The Darker the Night, The Brighter the Stars

"Are you sure?" Fu Yanqing asked, hiding his displeasure. His phoenix eyes that held coldness shifted, covering up his dark thoughts of murder. "You have no need to be afraid. This prince will protect you!"

Zhao Yan nodded as she wiped the rest of her tears away. "I am fine, Your Highness. I am only sensitive due to my pregnancy and it has nothing to do with them. I asked that you let them go."

Fu Yanqing closed his eyes and raised his hand. No matter how much he wanted to spill a certain someone's guts, his little woman has spoken and it was in his best interest to follow lest she becomes displeased with him.

"Throw them out."

"Yan'er!" Luo Qi shouted but Jae Ha pressed the dagger closer to his neck, making him shut up.

Fu Yanqing's cold gaze swept over him. There was not a single trace of kindness in his eyes. Luo Qi felt his whole body stiffening into a statue. It was the same suffocating feeling that rounded his body as if there was a snake coiling around him. His mind registered only one thing: Fear.

Luo Hanting was no match for the two brothers, Si Yao and Si Chong who were masters in martial arts. Don't even mention Luo Qi who was only a scholar. Even a little girl like Jae Ha who has trained in martial arts can take on a grown man like him.

Both master and bodyguard were roughly thrown out of the premises and the gates closed before the two could get up.

"Get rid of of those things."

'Those things' Fu Yanqing was referring to were the boxes and chests that Luo Qi brought as a gift to Zhao Yan.

Fu Yanqing could not stomach the idea of another man giving gifts to his woman. It was driving him crazy that another man has dared to lay their sights on his little woman and even dared to make her cry! He could not afford her tears, let alone another man.

Court Lady Choi sighed. It was rare for His Highness to change his mind but the young lady was able to dissuade him. Court Lady Choi was really amazed. She couldn't wait to tell the Empress Dowager about all these things. The Empress Dowager would no doubt be happy that her son was finally showing care towards a woman.

Fu Yanqing guided her towards another room where they could have some privacy.

"Your Highness, are you mad? I'm sorry that you have to see that. I am ashamed that you always seem to see me at my weakest. I am crybaby, aren't I?" Zhao Yan lowered her head out of embarrassment.

Fu Yanqing's anger was still there and he spoke in an annoyed tone. "I am mad that another man has asked for your hand in marriage."

He was the first to propose marriage to her and he was determined to make her his bride no matter the cost. He was unable to control his anger because he felt as if she would disappear before him. Never had he felt such an intense feeling towards another that it was almost driving him crazy.

Zhao Yan's heart fluttered. Was he being jealous? Or was he only being territorial like all men does?

"Your Highness, I won't marry Qi-gege. He is someone I saved a few months ago from pufferfish poisoning. I am not close to him and this was only the third time I've talked to him. I don't know why he suddenly said that he wants to marry me.. I have no idea at all.." Zhao Yan explained to clarify things up.

"I was shaken up by the things he did. I already expected that my cousin and brother would spread rumors about me when I left. I just didn't think they would really do it and tell people that I eloped with a man." Zhao Yan bit her lip to restrain the emotions she was feeling.

She was beyond disappointed and hurt that her so called family would allow people to spread such rumors about her. She finally understood that she really did not matter to them.

This was fine. It really opened her eyes how 'good' they were to her.

"I was really surprised...But this is good, too. I have accepted it now. I am my father's daughter but the truth is that I am no different from a stranger." Zhao Yan forced a smile on her face as she raised her head, trying to stay strong.

"Your Highness, thank you for earlier and I am sorry for troubling you. Someone strong like His Highness is really admirable, it makes me feel envious. I hope I could be as brave as you are. You were betrayed so much by your family but you remained strong and fought for yourself. On the other hand, I am unable to fight back at all... Someone like me, doesn't deserve to stand by your side."

Back then, Fu Yanqing would have wholeheartedly agreed with her words because he was someone who did not tolerate the weak. But this time was different. She was an exemption to everything.

He held her two small hands like they were precious. "If you are weak, then I will be strong for you. As long as I am here, no one will ever bully you again. Accept me as your husband for I will protect you. "

Zhao Yan almost doubted the words she heard. They seem far too good to be true. No one has ever said such strong words filled with conviction for her but they melted away the pain in her heart.

She couldn't help but forget all the sorrow she was feeling. His attempt to comfort her made her happy.

"Your Highness' words made me feel better. I will have to thank you. How about eating lunch together? Although I am unsure if His Highness would agree since I remember that you are picky about your food."

Fu Yanqing shook his head. Originally, he wanted to eat together with her during lunch so there was no need to refuse when she was inviting him herself.

"This prince will eat with you."

Zhao Yan laughed. "Then I hope Your Highness won't get angry when the food isn't to your tastes. I can't cook at the moment because the smell of smoke and fire makes me dizzy but Mama Yang and Court Lady Choi were working on the dishes before Qi-gege arrived. The food must be ready by now."

Fu Yanqing's mood soured. How could she repeatedly call another man so familiarly when she said it himself that they weren't close and had only met three times?

"Why do you call him that? Are you really not familiar with him?" He was not interested in knowing another man's name but he felt his temper being tested yet again.

Zhao Yan tilted her head. "I am not lying, Your Highness. Qi-gege asked me to use his name because he did not want any formalities. I thought it was an odd request but he seemed adamant about it since he asked me twice to call him using his name. It was during the second time we met and also earlier when he came... I thought that he didn't seem to have any bad intentions so I acquiesced to his request..."

"Don't call his name anymore. If you want to call another man's name then call mine." Fu Yanqing said.

Zhao Yan gently pushed him on the shoulders so he would give her some space. She stood up straight.

"It is already lunch. Let's go to the dining hall, Your Highness. My meals cannot be delayed since I am eating for two."

Fu Yanqing's eyes sharpened. "I see."

Zhao Yan sighed inwardly. She unconsciously placed a hand on her chest, trying to calm the rapid beating of her heart.

▪▪▪