The Tale of the Lotus Heart

Yong sighed as he dropped his hands from my back. He's just finished strengthening my concealment as we sat on his bed. After talking with Tase and Zinnia last night, I came to see Yong first thing. At first, I worried about Zinnia knowing about the Lotus Heart, but Tase assured me that she was bound by a life exchange oath. If you even began to mutter the words ‘Lotus Heart’ she would die a horrible death, never to be reborn.

"It's getting more powerful," Yong said as he turned me to face him. I searched my body myself before opening my eyes. I smiled slightly.

"We expected this," I reminded him.

"Tase tells me that your planning on joining a faction. Can I assume that I'll be seeing you as an Army Physician?" He asked. I shook my head as I stood.

"I want to join the Imperial Army," I answered.

"It's dangerous," Yong objected. I chuckled slightly before using the scissors on his desk to cut my hand. I held it up for Yong to see as it healed quickly. You would never know I even opened the skin.

"Just because it heals doesn't mean it won't hurt, and you’re not totally invincible," he reminded me. I sighed before sitting next to him again.

"Well it's better than your grand plan to simply impregnate me," I teased. He pushed me on to my back and pinned my wrists against the bed. I could've fought back but I didn't feel it was necessary. He smirked before bringing his lips to mine gently.

as he released my wrists and went for

married

I won't marry anyone else in

continued to kiss me. In truth, I didn't have the willpower to refuse him. He stopped before touching my

the same palace. You've been trying so hard to prove yourself that I barely see you. Had I known it would be like this, I would've insisted on keeping you here as a fairy. Then you would never leave my side," he said honestly. I caught myself smiling gently as

collar of his robe. I slid the silky material off of his shoulders. He brought his lips back to mine as he undid the tie of my dress. Before I knew it, both of our clothes were off and we were covered in a blanket. This time was different than the on the mortal realm. It was more euphoric. It didn't even matter that it was daylight when we started. It was well into nighttime when Yong finally wrapped his arms around me from behind. He kissed my bare shoulder

me. You’re not allowed to get

I wouldn't even think before trying to save you. I know you'd do the same for me,"

jump in the way. If anything ever happened to you, I would toss

how serious he was. He suddenly smiled as

I have my way, I'll need you to stay behind to raise our children," he joked. I moved his hand

he chuckled. He wrapped his arm back around me and placed a kiss