Don't worry. After what Lan Huan did to me I think I can handle everything. Unless you want to confess that you knew everything from the beginning and helped your sister." I said but didn't mean it. Wen Ning wasn't such a person and no one can fake his or her aura.

"What if..." He looked unsure. "What if I tell you she is not just a servant?"

"Huh?" I was confused. "What do you mean?"

"I never told anyone about this after fleeing my realm. Wen Qing and I promised each other to never tell a soul. But... after she hurt you in such a way after she betrayed you and me, I think it's okay for me to break this promise."

"What is it Wen Ning?" I asked amused. "You are kind of scaring me."

"I am sorry, your highness. This was not my intention." He apologized with a bow. "Wen Qing and I... we are the children of the late King of the fire realm. Wen Qing was the first princess while I was the crown prince." He told me and I waited for him to laugh it off like a joke but he didn't. He meant what he said.

"Many years ago our cousin has begun treason and killed our parents and every other member of the royal family. Wen Qing and I could flee with the help of a servant. Unfortunately, we were caught by slavers and became servants. We promised to keep our identity a secret. Only that way we would stay alive. I am stupid and clumsy so no one wanted to buy me but Wen Qing is different. She is beautiful. Alone that got her a lot of attention. A lot of people, mostly men, wanted to buy her but she fought back and managed to stay with me, protecting me the best she could. After some time, we met you." He confessed.

"Wen Ning..."

"I didn't want to deceive you but... I don't see myself as the crown prince of the fire realm anymore. I am just a normal person. No, I am just a servant, your servant. I am sorry that I never told you about this...."

I didn't know what to say. I wasn't angry at him. It's not like it was his fault. Moreover, I don't care about his identity. I pitied him. He grew up as a prince, as a crown prince even, and ended up as a servant. He didn't seem to mind that. I thought he looked quite happy with how his life was, not that I could judge that accordingly as I didn't know him when he was a prince. But there was one thing that irritated me.

"Don't say that!" I told him off and he flinched. "There is no such a thing as just a servant! You are a person, Wen Ning. It doesn't matter if you are a king, a prince, a citizen, or a servant. I also never saw you as just a servant. You are my friend, Wen Ning. You are my friend who understands me, supports me, believes in me and is loyal to me. You are a friend who just happens to serve me. You got that?"

His face turned red and it seemed he didn't seem to know where to look.

"You don't want to be my friend?" I asked. "Well, I won't be here for long so I can understand that you might don't want to get attached to me but-"

"No!" He said loudly and his cheeks turned even redder. "I mean... I want to. I want to be your friend."

I smiled. "That is great to hear, Wen Ning. Does that mean you will call me Wei Ying from now on? Will you stop calling me your highness?"I asked hopefully and he widened his eyes in shock.

"Of course not, your highness." He answered loudly and bowed.

I sighed. "I kind of expected that..." I shook my head and chuckled. "Thank you for telling me the truth, Wen Ning. I guess I understand now why the emperor didn't mind having Wen Qing as Lan Huan's wife and the mother of the future heir. She is a princess after all. Like I said. She is perfectly suited to be the next empress."

"Your highness...."

"It's okay, Wen Ning. How about we stop talking about such meaningless things, hm?" I asked and Wen Ning nodded slowly. "Good. Now let's go and look for someone who can tell me where to find the books I need."

"What books?"

"Eh... I don't know, to be honest." I laughed embarrassingly. But as we walked around I felt something I hadn't in a long time. At least not as strong. It was this strange pull telling me where I would find what I wanted the most, right now.

"Let's ... go this way..." I mumbled and walked in a certain direction without waiting for Wen Ning's answer. There were so many books on the shelves yet none of them spoke to me which means that I couldn't use any of them to find out what I was looking for. So I walked further. I walked and walked until I bumped into a young man. I immediately apologized.

"I am sorry." I bowed to him but instead of getting angry he just chuckled. It was a soft and melodic chuckle making me take a closer look. He looked young. That was certainly not the case considering that he was an immortal and was probably many many thousand years old.

He was very handsome too but almost every immortal I met until now was handsome. He had fair skin, long dark brown hair that fell gently over his shoulders and down his back, and he wore white garments made of silk. I knew immediately that he was a seer.

When I looked into his eyes I was surprised to see that they looked cloudy, telling me that this man was most certainly blind. What was a blind man doing in a library?

