chapter 1

I looked at Pei Qingxuan with half-belief and half-doubt.

I believed him because he had always relied on the fact that I liked him-he would rather make me angry than lie to please me.

But I doubted him because, indeed, he had been much more affectionate to me these past two months than before.

In the three years since our marriage, it had always been me who clung to him when it came to matters of the bed.

Yet recently, it was he who took the initiative to seek me out.

Leaving me breathless, my temples disheveled, my limbs soft.

His long, strong hands traced my waist as he spoke in a low, husky voice, “I heard Prince Pingnan will return to court tomorrow morning. Does Princess wish to see him?”

“Mm… yes, I do.”

“I wish to accompany Your Highness. My sister is about to give birth-I’d like to visit her too.”

Prince Pingnan is my Seventh Imperial Brother, and his concubine is Pei Qingxuan’s elder sister.

They, the siblings, were tribute sent to our Northern Liang three years ago after Southern Chu’s defeat.

I did not agree to his request right away.

My Seventh Imperial Brother is now the main general leading the campaign against Southern Chu.

And today, someone reminded me that Pei Qingxuan is from Southern Chu-he is not one of our kind, and his loyalties must be in doubt.

With war between our two states imminent, I should treat Pei Qingxuan as a mere Trophy, not grow too close.

Seeing my silence, Pei Qingxuan lightly bit my lip and trailed down my neck, his breath hot and heavy.

Though I enjoyed it, I still pushed him away.

The desire in his eyes gradually faded. “Princess, what’s wrong?”

I stammered, “Today… I’m not feeling well.”

“Has Your Highness heard some gossip?”

“N-no, I haven’t.”

He slowly lowered himself, his beautiful amber eyes gazing at me. “Princess, you are a terrible liar.”

“I am already married to Your Highness, my only kin is here in Northern Liang. Toward Northern Liang, toward you, Princess, I have never harbored any disloyalty.

“If I speak even a word of falsehood, may I die a miserable death.”

He spoke with utmost conviction.

I hurriedly covered his mouth. “Don’t say such things-I believe you.”

I never wished for his death.

He had saved me, and I did like him.

His warm lips pressed against my palm-

soft and ticklish.

He took my hand and kissed it,

reminding me of our first encounter.

I had fallen into the water, and he had breathed air into me mouth to mouth.

Just as gentle and warm as now.

That night, I was once again drowned in his stormy embrace.