Daughter of a dragon. [Sima Shi :Book 1]

Chapter 4

Zhuge Lu Fan. He hated the sound of her name. Her false identity. The alias her mother had given her just to hide her away from him. The lengthy ride back to Luoyang was just what Cao Pi needed to collect his thoughts on this matter. The woman wouldn't be so far from him now. Only a day or so towards the north.

"How does she not remember me? We were inseparable. She refused to sleep unless I was with her guarding her!" He voiced his thoughts. No man dared to speak to him, to ruin his thoughts and cause great misfortune upon themselves. Even Zhen Ji stood an honorable stance away from her husband.

"One girl should not cause my lord such stress." She mumbled. meeting the eyes of Cao Pi, the girl turned her head and frowned.

"This girl is a part of my family. A childhood friend that I have not seen in years. I miss her terribly." Cao Pi's tone was soft and soothing. Zhen ji frowned, she had never seen her husband like this before. Just how important was this girl to him?

"Lady Zhen," Cao Cao was walking into the room.Zhen ji had perked up and bowed politely at her father in law. "That girl was one of Cao Pi's dearest cousins. She also holds a place in my heart as well. Please take in consideration how important having her here is to us."

Zhen ji nods. " Of course, My Lord."

Cao Cao turns his attention towards his son," We will visit Jin and Lu Fan soon."

Cao Pi sighed. He was hurting at the idea that Lu Fan will never remember him. That he'll only be a memory in the back of her innocent mind. And like all things that remain hidden, Cao Pi feared that he will fade into nothingness.

Lu Fan remains in a small chamber. Where she can see a small bed and some books. Her attire was different. She wore a blue dress that showed parts of her skin. Her eyes felt drained, and her lips were dry. She had been here for hours now. Watching the sky slowly darken.

" Lu Fan," She turned around at the sound of her name, only to meet Sima Shi. He wore more casual clothing. Fresh pressed blue robes. His hair was down to the base of his back and in his hands, were plates filled with meatbuns. Lu fan turned her body towards the opened screen door outside. Sima Shi sighs and munches down on his meat bun.

" The city is quite nice here." She finally said, "The people here seem very nice."

Sima Shi nods, before offering her a bun. Lu Fan looked down at the craftily made bun, and back at the man. He sighs and pulls the bun apart. "It's not poisoned. " He says, holding out the parted food. "I promise. If I wanted you dead, poisoning you would be a cowardly move."

"Then what would you do?" She asks. Sima shi leans in closer,his lips close to her ear as he smooth tone grows softer.

"Your friends in Shu think you are dead in the fire. They're making funeral arrangements and preparing your body for the coffin. There's even a dead body who resembles you. To see the look on their faces when they see you walk back to Shu . You - the girl everyone spent 50 days crying for -now returning home. " Lu Fan's eyes were pooling with tears. Zhao Yun doesn't know she's alive, he's mourning over her death.

"Or imagine the look on their faces when I send your dying body back to Shu. The pain on your face and the look of agony when they see that the person in your grave is not whom she really is." Her lips tightened at the ideas of her family mourning over her.

"Zhao Yun." She whispered." Jiang Wei and Uncle Liang... I can't hurt them."

"Then become my wife. " Sima Shi had kissed her hand. His brown eyes locking with hers,and his thin brows knitted together as he tried to " Leave 'Zhuge Lu Fan' in the past, and go back to 'Cao Li Mei' ."

Lu Fan frowned. She didn't know how to answer Sima Shi's request. To marry him, meant that she can no longer see Zhao Yun again. She has to stay with the Sima family and be someone that is not herself. Someone different and not Zhuge Lu Fan. But if it meant not hurting the people she loves, and not harming Zhao Yun and Uncle Liang. Then she'll marry into the Sima family.

" As long as I can hear about the events in Shu." Lu Fan said, making Sima Shi grimace. His finger was rubbing against his lip as he listened to her conditions. His intentions were to keep this girl away from Shu. "And I can be assured that nothing bad ever happens to them."

" If the lady requires it," Sima Shi says, while holding her hands towards his mouth. "I will guarantee that you will have your conditions met, Lady Mei."

Lu Fan tried her best not to think so hard ,and look so sad. But she couldn't bring herself to become so happy. Not when she can't see her best friend and beloved any more.

"I will accept your proposal, Sima Shi." Lu Fan had brushed her hair behind her ear. Sima Shi nods, before standing on his feet.

"Please pardon me, there is something I must attend. I will return shortly." He says,before abruptly walking out of the room. His eyes closing and he paused midstep. Taking a deep breath and collecting himself. He was marrying Zhuge Liang's niece.

Someone who could be as talented as anyone in his family.

Sima Shi had only stood before the large door and thought carefully about what he was going to say to him. His father had heard so much about Zhuge Lu Fan's niece, that he was curious to meet the woman.

Was she as cunning as her darling uncle? Or did she have a different approach on making interesting strategies?

"Shi," The voice of his father made the man raise his head. He had opened the door and watched his father resting along side his mother. Shi now felt that he has interrupt their private affairs. Who appears to have been sleeping." how did things go?"

"Well..." He said. Before going on to explain the situation at hand. His plan was to marry and manipulate Lu Fan into hindering Shu's army. She is loved dearly by the soldiers, so her words mean something to them. Not to mention Lu Fan can help gain land from Shu, by using simply mentioning that she was alive; Liu Bei would do anything to have his friend back with him. Even go as far as to give up a city to gain a mere girl.

"Liu Bei's benevolence will be the end of him." Sima Yi said, before giving his eldest son a calculating grin. "Very well my son , I accept your proposal to this woman.But you must be careful, such a woman is cunning as she is lovely. She is The daughter of a dragon after all."

"Of course, Father." Sima Shi bowed,before leaving the room. Upon making his return towards his chambers to see his fiancé; Sima Shi opened the door only to see a sleeping Lu Fan laying on the floor just inches before the bed.

"What is she..." He mumbled, before walking inside and fixing the bedding. He had then picked up Lu Fan -seeing her rest in his arms. She looked so comfortable, and her lips were pressed together. Her brows knitted together in a complex look. Then there was a soft whimper escaping her when Shi had let her rest on the bedding. Neatly tucking her in, he brushed her fringes from her face and watched her.

"Zi huan... Zi huan." It was a soft whisper, but it was loud enough for Shi to hear her. She looked so innocent that it made him want to be near her. So he slid on the other side and laid next to his new wife, his eyes drooping while he watched his princess's chest rise and fall, then he was asleep. His book on his chest and his head just inches away from hers.
This was the only time Sima Shi looked so peaceful.