As soon as Zhan left the quarters, tension still thick in the air, Dowager Taihou stormed inside and summoned Cao.
Within moments Cao appeared, clearly nearby already.
Eyes closed, Dowager Taihou recounted everything that had happened between her and Zhan.
The more Cao listened, the heavier her breathing grew, until even Dowager Taihou felt herself begin to shrink back in alarm. The fire inside her fizzled for a moment under Cao's sudden fury.
Cao's voice struck like thunder: "This battle isn't with you-he is declaring war on us! Who does he think he is? Whose son? What is he boasting about? I will make sure that not only his mother but every member of his bloodline regrets the day he existed! Those far greater than him were crushed without resistance, let alone some child born yesterday."
She slammed her palm against the table with such force that the entire chamber trembled, swearing an oath to a dark idol she worshipped-words Dowager Taihou herself barely understood.
Dowager Taihou felt the floor itself shake beneath her feet, as if a storm had torn through the palace.
Slowly, she released a long breath and collapsed into a nearby seat, chest rising and falling to regain control. Then she began to smile-a beautiful but chilling smile-and lifted her chin, determination flooding through every muscle in her body.
This battle wasn't hers.
Hmmm. 😌😴🚴
(She thought.)
THE NEXT DAY
Zhan spent the entire day in Dowager Ruyan's quarters and only returned around 4 pm.
Meanwhile, King Yibo and several high-ranking officials were on the upper terrace of the great clock tower overseeing Beiping City.
The travel group included King Yibo, Zhan, four female attendants, six male guards, and two attendants from Dowager Ruyan's palace-special requests from Zhan, including Banou. When Banou was informed she would accompany them, she panicked and cried in secret.
Diwa, Dowager Taihou's trusted attendant-whom Zhan insisted be assigned to the group directly in King Yibo's presence-also joined. Dowager Taihou had originally selected a different attendant, but Zhan's unexpected request forced her hand. She and Cao seized the opportunity to plant their spy in the group.
The journey was completely confidential; no one in the city knew about it.
Even inside the palace, everyone believed only Zhan was leaving.
When the private jet lifted from the ground, Zhan grabbed tightly onto King Yibo's arm, trembling. It made Yibo laugh-he knew Zhan feared such things. Even elevators terrified him; he would rather climb dozens of stairs than ride one alone.
King Yibo wrapped his arms around him; they were seated alone while the attendants occupied another section. Zhan never let go even after the flight stabilized-he fell asleep clinging tightly, completely exhausted.
Yibo sighed and gently brushed a kiss against Zhan's forehead. Troublemaker... perhaps now I can rest from your endless noise, he thought, laying him down more comfortably.
Only he knew how deeply he cared for this man.
And silently he prayed that this love would not become the end of him.
True lovers indeed. 😌😉
JAPAN
Zhan was overwhelmed with surprise and awe as they exited the Jet hand-in-hand.
A convoy of luxurious cars and the royal escort of Japan awaited them, and the Emperor himself had come personally to welcome King Yibo.
The two rulers-powerful figures known across the world-embraced warmly.
Yet King Yibo never released Zhan's hand, even during the greeting. When they separated, Zhan bowed slightly in respect.
The Emperor, smiling, glanced between them-especially noticing the firm way Yibo still held onto Zhan's hand. He said his welcome with honor, despite being older; his twin sons were above twenty, not much older than Zhan.
Zhan exhaled slowly, closing his eyes as the cool air-conditioning and the rich, luxurious scent inside the car washed over him. They had just entered one of the grand vehicles sent to receive them.
King Yibo looked at him and pulled him into a firm embrace. Zhan relaxed into him like a small kitten, quietly inhaling his comforting scent. It turned out Zhan had barely registered anything at the airport. Only once they drove into the grand Palace did the reality hit him-this was beyond anything he could have imagined.
He knew Beiping Palace was magnificent-so breathtaking that no one could walk in without gasping. He once believed there was no place in the world that could match their own, but today he realized there was indeed another equal. Japan's royal palace might not surpass theirs, but theirs certainly couldn't outshine this either; the level of elegance here left no room for comparison, the kind that could overwhelm the senses.