Another soft chuckle. "Is that not allowed? Even blind people have the right to read good books, don't they? And just because one is blind doesn't mean they are not able to see. We just see different than people with eyesight."

I widened my eyes in shock. Did I say that out loud? "I am... s-sorry...."

"Your highness is surely apologizing a lot. One could think you are a pushover." The man smiled at me. "But that isn't true, is it? You know when to fight back. And you know when you want something. I like your courage, your highness. For a mortal, you are pretty brave."

"Thank you... I guess." I returned the smile but stopped realizing that he couldn't see it. But when I remembered his words he told me just now, that he was seeing but in a different way, I shook my head and smiled at him again.

The man laughed. "You are a quick learner, your highness..."

"Thank you, your holiness."

"... and smart."

"What is his holiness doing here? I mean, I thought seers leave the divine realm only during special occasions?"

"What makes you think that today is not a special occasion?"

"Is it?" I tilted my head and then shook my head in amusement. "Right, the emperor's birthday."

"Just because it's the emperor's birthday doesn't mean we have to attend. Today I am here for another reason. A reason only you could make possible."

"That is?" I asked and then nodded. "I guess words reach the seer's ears fast. Yes, I allowed a marriage."

"That too is not the reason for my visit. But what the reason is you don't have to know. Maybe you will figure it out yourself in the future. As for the marriage... Yes, you did agree to it." He nodded. "But whatever is spoken in other realms, doesn't reach our ears, your highness. It doesn't concern us. We only know what we have to know and this knowledge always exceeds those of mortals or immortals. We are seers after all."

"Right. I guess you already know when the wedding is held then?"

"In three days, your highness."

I raised my brows. "That fast? The emperor is indeed in a hurry. He always is."

The seer looked at me seriously. "He lives in his own time."

"Certainly." I agreed and smiled. "It was nice meeting you, your holiness."

"Xiao Xingchen is my name, your highness. We usually don't introduce ourselves to outsiders with our name but... you are an exception."

"I feel honored, your holiness. I will not attend the wedding so we won't see each other again but I hope nothing will go wrong with the event. It's the wedding of the future empress after all."

Xiao Xingchen raised his brows knowingly hearing my last sentence but didn't say anything.

"Nothing will go wrong, I can tell you that much. But you are mistaken, your highness. We will see each other again, even if it may not be due to a wanted occasion for you." I didn't know what he meant and I didn't ask. If I needed to know more, he would have told me. I hoped that our next meeting wouldn't be due to sad reasons.

I smiled at Xiao Xingchen and he returned the smile before turning around and walking away. Then, as if he remembered something, he stopped and turned back to me.

"Your highness, the color red means many things. Such as vitality, life force, warmth, love, passion, and sensuality. The brighter the color the more intense it is. I hope that answers your unspoken question." He smiled at me. "And if you want to know which meaning the color currently has.... Sometimes the answer is not far away. You will find it within yourself you just have to listen. Just look closely and you will understand. You are a smart man, your highness. You will figure it out soon." Once the last sentence was spoken, Xiao Xingchen disappeared.

I stared at the spot where he stood not long ago and frowned.

'Seers really do know a lot, huh? What else do they know?' I asked myself and then immediately paled. 'Don't tell me... they know about that too!? No way, right? I mean... those things are in my head. But... didn't Xiao Xingchen read my mind earlier? Doesn't that mean he knows ...'

No! It couldn't be. He said it himself. Seers only knew what they had to. What I dreamed about is nothing they needed to know. So they didn't know.

"Y-your highness..." A panting Wen Ning arrived. I looked at him in confusion.

"Where did you come from? Weren't you right behind me?"

"N-no. Your h-highness suddenly ... suddenly walked faster... so fast... I couldn't keep up with your highness." He panted and washed away a few drops of sweat.

"I didn't. I walked normally.... or not?" I was confused. Today was so confusing. So many things happened, all of them more confusing than the other. "I need a break..." I complained more to myself.

"Me too..." Wen Ning answered and sat on the ground.

I let out a chuckle. "Sorry about that, Wen Ning. I didn't know I was fast. I really thought you were right behind me."

"It's okay, your highness." He said and looked up at me. "Did you find what you were looking for?"

That was a good question. Did I?

