Shu Mingye turned another page in his book, looking every bit the picture of an innocent and serious king. But his mind was far from calm. He was thinking about the self-sealing array locked deep in her body. The one that should not exist. The one hidden and dangerous, created by someone cruelly skilled.
He already knew the basics, but it wasn't enough. He was still digging through every book and scroll he could get his hands on, searching for even the smallest clue. A forbidden array like that was nearly erased from records. It had been banned for good reason, and no one sane dared to research it anymore. But Shu Mingye had never been particularly sane when it came to her.
Even if the chances were low, even if it took years, he would not give up. He had to find a way to break that cursed thing. Without hurting her. Without letting her suffer. Because she was his Pie. And he would protect her even if it meant flipping through a thousand boring books and resisting ten thousand chances to tease her.
The sky outside had darkened while they read. Clouds drifted slowly across the sky, and soft candlelight spread a warm glow over the room.
Linyue turned a page quietly, then her eyes flicked to Shu Mingye.
Suspicious. He was behaving too well. Calm, and focused. Reading like some serious scholar king. Back straight. Expression composed. Even his breathing steady. It was unnatural. Where was the smug grin? The teasing? The shameless comments? Had he finally decided to act like a proper king?
She narrowed her eyes. Maybe… now was a good time to ask about that scroll he hid. She kept staring at him, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. His dark eyes stayed fixed on the book in front of him, his brow furrowed just slightly in thought. He looked annoyingly handsome like that. And his lips—
Why was she looking at his lips?
Her brain, clearly unhelpful, suggested she could lean in. Just a little. Tease him back for once. She shook the thought away instantly. No. Bad idea. She'd be the one flustered in the end. That man was a professional when it came to shamelessness.
Still, she stared a little too long. Because Shu Mingye suddenly smirked without lifting his eyes from the page and said, "What is it, Pie? Do you want a kiss? Or do you want something… more?"
Linyue's face didn't change, but somewhere deep down, a tiny voice screamed. She picked up the nearest scroll and tapped it against his arm. "I was wondering when you'd start talking nonsense again."
He laughed, low and pleased. "Ah, so you were staring."
"I was thinking," she said, lifting her chin slightly.
"Thinking about kissing?"
"No," she said firmly.
Shu Mingye leaned closer, his voice dropping to a soft, teasing tone. "You can kiss me, you know. No need to overthink."
Linyue stared at him, unimpressed. That smug smile on his face was the exact reason she would not kiss him. Absolutely not. Even though… yes, she was tempted to kiss him right now. But no. She had a mission. A goal. A sacred purpose. So instead, she asked coolly, "Where's the scroll?"
Shu Mingye blinked once. Then his smirk came back stronger than ever. "Did I not say… marry me and everything will be yours? Including me and the scroll."
Linyue tilted her head. Her expression was calm, but her eyes were sharp. "I already agreed."
His face lit up with delight. "That's right. You did. But—" he leaned back in his chair, "we haven't married yet. What if I give it to you now, and you change your mind?"
Linyue gave him a long, quiet stare. Then in the same steady tone, she said, "I won't change my mind. I will marry you. I like you."
Shu Mingye froze. It was rare to see the smug king pause mid-smirk. His eyes flicked to her face like he was trying to confirm if she had really said that.
He blinked slowly, her words still echoing in his head. Then with quiet intensity, he said, "Pie…"
Linyue grinned. "You told me to say it often."
He chuckled, warm and pleased. "Right. Say it again."
"Nope," she said without hesitation. "I don't feel like it."
Shu Mingye narrowed his eyes. That playful and slightly dangerous gleam had returned. He didn't speak. He just stared at her with a look that clearly said, Say it again, or you'll regret it.
Linyue met his gaze, sighed softly, and leaned back in her chair. "It's been a while since I got to eat lotus seed pie…"
"…Or moon dumpling," she added with a voice full of fake longing. "Sad."
Shu Mingye stared at her, unimpressed. "You need a bribe to say it?"
She gave him her most innocent look, which was absolutely not innocent. "What bribe? I just said it's been a while since I ate them. Totally unrelated."
Her light laugh made him smile, but only for a moment. Then he leaned in, smirking, his voice dropping to a soft whisper near her ear. "You can eat me instead."
Linyue stiffened. "N-no thanks," she said quickly, trying her best to sound calm. "I prefer pie… or dumplings. Or… steamed buns. Or…"
"Or?" Shu Mingye asked sweetly, watching her with far too much interest.
"…Or anything else that doesn't talk back," she finished, refusing to meet his eyes.
Shu Mingye looked absolutely delighted. "You're blushing."
"I'm not."
"You are."
"It's hot," she muttered.
"It's your ears," he said smugly. "They're on fire. Want me to cool them down?"
Linyue clamped both hands over her ears immediately. "You're not allowed near them."
He leaned in anyway, his grin only growing. "If I'm not allowed to be near, then how are you going to eat me?"
"I already told you," Linyue said firmly, "I prefer—"
Before she could finish, Shu Mingye smoothly cut in, his voice dropping low and dangerous, "You haven't tasted it yet. How do you know what you prefer? Those things or—"
She slapped both hands over his mouth. "Shameless," she said, eyes narrowing at him.
Shu Mingye grinned under her hands, not sorry in the slightest. Then because he was absolutely the worst, he leaned forward just enough to press a soft kiss against her palm.
She made a startled sound and snatched her hands back. She barely had time to scold him before he pulled her closer and kissed her properly on the lips. He kissed her like he had been waiting forever. Like he had spent the entire day, maybe the entire week, holding back. His lips were soft but demanding, stealing her breath and pulling her into his warmth with every passing second.
Linyue froze for a heartbeat, her mind blank from the sudden rush of heat. But then slowly, she kissed him back. Gentle at first. Certain.
That was all the invitation Shu Mingye needed. He tilted his head and deepened the kiss, one hand pressing against her back, the other sliding firmly around her waist to hold her tighter. It felt like the world had gone quiet around them. It was getting hard to think. He wanted more. The question was… how far would she let him go?
Then she let out a tiny gasp against his lips. Every little sound from her only made him bolder. And that soft gasp, barely even a sound, was enough to snap the last fragile piece of his self-control.
His hand pressed firmer against her back. His fingers traced along her waist, then moved to where her heart was pounding so fast he swore he could feel it through her skin. The kiss deepened again, wilder this time, messier, like they had both completely forgotten about the scroll, the palace, and the entire world outside this room.
Linyue's eyes flew open.
He didn't stop. His lips brushed the corner of her mouth, then her cheek, while his hands moved as if trying to memorize every curve, every detail. Her heart thumped so hard it felt like it might burst. She was flustered, definitely flustered. But she didn't pull away. She didn't push him off or tell him to stop. Instead, she reached up, wrapped her arms around his neck, and kissed him back. Firm and sure.
That was when he panicked.
Shu Mingye froze, his lips still pressed lightly against hers.
Wait. Was she kissing him now? She wasn't retreating. She was pulling him closer. His brain shut down for three solid seconds. The tips of his ears turned red. Now he was the one overheating, his thoughts scattering completely as Linyue kissed him like she was the one in charge.
His hand stilled, and he slowly, very reluctantly, pulled back.
When Linyue opened her eyes, he was staring into them like he was one second away from doing something completely reckless.
His voice came out low, rough, and far too serious. "Pie," he said, "I'll ask your masters for permission. Let's get married. I don't want to wait anymore."