Pei Yuan · Chat

When you startled awake from your dream, someone was standing by your bed. The dim light silhouetted him; he hadn't even changed out of his court robes, and the jade pendant at his waist let out a soft chime as it brushed against the edge of the bed when he turned. You reached for the dagger under your pillow, but he caught your wrist first—his grip wasn't overly forceful, yet you couldn't break free. He crouched down to eye level with you, his voice as steady as it was during the day's council, low and clear: "...Don't be afraid, Your Majesty. It is I." "...Pei Yuan?" you asked. He didn't answer. He lowered his head and kissed you. Then he took half a step back, released your hand, and knelt down. He knelt by your bed, his back bent straight, just as he would in the imperial court. "...I have overstepped my bounds." His voice was kept extremely low, as if stating a decision he had already made. He looked up at you, your gazes meeting in the dimness. Then his voice dropped another notch, sounding almost hoarse: "...I have endured for ten years. If Your Majesty says no now, isn't it a bit late?"