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**
The negotiation hall was heavy with incense and the rustle of silk.
Lù Xiǎng's eyes stayed on Shèng Lín (Prince), his gaze soft but firm as officials discussed trade and alliance. Then, during a pause, he spoke clearly:
> "There is one more matter. I wish to bring Shèng Lín back to the Eastern Kingdom."
A wave of shock passed through the hall.
The Prince (Shèng Lín) flinched, staring at Shèng Lín (Prince) in disbelief.
Shèng Lín (Prince) stood calmly, lowering his eyes in false deference.
> "If that is your wish, Your Highness," Shèng Lín (Prince) said softly, "I will prepare to leave with you."
Silence shattered across the hall, everyone turning toward them.
The Prince (Shèng Lín) clenched his fists, his breathing sharp, but he couldn't say anything in that moment.
Lù Xiǎng's lips curved slightly, satisfied, as he looked at Shèng Lín (Prince).
---
That night, thunder cracked outside the Prince's chambers.
The Prince (Shèng Lín) burst into the room, slamming the door shut, his eyes ablaze with betrayal.
> "You said you would never leave me!" he shouted.
Shèng Lín (Prince) stood by the window, rain misting on his skin, his expression calm.
> "I said I would protect you. This is the way."
> "You're lying," the Prince (Shèng Lín) snapped, stepping closer. "You never intended to leave. Why are you making deals with him now?"
Shèng Lín (Prince) stepped forward quickly, grabbing the Prince's (Shèng Lín's) collar and kissing him, a hard, silencing kiss that swallowed his protests.
The Prince (Shèng Lín) froze, his fists beating weakly against Shèng Lín (Prince)'s chest before dropping as the kiss deepened, the rain outside louder than their racing hearts.
When they parted, breathless, Shèng Lín (Prince) pressed his forehead to the Prince's (Shèng Lín's), whispering:
> "I am Shèng Lín now. If he wants Shèng Lín, I will go. But you… you will stay here, safe, as the Prince you were born to be."
> "You think I will let you go so easily?" the Prince (Shèng Lín) rasped, his eyes wet, anger turning to desperation. "I don't care what body you wear—you are mine."
Shèng Lín (Prince) kissed him again, softer, brushing away the tears.
> "I am yours. Always."
They stood there, in the storm's glow, holding each other as the world outside prepared for the chaos to come.
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