The Tale of the Lotus Heart novel Chapter 31

Yong got to stay on Floral Island for weeks with the excuse of recovering. I'm sure he'd recovered earlier, but the excuse let us live together peacefully on Floral Island. It was nice. I would tend to the gardens and learn about remedies during the day, and when I would get home, Yong had dinner ready for us to eat. Yong was sweet and attentive per usual, but I finally got the chance to enjoy it this time. No one bothered us during this time. Even Tase and the Empress kept their distance. Peony helped us in more ways than one. Seeing her close relationship with Yong, I felt relieved to have another friend willing to protect us. Yong seemed happy to show his affection towards me freely. There were no prying eyes to worry about. Plus, the Emperor already knew of our relationship, and nothing had come of it yet.

"Did Goddess Peony tell you when you had to go back?" I asked curiously as I cleared the table of our dinner. Yong's arms wrapped around my waist from behind to let his hands rest on my small baby bump.

"I get to leave when you leave," he replied. That was news to me. I didn't expect Peony to let a man stay that long on an island that forbid them. I put the dishes in a bucket and turned in his arms to face him.

"You're staying the whole time?" I asked for verification. Yong nodded.

"Goddess Peony is giving the excuse of recovery to let me spend time with you away from the Heavenly Palace. You're more at ease here. Peony said we could stay until you give birth. And even my Royal Father and Mother aren't allowed to enter without permission. We're safe here," Yong explained.

"What about your duties as Crown Prince?" I asked.

"My First Brother, Atlas, is temporarily taking over the duties. I honestly couldn't care less for the title myself. If giving up the title of Crown Prince means I get to stay with the woman I love, I would gladly give it up," he answered. I smiled lightly before kissing him gently. The kiss didn't stay gentle for long. Yong deepened the kiss before moving me to the bed. He laid beside me as he kissed me, careful of the bump in between us. His kiss slowed before he settled for just holding me to his side.

"How nice would it be if this was our life," I said as I looked up to the ceiling of the hut. My living quarters weren't as big as they were in the Heavenly Palace, but still... having Yong here in this small house felt right and homey. To raise our child in this carefree setting would be an unrealistic dream.

"If that's what you want, I'll do my best to make it a reality," Yong answered.