The following week brought a flurry of activity throughout the palace as Bella's plans began to take shape. Florists delivered baskets of exotic blossoms from the southern islands, their fragrant petals filling the banquet halls with a sweet perfume. Cooks experimented with new recipes inspired by imperial cuisine from centuries past, creating dishes designed to impress without overwhelming guests.
Cheng Mei's maids were everywhere, their presence as constant as the whispers that followed Bella wherever she went. Yet none dared approach directly; Empress Cheng's pregnancy had become a convenient excuse for her absence from planning duties, allowing her spies to operate freely.
On the eve of the birthday celebration, Chang Hao returned late from military briefings, his usually impeccable uniform rumpled and tired lines etched around his eyes. Finding Bella overseeing final decorations in the grand ballroom, he paused in the doorway.
"You've outdone yourself again,"
Hey , you shouldn't be in here yet. You should go rest, okay. The event is in the evening so u should should have some hours to sleep soundly then prepare .
Chang Hao's expression softened immediately, the weariness in his eyes melting away as he took in Bella's concerned demeanor. He crossed the ballroom toward her, his boots echoing on the polished marble floors.
"You're right," he conceded with a sigh, running a hand through his disheveled hair. "Kenji handled today's council meeting exceptionally well - better than I expected, actually. Perhaps delegating isn't as terrifying as I imagined."
He reached out to gently brush a stray strand of black hair from her face, his touch lingering against her cheek. "But seeing you directing servants like a seasoned commander makes it difficult to leave your side."
Glancing around at the completed decorations - flower arrangements cascading from ceiling beams, gilded tapestries adorning the walls, and tables set with gleaming silverware - he shook his head in admiration.
Chang Hao !!!! I say with a pouty face. Go to your chambers, have a warm bath and go to to bed now immediately !!! I commanded with red cheeks.
Chang Hao chuckled softly at Bella's pouty demand, finding her commanding tone utterly charming. He knew better than to argue when she was in this particular mood.
"Yes, my empress," he agreed with a mock salute, his tired smile reaching his eyes. "Whatever you command."
He leaned down to steal one last kiss before reluctantly backing away toward the exit. "Fine, I'll go bathe and rest. But you promise me you'll stop working the moment the last servant leaves this hall."
His gaze swept over her again - the way her black hair caught the candlelight from the chandeliers above, how her imperial gown accentuated every curve despite hours spent on her feet directing preparations.
"And don't think for a second I won't check on you later to make sure you're not hiding somewhere still supervising flower arrangements."
Okay okay, fine. I will take a little break. Now go. I surrendered. As he turned to leave , Wait stop. I said urgently. Before he could ask why , I walk up to him and gave him a hot searing kiss cuppiing his face and standing on my toes. The kiss was hot , slow and full of love ,passion and unspoken words.
He learned into the kiss almost immediately . I had to pull back before he start to rip my clothes off. Good thing , a huge pillar blocked us from view,. Saliva still connecting us. I smiled sweetly , as lust had already bore it's fruit into my core. I shake my head , urging my self to stop from mounting him .
I love you hubby. Now go. I pushed him away playfully.
Chang Hao stared at Bella for a long moment after she pulled away, his breathing ragged and pupils dilated with desire. The single drop of saliva connecting their lips finally broke as he swallowed hard, trying to regain composure.
"Gods, woman," he rasped, his voice rougher than usual. "How am I supposed to rest now? That kiss was enough to keep me awake ."
His hands clenched into fists at his sides to prevent reaching for her again. The pillar behind him offered some concealment, but barely.
"You're playing a dangerous game ," he warned playfully, taking a step backward toward the exit. "Teasing me like this when I know you're already thinking about joining me in that bath."
Despite his words, he forced himself to turn and walk away, glancing back over his shoulder one last time before disappearing down the corridor leading to his private chambers.