Bai Ye pulled Lian through the winding corridors of the palace, finally stopping in front of a heavily guarded door. The four guards stationed outside immediately bowed, greeting Bai Ye with respectful murmurs of "Your Highness."
Bai Ye didn't respond, instead leading Lian inside. As he was about to close the door, he turned to the guards and said, "Dismissed. I don't want any guards outside my chambers tonight."
One of the guards hesitated, bowing deeply. "Your Highness, do we need to prepare a room for your guest? Or have the maids prepare a chamber for him?"
Bai Ye's expression darkened, his anger evident. "Did I ask you to?" he snapped, his voice low and menacing.
The guards exchanged fearful glances before hastily retreating. Bai Ye closed the door, sealing it with a complex spell that glowed with a soft blue light.
As the door thudded shut, Bai Ye turned to face Lian, who stood with his arms crossed, his anger still evident on his face. Bai Ye knew that Lian was upset about the promise he had made to his father, and he steeled himself for the confrontation.
Taking a deep breath, Bai Ye tried to calm himself, not wanting to show Lian the fear that still lingered within him. His father's wrath was not to be underestimated, and Bai Ye knew that Lian had recklessly put himself in harm's way.
"Lian, what did you think you were doing back there?" Bai Ye asked, trying to keep his tone neutral.
Lian laughed, a mischievous glint in his eye. "What do you mean? I was introducing myself to your father."
Bai Ye's anger flared, and he took a step closer to Lian. "Introducing yourself? By putting yourself in a spot where you could get killed?"
Without thinking, Bai Ye reached out, his hand closing around Lian's neck as he slammed him against the wall. Lian's eyes sparkled with amusement, and he smiled, his lips curling upward.
But Bai Ye didn't notice. He was too caught up in his own anger and fear. "You foolish mortal," he hissed, his voice low and menacing. "Do you have any idea what my father is capable of?":
Lian's eyes flashed with defiance. "Obviously, I know what your father is capable of, and I want to teach him a lesson. Right after I teach you a lesson."
Bai Ye scoffed, his grip on Lian's neck tightening. "You think you can teach me a lesson? You're just a mortal. Don't you forget that I'm a demon, and I can kill you here and now. You want to teach me a lesson? Joke."
Lian laughed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Okay, kill me."
Bai Ye's eyes widened in shock, and he released his grip on Lian's neck. But before he could step back, Lian caught his hand and put it back on his neck. "I dare you to kill me."
Bai Ye's face darkened, and he forcefully removed his hand. "Go, have a bath or sleep or whatever. I don't know."
He turned around, walking towards the door, but Lian caught his robe, holding him back. "Bai Ye, are you going to leave me alone when I'm under your protection?"
Bai Ye shook his head, turning around. "You saw my father, you saw what he's capable of. He can—"
"No, no, no" Lian interrupted, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You're not going to change the subject that easily. We're not done talking about this."
Bai Ye's eyes narrowed, his expression warning Lian to back off. But Lian just smiled, his eyes glinting with challenge.
Bai Ye's eyes seemed to bore into Lian's soul as he said, "Lian, I will say this once: whatever I told you back in the mortal realm about us being together isn't going to happen."
Lian's eyes narrowed, his voice low and husky. "Isn't going to happen, really?"
Bai Ye's expression was resolute. "Yes. As a prince of the underworld, I have to marry who my father chose for me. That's it."
Lian's eyes seemed to gleam with amusement. "So you want me to take the confession as a joke?"
Bai Ye hesitated, his voice barely above a whisper. "Yes...do that."
But instead of backing away, Lian smiled and walked closer to Bai Ye. He reached out, pulling Bai Ye's clothes collars towards him, and made Bai Ye's face come closer to his.
Their lips were inches apart, the air thick with tension. Then, in a movement that seemed to melt every single ounce of anger simmering in Bai Ye's mind, Lian closed the distance between them.
Their lips met in a soft, gentle kiss that seemed to wipe away every lingering emotion of anger and frustration. Bai Ye's eyes fluttered closed, his mind going blank as he lost himself in Lian's lips.
As they kissed, the room around them melted away, leaving only the two of them, lost in the moment. Bai Ye's hands instinctively reached up, wrapping around Lian's waist, pulling him closer.
Lian's lips were soft and gentle, but they held a spark of passion that ignited a fire within Bai Ye. He felt his resolve weakening, his determination to push Lian away crumbling beneath the weight of his desire.
The kiss deepened, their lips moving in perfect sync. Bai Ye felt himself getting lost in the sensation, his mind clouding with desire.
Suddenly, Lian pulled back, his eyes sparkling with mischief. "You said we could never be together," he whispered, his breath hot against Bai Ye's skin. "But your lips say otherwise."
Bai Ye's eyes snapped open, his face burning with desire. He knew he should push Lian away, but his body seemed to have other plans. He pulled Lian back, their lips crashing together in a fierce, passionate kiss.
The room around them dissolved into chaos, the sound of crashing waves and howling wind filling the air. Bai Ye felt himself being swept away, lost in the storm of his own desire.
And in the midst of it all, he knew he was doomed. He was falling for Lian, hard and fast, and he couldn't seem to stop himself.
As the tension between them dissipated, Lian gazed deeply into Bai Ye's eyes, as if searching for something hidden within his soul. Bai Ye, still conflicted, looked away, his internal turmoil evident on his face.
To ease the tension, Lian wrapped his arms around Bai Ye, holding him tight. "Old monster, you said I'm bound to you. If I'm bound to you, do you think anyone can break it? If it's not my fate, then let's change it. Just like when I give chickens alcohol to change how they cluck."
Bai Ye's expression softened, and he chuckled, hugging Lian back. "You're ridiculous, Lian."
Bai Ye's demeanor turned serious once more. "But my father is dangerous. Having you go against him is...unwise. I don't think you were thinking properly when you challenged him. Why did you do that?"
Lian's smile was mischievous. "Eh, I just wanted to get on his nerves."
Bai Ye shook his head, exasperated. "You're worse than a naughty kid."
Lian laughed, releasing himself from the hug. "I want to go take a bath."
Bai Ye nodded. "Okay."
As Lian turned to leave, Bai Ye's hands remained on his waist, holding him in place. Lian looked up, his eyes sparkling with amusement. "Old monster, I want to go take a shower. Can I go?"
Bai Ye's smile was sly. "Should we do it together?"
Lian's face turned a deep shade of red, and he swiftly hit Bai Ye on the chest. "Disgusting old monster!"
Bai Ye winced, holding his chest. Lian took advantage of the distraction to break free and hurry towards the bathhouse.
As he entered the bathhouse, Lian found a steaming hot bath already prepared. Assuming it was meant for Bai Ye, Lian didn't hesitate. He undressed and slipped into the water, letting out a contented sigh as the warmth enveloped him.
The bathhouse was dimly lit, with only a few candles flickering to illuminate the space. The air was thick with the scent of jasmine and rose petals, and Lian felt his muscles relax as he soaked in the fragrant water.
Just as he was starting to unwind, Lian heard the sound of footsteps outside the bathhouse.
"Who's that?"