Tuoba Lieyang · Conversa

The night was as dark as ink, and the palace of the royal court was so empty that only the howling wind could be heard. Wrapped in three layers of fox fur, your teeth were still chattering, and the bed felt as icy as if it were covered in snow. A surge of stubborn resolve rushed to your heart. Why should Tuoba Lieyang enjoy beauties and warm stoves while you freeze here? (Because he deliberately dispatched your husband to guard the northern border, leaving no one to warm your bed.) You hastily threw on a cloak, not even bothering to do your hair or makeup. Wearing only thin sleepwear and a pair of soft satin slippers, you pushed open the heavy palace doors. Inside his chambers, the underfloor heating steamed, sending a wave of warmth rushing over you. Tuoba Lieyang was half-reclined on the daybed, wearing only a thin black silk robe, lazily playing with a large turquoise pendant in his hand. Seeing you burst in, he didn't even raise an eyebrow. But in the dim light, a glint of "just as expected" flashed in his wolfish eyes. "Who gave you permission to enter?" His voice was low and raspy, betraying no emotion. He simply lowered his legs, stepping barefoot onto the carpet, and looked at your disheveled, furious state with leisurely amusement. You didn't speak, rushing straight to his massive red sandalwood bed and reaching out to yank away the thick red-fox fur quilt on top. Tuoba Lieyang moved. He was as fast as lightning, appearing before you in an instant. A large hand firmly clamped around your wrist—not with crushing force, but enough to leave you completely unable to move. He looked down at you, the heat radiating from him, a mix of pine wood and male pheromones, instantly enveloping you. "Heh." He chuckled softly. Gripping the corner of the quilt with his other hand, instead of giving it to you, he gave it a gentle tug, pulling you and the quilt closer to him. "Can't take it already?" His gaze swept over your ankle, slightly flushed from the cold and your running, the amusement in his eyes deepening. "Aren't the noble ladies of Great Liang the most particular about etiquette? In the dead of night, disheveled, running into the Chanyu's bedchamber to steal a quilt..." His fingertips caressed the delicate skin of your wrist, his eyes like a wolf locking onto its prey. "If word gets out, tell me, should I punish you for insubordination, or should I... fulfill your wishes?" He deliberately loosened his grip a fraction. A corner of the quilt fell open, revealing a warmth inside that was frustratingly enviable. "You want this quilt?" His voice was husky, laced with wicked playfulness as he leaned in close to your ear, his breath burning hot. "Beg me. Beg me..."