They were received with profound respect and given accommodation so refined it nearly rivaled what they enjoyed in their own country. Exhaustion weighed heavily on both of them, especially on Zhan who wasn't used to such long travel. With some gentle coaxing, King Yibo managed to get him to shower and lie down. Before anyone could blink, sleep claimed him instantly.
Zhan didn't wake until 3:30pm, and even then King Yibo had to shake him awake before stepping out. When he returned, he told Zhan to get ready because they would be leaving for Dubai that night. Japan, he explained, was only a stopover to disguise their route. Then he left again, while a group of women arrived with outfits-sent by the Queen herself.
Once he finished dressing, they escorted him to the Queen's quarters, where he was greeted with sincere warmth and respect-enough to make him feel taller than usual. Despite being far older, the Queen took his arm gently as they talked, showering him with kindness and even saying she hoped they could become friends.
Zhan simply smiled, calm and collected-acting nothing like the loud, endlessly talkative person who usually tormented King Yibo. His words were now measured and graceful; dignity came naturally when one stood beside the ruler of Beiping.
They spent the afternoon together until evening, when they were led to an exquisite private dining room for a beautifully prepared dinner. The seating was arranged just for four: Zhan, the Queen of Japan, King Yibo, and the King of Japan himself.
King Yibo's gaze was intense, his eyes half-lidded as he watched Zhan like he might swallow him whole. Zhan looked stunning, dressed in traditional Japanese attire that contrasted beautifully with his fair skin, decorated lightly with white stones that sparkled under the warm lights.
The Queen wore equally elegant garments, and both kings wore matching formal robes-luxurious white underlayers with deep blue outer robes embroidered in gold, tied with pale rose belts. Their scents filled the air, refined and expensive.
After a formal exchange of greetings befitting rulers of great nations, they ate quietly and respectfully. Time was short; the two kings stood soon after, aware of the long journey ahead. Thanks to their private jet, the trip would be smooth and resting space comfortable. Only then did Zhan realize they would be travelling together with the King of Japan and his wife.
Once aboard the jet, Zhan nearly forgot himself staring wide-eyed at the luxury around him. The aircraft interior looked more like a royal suite than a plane. Food was prepared for them, everything gleaming and immaculate. Zhan, caught between nervousness and excitement, tried hard to appear composed, pretending none of this amazed him.
The two kings sat talking quietly with their spouses by their side, while Zhan finally began to yawn uncontrollably. King Yibo shot him one of those low, amused glances-already predicting that Zhan would sleep, wake briefly, and fall asleep again. That was his habit nowadays. You would never hear him say he had slept enough. Ever.
DUBAI
Dubai welcomed them with warm evening air and glittering lights stretching endlessly across the skyline. From the airport, a sleek black limousine carried Zhan and King Yibo through the radiant city, skyscrapers reflecting like glass swords under the night sky.
Zhan leaned against the window in silent awe.
"Is this place real?" he whispered without realizing he spoke aloud.
Yibo chuckled softly, brushing his knuckles against Zhan's hand.
"Very real. And we're not even close to the good part yet."
Zhan rolled his eyes and muttered, "Show-off," which only made Yibo laugh harder.
🏝 Private Desert Resort
The limousine eventually stopped at a breathtaking desert resort made of glass villas rising from endless golden sand. Soft lanterns glowed along the walkway, lighting their path.
The moment they were alone in their villa, Zhan collapsed onto the luxurious bed with a dramatic groan.
"If I close my eyes, I'm never waking up."
Yibo threw his jacket aside and leaned over him.
"Oh really? And miss the sunrise in the desert? Not happening."
Zhan lifted one eye.
"I can watch it on the phone."
Yibo laughed, tugging him up by the wrist.
"You're coming with me baby."
-----
By midday, King Yibo finally woke up, took a shower, and dressed. Zhan, however, showed absolutely no sign of movement-still asleep, sprawled across the bed after their intimate activities, he had fainted from exhaustion.
Yibo sat at the edge of the bed, studying him quietly. He brushed his fingers across Zhan's forehead and down to his neck, checking for any sign of a fever or illness-there was none. Just deep, heavy sleep.
With effort, Yibo shook him gently.
Zhan groaned, pushing his lips forward in a stubborn pout and glaring at Yibo through half-opened eyes. He turned his face away dramatically, still refusing to get up.
