Underneath The Moonlit Night

Chapter 42 - Love in a Gilded Cage (18+)

***Explicit Sexual Content Warning. Viewer discretion advised.***

As the first ray of sunshine filtered through the curtains of Qing Yi's chamber hours later, he stirred while still cradled in Lan Xichen's embrace. He gazed upon Lan Xichen's peaceful visage, still lost in slumber, and couldn't help but reflect on the passionate night they had shared. The memory of their fervent lovemaking flooded over him, igniting a flush of embarrassment.

The intensity and vigor with which Lan Xichen had made love to him were beyond anything Qing Yi had imagined. As he lay there, tangled in the afterglow, he couldn't quite believe that he had spent the entire night in such passionate exploration with the man he had desired for so long.

I can't believe I'm waking up beside Ze Wu Jun, Qing Yi thought, a mixture of contentment and disbelief washing over him. He inhaled deeply, taking in the lingering scent of their shared passion, which intermingled with the comforting notes of sandalwood that seemed to cocoon them.

With a tender smile on his lips, Qing Yi gently craned his neck to press a soft, lingering kiss on Lan Xichen's lips. It was a tender awakening, an intimate acknowledgment of the profound connection they had forged.

The kiss roused Lan Xichen from his slumber, his eyes slowly opening to meet Qing Yi's gaze. Qing Yi smiled apologetically, "I'm sorry. Did I wake you?"

Lan Xichen's response was a warm smile, and he gently returned Qing Yi's affectionate kiss, deepening their connection as he held him in a loving embrace. "This is a sight I wouldn't mind waking up to every morning," he whispered, his words reflecting the depth of his feelings for Qing Yi.

Blushing, Qing Yi buried his face in the crook of Lan Xichen's bare chest, taking in the comforting scent that enveloped him. A sigh escaped his lips as he muttered, "If only we could make that happen." The stark reality of their situation weighed heavily on his mind, creating an insurmountable barrier between them. He closed his eyes, savoring the warmth and fragrance of Lan Xichen's presence.

As Lan Xichen tenderly stroked Qing Yi's hair, he placed a loving kiss atop Qing Yi's head and offered a reassuring promise. "We can," he affirmed, his voice carrying an unwavering determination. Gently, he guided Qing Yi's chin upward, their eyes locking in an unwavering gaze. "You just have to trust me, alright, Qing Yi?" he implored.

Qing Yi gazed into Lan Xichen's sincere eyes, his heart melting under the weight of that persuasive look. It was impossible for anyone to resist believing in Lan Xichen's words, even if they had reservations. Qing nodded and sealed their mutual trust with another tender kiss on Lan Xichen's lips.

Lan Xichen's inquiry hung heavily in the air, addressing the unspoken question that had lingered between them since the previous night. "When you mentioned that I would find your relationship with Prince Ming Zhe 'repulsive,' does that imply that you've also been engaged in similar activities with him, as we were last night?" He asked, his words weighed down by a deep sigh.

The inquiry took Qing Yi by surprise, leaving him momentarily lost for words as he grappled with how to address it. His gaze met Lan Xichen's, uncertainty and hesitancy flickering in his eyes before he proposed, "Let's have a bath, and I'll explain everything."

They retreated to a secluded bathhouse nestled behind Qing Yi's palace residence, a personal sanctuary that the Crown Prince had specially constructed for Qing Yi and himself. The space exuded intimacy and comfort, with hot water adorned with delicate flower petals, always maintaining its inviting warmth. Through the bathhouse's window, the view of the distant ocean added a touch of serenity to their private refuge.