It is often said that an emperor's thoughts are inscrutable. Sensing his displeasure and foul mood, Yun Wan's lightly lowered lashes trembled as she instinctively softened her movements.
Outside the window, rain poured relentlessly, and violent winds howled, ruthlessly battering the doors and windows with eerie creaks, adding an unsettling air of dread.
Compared to the biting cold outside, the room was warm and soothing. Thick white candles, as wide as a baby's arm, occasionally sizzled as the flames melted the wax.
Out of the corner of her eye, Yun Wan noticed Emperor Jingxuan's eyes tightly shut, his expression seemingly relaxed, his breathing steady. Deliberately slowing her movements, she lowered her slightly raised foot to the ground, preparing to leave.
"Your Majesty?"
Yun Wan exhaled softly, her voice a whisper.
No response.
Her heart leapt with relief. Lifting her hand from Emperor Jingxuan's temple, she turned to rise from the divan.
Yet the moment she stood, her wrist was seized—his grip was fierce, the scorching heat like a branding iron, stealing her breath.
Turning back, she met Emperor Jingxuan's crimson eyes, deep and dark, sharp as a blade's edge, devoid of any drowsiness. Yun Wan's heart quivered.
"Y-Your Majesty?" she murmured, surprise flickering across her delicate features.
Hadn't he been asleep?
Emperor Jingxuan held her slender wrist, his fingers unconsciously tracing her skin—pale against his darker hue, a stark contrast.
His gaze swept over the fair wrist before lifting to lock onto Yun Wan's eyes. His tone was casual, almost lazy. "Where is Madam going?"
The dim light accentuated his striking, chiseled features. His narrow phoenix eyes seemed to harbor a lurking beast, restless and predatory.
And Yun Wan—she was its prey. A suffocating pressure surged toward her, engulfing her in an instant.
She bit her lower lip, avoiding his domineering gaze. Softly, she replied, "I thought you were asleep and didn’t wish to disturb Your Majesty."
Emperor Jingxuan arched a brow, his thumb pressing heavily against the small red mole on the inside of her wrist. Slowly, he remarked, "Madam's technique is exquisite. It does ease this emperor's headache."
No doubt her late husband had enjoyed it often.
A faint sneer curled in his heart, though his grip remained firm.
Yun Wan frowned, her slender wrist aching under his rough touch. An inexplicable frustration welled up inside her.
"Continue."
The command fell beside her ear, just as the grip on her wrist abruptly vanished.
She glanced down—unsurprisingly, a red mark had formed.
Pressing her lips into a thin line, she looked displeased but obediently resumed her seat. Her fingers returned to their work, moving from his temples to the space between his brows, his forehead... and finally, the crown of his head.
Pausing, Yun Wan said, "Your Majesty, if we continue, I must remove your crown."
To truly alleviate his headache, pressing the Baihui acupoint at the top of his head was essential.
Emperor Jingxuan replied matter-of-factly, "Then trouble Madam to do so."
After a brief hesitation, Yun Wan followed the steps she once used for her husband, carefully loosening Emperor Jingxuan's hair.
As the gilded jade crown came undone, thick, ink-black locks cascaded over his shoulders, wild and untamed. His sharp brows and defined features softened slightly, lending him an air of noble elegance—like a refined young master from an aristocratic family.
Yun Wan couldn’t help but steal another glance.
She thought herself discreet, unaware that the bronze mirror across from them captured her expression perfectly—Emperor Jingxuan saw it all.
His eyes glinted as he shifted slightly, adjusting his posture.
From Yun Wan's angle, she caught a glimpse of his parted collar and the broad, sculpted chest beneath.
The lines of his muscles were taut and defined, his honeyed skin gleaming with an alluring sheen, exuding an irresistible allure.
Her gaze darted away, but a blush crept up her ears.
Not daring to look further, she kept her eyes downcast, though a restless heat prickled under her skin.
Hidden in the shadows, the corners of Emperor Jingxuan's lips curled. A surge of delight softened his sharp features. Suddenly, he sat up.
With nothing to brace against, Yun Wan lurched forward.
Had she not reacted quickly, she would have tumbled straight into his arms.
Even so, the situation was hardly better.
Her forehead collided with Emperor Jingxuan's shoulder, making it appear as though he had pulled her into an embrace.
She gasped in pain, lifting her head urgently. "Your Majesty?"
Her flawless face was now inches from his—delicate brows like distant mountains, eyes shimmering like autumn waters, lips like petals, lush and glistening with a sweet sheen. Every expression was bewitching.
Emperor Jingxuan's gaze darkened as it traced every inch of her. The crimson in his eyes faded, replaced by something turbulent and inscrutable.
"What perfume does Madam wear?"
His Adam's apple bobbed as his arm encircled her slender waist, his voice rough.
Yun Wan stiffened, her entire body trembling.
The hand at her waist was impossible to ignore. Struggling slightly, she protested, "Your Majesty, please release me. This... this is improper."
Her throat tightened, her voice strained.
Yet the moment she spoke, a sharp pain flared at her wrist.
Realizing what he had done, Yun Wan's eyes widened. "Your Majesty!"
Emperor Jingxuan slowly released her, revealing a fresh bite mark on her snow-white wrist.
There was no question who had left it.
"My apologies for the offense, Madam."
His lips curled, though his tone held no remorse. He seemed every bit the unrestrained rogue.
No—a scoundrel!
Yun Wan's cheeks flushed pink, her eyes blazing with indignation.
But faced with Emperor Jingxuan—the most exalted man in the realm—she forced herself to restrain her fury, glaring at him with wide, furious eyes.
"Release me at once, Your Majesty!" Her voice was stiff.
Had she known she’d be bitten for no reason, she would never have stepped into this courtyard, rain be damned!
Emperor Jingxuan didn’t budge. Their bodies pressed flush against each other.
He persisted, "Madam still hasn’t told me what scent you wear. Why is it so intoxicating?"
The heat of his body and the sandalwood fragrance clinging to him overwhelmed Yun Wan.
Gritting her teeth, she replied, "It’s merely ordinary balm. If Your Majesty still suffers from headaches, I shall summon Eunuch Jiang at once!"
Emperor Jingxuan chuckled, tucking a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His voice was velvety, teasing. "Only Madam can help me."
Yun Wan glared. "Your Majesty, I am a married woman!"
He scoffed. "Yet Madam’s husband is dead, is he not?"
His scorching breath fanned over her ear, staining her porcelain skin red.
Emperor Jingxuan's breathing grew heavier.
He closed his eyes briefly, suppressing the beast lurking within.
Just as the standoff stretched, a voice sounded at the door:
"Your Majesty, Madam Lu—the rain has stopped."
Jiang Fusheng's words were like salvation to Yun Wan. Without another thought, she shoved Emperor Jingxuan away. "I’ve troubled Your Majesty enough today. My mother awaits me. I take my leave!"
With that, she fled, as if chased by demons.
