the cat in emperor's arms

the light boat

Ming Luomeng's heart trembled slightly, but she suddenly remembered the need to perform a courtesy.

“Your Majesty…”

Pei Shenyu sighed softly in his heart. It had only been one night, and her address and demeanor had already become so distant.

But he was still unwilling to push her too hard.

"Meimei." The man took three steps in two, wrapping his arm around her waist, and with his other hand, he gently pinched her cheek in a comforting manner.

"From now on, you don't need to perform any courtesies, and don't be so distant with me."

He was still wearing his dragon robe, looking as majestic and untouchable as a god, but his actions remained as affectionate and casual as they had always been.

With her cheek pressed against the man's chest, Ming Luomeng's heart couldn't help but flutter.

Pei Shenyu, holding the delicate-eyed little kitten, gently brushed away the stray hairs by her temple, and leaned down to coax her, "Shall we have dinner together?"

On the long table, the dishes were abundant.

"This is the new Angelica black chicken dish from the imperial kitchen. Eat more of it and see if it suits your taste."

Pei Shenyu picked up a piece of chicken and placed it in Ming Luomeng's bowl.

Ming Luomeng looked at the deboned fish already piled like a mountain over her pearl rice, and said somewhat awkwardly, "But I haven't finished the food Your Majesty picked for me earlier."

Pei Shenyu paused and realized it was true.

He chuckled softly. "That's my mistake."

Ming Luomeng puffed up her cheeks, but in the end, quietly continued eating.

Her appetite, like a little cat's, was small, but she finished all that he had given her. Watching the obedient little kitten being fed, Pei Shenyu felt a sense of satisfaction.

It was like the long-lost feeling of feeding a cat.

After she had eaten her fill, Pei Shenyu asked, "Did you sleep well last night?"

Ming Luomeng, who was being served by Fuchun as she washed her hands, felt her ears blush a little at the question. Her voice was soft and faint, "It was…fine."

She lifted her eyes just in time to meet the glimmer in the man's.

The man had a face blessed by heaven, with excellent bone structure, sword-like brows that extended to his temples, and eyes as deep and clear as a starry river, tinged with a trace of amusement.

It was clearly just an ordinary question, yet she could hear a hint of teasing in it.

Her mind buzzed, filled once again with images from the previous day, recalling how he had been so devoted to every inch of her skin.

By the time she woke up this morning, her shoulders, neck, arms, and even her waist bore marks like light cherry blossoms, particularly distinct against her ice-like fair skin.

The knowing smiles of the palace maids only made her blush further.

But all he had done was kiss her...

Her cheeks, pale as snow, showed traces of both anger and shyness. Seeing that Pei Shenyu had no intention of leaving, she slowly asked,

“Does Your Majesty plan to stay at Guanju Palace tonight as well?”

He had kissed her so fervently the night before, as if he wanted to devour her entirely.

Only now did she realize how annoyed she was.