Kenji watched in silence, the citizens cheer past their procession.
The grandiose gate of the palace, the towering entrance loomed above them, it's intricate designs shimmered under the moonlight.
Liuxing gestured for the gates to open, and they swung wide, revealing a courtyard filled with fountains and carefully tended flowers. The glowing lanterns lighting up the courtyard. The air was perfumed with scent of blossoms. Servants lined the path with to the steps leading into the palace, bowing their heads respectfully as they entered.
Kenji took a deep breath as he entered inside the palace. Liuxing was still holding Kenji's hand. Kenji glanced at Liuxing's hand firmly holding his own.
After a while of introduction to the pathways and chambers of the palace, Kenji, Xun Yu and Kai were seated at the hall across the dining table with refreshments. Liuxing was staring at Kenji. Kai and Xun Yu eyed each other, as if they were talking to each other about why is Liuxing gazing at their lord Kenji and why is he smiling?
Kenji could feel Liuxing's gaze on him, tiny bowls filled with vibrant fruits and delicately placed pastries bordered the table, each dish carefully placed.
While Xun Yu and Kai engaged in discreet murmurs, occasionally stealing glances between themselves and then back at Liuxing.
"The food will not devour you, it is meant to be devoured by you. Please have a taste." Liuxing said finally averting his gaze towards Xun Yu and Kai.
Kai rolled his eyes.
"My lord, please have a taste. I specially made jasmine sherbet for you." Liuxing offered with a soft smile.
Kenji glanced at the sherbet, jasmine sherbet, a drink that his mother enjoyed a lot. Kenji's mother was a mortal and his father a heavenly guardian. She used to often make this sherbet for Kenji when he was a small kid, very young. Kenji's father and mother along with him would often sit by the balcony with this drink and enjoy sunsets. Kenji's lips automatically curled into a soft smile as his mind conjured the images of the past but then he reminded himself of the times when he no longer enjoyed the sunsets with sherbet in his hand and his parents side by side. He sighed and picked up the glass of sherbet, it was still his favourite. He would have it often during celebrations in his palace.
"Thankyou." He said and took a sip, the taste was floral and sweet.
"Is it up to your liking my lord?" Liuxing asked with a soft smile.
"It is wonderful Liuxing." Kenji answered, he averted his gaze towards the other side only to see Xun Yu and Kai glaring at Liuxing with a very hostile expression adorning their face.
"Xun Yu….Liuxing." Kenji called out.
"Yes my lord." They answered.
Kenji gave a stern look. They quickly fixed their expressions.
"I want you to let Xun Yu join your side." Kenji said, averting his gaze towards Liuxing who was already staring at him.
"Sure my lord." He said without averting his gaze from Kenji's face.
Kenji blinked in nervousness, Liuxing's gaze was too intense. He took another sip. Liuxing grabbed his glass, taking a sip and then folded his hands, Kenji's eyes averted towards Liuxing's hands. His hand, his fingers, large, huge, veins. Kenji felt the urge to touch those veins, to feel his cold hand once again, the soft touch against his hand.
Liuxing noticed Kenji staring at his hand, he smirked and then chuckled. Kenji quickly averted his gaze towards Liuxing's face.
"Well then….Liuxing. So….as I was saying…Xun Yu to join your side, and …because in the heavenly realm, Xun Yu is now framed as a traitor and for the heaven's he has already been executed. I would like you to speak your conditions openly in front of me." Kenji spoke.
After a brief pause, Liuxing averted his gaze towards Xun Yu, "No conditions. Your command is my will, your highness." Liuxing said.
Kai and Xun Yu's eyes widened in shock.
They looked at each other in shock and confusion, 'Did Liuxing…..obey his highness Kenji?' They both thought.
'Why is Liuxing so obedient to his highness Kenji?' They thought, communicating through their faces.
It was not just the matter of commands and obedience, there was something deeper. The way Liuxing's words flowed so willingly, the casual ease with which he declared his support. The way Liuxing and his citizens welcomed them as if their presence is a celebration when in reality, demonic realm is forever hostile towards heavnely realm and vice versa.
"Really? No conditions at all?" Kenji asked, trying to maintain his composure.
Liuxing's smirk deepens, "Your highness, I believe in your vision. If you wish for Xun Yu to join me, then I will see that it is done."
Confusion washed over Xun Yu as he exchanged another bewildered glance with Kai. This is not the Liuxing they know, submitting to Kenji's will…it was highly unlikely of Liuxing to even agree with a heavenly guardian, and Kenji is a heavenly being too.
"Liuxing…." Xun Yu interjected carefully, his voice laced with concern. "This is not just about my will. Your autonomy is important too."
"My autonomy bends at your will." Liuxing said.
Another shock of confusion and astonishment washed over Kai and Xun Yu.
"And I... I ask you to grant Xun Yu's mother and sister freedom." Kenji said.
"After he joins my side, of course." Liuxing said.
Kenji nodded. Xun Yu's eyes were filled with hope, his face seemed bright.
"Are my.....mother and sister-"
"They are okay." Liuxing said before Xun Yu could even complete his sentence.
"Lead him to the thirty sixth chamber." Liuxing called out to an armoured being. Xun Yu got up and proceeded to meet his sister and mother, his face was lit with happiness. He was trying his best to hide it and appear solemn and composed but his face clearly did not support it. He was grateful to Kenji, and before he could exit, he turned back and bowed towards Kenji, "Thankyou, your highness. I will forever be grateful."