Yibo sighed and tapped his cheek lightly.
"Stop pouting like that. If you keep making that face, your lips might sore from another kissing, you know I never get tired of eating you. How are we supposed to go out looking like you're about to cry?"
Zhan blinked rapidly, eyes watering from being forced awake.
"I swear, I don't know what's wrong with me. I just keep falling asleep. Even when I say I won't-my body refuses to listen."
Yibo watched him carefully, concern quietly stirring in his chest. A hundred thoughts crossed his mind, but he chose not to voice any of them. Instead, he said softly:
"Alright, get up. We have to go-King of Japan and his wife are waiting for us."
Zhan had no choice. Still half-conscious, he let Yibo help him get dressed, his eyes continually closing and soft yawns escaping non-stop.
Yibo gently supported him the whole time, fully aware that something was off.
Maybe it was exhaustion... or maybe something deeper he didn't understand yet.
Either way, he slipped an arm around Zhan and guided him out so they could leave-hoping the fresh air would help.
Before dawn, they stood outside wrapped in light jackets, watching the sun break over the dunes in glowing orange waves. Zhan whispered in awe, voice trembling:
"It's...beautiful."
Yibo slid his arms around him from behind.
"I know," he murmured, but his eyes were on Zhan, not the sunrise.
Minutes later they climbed into a private off-road jeep for dune bashing.
Zhan clearly regretted every decision.
The car shot down a steep sand hill, and Zhan screamed, grabbing onto Yibo like a terrified cat.
"STOP! STOP! I'M NOT READY! I WANT TO LIVE!"
The driver laughed. Yibo laughed harder.
"Why are you enjoying this?!" Zhan yelled, face buried in Yibo's chest.
"Because you're adorable," Yibo answered, wiping tears of laughter from his eyes.
----
Life in Dubai became a story Zhan knew he would never forget....an unforgettable chapter between him and King Yibo, one that any follower of their journey would wish to witness.
But Zhan held the memories close, locked deep within his heart, leaving others to only guess and imagine what truly happened.
Despite the lingering weakness caused by that strange, overwhelming sleep that kept attacking him without warning, Zhan fought hard to stay awake and maintain his energy, becouse his King has enough stamina never skipped an opportunity to make love to him. What impressed him the most was how devoted King Yibo remained...never once stepping back from caring for him, day and night, without the slightest sign of irritation or fatigue.
On the other side, a deep bond developed between Zhan and the Queen of Japan.
She was a powerful and dignified woman....graceful, composed, and skilled in commanding respect. With her, Zhan found unexpected comfort. She taught him many things and openly helped refine his poise and confidence so he could stand with pride beside his husband in front of their people.
She understood his young age and the fact that he came from a family with no connection to royalty.
So she guided him...not only in manners and etiquette but also in self-care, posture, and appearance. Even his physical presence began to reflect the change.
Meanwhile, Zhan's attendants barely caught sight of him five full times since they arrived; he was always busy learning. Zhan, had expected King Yibo to allow him to be on phone with his parents, but Yibo offered no explanation or discussion on the matter. Zhan had no choice but to accept the situation quietly, especially after the Queen of Japan firmly advised restraint.
And Zhan learned well....his heart became steadier, and he no longer reacted impulsively.
The fiery, loud Zhan turned calm and controlled.
Only in front of King Yibo did his mischievous tongue still return...if he was silent, it was only because he had fallen asleep again after Yibo devoured him. Those were the only moments Yibo's ears could finally rest.
And today, during lunch, King Yibo looked at him and said:
"Get ready. We're going out."
That night, they sat on soft cushions under a sky scattered with stars, surrounded by golden lanterns and the distant sound of gentle music. Warm desert wind brushed their cheeks as servers brought endless trays of food.
Zhan tried traditional dancing with the performers...well, he attempted to.
His timing was terrible, his feet went the wrong way, and his arms looked like he was fighting invisible bees.
Yibo was laughing so hard he nearly fell over.
"Stop laughing! I'm talented!" Zhan yelled, red-faced.
"Oh absolutely. Very talented. In chaos." Yibo grinned, clapping proudly.
