Zhou Hanyue's dark hair spilled over her shoulders in loose waves, and her robe had slipped away, pooling at her knees to reveal the full, generous curves of her breasts.

Her skin glowed softly as the moonlight highlighted the smooth expanse of her torso, and her eyes sparkled with a mix of mischief and affection as she gazed down at him.

Zhao Tian's hands cupped her breasts, and his fingers molded to their softness with a gentle, appreciative squeeze, drawing a soft hum from Zhou Hanyue.

Her lips parting as she leaned into his touch, "I sensed your presence for a while now… Seems like you were spending time with Shuqin…"

He nodded, his lips curving into a faint smile as his fingers brushed over her nipples, giving a light pinch that elicited a soft gasp from her.

"Hm, yeah… we were chatting…"

Zhou Hanyue's eyes narrowed slightly as she tilted her head, her hands pressing more firmly against his chest "Just chatting, hm?"

She leaned forward, her breasts brushing against his hands as she bent to press a slow kiss to his collarbone, "You must have been very… talkative."

Letting out a chuckle, he replied, "And... I also kissed her."

Hm? Zhou Hanyue slowly pulled back from her kiss and looked at him suspiciously "I see... I didn't know you were seeing each other."

Hearing this, he smiled faintly and replied "Well... you could say that I guess."

Zhou Hanyue grinned against his neck and her lips grazed the sensitive skin as she let out a soft laugh. "So you're after the princess's maid too, now… you greedy guy."

Without warning, she bit down gently on his neck making him flinch and a soft chuckle escaped his lips as he tilted his head to give her better access.

"Hanyue..." Zhao Tian muttered and his hands tightened on her waist as he pulled her closer, their bodies pressing together in the warmth of the bed.

The bite left a faint mark, "Careful, or I'll have to return the favor," he murmured as his fingers traced the curve of her hips.

She pulled back just enough to meet his gaze as she licked her lips "Oh, I'd like to see you try,"

Her breasts brushed against his chest as she leaned forward again, pressing another slow kiss to the spot she had bitten, soothing the faint sting with the warmth of her lips.

Zhao Tian's hands slid up her back, tracing the delicate curve of her spine as he pulled her even closer.

Zhou Hanyue's smile widened, her cheeks flushing faintly as she nuzzled against his neck.

"Husband..."

...

The sun had only just begun to rise, its faint golden glow spilling through the palace windows.

The Jade Eclipse Palace hummed as the maids busied themselves in the cooking halls.

The air was filled with the fragrance of freshly steamed food, sizzling oil, and the crisp crackle of vegetables being tossed in hot woks.

Lan Shuqin worked with her sleeves rolled up, and her movements were graceful even in something as mundane as chopping herbs.

But her mind wasn't calm.

Every time she blinked, flashes of last night returned, the warmth of his lips against her own, and the way her knees had nearly given out under his touch.

Her cheeks burned even now.

Shaking her head quickly, she focused on her task "Get a hold of yourself, Shuqin…" she whispered under her breath.

But just as she reached for a small bowl of seasoning, she realized one of the ingredients was missing.

She frowned slightly. "Hm? Where did they put the star anise?"

She glanced at the shelves, but it wasn't there.

"Looks like it's in the storage," she murmured to herself, setting her knife down. "I'll go fetch it."

Excusing herself from the hall, she walked briskly down the long corridor toward the storage area.

The morning was lively, maids bustling back and forth, some carrying trays, others balancing baskets of fruits.

But the moment she passed a quieter wing of the palace, a sudden tug pulled her arm.

"Ah-!"

Her body was pulled gently into a narrow side corridor, where the morning light barely reached.

She staggered slightly and her eyes widened in surprise as she looked up.

"…M-Master Tian…" she stammered.

Zhao Tian stood there as he looked down at her with a faint smile on his lips.

Lan Shuqin's heart thudded violently in her chest, and heat rushed to her cheeks so fast it made her dizzy.

Before she could even gather her words, Zhao Tian leaned down and pressed a kiss to her cheek "Good morning, Shuqin."

Her knees nearly gave out, and she instinctively clutched at the front of his robe for support.

Zhao Tian's gaze softened as he noticed that she was refusing to meet his gaze.

Her breath trembled as Zhao Tian raised his hand and tenderly cupped her cheek.

The warmth of his palm seeped into her skin, grounding her while at the same time making her feel weightless.

Her lashes fluttered, and her lips parted ever so slightly, unable to hold back the gasp that slipped out at his sudden tenderness.

Zhao Tian's gaze softened as he leaned closer, "You look beautiful in the morning…"

Her entire body froze, "B-Beautiful…?"

Her fingers clutched his sleeve tighter, afraid her knees would buckle under the weight of his gaze.

The sincerity in his tone and the way his thumb brushed lightly across her flushed cheekbone left her utterly defenseless.

She dared not to lift her eyes, in fear of drowning in his eyes.

Zhao Tian's lips curved slightly at her silence and a faint chuckle slipped past his lips "Why so shy? Didn't you already prove last night that you weren't afraid to kiss me first?"

Her face ignited in deep red, and she shook her head rapidly. "T-That was…! I-I wasn't thinking…"

"Mm," he hummed, tilting his head and his thumb trailed down to the corner of her lip. "Perhaps you should think less often, then."

Her gaze lowered and she glanced away shyly.

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