there is no law that emperors must be fair || jing yuan

Honeyed Words and Commonplace Lies

You smoothed your dress out.

"If you keep fretting, then the Emperor will know you're faking."

You sent Blade a side glare, "well, I wouldn't be worrying if you and the vidyadhara hadn't tasked me with-"

There was a knock at the door which effectively shut you up. Your eyes glancing to Blade then at the door.

"Enter."

The moment the wod left his mouth, you tried to calm your racing heart.

"Blade. How is she?"

Your ever vigilant and very annoying guard bowed to the Emperor, "she's already awake," he said as he gestured towards you.

And you were quick to follow in a bow.

You never really got to meet the Emperor up close, except for that one time that he took you away from your home. So being so close to him now was ...frightening.

"Y- your highness. I- I deeply apologize for the mess that I caused, but I hope you can find it in your heart to forgive- forgive me," you stumbled over your words, your syllables wobbling out of your mouth. You could just start crying here and now!

"Has Blade told you anything else?"

You bit your lip as you mimicked a thinking face, "he told me... told me that I'm a princess and that I'm supposed to marry you, but I- I'm sorry. I don't... I don't remember you at all."

No time for crying now! This was your chance. To make him believe your act, or die trying.

So, as you stood before him. Lips trembling and eyes watering, you watched as he silently looked you over. Contemplating his next move.

Though, he didn't judge for long as he took long strides for you. Blade, eyes widening, moved his hand to the hilt of his sword. If he needed to, he would kill you, just as you both had promised, but-

Surprisingly, he didn't have to. As in the next moment, Jing Yuan had swept you up into his arms into a bone crushing hug. His arms wrapping tight around your waist as he pressed your face into his chest.

Blade dropped his hand from the hilt of his sword. Blood red eyes, watching carefully got any hints to danger of your safety and life.

"It's alright my love."

MY LOVE?! You and Blade both thought in unison.

"Even if you don't remember the love we shared with another. I'll be more than happy to travel this road again with you."

Again?! What road?! You hate my guts!

Jing Yuan then pulled a little away from you. His fingers gently brushing against the softness of your cheek. His eyes, you noticed as you looked up at him, held so much love and adoration, you wondered where these feelings were at the beginning.

But...

No matter.

You knew how he truly was. You weren't going to fall for any of this!

With that in mind, you decided to play the part as you raised your hand to cup his hand that was cradling your cheek.

"Th- thank you so much for not giving up on me. I- I hope that I'll be able to remember you and the love we shared."

Your breath hitched when Jing Yuan leaned down and placed a tender kiss against your forehead. His lips felt incredibly soft. You couldn't stop yourself from leaning into it with how warm he felt against your head.

"No matter how long it takes, I'll be here."

You gave him a light smile, "thank you, your highness."

Jing Yuan chuckled softly, his thumb tracing the skin of your cheekbone, "we're engaged, you know. You can call me by my name."

You felt how hot your face got as you stumbled your words out, "i- I deeply apologize again your highness, but Blade has only referred to you as the Emperor. So I- I- I'm afraid I don't remember your name either."

You felt your hand fall from his as he moved his hold from your cheek, down your jawline and to your neck. His fingers resting there gently as you felt your pulse quicken, your breath immediately becoming uneven.

Blade grabbed the hilt of his sword again.

Then, using his thumb, he pushed it underneath your chin, forcing your head to tilt up so you were looking into his bright, gold eyes. The color flickering in a dangerous light. His face was close, too close. His lips slowly brushing against your mouth as he spoke.

"My name is Jing Yuan. Don't forget it now, little sparrow."

You nodded, but the moment you did, you felt his fingers dig into your neck a bit, "say it."

"Jing- Jing Yuan."

Your voice came out breathless as your hands raised up to grab at his wrist. Your chest felt heavy, your lungs constricted.

You were panicking.

But soon, that panic was gone when Blade's voice broke out into the room, "she's still recovering Your Highness. It's probably best if you don't rile her up too much. You both have all the time in the world for her to remember you, after all."

Alright, so maybe Blade wasn't completely annoying.

Jing Yuan let go of your neck after pressing another kiss to your forehead.

"You're right. We have all the time in the world," he stepped away from you, "but before I leave. I advise for you to get some more rest before lunch comes around."

"Why," you managed to utter out, your whole being still shaking from the exchange.

"Because," Jing Yuan smirked at you, "we're going out."