Bao Ji (Lia)
I could barely open my eyes when I woke up.My head felt like it was about to split in two.
A massive headache throbbed behind my temples, making me groan softly as I stared at the ceiling.
Last night…
What happened last night?
I remember drinking with the Queen. Laughing. Talking. Wine after wine after wine.
And then—
No. That part doesn't make sense.
Why would he come?
I shook my head slightly, trying to clear the fog, but it only made the pain worse.
I moved through my morning routine like a ghost, barely aware of what I was doing. By the time I headed toward the Queen's chamber for the morning greeting, my thoughts were still tangled, my body heavy, my head pounding.
When I arrived, I greeted the Queen and took my seat.
The moment our eyes met, we both knew.
Awful.
Absolutely awful.
Her expression mirrored mine—tired, strained, suffering. And when I really looked at her, the memories of last night came rushing back all at once.
Lord.
We were a mess.
No—we were a disaster.
But… it had been fun. For the first time in so long, I hadn't thought about the emperor, the palace, Bao Si, the future, or the weight crushing my chest. I'd just existed.
I needed that.
While the other concubines chatted endlessly about things I couldn't bring myself to care about, the Queen and I sat there quietly, battling our headaches in silence.
"Your Majesty, are you feeling unwell?" one of the concubines asked sweetly.
I smirked at the Queen, waiting.
She noticed—and shot me a sharp side-eye before answering.
"I have a terrible headache," she said, resting her elbow on the table and pressing her fingers to her forehead.
"Perhaps Your Majesty should rest," I added, barely holding back my laughter. "I think that would help."
She looked at me and replied dryly, "And how does Concubine Ji feel this morning?"
"I'm good," I lied.
In reality, my head hurt so badly I would've committed a crime just to get some peace and quiet. But I swallowed those words. Too many ears around.
"That's good. Then maybe you could give me a head—"
She didn't finish.
Because suddenly—
"His Majesty has arrived."
My heart dropped.
The Queen stiffened. When I glanced at her, I realised she was just as surprised as I was.
All of us stood immediately.
"Your Majesty," we said, bowing.
"You may sit," he said calmly. "No need for formalities."
The moment he sat down, his gaze found me.
Instantly.
I tried to look away—but after a second, I forced myself to look back.
Why was I avoiding him?
My eyes flicked between him and the Queen. I probably looked ridiculous.
"How is everyone today?" he asked—still looking directly at me.
"Seeing His Majesty makes me feel happy instantly," one concubine gushed.
"I can die happy just from seeing His Majesty," another added.
Horny bitches.
I grabbed the cup of tea in front of me and took a sip just to avoid responding.
"Concubine Ji," he said gently, ignoring the others entirely. "How are you feeling?"
I almost choked.
"I'm fine," I said, half dying as I tried not to spit the tea everywhere.
Silence fell.
The concubines stared at me. Then at him. Then back at me—jealousy written plainly on their faces.
Perfect. Exactly what I needed.
For a moment, it felt like the world disappeared. Like it was just the two of us.
Until I broke the gaze first. But my eyes fell on his neck. A bite mark. Not too obvious, but it was visible.
I lifted the tea again, drinking slowly. I hated this tea—but right now, it was my lifeline.
I looked back at the bite mark. And then—
Memories.
Flashes.
Last night flooded back into my mind.
Him lifting me bridal-style.
Me struggling in his arms like a worm. Biting him. Asking why we weren't going to his chamber instead of mine.
Hitting his chest.
Almost crying.
Calling him bad.
Him apologising.
Promising not to scold the Queen.
And then—
That voice.
"I never thought you would play such an important role in my life. Every morning, I wake up afraid I won't see you again."
And me—
Smiling.
"It's not that easy to get rid of me. Besides… no one else would scold you and get on your nerves like I do."
I spat the tea instantly.
My cheeks burnt.
What—How—Why—
How could I act like that? In front of him? In front of the emperor?
I knew I was reckless. I knew I was bold.
But this?
This was too much—even for me.
As I wiped my mouth with a handkerchief, I suddenly realised he was standing right in front of me.
"Are you alright?" he asked, concern clear in his voice.
I looked up at him, my face heating even more.
"I—"
My mouth opened, but no words came out. I probably looked like a fish gasping for air.
"Concubine Ji's cheeks are red like a tomato," one concubine said loudly.
Not subtle at all.
But I couldn't focus on anyone except him.
"Should I call the physician?" he asked, gently touching my cheeks with his fingers.
Lord.
I nearly melted into the chair.
"No!" I blurted out. "It's just… hot in here."
I started fanning myself awkwardly and glanced at the Queen. "Right?"
She was enjoying this far too much.
"I don't think so," she said, barely holding in her laughter.
"I'll call the physician anyway," he said, already stepping away.
Is this man serious?
I jumped up and grabbed his arm, pulling him slightly so he faced me.
"No—really, there's no need. I just need some air."
"I'll come with you," he said.
Of course you will.
He didn't even excuse himself. Just wrapped an arm around my shoulder and guided me out.
In public.
In the palace.
I wanted the ground to swallow me whole.
Outside, he still didn't let go.
We walked like that—my eyes glued to the floor, my hands clenched together.
"Do you feel better?" he asked softly.
That low, deep voice nearly killed me.
His face was so close when he spoke that I felt my heart skip.
"Yes," I lied.
"No," my body screamed.
"Your cheeks are still red," he said. "Are you sure you don't want the physician?"
That voice again.
Snap out of it, Lia.
"I'm fine. Truly," I said firmly.
He studied me for a moment—then smiled.
"Alright. I'll listen to you."
God, he was handsome when he smiled.
"Would you like to go outside the palace?" he asked.
"Outside?" I blinked.
He nodded.
"You mean… outside the palace?" I asked, surprised.
"Yes."
My face lit up.
"Can we?"
"Let's go," he said, leading me toward the carriage.
I followed beside him, feeling like a child being taken to buy a puppy.