Royal Temptations

Chapter 22

I'm literally just starting this after finishing chapter twenty-one because why not.

I'm feeling extra motivated so surprise! Double update!

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Yixing's POV

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All was relatively calm tonight. A drama played quietly on the TV. The sun set the sky ablaze with oranges and purples and reds. Ying Yue was still here, cuddled up to me with her head on my shoulder. We were in the lounge closest to my room, one that kind of became my personal lounge. I toyed with her hair, enjoying the calming quiet.

"I love you," she murmured, barely audible. My fingers stilled momentarily. "I know this hasn't been easy so far," she continued. I glanced down to her, but her focus was on the screen in front of us. "But thank you for giving us a shot. I've never been happier, and I can't wait until September."

"I love you too," I replied, pressing a feather-light kiss to her temple. Her confession was a lot to process. We lapsed back into silence, the only sounds being from the TV and the occasional shout from staff somewhere in the palace. I resumed playing with her hair, winding the strands around my fingers. "I can't wait for September either," I added in a whisper. "Or October."

"Oh yeah, you take the throne then, don't you?" she questioned. I nodded, a movement she could feel in the position we were sitting in. "Is it scary to think about?" she asked. "Being king I mean."

"Terrifying," I admitted. "But I have an advantage going into this." I gave her a gentle squeeze. "I'm going to have the most beautiful queen by my side."

"Aww, you're sweet," she replied. And again we lapsed into a comfortable silence. I rested my head against hers, closing my eyes. I knew for a fact I could get used to this. Even if I was young yet, I thoroughly enjoyed this kind of domestic life. I could forsee a future like this, with the two of us cuddled on the couch after a long day, talking quietly about everything and nothing all at once.

"Yixing, I..." We both turned as the door swung open and a third voice called into the calm. Luhan stopped abruptly when he saw I was not alone. "Oh, my apologies your majesties," he said with a bow. "I did not mean to interrupt."

"That's quite alright Luhan," Ying Yue cut in before I could even say anything. He looked momentarily as surprised as I felt. "Please, come in. Why don't you join us for a bit. I'm sure it's been a long day for you as well."

"Alright," Luhan agreed reluctantly, taking a few tentative steps inside the room, shooting Ying Yue questioning glances. But my fiance had already redirected her focus to the TV, her head on my shoulder once again. Carefully, Luhan sat in an armchair close to our couch. "How was your visit with Zitao?" he asked, directing the question at me.

"It was good," I replied, absent-mindedly kissing the top of Ying Yue's head. She sighed contently. "It was nice to catch up with him since I haven't seen him in so long. He brought with him, though, some interesting news. Did you know his father bought out some of the major news outlets."

"I did not," Luhan replied. "I wouldn't put it passed Mr. Huang though, from what I remember about him." He turned his attention to Ying Yue. "And how was your day miss?" he asked quietly. "Have any success dress shopping?"

"It went well Luhan. Thank you for asking." Again, he seemed shocked. "I think I may have found the perfect dress, but I don't want to spoil anything just yet. You boys might have to wait until the wedding." She peeked up at me. "Your mother is such a sweetheart, I just love her," she said to me. I smiled.

"I'm glad," I replied. Then, to Luhan; "I'm assuming you came here for more than just idle chit chat. What's up?"

"Oh, I was just going to tell you that I'd just gotten off the phone with Junmyeon," he replied, settling more comfortably in his chair when it was apparent he wasn't being kicked out any time soon. "He's in London right now, I don't even remember what for. He was feeling overwhelmed with life, so he gave me a call, as I tell him to do when he doesn't want to talk to someone back home. He mentioned to tell you goodnight."