The next day, Yi Ling was woken up by someone caressing her cheek. When she opened her eyes, King Jin was by her side, smiling at her, making her heart skip a beat. Her heart hadn't been normal ever since she met this man.
"Are you feeling better, Ling'er?" he asked, worry evident in his voice.
"Yes. Thank you, your highness." She moved to sit up, and King Jin assisted her.
"You can call me Brother Jin," he smiled at her.
Yi Ling pursed her lips, remembering their first kiss. King Jin chuckled, remembering it too.
"Yu Ran! Bring in the food," he called out.
Yu Ran came in, carrying a tray of food for Yi Ling. He bowed and was about to set the food on the table, but King Jin grabbed it before he could.
"Let this King feed his woman," he smiled. Yu Ran was speechless. His King had changed so much since Yi Ling arrived in the Kingdom. He didn't know if it was for the better or worse, given she was the Omen too.
"Yes, your highness," Yu Ran bowed and left.
"You won't argue with me feeding you, right?" King Jin looked at Yi Ling. Yi Ling shook her head. She was starving, having not eaten anything for the past year. During cultivation, it didn't require her to eat.
King Jin smiled and started feeding her. When it was too hot, he blew on it first before putting it to her mouth. Yi Ling was embarrassed but, at the same time, enjoyed the attention.
"A high King like you, where's your pride?" she teased.
"I don't have one... when it comes to you," he continued to feed her.
Yi Ling smirked, "How come you don't have a harem? Aren't kings supposed to have tons of wives?" she asked after chewing her food.
King Jin's brow lifted. "I don't need a harem, nor a wife."
Yi Ling felt a slight pain in her heart at the last part he said.
"But that was before I met you. I just need you, not a harem. One wife is enough." He stopped feeding her and looked into her eyes, making sure she understood.
Yi Ling's eyes went wide, and she then blushed, understanding what he meant.
"I didn't say anything about becoming your consort!" Yi Ling crossed her arms and avoided his eyes.
King Jin chuckled, putting the tray down on the table. He got up and sat on the bed beside her. Yi Ling didn't move.
King Jin hugged her from the side and kissed the back of her head.
"Are you not going to take responsibility for taking this King's first kiss?" he whispered in her ear.
Yi Ling blushed. It really was his first. She covered her face, unable to look at him.
"I didn't do it! You started it!" This jerk had the gall to accuse her. Hmph.
He chuckled. She was too fun to tease, he thought.
"Alright, I did it. Then I'll take responsibility for you." He smiled. The ending was still the same anyways.
Yi Ling turned and looked at him, unable to believe it. She was trapped.
He chuckled, seeing her cute face.
"Don't worry, I'll wait for you to accept me. I'm not a beast after all. I have been alone for many years; it wouldn't hurt to wait some more." He looked into her eyes, his dark purple eyes trying to convey all his feelings for her.
He touched her cheek and added, "As long as I can have you beside me. It's worth the wait." He lifted her chin and gave her a quick kiss on the lips.
She pursed her lips, not knowing how to respond. It was the sweetest confession she had ever heard. Mu Xin never did confess to her, although she felt that Mu Xin liked her. She nodded, thankful that he was letting her think about it first. She needed to talk to Mu Xin and clear things with him, she thought.
Seeing her agreement, he was happy.
"Would you like to walk with me to the garden?" Fresh air would be good for her body and a chance to spend time with her.
"Okay, but let me get cleaned up first." She was still wearing her clothes from yesterday.
He smiled, "Okay, I'll wait for you outside." He wanted to be next to her at all times. He kissed her head and stood up.
"Yu Ran! Tell the servants to boil some hot water and serve Ling'er," he called out. Yu Ran was still standing outside.
"Yes, your highness," Yu Ran replied from outside.
King Jin left when the servants came in. He went outside and waited.
After an hour, Yi Ling came out looking beautiful as ever in King Jin's eyes. She was wearing a white robe with gold hues, seemingly matching his black and gold. His dark purple eyes were smiling.
"My Lady." He offered his arm towards her as she came next to him.
"Your highness," she accepted his arm as they walked towards the garden.
Yu Ran, a couple of guards, and servants followed them from behind. They all couldn't help but smile. They had never seen the King this happy before, nor did they know he had a gentle side. They only wished for their King's happiness and were all willing to protect it.