It was late at night when Shun finally finished reviewing the last memorial. He rubbed his temples, stood up with a slight weariness, and walked towards Yukari's bedchamber. The corridor lights cast his shadow long before him.
Upon arriving at Yukari's bedchamber, a smile involuntarily graced his lips. Pushing open the door, he saw the graceful figure of Yukari sitting at her dressing table. She was meticulously combing her fiery red hair, each movement elegant and unhurried.
Hearing the door open, she turned her head, smiled sweetly, and rose to greet him.
"Are all your official duties handled?" She asked softly, untying his outer robe.
Shun nodded, pulled her into his embrace, and kissed her passionately. He took a deep breath of the fresh scent of her hair.
"With you waiting, how could I not return quickly?"
Yukari leaned against him, feeling the warmth of his chest, her eyes full of tenderness. But soon, she gently pushed him away and pointed out the window.
"Mei's bedchamber still has its lights on. You should go to her tonight."
Shun's steps faltered, he knew Yukari's thoughts.
Although Mei had never formally married him, he had allowed her to live in the palace as his fiancée, and the world already regarded her as his queen. Even Mei herself had long considered herself his concubine.
Shun held Yukari in his arms and kissed her forehead. "You certainly think of me."
Yukari gently pushed him away, tidied his lapels, and lightly tapped his chest with her fingertip.
"Don't always bully her. That girl has waited for you for so many years, you can't keep her waiting forever. She specially stewed your favorite Lotus Seed Soup tonight and has been sitting in her room for almost an hour."
Shun smiled helplessly. "I know. You are my queen, and you care about this more than I do."
Yukari stood on her tiptoes and pecked him on the lips. "Hurry, don't let her get impatient."
Shun kissed Yukari again. "Alright, I'll go now. You get some rest early."
Then, he turned and walked towards Mei's bedchamber, a warm current flowing through his heart.
Having such a considerate queen was his greatest fortune in this life.
Meanwhile, in Mei's bedchamber, the future queen was lost in thought.
"Yukari-nee said she would let Shun come tonight. Will he really come?" She murmured to herself in front of the mirror, her fingers unconsciously twisting her sash.
In the mirror, she had emerald green eyes, long, reddish-brown curly hair cascading over her shoulders, and wore a luxurious silk nightgown that was both mature and dignified, yet also gentle and lovely.
"If he comes, what should I do? Be more proactive? Or…"
Her cheeks flushed, and she suddenly shook her head. "No, that would be too embarrassing."
She covered her burning cheeks, not daring to look at herself in the mirror again.
"He always bullies me but I always think of him. If he really doesn't come, I'll be so unwilling."
Just then, a knock sounded.
Mei abruptly looked up, her eyes instantly lighting up. She took a deep breath, tidied her nightgown, and then rose to open the door.
The door creaked open softly from the inside.
Shun stood outside the door, the moonlight spilling in from behind him, outlining him with a silver edge. He had changed into a loose nightgown, his black hair casually draped over his shoulders, appearing less imposing and more relaxed than usual.
Shun's gaze fell on her flushed earlobes. His lips curved slightly, and a hint of a smile spread in his eyes.
"Mei, aren't you going to invite me in?"
Mei finally came to her senses and hurriedly stepped aside. "P-please, come in."
The atmosphere in the bedchamber became a little awkward for a moment.
Mei stood there, flustered, not knowing what to do.
Shun chuckled softly and naturally walked to the table and sat down.
"What's wrong? Didn't you always say you wanted to be with me? Now you're shy?"
Mei hesitated, then obediently walked over and sat down, but maintained a little distance.
She retorted with a blush, and her voice grew softer and softer. "Th-that was a joke."
Suddenly, as if she had made up her mind, she looked up sharply and stared directly at Shun.
"You always reject me. I just don't know what to do to satisfy you."
Shun looked at her earnest expression, and his heart couldn't help but soften.
Mei had been by his side for many years, and he had always known her feelings, but he had always put it off, citing her young age. Now, thinking about it, it was indeed a bit excessive.
He reached out and pulled her into his arms, whispering in her ear, "I know. I've made you wait for too long over the years."
Mei looked up, her eyes flickering with complex emotions. "I just… I'm afraid of disappointing you."
Inside the room, the familiar sweet aroma of Lotus Seed Soup wafted through the air.
Shun's gaze softened considerably, and he said softly, "I heard someone specially stewed lotus seed soup for me, I came to taste it."
Mei's face instantly burned, and she hurriedly ran to get the soup bowl, her hand trembling, spilling half a spoonful onto the tablecloth.
"S-sorry."
She rushed to wipe it, but Shun grabbed her wrist. His palm was warm, and with a gentle tug, he made her tumble onto the seat beside him. He picked up a spoon, scooped a spoonful, and brought it to her lips.
"What's the rush? You taste it first."
Mei paused, then took a small mouthful from the spoon. The sweetness of the lotus seeds, mixed with the warmth of his fingertips, warmed her from her tongue to her heart.
When she looked up, her gaze met his deep eyes. There was no longer the usual teasing, only profound tenderness.
Shun put down the spoon, raised his hand to caress her face, his thumb gently stroking her cheek. "Mei, I've wronged you all these years."
Tears welled up in Mei's eyes, but she stubbornly shook her head. "No wrong, as long as I could wait for this day."
Shun lowered his head and gently kissed her lips. This kiss was different from his usual playful ones, it carried genuine emotion and remorse.
Mei first widened her eyes in surprise, then slowly closed them, responding to his kiss.
When Shun ended the kiss, Mei leaned against him, breathing slightly, her heart pounding, her cheeks flushed. Suddenly, as if she had made up her mind, she actively kissed his lips. This kiss was clumsy yet bold, carrying her unique stubbornness and passion.
A determined glint shone in her emerald eyes. "Tonight, stay. I want…"
Shun kissed her forehead and gently picked her up. "As you wish, my little beauty."
That night, in Mei's bedchamber, soft moans and gasps echoed continuously, making the maidservants outside the door blush and their hearts pound.
That night, Mei, having experienced her first time, actually wanted to challenge Shun's authority.
Shun gasped and shouted, "Do you submit or not?!"
Mei gritted her teeth and shouted, "I don't submit… ngh… haa…"
The next day, Shun went to work as usual, but Mei couldn't get out of bed.