Three days later

Today was the wedding. For the last three days, every servant worked hard to arrange everything. Lan Huan tried to talk to me several times. He told me he didn't want to marry Wen Qing, that he loved only me. I only nodded because everything I had to say I said on the emperor's birthday. Lan Huan probably understood that too so he stopped talking about it after two days. But... whenever I left my bedroom he was there. When I wanted to go out for a walk he followed me. He accompanied me, talked with me, and complimented me.

Or rather he flirted with me.

It reminded me of the early days of our relationship. He flirted with me and tried to make me laugh. I did laugh at some jokes because they were funny but... no matter what he did, nothing would change my decision, nothing would change the way I felt.

But he didn't give up. He told the servants to make my favorite food, he sent me gifts and garments, and whenever we met, he tried to come close, hold my hand, and flirt with me. I felt hurt and uncomfortable. Why couldn't he treat me like that before deciding to sleep with Wen Qing? Why now? I couldn't understand it.

Yesterday he tried to kiss me. I didn't realize it at first but when I felt him so close to me I immediately dodged him. I was angry and yelled at him. I told him to stop and said I didn't want him close to me anymore. I went back to my chambers and didn't leave anymore. Today too, I didn't want to leave.

Right now I sat on the windowsill. It was getting dark outside and despite living quite far from the venue and my windows were closed too, I could hear the music from the wedding. The people seemed to enjoy themselves.

Wen Ning went to his own room and left me alone after I assured him that I was fine and didn't need him anymore today. As I didn't sleep quite well the last few days, actually I didn't sleep well at all since my dreams turned out as they did, I was a little tired.

I closed my eyes for a moment but that was enough for me to be pulled into sleep. I realized the more time passed and the more days passed, my dreams became more intense. The feelings I had once my eyes fell on Wang Ji were almost unbearable. Not only during a dream.

I tore my eyes open and took a deep breath. 'This is slowly getting out of hand....' I thought and held my neck where my skin was sucked just seconds ago. Naturally, there was nothing. It was a dream after all. But every time everything felt so real... so real that I hoped it wouldn't be just a dream. I wanted to feel them in real.

I sighed and tried to calm down. To distract myself I wanted to look out of the window but it was dark outside and I couldn't see anything. Anything but my reflection. And that gave me the greatest shock.

'What is... this!?' I thought and stared at my reflection. No, I stared at my aura, to be precise. It was bright red and identical to Wang Ji's the last time I saw him. My heart jumped in my chest and I couldn't take my eyes off my reflection. Why was my aura like this? Red... why red?

"Your highness, the color red means many things. Vitality, life force, warmth, love, passion, and sensuality. The brighter the color the more intense it is."

I remembered Xiao Xingchen's words and understood them right away. My aura was red because I had feelings for Wang Ji. No, not just normal feelings. What I felt for him was more. My dreams weren't just dreams but my longing for him.

"Wei Ying, what are you doing!?" I asked myself. "Stop it, will you!? He is your friend! He is your brother-in-law!" I reprimanded myself and hit my chest.

I shook my head trying to get his image out of my head. His golden eyes, his red lips, and his smile. The way he looked at me. The way his aura glowed in a bright and intense red trying to overpower me.

'Wait, what?!' I jumped up in shock and hit my forehead on the wall. I rubbed my forehead in agony but thankfully I was not bleeding.

If my aura was the same as his and I was feeling this way towards Wang Ji, then...

I shook my head. 'No. Stop imagining things just because you have these shameful feelings towards him. Red means a lot. That could mean a lot of things...' I told myself as I walked up and down in my bedroom. This was ridiculous. Why was I like that?

Suddenly there was a knock at the door and I frowned. I didn't expect anyone. Every servant was at the wedding and Wen Ning was in his room. I shouldn't get a visitor. Especially not at this hour.

Another knock.

'Don't tell me....?' If that was Lan Huan I would get seriously angry. I walked up to the door and opened it, ready to yell at him but stopped and jumped back seeing Wang Ji standing in front of me.

'Am I slowly losing my mind?' I asked myself thinking I might have hallucinations. I stared at him and his bright red aura. I could have sworn it became slightly brighter when his eyes met mine.

"May I come in?"

I stared at him as if he came from another star. It took me a while to understand his question and once I did, I became nervous.