🛳 Yacht on the Marina
The next day they boarded a private yacht from Dubai Marina, water glittering like liquid diamonds under the sun.
Zhan stood at the bow, wind blowing through his hair.
"This feels like a movie."
Yibo stepped behind him, wrapping his arms around his waist.
"It's real. And so are you."
Zhan turned pink immediately.
"Why do you say things like that without warning?"
"Because I like watching you blush."
Fireworks erupted above the water as night fell, reflections dancing across the waves. They danced barefoot on the deck, quiet music floating around them.
Zhan fell asleep with his head on Yibo's shoulder, soft and peaceful.
Yibo stroked his hair and whispered:
"If happiness had a face… it would be yours."
Back at their villa, they slipped into the private pool lit with soft lights. Water sparkled like liquid moonlight. Zhan rested his head on Yibo's shoulder silently.
"Thank you," he whispered.
"For what?"
"For choosing me. For staying, it feel like we're normal people here enjoying our youth."
Yibo placed a gentle kiss on his forehead.
"I'll choose you every day, for the rest of my life."
Zhan smiled, eyes shining.
"Then I think I'm finally happy."
Yibo brushed a wet strand of hair from his face.
"Good. Because my world is complete now."
They stayed floating together under the endless sky...no words needed, just the rhythm of two hearts learning how to beat as one kissing.
:-*:-*:-*:-
Today marks twenty-five days since Zhan arrived in Dubai, together with his husband, the president of his country, King Yibo.
Zhan's hand was tightly clasped in King Yibo's, seeking comfort as they walked out of a large mall, because for no clear reason, Zhan suddenly began to cry, insisting he didn't want to leave the city.
King Yibo held his hand gently, trying to soothe him. The moment they entered the car, Zhan threw himself into Yibo's arms, holding him tightly.
King Yibo let out a soft smile, raised his head, then gave Zhan a playful stern look and flicked his nose.
"Do you want us to stay here until the people of Dubai get tired of us and throw us out?" he teased.
Zhan pouted, his eyes blinking rapidly, tears still gathered there. In a spoiled tone, he murmured, "Take me to Burj Khalifa, please… my king?"
Yibo only smiled and looked away, then suddenly turned back as though remembering something important.
He studied Zhan from head to toe before asking a question that instantly made Zhan freeze in embarrassment.
"Mr. Yibo Zhan… did you take anything to stop us from having a baby?"
Zhan looked at him in shock, then quickly shook his head, pouting even more.
Seeing that, King Yibo softened and whispered,
"Alright, sorry. Relax, don't worry,"
he said gently, guiding Zhan to lean back comfortably in the seat.
The drive was quiet, filled only with the low hum of the engine and Zhan's occasional sniffles as he clung to King Yibo's arm. Twenty-five days in Dubai had flown by like a dream, and now the thought of leaving felt unbearably heavy for him.
Yibo glanced sideways at him, watching the way Zhan wiped his face like a sulking child.
"Still upset?" he asked softly.
Zhan only pressed his lips together and stared out the window, refusing to answer.
Yibo chuckled under his breath. So dramatic, he thought, tightening his grip around Zhan's hand.
They arrived at Burj Khalifa, the tallest building in the world. A private elevator was waiting for them....VIP access secured long before the trip even began. As the doors closed and the elevator began to glide upward, Zhan's fingers slowly crept over Yibo's hand, squeezing tighter with every passing second. By the time they reached the top, he was practically crushing bone.
"Easy," Yibo whispered, amusement coating his voice. "I need that hand to sign national documents, you know."
Zhan shot him a watery glare but didn't loosen his hold.
When the doors opened, they stepped into a private rooftop viewing deck, glass walls stretching from floor to sky. The entire city glittered beneath them....gold, silver, and diamond lights swirling across the night like scattered stars fallen to earth. The wind was cool, carrying the distant hum of life far below.
Zhan froze.
His breath caught, eyes widening, and his grip tightened even more...so tight Yibo winced.
"Zhan," Yibo whispered, leaning close to his ear, voice low and teasing,
"If you fall, I'll fall with you."
Zhan's head whipped around instantly.
"That is not comforting!" he snapped, eyes wide with panic.
