Rui blinked awake, disoriented by the dark gray sky outside the window. She had no idea how long she'd slept, only that she felt more rested than she had in days.
Her consciousness returned in waves, and she became aware of the warm breath tickling above her head.
Her cheek was pressed against something warm and solid—Zou's bare chest.
His robe had fallen half open, exposing smooth skin and taut muscle. Her own ceremonial garments were rumpled.
Heat rose to her face as she realized how thoroughly they'd tangled together during the night.
She carefully began to extract herself from his embrace, sliding one arm free, then attempting to shift across the silken sheets.
"Stay five more centuries..." Zou mumbled, eyes still closed as he tightened his arm around her waist and pulled her towards him.
Rui froze, heart pounding traitorously fast.
One golden eye cracked open, and his lips curved into that infuriating smirk she knew too well.
"Good morning, wife."