'I don't think that is appropriate.' I thought at first but in the end, I let him in. As he took my spot on the windowsill, I decided to sit on my bed. For a while no one said something. We both were just... observing each other. While I didn't know what exactly he was trying to figure out while staring at me, I watched his aura. It was fully red and became brighter every now and then.

"Why are you here?" I decided to end the silence.

"I thought you might need some company."

"Why?"

"I thought you might feel down and I wanted to check on you. Today is my brother's wedding after all."

I chuckled. "Because today is Lan Huan's wedding I think you should attend. He is your brother."

"It's not important." He answered. "It's enough if I attend his most important wedding. And that is his wedding with the first consort. Your wedding was important, Wei Ying, Wen Qing's is not. She is just a concubine who climbed the ladder by seducing the crown prince."

"She gave birth to the future heir. Don't forget that."

"It's enough that everyone else is there. I don't need and don't want to attend the wedding of someone who betrayed you. Also, I don't want you to be alone so I came."

"I have Wen Ning. And even if I didn't, I don't mind being alone."

"How are you ... doing?" He asked me carefully and I smiled at him.

"I am good. I know what you think or what you expect me to feel but you are wrong. My feelings changed long ago. My feelings for Lan Huan are no more. At least they are not the same as when I married him. My love for him is gone and it won't return. So you don't have to be worried about me."

"But I am!" He said honestly and looked into my eyes. That eye contact was so intense I could have sworn he looked deep into my soul. His aura became brighter and I really needed to know what he was thinking right now.

"Wang Ji..." I called his name and his eyes lightened up.

"Mhn..."

"What are you thinking right now?" He tilted his head but didn't say anything. His ears, however, turned slightly pink.

"What is there to be embarrassed about? It was just a normal question." His ears are now fully pink while the color of his face didn't change at all.

"Then... can I ask you something else?" I asked him carefully.

"Mhn." He agreed and I chewed on my lips.

"Have you ever had... hmm... did you ever dream about something inappropriate?"

"I didn't."

"Oh...." I hoped he had a different answer. How was I supposed to continue to ask him what I wanted to know?

"Did you?" He then asked me and without looking into a mirror I knew that my face changed color.

I nodded slowly but didn't elaborate. Instead, I continued questioning him. "Then, Wang Ji, have you ever dreamed about.... me?"

"About you?" He asked and he looked me up and down before his eyes stared into mine. "What exactly do you mean?" He asked and it sounded like a normal question but.... when the color of his aura changed drastically into the most intense red I have ever seen, I thought that I might have overdone it.

The air became hot as if we were sitting in a sauna. I jumped up.

"You should leave now, your highness," I told him and was about to lead him to the door but he stopped me by blocking my way.

"What did you call me?" He asked and tilted his head.

"I mean, Wang Ji. It's getting late." I answered and he shook his head.

"It is still early." He said and took a step forwards. "What exactly do you want to know, Wei Ying?"

"I? Nothing, I just... wanted to make small talk. That's it." I answered and took a step back.

"Small talk? Fine, let's do some small talk. So you want to talk about dreams?" He asked. "Let me ask you, Wei Ying, have you ever dreamed about me?"

"What?" I laughed nervously. Why was he suddenly talking like this?

"Have you?" He followed up. "Have you ever dreamed about me in... how did you call it... in an inappropriate way?"

My cheeks were burning and that made Wang Ji stop moving. His aura was so intense that I had to look away.

"Wang Ji, I think-"

"I have." He suddenly said. "I dreamed about you."

'What did he ... say...!?'

"I dream about you every night. But I don't think of it as inappropriate, Wei Ying. Because it's the opposite for me."

I widened my eyes in shock and looked back at him. 'He is talking about something else... right? There is no way he had the same dreams as I, is there? Those dreams.... It couldn't be, could it? No, of course not.'

"Every night it's the same dream, but... kind of not. My dreams change, not in content, but feeling. It becomes more real, more intense. I know why. It's because I want it so much. I want you, Wei Ying."

"Wang Ji!" I shouted out his name and jumped back, only for my legs to hit the edge of my bed, making me almost fall backward. Almost.

"Isn't that what you wanted to know?" He asked and I couldn't answer him. "But why? Why did you ask about it? How did you know? Could it be..." His searing eyes met mine and he filled the last bit of space between us. "Do you dream about me too? Is that why you avoided me?"

"No!" I almost yelled. "I don't. Why would I dream about something like that!?"

