The morning dew was gradually fading away, giving way to the warmth of the rising sun when Yuyan finally stirred and sat up from the bed. Tian Yu had already bathed. He sat relaxed on a chair, legs crossed with effortless grace, his sharp gaze absorbed in the roll he held.
Yuyan picked up a pillow and playfully hurled it at him. Without even glancing up, his hand shot out, catching it with ease.
"Didn't I satisfy you last night?" he teased, his lips curving into that maddening smile as he stood and gently tugged her hand.
"What nonsense are you talking about when you nearly broke my waist?" she retorted, pouting in mock anger.
"Really?" His voice lowered, the teasing edge laced with heat. He closed the distance between them in a single step. Before Yuyan could retreat, his hand slipped under her nightwear, fingertips grazing and squeezing her sensitive peaks until she groaned softly, betraying herself.
"Stay away from me," she whispered breathlessly, pushing weakly at his chest. "When did you become spoiled like this?" she teased, though her flushed face told another story.
"A little witch princess taught me," he murmured against her ear, pulling her closer. Before she could escape, her nightgown slid to the floor in a whisper of silk.
"Y… yo—" Her protest melted away when his lips captured hers, deep and demanding, while his hands explored boldly, sending sparks across her body.
"I… will kill you," she stammered between his kisses.
"Don't you like it?" Tian Yu whispered, his breath hot against her neck before his mouth descended to claim her breast. Her resistance crumbled instantly, her body arching into him as a moan escaped.
Lost between kisses and his urgent touch, Tian Yu shed his clothes swiftly, never breaking their closeness. Guiding her toward the bed, he whispered hoarsely, "I love you so much, Yuyan. You are more than the world to me." His hand slid down, finding her already trembling with need.
"Oh… no… please," she gasped, trembling beneath his touch.
"Please what?" he teased darkly, watching her unravel.
"I… you are dead," she cursed through clenched teeth as her climax threatened to take her.
He chuckled low, his voice rough with desire. "Do you want me inside?"
"Yes," she whispered, her voice trembling.
With a swift, desperate move, he pressed her beneath him, thrusting deep until her cries and his groans echoed throughout the chamber.
---
After what felt like forever, they found themselves entangled again—this time in the steaming bathtub. Tian Yu leaned back against the stone edge while Yuyan straddled him, her hands braced against his shoulders as she rode him with a fiery rhythm that made him groan helplessly, clinging to her as they both drowned in ecstasy once more.
When it was over, their breaths mingled in ragged waves. Yuyan collapsed against his shoulder, her damp hair clinging to his chest.
"Are you not tired of making love to me?" she murmured with a lazy smile.
"No," Tian Yu answered instantly, his voice deep and resolute.
"Is lovemaking all you think of?" she teased again.
"Yes," he replied without hesitation, his answer so blunt that Yuyan burst into laughter.
Looking at her glowing, carefree smile, Tian Yu's heart swelled. He brushed his thumb against her cheek, his eyes smoldering. "Do you want to continue?" he teased back.
"What!" she gasped, smacking his shoulder. "When did you become this shameless?"
They lingered in the water a little longer, before bathing properly together. By the time they returned to their room, the maid had already laid out their breakfast.
Dressed neatly, they sat down to eat, their quiet movements belying the fiery passion that had consumed them moments ago.
---
Later, they took the carriage and rode to the palace.
The moment they arrived, they spotted Leng Yue lounging outside, as though he had been waiting for them all along.
"I thought you would come running the moment you remembered your past life," Leng Yue said lazily, his tone deliberately provoking.
"Is that how you welcome your elders?" Yuyan shot back with a roll of her eyes, sweeping past him without pause.
As soon as she entered the grand throne room, she saw the Emperor and Empress seated upon their thrones.
"Father, Mother," Yuyan said softly with a smile, stepping forward. "I've missed you both."
Her mother immediately stood and embraced her tightly. "How is life and marriage treating you?" she asked, holding Yuyan with a tender smile.
"Where is your husband? I hope he treats you well," the Emperor interjected warmly.
"Yes… he is a very good husband," Yuyan replied, her cheeks tinged pink, her gaze lowering shyly.
"I heard you have remembered your past life with him," the Emperor said, his voice carrying both weight and relief. "Now you must understand why things unfolded the way they did."
Yuyan lowered her head. "You should have just told me…"
"And you think it would be that simple?" the Emperor countered gently. "If I had told you that you were a witch princess, that your husband was a vampire, and that destiny itself had bound you together—would you have believed me?"
Yuyan chuckled softly. "It would have sounded completely out of place… like a fairytale."
"You see? That is why we chose silence," the Emperor explained.
At that moment, Tian Yu and Leng Yue entered the chamber. Tian Yu strode forward and dropped to one knee before the Emperor and Empress. His voice was calm, steady. "Your Majesty. Your Grace."
"You need not be so formal with us," the Emperor said warmly, gesturing for him to rise. "We are family."
"Father, Mother," Tian Yu greeted again, bowing his head slightly.
The Empress smiled. "You've been taking good care of our daughter. We can see it in her happiness."
The Emperor nodded. "I trust you'll continue to protect her, no matter what comes."
Tian Yu's gaze was unwavering. "That is my vow. Yuyan is my heart—I will never let harm touch her."
Yuyan blushed at his words, her heart swelling, while her parents exchanged a satisfied glance.
"Where is Mei?" Yuyan asked suddenly, noticing her absence.
"She went out with her father," the Empress answered.
"Isn't that risky?" Yuyan turned toward Leng Yue, worry flickering in her eyes.
"He is not so weak," Tian Yu answered quietly, his tone protective, reassuring.
After some more conversation, a maid appeared to summon them to dinner. They dined together as a true family, laughter and warmth filling the hall, washing away years of secrets and silence.
When it was time to leave, Yuyan and Tian Yu bowed deeply to the Emperor and Empress, giving their farewells.
Outside, Tian Yu helped her into the carriage, his hand firm at her back, protective and steady. As the wheels rolled away, the palace lights faded slowly behind them, leaving them alone with the night.