The Legend of Moonflower

Chapter 11 - Oaths and Swords

A/N: Translations:

Taiyi = Imperial Doctor

Leidian = Lightning

The gong sounded once and Wei Wuxian was led into the Hall of Imperial Supremacy. He kept his head down and steps small, not wanting to overtake Eunuch Nie who was walking in front of him. The morning sun filtered in through the patterned windows, making cloud shaped shadows on the tall white pillars and light stone floors. Once they arrived in front of dais, there was another signal from the gong and the omega knelt in the centre of the Gusu symbol carved into the ground. He lowered himself slowly, careful not to wrinkle his new robes. The fine white fabric was embroidered with clouds at the collar and wrists in silver thread. At his waist, a light blue belt that matched the inner lining of his robes, was detailed with small moonflowers. Eunuch Nie had told him these were his ceremonial robes to be worn to important events when accompanying the emperor.

Wei Wuxian was relieved to hear he was to be the emperor's personal manservant. Although he didn't know how he felt about having to accompany the emperor on his visits to the other omegas in the harem. His stomach curdled at the thought of standing outside listening to the alpha pleasuring and being pleasured by a consort or concubine.

The cold marble ground beneath his forehead didn't help to expel the unpleasant thoughts, even as he knew he needed to focus for the next part of the oath ceremony. He knew his scent must have soured and he worried that Lan Zhan would think he didn't want to take the oath. Thankfully, the soothing scent of sandalwood washed over him and his nerves immediately settled. All thoughts of other omegas were banished from his mind.

The gong sounded for a third time and Wei Ying lifted his head to see Lan Zhan staring down at him from his throne. His heart fluttered at the look of concern in the emperor's eyes. He inclined his head slightly to say he was fine and Lan Zhan relaxed back into his chair.

A small bell rung and Jin Guangyao stepped forward. "On behalf of the State of Jin, I declare the omega Wei Wuxian is now released from his oath. His allegiance is no longer bound to our sovereign and will now be transferred to Gusu Lan." Once the prince finished speaking, he stepped back in line to stand beside Zewu Wang and Cifeng Gong. The marquis' absence confirmed that he had already left to return to Jin to help with the war.

He stifled a yawn when Eunuch Nie began to recite the Gusu rules. The events of the last two nights were starting to weigh on him. The morning was fraught with tension when the assassins were found to be wearing Jin colours under their black attire. A private meeting was held between the emperor, the Commander of the Imperial Guard, and Jin Quangyao. Wei Wuxian was left to wait outside wondering if the trade was being called off.

Then there was the mystery of the man in black who he'd seen twice before; once as a eunuch and once as a guard. At one point he thought the two were brothers, but now he was sure they were the same man. He was disappointed, but not surprised that the man was not in attendance today.

The ringing of another bell drew his attention back to the ceremony. Eunuch Nie had concluded reciting the rules and the Minister of Civil Affairs spoke next. "Does the omega manservant swear to place the emperor's life before his own and to obey all commands put forth by the emperor?"

Wei Ying touched his forehead to the ground and then rose up again. He looked directly at Lan Zhan and spoke truthfully. "I, Wei Wuxian, pledge my life to his majesty and swear to put his majesty's life before my own. I will obey all of his majesty's commands and do whatever my emperor desires of me."

He could hear a few muffled gasps at the addition of his last words. Zewu Wang had his lips pressed together and Cifeng Gong eyebrows were almost at his hairline. Wei Ying didn't regret it though when he saw Lan Zhan's eyes darken and then flash amber before returning to their normal colour.