Taming Tyrants III

Arc 7: Royal Deceit (209)

If one were to describe Gu Zixing, it will make others think it's too ethereal. Hong Cha kept her flickering gaze on him, trying to memorize every detail of his looks. Gu Zixing have a slim frame, he hadn't fully matured physically but his personality seemed to belong to a scholar not immature. Locks of dark lustrous hair fell on his face, unrestrained by the knot he used to keep his hair up. She often see him with this hairstyle, most soldiers does. They restrain their hair to a bun which fully expose their profile.

From his defined jaw, her sight travelled upwards to his eased brows. It is dark without the need to apply any willow branch makeup. Slender and slightly curved brows that defined his feminine feature. His lashes doesn't lose with elegance too. It is dense and dark, whenever he glances, they will cover most his golden-flecked eyes, causing a mix of mysterious temper being emitted. It is curved upwards, always fluttering and brushing gently across his cheek.

The nose was obvious straight and tall. This attributed not to his beauty but to his manliness. Hong Cha can't help but be playful and touch the tip. Gu Zixing mumbled from his sleep, his nose seemed itchy from that light poking as it crunched a bit. Hong Cha waved her hand in front of him but he didn't wake up. This gave her time to molest his appearance.

When she thought she had seen enough, her eyes fell on his tempting lips. She came to recall she hadn't kiss him for once. But, thinking of the consequences if he wakes up and finds out he lost his first kiss, it made her hesitant. Yet, the faintly pouted thin lips with it's rosy and moist look tempted the devil by her ear.

"Sir Gu?" She called softly. Gu Zixing didn't show any response but he already woke up with that whispering voice.

He got curious of what she will do. Knowing that she was raised in a brothel, she must be up to something. Still, he will stop her if it was something inappropriate.

Hong Cha was fooled by his pretense. She smiled successfully and leaned closer. She seemed to have held back her breath each inch nearer. Gu Zixing opened his eyes slightly. He sensed a fragrant scent he is familiar with. After many occurrences of being close with her, he was used to her sweet redolence. But, after knowing what she is intending to do, he was stunned. She is already close, her eyes shut and their lips about to brush. Gu Zixing felt his heart race, both anticipating and disagreeing. He should push her but he remained still on his spot.

However, the near kiss was stopped. Hong Cha heard a unusual whisper from the woods, so did Gu Zixing. She moved away and looked around. Her abrupt retreat caused Gu Zixing dismay instead of relief. Just then, Hong Cha looked back to him. She was caught off guard to see he was awake. Gu Zixing can't understand but he felt the same embarrassment she is going through. He didn't utter a sound and stood up. He hid his shame for himself by acting vigilant.

"Sir Gu..."

"Put off the fire. There's someone close." He steadily ordered. Hong Cha thought he have no idea of what she had attempted to do. She obeyed his instruction and everything went silent.

Gu Zixing heard footsteps getting closer. It was light and almost impossible to hear. This made him conclude those footsteps belonged to a qigong expert. If he didn't train martial arts and qigong since young, he wouldn't have known this. Gu Zixing became worried too since it's not only one. Hong Cha is with him, she can't fight. She will rely on him for their safety. He is unsure if he can dispel them.

"Sir Gu, is there a problem?" Hong Cha asked when he pulled her closer to the horses. He suddenly handed her a cold heavy object. "What is this?"

"Dagger. We are in trouble, Miss Hong. There are people coming from the north. They are not normal soldiers. If things get out of hands, don't hesitate to leave and hide. I will stall them for you." Gu Zixing gave a clear warning. This worried Hong Cha since from his serious tone, they are both in grave trouble.

In no time, a fast shadow moved from the dark eaves. Gu Zixing pulled Hong Cha down and hid from the trees. He noticed she was trembling. Gu Zixing held her hand in assurance. The young girl raised her head to look at him in surprise but he smiled to her warmly, probably for the last time. Her heart thumped when Gu Zixing left her and appeared bravely beneath the moonlight. She became more horrified when four men in dark robes fell from the sky to attack him.

Hong Cha wanted to run towards him and at least be his protection but he was able to evade, dragged one down and threw his enemy to the others. Her brain worked quick in danger. Hong Cha sneaked to the bow and arrows they brought. Her father is a general, she is his legitimate child. Aside from her brothers, he also trained her using weapons but for girls, he only let her use bow and crossbow.

She remembered his teachings and calmed her heart. Hong Cha loaded a crossbow but first took the arrow. She knew tricks using a bow and compressed three arrows for one turn. The reason her father agreed to train her is because she have good eyesight. She can aim targets easily even if they move about.

Hong Cha breathed, pulled the string and aimed. Releasing her grip, three arrows rushed to the most injured opponent. He didn't foresee another attack and caused him to fall down. The others were alarmed, not knowing which direction did the arrows came from. Gu Zixing took this chance to distract them but he was furious Hong Cha have to expose herself too just to help him.