The wedding celebration lasted through a full day and night without end.
In the midst of the second day, Xie Lian was sure he himself would become one of the ghosts without soon finding rest. He accidentally dozed on San Lang's shoulder at the banquet table, startled awake by another round of enthusiastic cheers.
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"San Lang?" he said quietly, clutching the sleeve of his (now) husband's brilliant red robe, "I'm so.. tired. Do you think it would be rude if I excused myself to take a nap and come back later?" Xie Lian was determined not to offend the citizens of Ghost City, not after they had treated him with such generosity and hosted this tremendous celebration. Just a quick rest and he could rejoin the party. He surely wouldn't be gone long enough for many in the wild crowd to notice.
But Hua Cheng was not nearly as considerate, and seeing Xie Lian so exhausted had him announcing their immediate exit.
"You lot can continue your ridiculous debauchery as long as you'd like. But Gege is tired, so we are returning to Paradise Manor. Should any of you fools attempt to disturb us there, I will have your head displayed on a pike."
The ghosts cheered and nodded, some winking to each other in a suspicious fashion, watching their Chengzhu lift his husband from his seat. Xie Lian was only half conscious as he registered the feeling of being carried. He thought he recognized the gate of Paradise Manor at some point along the way? Then all he could recall were nimble fingers removing his robes and jewelry, gentle hands brushing his hair loose from its ties, and soft, silky fabric wrapped around his body as he was laid in bed to sleep.
When he woke, Xie Lian was unaware if it had been hours or perhaps days since he'd left the wedding feast.
Wedding feast.. his thoughts returned slowly. Oh! San Lang and I are married! I have a husband now!
The realization flustered him enough to sit up and fully observe his surroundings. He was most definitely in Paradise Manor, in what looked to be Hua Cheng's private chambers. Silver butterflies danced around the room lazily, casting an ethereal glow. Xie Lian's eyes were then drawn to the way that glow fell upon the sleeping figure next to him.
It was San Lang, wearing a loose, red sleeping robe, long black hair pooled around his impossibly handsome face. His chest was exposed, revealing skin as pale as winter stars. Xie Lian indulged in the moment, drinking in the sight of the barely dressed ghost king without a thought to the indecency of his sordid gaze.
My husband, the prince thought to himself again, stunned no matter how many times it was repeated.
And for the first time in his life, the Crown Prince of Xianle was flooded with expectant want. It burned in his belly and made his chest tighten, recalling the way a bride and groom traditionally celebrated their marriage.
