I alone am the Honoured One!

When Zhao Tian came back to the hall, he saw Zhou Hanyue still eating her food.

Behind her, Lan Shuqin stood stiff and composed like a dutiful maid.

As he approached, Zhou Hanyue smiled softly.

She set down her chopsticks and leaned slightly toward him as he sat beside her, brushing a soft kiss against his cheek. "Husband, I have finished eating. I will be at my chambers. After completing the breakfast, come to me."

Zhao Tian inclined his head with a smile. "Alright, dear."

Zhou Hanyue stood up and exited the hall.

Zhao Tian's gaze drifted to the dishes on the table.

But instead of reaching for them, he turned, his eyes settling on the figure behind him.

Lan Shuqin stood there with a visible blush across her cheeks as she felt his gaze "...Master?"

Without a word, he reached out and gently grasped her wrist.

"Ah-!" she gasped softly as he pulled her forward.

In one smooth motion, he tugged her into his space, guiding her until she stumbled onto his lap.

"M-Master Tian…!" she whispered harshly as she wriggled slightly, trying to stand up.

"if someone sees-"

His arms tightened and the warmth of hsi chest pressed against her back, his breath tickling her ear as he murmured, "No one will enter now. And even if they did…" his lips brushed the shell of her ear, "…they would only see you being adored."

She lowered her gaze, her hands twisting together nervously.

Zhao Tian rested his chin lightly on her shoulder, looking past her at the food on the table.

His hands didn't stay still; with one remaining firm at her waist, the other wandered lower, brushing over the apron tied neatly around her "You worked so hard preparing all of this. Shouldn't you also sit and enjoy it with me?"

"I… I am only a maid. How could I possibly-"

"You are not only a maid to me, Shuqin."

He nuzzled her hair, inhaling the faint floral scent that lingered from her morning wash "Last night should have told you that much."

Her heartbeat quickened, and images from the previous night... his kiss, his touch, and the dizzying warmth flooded her mind. "Th-That was…"

He chuckled quietly at her silence and guided her hand toward the table, plucking a small piece of pastry "Feed me."

Her eyes widened. "M-Master…!"

His lips brushed her cheek as he murmured, "Shuqin…"

With her face burning, she obediently picked up the pastry and lifted it toward his lips.

He accepted it with a faint smile, his mouth brushing her fingers just enough to make her shiver.

"…Good girl."

Her heart raced faster at those words.

She wanted to hide and run away in embarrassment, yet her body melted deeper into his embrace instead.

He turned her slightly, making her face him, and his thumb stroked the back of her hand as he whispered, "Still angry?"

Her lips parted, and with a faint whisper, she muttered "…A little."

He chuckled softly and kissed her temple "Then let me ease it away."

Before she could answer, his lips pressed against hers.

Her resistance melted almost instantly, and her hands gripped his robe as she leaned into the kiss, unable to fight the yearning that had built inside her.

By the time he pulled away, her breath was shallow.

She turned her head quickly, burying her face against his shoulder, ashamed of her own weakness.

"Master Tian… if Lady Hanyue saw…"

"She won't." His arms tightened around her, his lips grazing the side of her neck as he whispered,

"Right now, only you matter."

Lan Shuqin's chest rose and fell rapidly with her cheek still pressed against his shoulder.

She tried to steady her breath, but Zhao Tian's words lingered in her ears.

Slowly, she reached for another pastry, and this time, she no longer hesitated.

Her fingers brushed lightly against his lips as she lifted it toward him, and though her lashes lowered in embarrassment, a secret flutter of anticipation stirred in her chest.

Zhao Tian leaned forward, deliberately taking the pastry between his lips as the warmth of his mouth grazed her fingertips.

He chewed slowly with his gaze fixed on her flushed face.

"Mn… delicious,"

Lan Shuqin lowered her eyes quickly, but the corners of her lips curved upward, forming a bashful smile she couldn't restrain.

Seeing him relish the food she had prepared, watching his expression soften with genuine enjoyment… it filled her with a quiet joy.

So she fed him again.

And again.

Piece after piece, her hands moved more naturally, her fingers occasionally brushing the corner of his mouth.

Zhao Tian savored every bite, not just of the food but of her shy devotion.

Time slipped by unnoticed until at last the plates were empty.

Zhao Tian leaned back, looking wholly satisfied.

Lan Shuqin set the last empty dish aside, her hands resting neatly on her lap.

For a moment, she simply sat still, unsure of what to do next.

Then, almost without realizing it, she leaned slightly against him.

His shoulder was firm and warm beneath her cheek, and the simple contact made her entire body feel light.

He hugged her and gently patted her head.

She tilted her face slightly, nestling into the crook of his neck, seeking his warmth.

Zhao Tian lowered his gaze, his lips curving faintly as he looked at the timid girl melting into his arms.

His voice dropped to a low murmur, brushing softly against her ear "Tonight, we can go out together... just like that night."

Her gaze quivered, but still, she hugged him "Hm."

...

Zhao Tian lay stretched comfortably across the bed, his hands folded lazily behind his head with a faint smile tugging at his lips.

Zhou Hanyue sat cross-legged atop his abdomen, and looking down at him, she asked "So, the marriage is two days from today?"

He nodded his head with a smile "Yeah..."

She giggled and leaned down to peck his lips "I am quite excited."

His gaze softened, and she asked "Have you already bought the wedding clothes?"

Nodding his head, he muttered "I have told Shuang, she will take care of it."

He raised his hand, gently caressing her cheek "Also, tonight... I will be with Shuqin."

Upon hearing this, she tilted her head "Are things going well with her?"

With a nod, he replied "Yeah..."

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I hope you guys liked this chapter!