Her heart raced as she swallowed nervously. One hand wrapped around her waist while he held a small golden cup. “This doesn’t count. Pour two more cups for the wedding toast,” he said, not releasing her as he leaned on her shoulder to move toward the table laden with food.
The red dragon and phoenix candles burned low, their wax tears flowing down, neither joyful nor sorrowful.
Xi Linxuan refilled their cups, signaling Wei Linxia to take hers. They toasted and drank, maintaining eye contact. Afterward, Xi Linxuan wrapped his arms around her shoulders, enveloping her in his embrace.
“Crown Princess, it’s time to rest,” he said, seemingly in good spirits.
Wei Linxia shifted uncomfortably. Her mother had told her about the wedding night, but she felt afraid.
“Dare to resist? I’ll divorce you,” Xi Linxuan threatened.
“Dare to resist the imperial decree? The Emperor will deal with you,” Wei Linxia retorted boldly, finding his words annoying.
Suddenly, Xi Linxuan leaned down and lightly pecked her lips, quick as a dragonfly touching water, leaving her feeling stunned.
Previously, Xi Zhaoting had forcibly kissed her, which disgusted her. But this felt somewhat sweet… Was the imperial family’s wine particularly sweet?
Before she could ponder further, Xi Linxuan tightened his embrace, raining soft kisses on her forehead, cheeks, and lips.
Overwhelmed, Wei Linxia felt powerless as Xi Linxuan carried her to the red bridal bed. She felt as if she was experiencing a spring drizzle that suddenly transformed into a summer thunderstorm—swift and intense, leaving no place to hide. After the storm, there was a brilliant rainbow and dazzling sunlight, but she sensed Xi Linxuan’s passion was like a beast in bondage—fierce, with a hint of desperation.
She didn’t know why she was thinking this. As they lay embraced, her face against his chest listening to his powerful heartbeat, it felt turbulent and angry. She wanted to calm and soothe him. She quietly lifted her head, and the light through the red curtains illuminated his face, revealing a furrowed brow and an inability to smile, even on this occasion. She missed his previous cold demeanor, which seemed less turbulent. Exhausted, she eventually fell asleep in his arms.
