Tale of the Lotus Heart
Chapter 20

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.

"It may not work the first time," he teased as he released my wrists and went for my waist. I pushed against his chest gently to free my lips.

"Wait, Yong. We're not married yet," I said lamely.

"In my mind, we already are. I won't marry anyone else in my life. You're mine," he said softly.

"It's broad daylight," I tried again as I looked towards the door. His lips went to my neck as he continued to kiss me. In truth, I didn't have the willpower to refuse him. He stopped before touching my cheek gently.

"Aivi, ever since we entered this realm, I feel like I've only seen your back. We haven't been able to be together or even stay in 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 I brought my hand to his cheek. He leaned into my hand and closed his eyes briefly.

"Let's try both of our plans at the same time," I gave in. His eyes opened as he smiled at me. I hesitantly brought my hand to the 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 as he adjusted his arms around me.

"In this life... you're not allowed to sacrifice yourself for me. You're not allowed to get hurt. Understood?" He said softly out of the blue.

"If you're ever in trouble, I wouldn't even think before trying to save you. I know you'd do the same for me," I replied. Yong sat up to look at me.

"I'm serious, Aivi. If it ever comes down to you or me, let it be me. Don't jump in the way. If anything ever happened to you, I would toss myself into the River of Forgetfulness and perish," he said seriously. I touched his cheek gently.

"Okay... I promise," I gave in after seeing how serious he was. He suddenly smiled as his hand went to my stomach.

"Plus, if I have my way, I'll need you to stay behind to raise our children," he joked. I moved his hand from my stomach and turned into his chest.

"Naughty," I muttered as he chuckled. He wrapped his arm back around me and placed a kiss on my forehead.

"I should head home soon," I said with a sigh. Yong tightened his grip on me.

"Stay with me tonight. I barely get to see you. I appreciate my brother taking care of you, but now that you have a family, you don't think about me anymore," he pouted.

"Alright. Alright," I gave in as I wrapped my arms around him. As old as he was, Yong still acted like a child sometimes. I couldn't deny that it was a bit endearing though.

"Are you still going to the Imperial Army?" He asked quietly after turning out the lights with his internal energy. I hesitated before I nodded.

"We agreed to try both of our plans. I want to make accomplishments over time, whilst you just wanted to make a baby," I said pushing on his chest gently. He only chuckled.

"My plan is a lot more fun," he joked.

"I plan to go report tomorrow," I admitted.

"I'll make sure you have suitable clothing. You should rest for the assessment tomorrow," he went along with me. He placed another kiss on my head before I let my eyes close. Thanks to Yong, I was beyond exhausted.