The Tale Continues (Saiunkoku Monogatari Fanfiction: Ryuuki x Shuurei lemon)

Chapter 6: Morning Glory

For the first time in weeks, Ryuuki had slept. It was more peaceful and he did not have horrible nightmares after he slept with his head on Shuurei's chest. He rather loved the dream he just had. It was of him kissing Shuurei and her kissing him back. It is pitch black but the familiar warmth and the sweet scent of Shuurei made the darkness not faze him. If he is with Shuurei, he is not afraid of anything.

The sound of birds chirping gave sign that it is already morning. Shuurei thought of turning to her side but was not able to. She stretched instead. Her chest felt so heavy and warm; her waist and her legs too. She opened her eyes and realized that she is not in her room. This place looked far too grand compared to her room.

She looked down and nearly yelled when she saw that Ryuuki is what is making her chest feel so heavy. He is using her chest as a pillow and he looked so sound asleep. One of his hands are still on her waist while the other remained on her shoulder. One of his legs is on top of hers, as if preventing her to move.

She remembered that she is his room and she had allowed this stupid king to do that since he had been unable to sleep due to his nightmares. Looking at his eyes closed, he looked so innocent and peaceful. And most importantly, he looked free of all the troubles of being the emperor. ''Shuurei,'' he whispered in his sleep.

Shuurei sighed. 'Does this person even stop thinking of me?' But somehow, it warmed her heart and made her smile. At least the way he said it now has a sense of satisfaction and confidence, no longer of fear and loneliness like last night.

She realized that her arms are tightly wrapped around him. She blushed. When did she do that? She slowly removed it so she would not disturb him. He needs to at least have several hours of sleep. But what will she do until he wakes up? She stroked his hair and unconsciously called his name. ''Ryuuki,'' she softly said.

''Mmm?'' he said in a low sound.

That made her stop stroking his hair. She immediately dropped her hands to her sides. ''Are you awake?'' He did not reply but nuzzled his head. She felt heat from her chest where he had rubbed his head spread to her whole body. She flushed. 'What is this?'

''Ryuuki, stop.'' She stared at the doors. She prayed that no one would enter while they are still in this position. She was grateful when Ryuuki stopped immediately.

Ryuuki realized what he had just done. He shouldn't have done something like that while his head is on Shuurei's chest. She might slap or say he is a maniac or something. He heard how fast her heartbeat suddenly turned when he did that. He was rather tempted to do it again since it felt good but he knew it isn't right.

He had been awake due to some unwanted intrusion 30 minutes ago. People entered the room but he just pretended to be sound asleep and listened to them. He is drifting back to sleep when Shuurei woke up.

''Ryuuki you're awake now aren't you?''

Ryuuki lazily responded. ''Mm – yes.''

Shuurei laughed at his response. ''Well now sleepy head, use the pillow. I need to check your temperature. Are you feeling better?''

''Yes.'' He lifted his head a little to look at her eyes. ''I still want to sleep though,'' he added and let his head drop down again on his soft pillow (Shuurei's chest.) Shuurei wanted to punch him.

''Ryuuki, it's already morning. You can continue sleeping but you have to let me go. I'll prepare your breakfast.''

''I would love to eat a breakfast prepared by you. But I will never let you go,'' Ryuuki responded and held her tight.

Shuurei remembered that he seemed to dislike hearing those words. She rephrased her words. ''Okay, if that's what you want. But you'll have to use your pillow so I could prepare your meal.'' It sounded like she was talking to a child. But he budged when she said it without the 'let me go' words.

''Now let me see,'' Shuurei said and checked the emperor. ''How are you feeling?''

''Much better than yesterday,'' Ryuuki replied. Then he nearly made Shuurei jump when he suddenly sat up. ''I need to go to the court session!'' he said and stood up. He discovered that his knees still feel weak and it started to shake. He fell on his bed. ''Unacceptable. How could I be this weak? I cannot let them know that I am sick.''

Shuurei sighed. ''I told you to just continue sleeping while I go and prepare your meal. In your condition you cannot attend the court session yet or else you would be as sick as yesterday again. It would be worse if you collapse in front of them.''

''But I really wanted to attend. I cannot let Yuushun be in trouble due to me not finishing my tasks. I hate being this useless. And right now I am just a burden even to you, aren't I?'' Ryuuki said in distaste.

''You are a human too Ryuuki. It is only normal to be a burden sometimes. You carry the whole country on your shoulders, it is only natural if you get exhausted sometimes. And I don't see this as you being a burden to me either. I want you to recover immediately Ryuuki, since only you can carry the responsibility of all our burdens. I know I had been much more of a burden than you do.''

''Not at all. I never saw you as a burden,'' Ryuuki said.

''Then that's how I see this too. I am merely helping someone who had been supporting me so much.''

''Shuurei.''

''Now wait for me here. I am going to tell Yuushun to take care of the court sessions. I'll prepare your meal too.''

''Dine with me.''

''Okay.'' Shuurei went out of the emperor's chambers and was surprised to see people gathered outside. She did not know that 30 minutes ago, those people had entered the emperor's room and saw their sweet position while sound asleep.

Next Chapter: Before Shuurei Woke Up