Royal Temptations

Chapter 35

Things seem to be quickly falling apart for our precious boys. Let's see what else happens.

Is anyone else as obsessed with Up10tion's Blue Rose as I am? No? Well if you haven't heard it yet please do.

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Yixing's POV

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"How about this one?" Luhan said quietly, holding out a light wood box with intricate silver designs. My frown only deepened as I reached out and took it from him. I flipped the lid open, and sweet music filled the silence. But it didn't sound right. It didn't sound like the song to lull me to sleep every night. And this box meant nothing to me. It was just some object.

"Nope," I decided at last with a sigh, closing the lid and cutting the music short. "I'm sorry to make you buy all of these," I added, sweeping a hand over the many wooden boxes littering my bed. "I honestly thought maybe I could find something to replace it. But I can't. Are you sure you haven't seen it? It didn't get broken again, did it?" But already Luhan was shaking his head.

"I haven't seen it sire, or I would've brought it back to you already." He was interrupted by Tao bursting through the doors unannounced, his chest heaving. He had a gift bag in his hands. "Zitao," Luhan scolded lightly, but Tao either didn't hear him or ignored the warning. He ran to my side.

"Something came back," he whispered, and I froze. "A letter and a package. I opened it and and put the gift in here. I'm sorry to snoop, but I had a feeling I wouldn't get a box passed the guards." He handed the bag to me. On top was a letter. And underneath...

"Oh my god," I breathed, pulling out the new music box. I lifted the lid, and the familiar melody washed over me. He'd gotten another one. An identical one. And I was never more grateful in my life. I'd been sleeping like shit for nearly two weeks now, and it was starting to show. My focus lessened and I was a lot more standoffish. Now, I felt like I could gladly collapse. I set the box down on the bed gently, afraid of losing it all over again. I picked up the letter.

Dear Yixing,

First off, thank you for the new shirt. It just so happens that mother threw the other one away, so now I have a new one. Second, Luhan texted and said your music box was missing. Since you got me something, it seemed only fitting I help you replace your special item.

So that's what happened. Honestly I thought you'd been purposely ignoring me. Ha. I guess not. But a part of me still kind of feels like I did something wrong, even if I haven't at present. I'm glad to know you don't hate my guts. That sucks though. I wish you the best.

I miss you, if that means anything anymore. I miss you so much Xing. Hyeja's good company, but...

At that point it looked like he'd erased a lot of what he'd written originally, and I briefly wondered what it had been.

I love you. I shouldn't, but I do. So fucking much. Geez, if anyone ever sees this I'll be in deep trouble. But you have to know that, even now, you're still the light of my life. Always have been.

"Always will," I whispered, remembering his note to me on my wedding night. I took a shakey breath, glancing back down to the piece of paper in my hands.

We'll figure something out. It won't be easy, that's for sure. But I'd fight to the ends of the Earth to keep you in my life. Don't lose hope. And don't give up. I hope you'd fight for me too.

Love, Junnie.

"Fuck," I said quietly. I folded the paper up and slipped it into the drawer on my nightstand, underneath a couple paperbacks I had. Good thing Ying Yue was out and about. I could only imagine how she'd react to all of this. And then I felt guilty. His words shouldn't have affected me like this. But damn it they did. I picked the music box back up, settling it on my lap and opening and closing the lid, hearing the soothing beats from inside threatening to spill over. "Thank you for bringing this," I said to Tao. "Both the gift and the letter. I won't forget this."