Tale of the Lotus Heart
Chapter 31

Yong got to stay on Floral Island for weeks with the excuse of recovering. I'm sure he'd recovered earlier, but the excuse let us live together peacefully on Floral Island. It was nice. I would tend to the gardens and learn about remedies during the day, and when I would get home, Yong had dinner ready for us to eat. Yong was sweet and attentive per usual, but I finally got the chance to enjoy it this time. No one bothered us during this time. Even Tase and the Empress kept their distance. Peony helped us in more ways than one. Seeing her close relationship with Yong, I felt relieved to have another friend willing to protect us. Yong seemed happy to show his affection towards me freely. There were no prying eyes to worry about. Plus, the Emperor already knew of our relationship, and nothing had come of it yet.

"Did Goddess Peony tell you when you had to go back?" I asked curiously as I cleared the table of our dinner. Yong's arms wrapped around my waist from behind to let his hands rest on my small baby bump.

"I get to leave when you leave," he replied. That was news to me. I didn't expect Peony to let a man stay that long on an island that forbid them. I put the dishes in a bucket and turned in his arms to face him.

"You're staying the whole time?" I asked for verification. Yong nodded.

"Goddess Peony is giving the excuse of recovery to let me spend time with you away from the Heavenly Palace. You're more at ease here. Peony said we could stay until you give birth. And even my Royal Father and Mother aren't allowed to enter without permission. We're safe here," Yong explained.

"What about your duties as Crown Prince?" I asked.

"My First Brother, Atlas, is temporarily taking over the duties. I honestly couldn't care less for the title myself. If giving up the title of Crown Prince means I get to stay with the woman I love, I would gladly give it up," he answered. I smiled lightly before kissing him gently. The kiss didn't stay gentle for long. Yong deepened the kiss before moving me to the bed. He laid beside me as he kissed me, careful of the bump in between us. His kiss slowed before he settled for just holding me to his side.

"How nice would it be if this was our life," I said as I looked up to the ceiling of the hut. My living quarters weren't as big as they were in the Heavenly Palace, but still... having Yong here in this small house felt right and homey. To raise our child in this carefree setting would be an unrealistic dream.

"If that's what you want, I'll do my best to make it a reality," Yong answered.

"How did you become such good friends with Goddess Peony?" I asked out of curiosity. Yong smiled before kissing my head.

"Are you jealous?" He asked. I hit his chest gently as I frowned.

"I'm not jealous. It's just after knowing her for some time, I realized a few things. Goddess Peony is a warm-hearted goddess who takes in women with potiential, or those she pities. She almost exclusively hates all men, especially those from the Heavenly Realm. How did you become her friend?" I asked.

"When I was a child, I was already the Crown Prince. My Royal Mother took me to tour the Realms I would eventually rule. When we visited the Floral Island, I fell in love with the greenery and colors. When my mother wasn't looking, I ran off and got lost, but I wasn't scared. I was happy being surrounded by the colors. Goddess Peony found me in her garden talking to the flowers. She was already in charge of the island by then, and has a nose for a person's intention and temperament. She said I was a pure one. Instead of taking me back to my mother right away, she stayed and played with me until dark. Ever since then, I visited her often when I had time and she became a close confidant. My relationship with her is the only reason I trust her with the secret of your heart," he explained. I could actually see that happening. Yong was sweet and pure by nature. If Goddess Peony picked up on that, she would have no reason to hate him. I sighed and adjusted my position slightly as I wrapped an arm around Yong.

"I wish we could stay like this... here," I said longingly.

"If that's what you want, you know I'll do my best to give it to you. I know you've been stressed since you woke up in the Heavenly Realm. Being thrown into that kind of life can be tiresome. I selfishly just wanted to keep you by my side, but I didn't thoroughly think about how all of this would make you feel. I just wanted to love you. I never meant for you to feel inadequate or unworthy. That's why I initially tried to hide my title from you, but it didn't work for long. I never wanted you to have this many worries," he said in regret. I sat up as I looked at him.

"You can't help who you are, Yong. And I don't blame you for who you are. I'm just... having trouble adjusting. There are so many rules and plots behind the scenes. The women never say exactly what they mean. I have to be cautious of every step I take and act with a poise I don't naturally possess. It's tiresome. I thought if I accumulated some merit, I wouldn't have to try so hard to mind my every move, but my plan only backfired. Because of my notoriety, more eyes were on me," I rambled. Yong sat up as well and held my hands in his.

"From now on, you don't have to please anyone but yourself. The second you're not happy, tell me immediately. I'll do what I can to make you happy," he promised. I smiled gently before hugging him.

"Thank you," I said softly as I closed my eyes.