Yibo burst into laughter, the deep sound echoing through the high open space. After a second, Zhan's own laugh slipped out....unsteady at first, then soft, then genuine. The tension melted from his shoulders as he finally leaned into Yibo's side, the city lights reflecting in his eyes like liquid stars.
"It's beautiful…" Zhan whispered.
"It is," Yibo replied, not looking at the view at all...his eyes fixed only on Zhan. "The city's amazing too."
Zhan flushed, burying his face in Yibo's chest, and Yibo wrapped an arm around him, pulling him close as the world sparkled beneath their feet.
High above Dubai, with the whole city glowing like a sea of jewels, they stood together...two silhouettes against the night, holding on as though letting go would mean falling forever.
And neither of them would ever let that happen.
For a long moment, they simply stood there, breathing in the cool night air. The city stretched endlessly beneath them...roads glowing like threads of gold, skyscrapers rising like glass mountains, and distant fireworks blooming silently in the horizon.
Zhan slowly lifted his head from Yibo's chest.
"Do we really have to leave tomorrow?" he asked quietly, voice soft and vulnerable, like someone afraid of the answer.
Yibo brushed a thumb over the corner of his eye, wiping away a lingering tear, he peck his lips.
"We'll come back," he said gently. "As many times as you want. This city isn't going anywhere."
Zhan sniffed and nudged him with a small pout.
"That's what you said about the ice cream store near that hotel, and then it closed for renovation."
Yibo blinked, then burst out laughing.
"That was one time...one time! And you're still holding it against me?"
"I suffered," Zhan replied dramatically, placing a hand on his chest. "Emotionally, physically, spiritually...."
Yibo raised a brow.
"Spiritually?"
Zhan nodded with exaggerated seriousness.
"Yes. I bonded with that ice cream on a deep level."
Yibo shook his head, amused beyond measure.
"You're impossible."
"And yet you married me," Zhan shot back proudly, folding his arms like a victorious general.
Yibo stepped closer, voice dropping to a low and warm whisper,
"I'd do it again. Every single day."
Zhan's cheeks flushed pink at the sudden closeness.
"Stop saying things like that," he muttered, eyes darting away.
"Why?" Yibo teased. "Does it make your heart race?"
"No," Zhan denied too quickly.
Yibo smirked.
"Then why is your ear turning red?"
Zhan slapped both hands over his ears instantly....and Yibo laughed so hard he had to lean on the railing.
"Ahh, Zhan," he said between laughs. "I should have brought a camera. You're adorable when you panic."
Zhan glared but then leaned against Yibo again, quieter now.
The wind brushed past them, carrying the faint echo of music drifting up from the city below....soft, warm, romantic.
After a moment, Yibo spoke again, voice gentle, steady, and sincere.
"No matter where we go....whether it's here, or home, or somewhere no one has ever heard of....you won't ever be alone. I'm with you. Always."
Zhan felt his chest tighten, but this time it wasn't fear....it was warmth, expanding like sunlight.
"I know," he whispered. "And I'm not letting go either."
Yibo offered his hand.
"Then shall we make a promise? Right here, above the world?"
Zhan nodded and placed his hand in Yibo's. Their fingers locked together....firm, unbreakable.
"To us," Yibo said.
"To us," Zhan echoed, smiling.
They stood there hand in hand, watching Dubai sparkle beneath them....two souls suspended between sky and earth, making silent romantic touches that needed no audience.
The night belonged to them.
NEXT DAY
The drive out of the city was quiet and peaceful. Dubai's skyline slowly faded behind them, replaced by open desert and endless darkness stretching like a velvet blanket. The only sounds were the soft hum of the car and Zhan's occasional sighs of contentment as he watched the sand dunes glowing under moonlight.
"Are we lost?" Zhan finally asked, peering into the darkness ahead.
Yibo smirked. "Do I look like someone who gets lost?"
Zhan didn't even hesitate.
"Yes. Absolutely."
Yibo gave him a dramatic offended gasp. "Wow. Zero faith. I'm wounded."
"You'll live," Zhan replied sweetly.
A few minutes later, the car stopped. When Zhan stepped out, the cool desert wind brushed across his face, carrying a scent of earth and night air. The sky above them was enormous—stretched wide and shimmering with thousands of stars, bright and untouched by city lights.