"You tell me." He demanded in a soft tone. His gaze was so intense that I felt like I was drowning. Drowning in his beautiful golden eyes. "Wei Ying, could it be that my feelings for you are being reciprocated?"

'His feelings ... for ... me?' I widened my eyes even more. Did I hear him right? He had feelings for me? How? When? Why!?

"Wei Ying..." He called my name so lovingly that I got goosebumps. I never heard anyone calling me in such a warm and soft voice, so full of longing. That tone made me move closer, it was slowly waking up my desire. My desire for him that I tried to suppress but couldn't because every time I closed my eyes I saw him.

"Wei Ying..." He called me again. This time I could hear something else in that tone.

'He knows.... lastly, I was found out by him...' I thought.

"Wei Ying...." He smiled at me, his eyes shining like diamonds. They were full of happiness and desire. A desire for me.

Before I knew what I was doing I grabbed the back of his neck and pulled him down. My lips met his without any further delay. He didn't flinch, he didn't even hesitate for a second when he reciprocated my kiss.

No! No, he wasn't reciprocating, he was fighting for dominance. His tongue slid over my lips and when his hands grabbed my waist and pulled me closer, letting out lower bodies collide, my breath hitched and I let out a soft moan, giving Wang Ji's tongue access to my mouth.

I clung to him, my hands were wrapping around his shoulders. His tongue tasted everything and more. It was playing with mine, poking it, provoking it, making it fight with him.

My tongue lost and I didn't mind. I would let him win every time in everything.

Our lips separated for a moment. It was the perfect time to push Wang Ji away, to tell him that this was wrong and we shouldn't do this but... I couldn't. Because it felt so right and I wanted more.

"Wang Ji...." I panted and looked up at him. His eyes were staring at me hungrily. I knew he wouldn't be able to stop either. Tonight both of us would do something we might regret by tomorrow but right now it felt right. I wanted Wang Ji and nothing would stop me from having him.

I was scared of my desire. I never wanted something as much as I wanted Wang Ji right at this moment. Tonight wouldn't just be a dream. This time it would be real and the thought alone aroused me.

"Wei Ying... if you.... if you have the slightest doubt that this is-"

I pressed my lips against him, stopping him from talking. He took my lips between his and sucked. I moaned and my legs buckled. If not for Wang Ji, I would have collapsed on the floor. He placed his arm under my knees and picked me up, only to gently put me down again on my bed. His lips not once let go of mine. He hovered above me and for what felt like hours he kissed me.

After some time, he let go of my lips. They felt numb but it was a pleasant feeling. I was panting as I looked at him. He was watching me, my every move. Not that I moved much. I was too hypnotized by his eyes, by this moment we shared.

Then he reached out for my face, caressed my cheeks, and let his fingers wander down my neck. He stopped at my garments and opened them slowly, not once his eyes left mine. His hands were shaking as he ever so slowly opened the fabrics. I knew he was waiting for my reaction. Wanted to make sure what he was doing was what I wanted. If not, he would stop. But that is what I didn't want.

I wanted him. I wanted him for so long but just thought of my want as perversion. But that was wrong because the more time passed, I longed for him even more. My dreams became more intense, trying to make me realize my desire for him.

When did it start? Just when? I didn't know but I didn't think it was important. All that was important was that I wanted him now so I smiled, nodding for him to keep going. His eyes widened and showed me what he was feeling.

I felt so desired, knowing that he was feeling the same as I. He wanted me. His aura had told me this every day I saw him yet I didn't realize it. When did I first see it? I forgot.

His hands were pulling at my garments and I sat up for him to freely take them off. Soon they were tossed somewhere on the ground. All of them.

I wasn't embarrassed that he saw me naked. But I was shy and couldn't meet his eyes. Not that they were focused on mine. No, they were focused on my body, laying beneath him. His hands touched my skin and I moaned. He was caressing me, stroking me. My neck, my chest, my hips. Wherever he touched, I felt a burning sensation.

"Wang Ji...." I moaned his name. He looked at me with his searing golden eyes and kissed my lips. But only for a moment before his hot lips wandered down my neck. He bit me and I gasped. My hands wandered to the back of his neck, pulling him closer.

He understood and bit me again. He sucked on my skin and I groaned in delight.

