Li Yuanjing spoke hoarsely, "Let me hold you, so you won't run off."
Shen Wei's lips twitched imperceptibly as she silently leaned into his embrace.
Uncertain what had gotten into him, she could only resort to a universally diplomatic response, murmuring softly, "Your Majesty, I am right here."
The two remained locked in an intimate embrace for a long while.
Drowsiness soon overtook Shen Wei, and she drifted off to sleep in his arms. Li Yuanjing, however, found sleep elusive. He gently clasped Shen Wei's pale hand.
Her palm was empty, holding nothing.
Li Yuanjing tenderly traced the lines of her fair palm—he couldn't restrain his adoration for her, yearning every night to share a bed with her. Yet, an emperor's exclusive favor would only invite trouble for Shen Wei, stirring jealousy and malice in others.
Her recent poisoning had sounded an alarm in his heart.
Li Yuanjing wanted to entrust Shen Wei with authority over the imperial harem.
