In the bedchamber, the last wisp of calming sandalwood incense had burned out in the gilded censer, leaving only faint ashes and the lingering warmth of intimacy in the air.
Sunlight streamed through the carved window lattice, casting bright patches on the carpet. Tiny motes of dust drifted lazily, clearly visible within the shafts of light.
Dai Youheng held Xu Jiujiu by her smooth shoulders, his fingertips unconsciously stroking her cascading golden hair. They nestled together beneath the brocade quilt, murmuring softly.
From the great affairs of state over the past two years to their hazy hopes for the future, Xu Jiujiu spoke with a rare, languid sweetness and dependence, utterly unlike the dignified, decisive princess she usually was.
Suddenly, as though remembering something, Dai Youheng glanced at the sun hanging high outside the window and gently interrupted the soft murmurs of the woman in his arms. "Jiujiu, judging by the time, it must be nearly noon. Aren't you... going to the Imperial Palace today to help His Majesty handle state affairs?"
"Noon? It's noon already!!"
At his words, Xu Jiujiu abruptly sat up in his arms as though struck by lightning. The silky brocade quilt slipped down, exposing a large expanse of snow-white skin.
The languid flush on her pretty face was instantly replaced by alarm. After their passionate entanglement last night, she had lost herself again that morning in this rare, tender intimacy, completely forgetting her mountain of state affairs!
What made her cheeks burn even more was that her imperial brother, Xu Jiawei, had not even sent anyone to hurry her along!
The implication was self-evident. He must have learned about her and Youheng, and had even tacitly approved of everything that had happened.
At the thought, a surge of embarrassment rushed straight to Xu Jiujiu's head,