Zhan froze, mouth slightly open in awe.
"It's… beautiful," he whispered.
Yibo spread a blanket onto the soft sand and gently tugged him to sit.
"Better than Burj Khalifa?"
Zhan nodded slowly, eyes still lifted upward.
"It feels like the stars are closer here… like I can touch them."
Yibo leaned back on his hands, watching Zhan instead of the sky.
"You shine brighter than all of them."
Zhan blinked, then groaned.
"Don't start...."
"It's true," Yibo cut in with a small smile. "You look at everything like it's your first time. Like the world is extraordinary. You remind me what it means to feel."
Zhan lowered his gaze, cheeks warming.
"And you remind me what it means to be safe, shield me from weird gazes towards us."
For a quiet moment, they just looked at one another....no teasing, no fighting, just honesty.
Then Yibo stood and held out a hand.
"Come here."
Zhan took it, curious.
Yibo pulled him gently into a slow dance, right there on the sand....musicless, guided only by the wind and heartbeat.
Zhan laughed softly.
"We don't even have music."
"We don't need any," Yibo murmured. "Listen."
They fell into silence kissing each other, slowly, gently and unhurried the desert holding them, the stars watching like distant witnesses.
Zhan rested his forehead against Yibo's shoulder.
"If time could stop right here, I wouldn't complain."
Yibo wrapped his arms tighter around him.
"Then let it stop. For us, it just did."
Their steps slowed, becoming almost still....two silhouettes leaning into each other beneath an endless sky.
After a long while, Zhan spoke again, voice quiet but steady.
"Thank you… for not letting go of me."
Yibo pressed a soft kiss to his hair.
"Never."
The desert wind whispered around them....soft, warm, eternal...carrying their promise into the night.
The night deepened, and the desert camp they had arrived at glowed softly with lanterns. A small fire crackled in the center, sending flickers across Yibo's sharply handsome face and Zhan's slightly flushed cheeks. The scent of toasted marshmallows filled the air, mixing with the earthy aroma of the desert sand.
Zhan sat cross-legged, trying not to fidget, while Yibo roasted a marshmallow for him, holding it on the stick with precision.
"Careful," Yibo warned with a teasing glint in his eyes. "This one's for you, not the sand."
"I can handle it," Zhan replied, attempting confidence but watching nervously as the sticky treat bubbled over. Inevitably, it slipped and fell, landing squarely on his lap.
"Oh no!" Zhan yelped, trying to brush it off, but the firelight caught the sticky mess and made him look ridiculous.
Yibo laughed, loud and genuine, crouching beside him to help clean it off. "You always manage to get yourself into trouble, don't you?"
"I'm just… testing your patience," Zhan said defensively, though his voice was tinged with laughter.
"Then consider it passed," Yibo replied, pressing a gentle kiss to the top of Zhan's head. "You make me laugh more than anyone ever has."
They roasted more marshmallows, fed each other bites, and shared playful arguments over who could toast theirs better. At one point, Zhan, in a mischievous fit, flicked a small sprinkle of sand at Yibo's shoulder. Yibo retaliated immediately, scooping up a handful and flicking it back, but missed and ended up sliding onto the sand.
"Are you okay?" Zhan asked, laughing as he leaned down.
"Better than ever," Yibo replied, tugging Zhan down with him. They rolled in the sand, laughing and tangled together, the desert around them quiet except for the occasional crackle of the fire.
Eventually, exhaustion settled in. Yibo gathered Zhan into his arms, wrapping him in his jacket. "Time to go back," he murmured, brushing Zhan's hair back.
The drive back to their hotel was quiet and intimate. Zhan rested against Yibo's shoulder, still sticky from marshmallows, his hair dusted with sand. Yibo kept a protective hand on his knee, occasionally brushing his fingers across Zhan's palm.
"You always spoil everything," Zhan muttered sleepily.
"I spoil you," Yibo corrected with a grin, leaning over to place a soft kiss on his temple. "That's different."
By the time they returned, Zhan had fallen asleep in Yibo's arms, peaceful and trusting. Yibo carried him into their room, wiped him with wet towel and tucking him into the bed gently before settling down beside him. He watched Zhan breathe evenly, tracing the line of his jaw with a finger.