Too soon he stopped and his lips moved down my chest. The tip of his tongue flipped against my right nipple and I grabbed the back of his neck as if it was my lifeline. Another flick, this time it was my left bud. I was about to complain but then he took it into his mouth, his tongue swirling around it before he sucked with such strength, that I thought it would fall off.

I liked it. No, I loved it and I let him know with a deep moan and a tug at his hair.

Once he was done with one side, he turned to the other, repeating his actions, making me tug his hair even more.

"W-wang Ji..." I moaned his name and I felt his smile. He stopped sucking my buds and moved downwards. He kissed my hips, licked them, and bit me quite a lot as he went even lower until I didn't feel anything anymore. I knew where was, where he was staring. And this time I was embarrassed. I was aroused from the moment he kissed me but the more he teased my body, the higher it rose.

He stared at my arousal. He did nothing else for what felt like hours. I watched him staring at it intensely, his eyes became more searing and for a moment I thought any longer and he would set it on fire.

I couldn't do anything but watch him in anticipation. I was in need, I wanted him so desperately but despite that, I didn't do anything. I just watched him, waiting for him to continue. I didn't take my eyes off him.

He leaned back, bit his lips, and then licked them. I never saw him like that. His face was usually almost expressionless. But now it was different. He showed openly what he thought, what he wanted.

And he wanted me and that understanding made my tail rise even more. His answer to that was a smirk. It was just a small one but it definitely was a smirk.

He got off the bed and stood right in front of it. His eyes didn't leave my tail as he slowly, very, very slowly took off his garments. It was so slow that it should be counted as torture. Yet, I didn't look away.

When the last piece of fabric fell to the ground I had for the first time a perfect look at him. My eyes wandered from his eyes down to his lips, to his neck, his chest, and down to his hips. The closer my eyes came to his manhood, the more I started to pant until my eyes fell on his tail. He was just as aroused as I was and just the sight made me close my eyes, lean back on the bed, and bit my lips. I couldn't stop the suppressed moan.

I tried to get my breathing under control but it was useless, especially when I felt the mattress lowering, indicating that Wang Ji returned to the bed. I opened my eyes again, meeting his for a moment until his lips pressed against mine, pulling me into another hungry kiss.

I widened my eyes and arched my back when I felt his hands slowly caressing my tail. All too soon he began to stroke me in a rhythm. Together with the kiss, it was too much for me and I came into his hand.

He wasn't shocked, not even surprised. He didn't stop the kiss either. For a moment I thought he didn't realize that I had come but I was proven different when he stroked me again, covering his long fingers in the white secretion upon moving towards my behind, right above the opening.

I held in my breath, fearing the pain I would feel. It has been a while since something intruded there. If I exclude my dreams, that is.

But there was no pain. I felt a shiver going through my body and my hole opened, welcoming his fingers as if it was waiting for it. I felt a little stung when the first finger entered but there was no pain. It didn't stay in long before it retreaded until only the tip reminded. Without a warning, Wang Ji pushed his finger in again and I groaned.

He repeated this action two to three times until a second finger joined the first one. This time they moved faster. In and out. In and out.

Once.... Twice ... thrice....

A third finger entered and I grabbed the sheets, suppressing a moan.

In and out.

Immediately a fourth finger went in and I tore my eyes open, couldn't stop the moaning anymore. My breathing hitched as Wang Ji pushed them in and out. He pushed them in deeply and then pulled all of them out. This time they didn't enter again. I felt empty and struggled beneath Wang Ji, hoping he would fill me again. Soon.

"Wei ... Ying...." I looked at Wang Ji in surprise. His voice was raspy, a little pleading too. He was out of breath.

"Quickly... Wang Ji.... I beg you... fill me... I need you.... now...." I groaned and moved my lower body closer to him.

"Wei Ying..." He called me again. Or rather it was a growl and I looked at him, waiting for him to say what he wanted to say. I hoped he would do so quickly as I didn't know how long I would be able to hold on.

"I have never.... done this before, Wei Ying." He confessed his virginity. "If I hurt you in any way, please ... you have to tell me. I don't want to hurt you, Wei Ying." He begged me, his body was shivering in need. He wanted to continue, wanted to enter me but I knew that he wouldn't until I gave him my answer.

"I promise..." I answered. He looked at me, observed me, looking for a lie. But of course, there was none. I smiled and nodded at him and that was enough for him to position himself.

