Chapter 290: Quality Time!
[Xiran's Image]
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Inside Xiran's room,
Ashen was standing in front of the locked door with his back turned to it. His gentle gaze fixed on Xiran and the light bump on her belly.
It had only been four months since her pregnancy, so it was natural; however, Ashen had expected a little more protrusion.
Nonetheless, he felt a sense of silent delight and relief when looking at Xiran and her womb. This feeling was new to him, and despite having control over his emotions, he couldn't help but want to touch and feel that protrusion.
However, for now, he controlled himself and simply smiled at Xiran.
Xiran was already standing beside the bed, and after correcting her robes, she smiled back at him.
They both took a step forward almost at the same time.
Xiran's cheeks flushed a soft pink as she moved closer, her eyes sparkling with a mix of shyness and warmth.
The room was bathed in the soft, golden glow of lanterns, casting long, dancing shadows across the intricate tapestries that adorned the walls.
The air was filled with the faint, sweet scent of blooming lotuses from the courtyard outside, carried in through the slightly open window.
As Xiran took another small step forward, her silk robe rustled softly, the gentle sound like a whisper in the quiet room.
She reached out a tentative hand, her fingers brushing lightly against Ashen's as if seeking permission. Her touch was soft, almost hesitant, but there was a certain familiarity in it, a comfort that came from shared moments and growing intimacy.
"You've been gone for so long," she murmured, her voice barely above a whisper. "I've missed you, my dearest. The days felt... empty without you here."
Her eyes, deep and velvety brown, held a world of emotions—longing, relief, and a touch of anxiety. She took a deep breath, her hand still lightly resting on his.
Ashen pressed her hand firmly with his own before gently pulling her into his embrace.
He brought his mouth closer to her ears as his breath brushed against her skin.
He whispered, "I'm here now, aren't I?"
The warmth of his body pressed against hers, and she could feel the steady rhythm of his heartbeat, a comforting metronome that seemed to sync with her own.
Her eyes fluttered closed, and a soft sigh escaped her lips as she leaned into his embrace, her head resting against his chest.
Ashen smiled and gently caressed her pink and brown hair.
For a few moments, they remained still, almost frozen in the moment before Ashen broke the silence with his calm and caring voice:
"Xiran, you are happy here, right?" He took a light step back, holding her by the shoulders as he looked into her velvety brown eyes. "If there is anything you want, tell me."
Xiran matched his gaze with a soft gaze of her own. Her eyes glistened, and her voice lowered to a soft, earnest whisper, "There's nothing I need that I don't already have, my dearest. You've given me more than I could ever ask for."
She paused and then continued: "All my needs are taken care of by the maids of this palace. Even if I ask for jewels or an expensive herb, they are given to me without a second thought."
She bit her lower lip and added, "But... there is something I want more than anything else."
Xiran's gaze flickered to the window, where the moon cast a silvery glow through the delicate curtains.
She took a deep breath, her heart pounding in her chest. Turning her attention back to Ashen, she saw the gentle curve of his lips and the slight tilt of his head, inviting her to continue.
She clenched her fists, gathering the courage to utter the next words. Her voice was nervous and hurried as the words escaped her lips: "I want your time!"
Ashen's expression softened further, his eyes reflecting a mix of surprise and tender affection. He reached up, gently cupping her cheek, his thumb brushing away a stray tear she hadn't even noticed had fallen.
"Xiran," he murmured, his voice filled with a warmth that seemed to wrap around her like a comforting blanket. "You have my time. You have all of me, in every way that matters. I know my duties and responsibilities often keep me away, but please know that every moment I spend away from you is a moment I wish I could have with you."
He glanced at her womb and then added, "See, you even have my child. A child is like a part of a parent. Wouldn't you agree you always have a part of me with you?"
He remained silent for a moment and then continued: "As for my time, don't you have it right now?"
The tenderness in his eyes made her heart swell with love and gratitude. Her hand instinctively moved to her belly, her fingers gently tracing the slight curve.
"You're right," she whispered, her voice filled with wonder. "I do have a part of you with me, always. And yes, I have your time now."
She held his hand with both her hands and spoke: "Come with me. Since I have your time, do as I say."
A soft chuckle escaped Ashen's lips as he heard Xiran's playful demand. His eyes sparkled with amusement and affection as he allowed her to guide him. "Very well, my love," he said, his voice laced with a mix of amusement and indulgence. "I am yours to command."
Xiran's smile widened, her eyes lighting up with a mix of excitement and mischief. She turned, her fingers still entwined with his, and led him towards the plush, inviting bed in the center of the room. The lanterns cast a warm, golden glow over the silk sheets and embroidered pillows, creating an atmosphere of intimacy and comfort.
As they reached the bed, Xiran turned to face Ashen, her eyes never leaving his. She took a deep breath, her cheeks flushing slightly with a mix of nervousness and anticipation. "I want to make the most of our time together," she murmured, her voice soft and inviting. Her hands reached up to his chest, her fingers tracing the lines of his robes.
She gently pushed him backwards until his legs hit the edge of the bed.
"Lie on the bed." She ordered, or she tried to; however, instead of authority, her voice was filled with affection.
Ashen indulged her, moving to the center of the bed, lying on his back.
She climbed on the bed on all fours. From that angle, Ashen could see all of her curves that seemed to invite him to touch them.
She stopped beside him before lying to his right.
Next, she turned her back to him and got closer to his body. She pressed her back against his chest before ordering, "Hold me in your embrace, dearest."
Ashen could feel her warmth against his chest despite the clothes separating their skin. Moreover, the curve of her ass was clearly visible despite the robes.
Trying his best to control himself, he wrapped his hand around her body, and before it could touch her, Xiran caught his hand and placed it on her belly.
She smiled: "Our child should also feel your love."
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