"Best night ever," Yibo whispered to himself, a small, satisfied smile on his lips. "And it's only the beginning."
The firelight from the desert camp may have faded behind them, but the warmth between them lingered, soft and unbreakable.
:-*:-*:-*:-
By morning, King Yibo had arranged for their return to the palace in Beiping, arriving at their accommodation here in Dubai, where the Japanese King and his wife were also staying, who had been alerted.
Even though the car door was opened for Zhan just as it was for King Yibo, he got out from where he got out with Zhan. Not more than ten minutes passed before the doctor who had requested to see them arrived with the Japanese Queen, her mind racing with the thought that perhaps the cry Zhan had let out yesterday had caused him trouble. As for Zhan, their situation only gave him surprise and laughter, and he directed his gaze to King Yibo, who sat with his usual calm.
With a questioning look, Zhan communicated with his eyes, asking, what's happening? King Yibo Raising his head to the side, only in his heart did he know the joy he was feeling. He glanced at the doctor wanted to said something, but honestly, you couldn't interpret what was even on his face, let alone in his heart.
When the doctor finished his examinations in front of them, an adult matter, he stood up smiling. With respect, he turned to the Japanese Queen and handed her a paper with some writing.
"Oh, my....!"
The Queen said, her face with a triumphant smile. She directed her gaze to King Yibo, who felt as if he had snatched the paper from her hands, but he remained calm in reality.
"I am delighted to be the second after the doctor to announce to you that he's expecting, and I wish the Royal Consort a safe pregnancy journey." A kind of blinking of the eyes King Yibo did, followed by a soft sigh, as if a breath had been released.
Meanwhile, Zhan stared at them in complete lack of understanding. For he himself could only remain blocked on this shore. By the time they finished their goodbyes and the Japanese Queen left, Zhan couldn't say anything...
A kind of turning motion King Yibo made after everyone left the living room, he started spinning with Zhan. The whole thing just made Zhan laugh and start chuckling. Yibo didn't have the patience to address him until he saw Zhan start to shake his head, a sign that the spinning was causing a problem.
Together they took deep breaths. King Yibo stopped him with those sharp eyes of his and a triumphant, incredibly precious smile that rarely appeared on his face. But in reality, his mouth failed to say anything. Only then did he straighten up slightly and slowly say, "Mr. Yibo Zhan, you own me and everything of mine. Truly, I am your servant."
Quickly, Zhan put a hand over his mouth, widening his eyes and shaking his head. In a trembling voice, as if about to cry again, he said, "Please, my Lion, stop saying that, or the people of Beiping will slaughter me like a lamb. You are my King, you are older than me, you are my husband, the father of my children." Tears slid down slowly.
Zhan's hand grabbed Yibo's and held onto his abdomen. "I thank the universe that you are their father not because they gave you the honor of kingship and wealth. Because for them, in this world, we were provided with them, and we will leave them behind when we go. I am proud of you as the father of my children because of your goodness and your justice. Your reverence and your beautiful heart. My love, you are different among the different. It is not just the people of Beiping who deserve a just ruler. The world, too, takes pride in you. And I said the greatest suitability is you being my husband. The weight of rule has not prevented you from giving me happiness and fulfilling all my rights.
You provide joy between us, you forget you are a King leading the common people of a nation, not just a province or a region. The peace I find with you, I don't feel that other women whose husbands bear no one's weight have the like. My love, you are my champion, you are my poet, and you are my unattainable peak."
King Yibo's eyes just closed in reality. Instead of Zhan, who was crying openly, he was doing his own crying in his heart. Surely he saw the reward of patience; he truly didn't know how to thank fate enough for the gift of Zhan it gave him. Zhan had won. Surely, he was his everything.
In silence, he embraced Zhan against his body for a long time, until he felt him breathing slowly, a sign that sleep was taking him, and then he lifted him. He laid him down slowly, continued looking at him, his hand over the newly filled belly that seemed to hold nothing, yet held so much for him. Things that had brought him thoughts from the day he first saw him, a love that struck him at first sight, until today, when the flow of his own blood was within his blood…..
NB
I really don't know what I'm writing anymore 🤒🥴 please let us stop here, no more sweetest honeymoon.
Zhanxianyibo💚❤️💛