Night rain fell like pearls clattering on tiles, tapping against the stone paths and willow branches of the imperial garden. Queen Avril and Lucian walked side by side through the curtain of rain, their guards holding a silver-embroidered canopy over them. The lingering warmth of their intimacy in the Spring Pavilion from the previous day still hung in the air, yet tonight's cold rain gently doused that flame, a reminder that they were both monarchs and mortals."Your Highness," Lucian murmured, tilting the canopy toward her, "walking in the rain chills one quickly—allow me to fasten your robes." He loosened the embroidered buttons of the light coat on her shoulders, then drew the fabric snug around her.Avril lifted her eyes, raindrops sliding down her lashes, yet she looked all the more for it. "With you, I fear no night rain." She reached out to brush the Silver Oath badge on his chest. "This badge guards not only the kingdom, but me as well."
A Secret Council After Evening Rain
They arrived at the study in the Southern Hall, where Prime Minister Gu and Eirea had laid out documents on the desk. Spread before them were reports on the southern trade routes—days of rain had blocked roads and freight, leaving granaries in many regions short of supplies. Prime Minister Gu's voice held worry: "If we do not act quickly to replenish them, resentment may stir among the border people. Fresh troubles will arise before the rifts are fully healed."Avril nodded. "Issue the 'Rainy Season Aid Edict' at once. Use the 'Snow Slope Path' alongside river transport to deliver emergency grain to all regions." She spread out a map, her tracing river networks and salt routes. "Let waterways and snow paths work together—no storm shall be an excuse."Lucian felt a warmth in his chest. "Once the order is given, I stand ready to carry it out, and protect the people."
Whispers on a Rainy Night
After their discussion, they retreated to the depths of the imperial garden. Rainwater pooled on willow leaves, then spilled like strings of pearls to the ground. Avril stood still, raindrops catching in her hair and on her shoulders, yet she did not tremble. Lucian took the canopy and held it over her, asking softly: "Your Highness, would you wish to stay in the pavilion tonight, and set aside state affairs?"She turned to him, her gaze soft. "Though the storm is cold, it brings clarity. Being with you is the warmest place of all."
A Deep Embrace in the Rain
Inside the Spring Pavilion, candlelight flickered faintly in the damp air. Avril had removed her outer coat, wearing only a silver-threaded nightgown; her snow-white skin seemed even paler where candlelight mingled with the rain's glow. Lucian took off his cloak and draped it over her, his fingers trailing down her neck where raindrops had settled.He bent to kiss the water from her hair, his fingertips brushing her back as he guided her to the brocade couch in the pavilion. Silk and canopy fell to the stone floor; the murmur of the spring mingled with their heartbeats, their lips and tongues meeting eagerly in the warm, moist air after the rain.Avril wrapped her arms around his neck, her fingers unfastening the silver clasps of his armor, feeling the warmth of his chest muscles tensing against the cold damp. Lucian's heart stirred as he brushed his lips and tongue over the crest beneath her collarbone, his touch sending shivers of pleasure through her.
Candlelight and Longing
The lingering glow of candlelight and night rain surged between their intertwined bodies. Lucian laid Avril gently on the couch, his lips and fingertips wandering over her waist and abdomen; silk slid away, baring her shapely form. The post-rain chill melted away in their body heat, replaced by a fiery intimacy.Avril's soft moans flowed like water over his heart as she clung to his shoulders, guiding him to the depths of her desire. Lucian moved within her inch by inch, turning the cold of the night rain into a blaze of passion. Their lips, tongues, and skin tangled together—each deepening union a vow of protection, a promise of devotion.
Warmth After the Rain
As the storm ebbed into the night, candlelight and the spring's murmur still filled the pavilion. They slept in each other's arms, the lingering warmth of their skin and the steady beat of their hearts gradually calming in the quiet. Avril nestled against Lucian, murmuring softly: "With you, even if the storm returns, my heart will remain unclouded."Lucian kissed her forehead lightly. "This heart is like a rainbow after rain—shining its warmest light only for you."