The kiss was fierce, filled with gnawing, as if he wished to chew Shen Yue into pieces and swallow her whole.
Terrifying and exhilarating.
Shen Yue closed her eyes, her eyelashes forced into a hint of tears.
Had Shen Yue opened her eyes at that moment, she would have surely noticed the expressionless, chilling face of Cheng Qian Gong.
—
Qing Yue Hall had regained its liveliness from half a year ago. No one knew what methods the people within had employed to hook the Fourth Prince again, sending box after box of rare treasures. This was a treatment Xiao Chong had never received.
It was clear that the one in Qing Yue Hall held a significantly higher position in the Fourth Prince's heart.
The window was slightly ajar, letting in bright light accompanied by fluttering snowflakes.
The snow was heavy, yet the plum blossoms bloomed against the wind. The vibrant red petals on the tree were even more dazzling against the backdrop of white snow. A faint, ethereal floral fragrance drifted through the air, intoxicating the senses.
The sky darkened, and red lanterns illuminated the path ahead.
At the banquet, wine cups clinked and sang and danced, sleeves fluttering.
Decadence and a life of debauchery were on full display.
Shen Yue was admiring the exquisite dance of a beauty when her vision was suddenly blocked. A tall shadow enveloped her. Lifting her gaze, she saw the man's stern, handsome face.
He raised his wine cup, a faint, almost imperceptible smile on his face. "I'll have a toast with you."
Without any congratulations or further words, he spoke directly, as if issuing a challenge.
Shen Yue stared silently at Shen Yao Jin for a few seconds, then raised her wine cup and stood. Her jade-like fingers were like green onions. The cups gently touched, and they both tilted their heads back, draining the contents.
As if it were merely a toast, Shen Yao Jin left soon after.
Later, others came to toast. Shen Yue drank a little. The wine had a strong kick. At first, she felt nothing, but later, her head began to feel dizzy. She let out a deep sigh, whispered a few words to Fu An, and went out for some fresh air.
This was a palace banquet, and naturally, there were dedicated side halls for people to rest. Shen Yue, being a prince, had a side hall exclusively for herself.
Her stomach churned uncomfortably, but Shen Yue’s steps were steady. Her thoughts, however, were a bit sluggish, and she didn't notice the footsteps following closely behind.
By the time she reached the side hall, Shen Yue's legs felt weak. Her vision grew increasingly blurred. She shook her head, her steps faltered, and the moment she collapsed onto the ground, she fell into a burning, broad chest.
The person’s heart was beating very fast, so much so that Shen Yue could feel it through the not-so-thick fabric.
Shen Yue’s head was still somewhat clear. She turned to look. It was Shi Wei.
"Your Highness, allow me to help you inside."
Seeing it was her own person, Shen Yue did not refuse. Her sluggish thoughts did not detect Shi Wei’s trembling voice, fueled by excitement, nor his eyes filled with greedy desire.
The charcoal fire inside the room was ample, making it warm. The windows were tightly shut, allowing no hint of cold.
Candlelight flickered, illuminating the room with a warm, yellow glow.
Shen Yue felt herself being helped onto the bed. The clarity she had managed to retain gradually became muddled. Perhaps sensing no danger, she half-closed her long eyelashes, feeling drowsy.
"Your Highness..."
"Your Highness..."
A voice kept calling her, but Shen Yue's dark, moist eyes were hazy, appearing dazed and innocent.
Shi Wei knew the medicine was taking effect. He first squatted by the bedside, gazing at that fair, beautiful face, his eyes filled with unconcealed, fervent, mad desire.
After staring for a long time, Shi Wei finally made his next move. He took off his shoes and climbed onto the bed.
The bed curtains were drawn, obscuring the scene within, but the man’s tall figure could be faintly discerned.
The corners of his mouth couldn't help but curl up, an arc maintained by suppressing overwhelming joy.
That fair, beautiful face seemed like a meticulously crafted treasure. Her rosy, plump lips parted slightly, and the breath exhaled was sweet and particularly alluring.
He grasped Shen Yue's exposed ankle.
The cold, white, bony ankle, with its prominent bones, was easily clasped by the other hand. The skin felt smooth and cool, a silky, delicate touch that reached directly into the heart.
The slightly protruding bones of the ankle were exceptionally beautiful, as if they could be crushed with a slight squeeze.
The silken touch made Shi Wei’s blood boil. He swallowed, his gaze fervent.
The breaths from his nose and mouth were exceptionally hot. Those amorous yet indifferent eyes were now brimming with infatuated adoration.
He crawled closer, reaching Shen Yue's face.
He trembled so violently that by the time he lowered his head to kiss her soft lips, his breathing was ragged, his chest heaving unevenly.
Upon actual contact, Shi Wei exhibited a timidity that did not belong to him, not daring to kiss too forcefully, touching with extreme caution.
Shen Yue's eyes were half-open, her eyelids heavy. Her long, dense eyelashes cast a shadow on the fair skin beneath her eyes.
Her dark eyes held a layer of mist, like morning mist diffusing sunlight on a lake, hazy and indistinct.
It was as if she were quietly gazing at him.
It was as if she were silently permitting his actions and behavior.
It was as if the Prince's heart also held him.
Imagining this, Shi Wei’s lean muscles tensed completely, his eyes turning bloodshot, his expression frenzied.
He buried his head in Shen Yue's neck. Although he was above her, looking down at Shen Yue, his body displayed an attitude of extreme humility and loyalty.
His voice was almost hoarse.
He called out softly, a little breathless.
"Your Highness..."
"Your Highness..."
His throat was incredibly dry, yet only these two words could be uttered.
The moonlight was faint, casting a cold, bright glow on the bluestone tiles outside the palace, which were covered in silvery frost.
Shen Yue awoke in a state of stifling heat, her cheeks covered in a layer of sweat. She pressed her temples and got up.
She lifted the bed curtains. The room was empty, the charcoal fire burning brightly.
Wiping the sweat from her face, Shen Yue got out of bed and put on her shoes. The moment she stood up, her calves felt weak, and she almost knelt on the ground.
Frowning, Shen Yue was puzzled. A dull pain emanated from her ankle. She didn't remember spraining her foot.
After standing up and recovering for a while, she felt a little better. Shen Yue pushed open the door. Outside, snow was falling heavily, blanketing the branches. The cold wind was like a knife, instantly blowing away the warmth from her body.
It blew her hair aside, brushing against her cheeks, and the cold wind cleared Shen Yue's head considerably. The night was already late; the palace banquet should be nearing its end.
Qing Yue Hall was brightly lit, with incense lingering and mist rising, emitting a faint aroma.
There was a knock on the door, three polite knocks.
Cheng Qian Gong opened the door, and a soft, warm body collided with his embrace. A faint, warm fragrance lingered in his nose, mixed with a hint of wine.