He entered me slowly. My inner walls were waiting as desperately as I and opened up for him immediately. He went in smoothly and I gripped his shoulders once he was fully sheathed. Filling me.

"Oh god...!" I moaned in shock. This felt ... indescribable. I have never felt like this before. As if two pieces of a puzzle had come together, his size was so big, yet too small. I felt full, yet I was still craving more. My legs wrapped around his hips, locking him in this position, forbidding him to pull out.

Then Wang Ji started to move. I hissed and he stopped.

"No! No, please don't stop. Wang Ji... please....feels so good..." I begged him. They were shameful words but I didn't care. I looked at him, his eyes piercing into mine. He understood that I wasn't in pain. His ears turned red once he realized that I was feeling everything but pain. That I wanted him too bad.

His hands took mine from his shoulders, he intertwined our fingers and pressed them next to my head down on the mattress.

"I won't stop until you plead me to," He promised and lowed his head, his lips pressing softly against mine. Then he started to move. He pushed his tail deep in and I gasped for air. Wang Ji pulled back and pushed in, this time even deeper, hitting my inner walls. It was already feeling like heaven but when he pulled once more and then pushed in, he hit my sweet spot, sending so much pleasure through my whole body. I almost cried in bliss, arching my back in relish.

Wang Ji growled and I was feeling too good to be shocked. Once he found my weakness, he aimed at it, hitting it over and over again. I couldn't keep silent. It was no one here anyway but even if, it didn't matter. It was risky, yes, but I couldn't help it. I couldn't stop. Be it moaning, groaning, growling, or calling for Wang Ji, screaming his name. At that moment nothing mattered to me but Wang Ji.

If I had opened my eyes for just a moment I would have seen the blue shimmer surrounding the walls of my bedroom. That blue shimmer made sure that no sound was leaving this room. Wang Ji's work.

I entwined Wang Ji's and my fingers to hold his cheeks, pulling him down for a passionate kiss, muffling my moans. Not once did he slow down, if at all, he even increased in speed. My front was leaking, being rubbed by two stomachs didn't give him any break. I felt the wetness on my stomach, implying that I had come once again, probably even more than once. I couldn't much remember, couldn't differentiate as my whole body felt immense pleasure.

At some point I felt his movements slowing down a little, his thrust getting heavier, and then it happened. He came. His fluids filled me and hit my inner walls, my sweet spot. I reached out for him, wrapping my arms around his shoulders, digging my nails into him. I arched my back with closed eyes, relishing this moment while moaning. Wang Ji stopped moving only for as long as it took to empty himself into me. This feeling... almost drove me into insanity.

Wang Ji then looked down into my eyes, asking me without words being spoken and I nodded eagerly. 'Yes! Again... don't stop yet... more...'

Immediately he started moving again. He moved his head down and kissed my cheeks, my nose, and my lips. His tongue licked my chin, down to my neck. He started sucking me as he hit my sweet spot with such an intense strength that I thought I would break. I dug my nails deeper into his skin until I felt blood. I was shocked and wanted to retreat and maybe grabbed the sheets instead but Wang Ji stopped me.

"It's okay. Scratch me as much as you want, Wei Ying. It doesn't hurt. Do whatever you want with my body, it belongs to you. My heart belongs to you."

"Wang ... Ji..." I called him out of breath. "You too. I belong to you, Wang Ji. So ... don't hold back. Don't ever hold back." I said to him grabbing his shoulders.

Wang Ji's eyes darkened. His hands palmed my behind, pulled me closer and he started to use even more strength while plunging into me. His hands grabbed my butt cheeks as he kneaded them. He moaned my name over and over again, binding me to him.

I would have blueprints of his hands the next day for sure but I didn't mind. Not at all. It didn't even hurt, it only aroused me more. That night it felt like I was newly born. It felt as if I have never truly lived before and just started.

Tonight we didn't simply sleep with each other. It wasn't just love-making. It was exposing the deepest feelings and desires we had for each other, the deepest fantasies. We marked each other, claimed each other.

We sold ourselves to each other and there was no turning back. Never.

 To continue....

Puh... I have no words except that I a so glad and happy that these two finally found each other. 

I will be so bold and call it a wedding night. It might have been someone else's wedding but... who cares!?

I hope I did not disappoint you guys after the long wait...^^

If you enjoyed this update, feel free to leave a vote. Let me know your thoughts in the comment section too :D :D