A False Sense of Peace.

At Chen's and Yifei's home.

Yifei woke up again.

The head maid came in to check up on her. "Are you feeling okay, madam? Would you like some lunch?"

Yifei gave her a very gentle smile. "I'm perfectly fine. Where's Chen? Has he eaten?"

"Master has left for the palace on urgent business. He told me to tell you that he would come home as soon as he can."

"Then I will wait for him to come home and eat."

"I'm sorry. He told us that you have to strictly eat on time." the head maid took another glance at Yifei. "You need to restore your energy."

The maid can tell. Even if she is of no relation to this country, this lady has a noble standing. Her posture, elegance in speech, and her movements are all very graceful. It must've have taken her a long time to be like this.

"Very well." Yifei sighed. "How about we have tea and gather up the other maids to play. "It looks like the weather outside is wonderful."

While in her thoughts, it took the head maid off guard. "Madam? How-could- We dare not."

Yifei chuckled. "How can you not? If you can't then I'll order you then." She got out of bed. "Let's go, it's boring without Chen at home."

"Very well madam, please eat first." The head maid bowed before she closed the door.

Luck is on her side to serve such kind-hearted masters.

——————

"I'm home...?" He said in the empty house.

When Chen got home, no one was seen inside.

When he walked to the backyard, chattering and laughter was heard in the garden.

"Madam! We are here to serve you! We can't" one of the maids looked flustered.

"Teach me those dishes! I would love to make it for Chen!" Yifei sounded.

"Your vegetables are blooming beautifully madam. They should be ready to harvest soon!" Another one voices happily.

"En! I plan to plant more!" Yifei laughed. "I need to put those muscles of his to work or else it's a waste."

Chen's heart melted and his eyes went soft. Seeing her look so happy and smiling, he felt satisfied.

Chen sat down by the door and stared at her for while.

Sensing someone staring, Yifei looked towards the house. Her eyes instantly lit up.

"Chen! You're home!"

Everyone stood up immediately and give their respects. "Master."

He raised his hand. "You've done well. You can go rest for the day."

The maids bowed and left.

"Goodness they are so cute!" They whispered to each other.

"We can expect a young master/miss soon!" The other quietly chuckled.

"Why send them away? It's still early! We were getting started too." Yifei pouted.

Chen looked at her helplessly and squatted down beside her. "Did you eat on time?"

"Yes!" Turning to the topic of food she was excited again. "The head maid is going to teach me how to cook some famous dishes from here!"

"You're cooking is already the best though." He patted her hair and kissed her forehead.

"But I want to devote myself to be a perfect wife! So that no one can compare to me." Yifei leaned on Chen's shoulders. "They will think twice going after you."

Chen grabbed her shoulders and laid her down beside him on the grass and laughed. "What seriously goes in your head. Why would you need to worry about that? Besides you, no one's dared to chase after me."

Yifei hugged his waist. "Many, many."

They talked and laughed some more under the bright sunlight. Yifei cover part of her face to look up at the clear sky.

The wind blower so softly, you can hear rustling of the leaves and plants nearby.

"I love it, Chen" Yifei spoke up

"Hm?" Chen was sleepy, ready to take a nap on the ground.

She turned her head to look at him.

"I love it here." she kissed his cheek shyly. "And...I love you."

—————

Back at the palace.

The king and Anne sat down at the dining table.

"Why did you provoke Chen like that?" The king frowned. "I thought you wanted them to be together. Aren't you happy that they are?"

Anne gripper her utensils. "I-I I'm starting to have doubts."

"Why?" The king lifted his brows.

"I just have a bad feeling." She lied.

This, I don't even know myself.

The king gave her a long sigh. "Well it's too late, It best to support—"

"I I won't allow it. They can't!" Anne slipped.

"..." the king looked at her. It's the first time he saw her look so...annoyed.

Realizing what she said, Anne stood up.

"Excuse my rudeness, I'll go cool down. Remember to eat slowly or you'll get indigestion."

Anne rushed out.

"...."

His majesty sighed as he poked his food at the giant empty table.

Why is everyone so antsy and mad all the time?

——————

At home.

"Dinner is ready!" Yifei shouted from the kitchen.

Today, She wanted to cook her old country's specialties for Chen to taste.

When Chen went downstairs from his study, he saw Yifei setting down so many new dishes he has never seen before. It was overwhelming.

"Everything looks and smell delicious."

"Come! Wash your hands and let's eat." Yifei smiled at him.

Chen grabbed some of the braised beef. Once he tasted it, he was left silent.

It was somewhat a familiar taste, but very extraordinary. It was not restaurant nor fancy looking. Not thick and greasy, but clean and easy to digest. The beef instantly melted in his mouth. It was a definition of a home-cooked meal to him.

He could get addicted.

"So? How is it?" Yifei stared intensely at him.

"It's good." He smiled.

"Then have some more!"

Chen finished almost three bowls before he hesitated to say something.

"Yifei..."

"Hm?"

"I went to the palace today..."

"En. How was it? Was it something urgent?" Yifei looked at Chen.

"It wasn't urgent. I also saw Anne today."

"Oh! Should I make a visit to her?" She rested her chin on her hands. "It's been a while."

"I told her about our marriage plans. She wasn't too thrilled." Chen finally confessed.

After spending quite some time together, Chen felt like he understood Yifei a little. Communication with each other was ideal.

Since they've decided to be together, he wants to respect each other and being truthful.

Yifei frowned. "Why?"

"I don't know. But she said that's because I don't know you well enough."

Yifei was stunned. Didn't she want us to get together fast?

As she was thinking, a piece of rice was still stuck on the corner of her mouth. Chen laughed and picked it off of her.

"But I already know most of your habits, likes, and dislikes, right?"

Yifei shook her head helplessly at his action. "You are so cheesy!"

————-

Later that night in bed.

Yifei couldn't get what Chen said off of her mind.

She snuggled in his arms with her head on his chest.

"Chen?" She asked.

"Hmm?" He dazedly replied.

"Where I lived..." Yifei hesitated. "They-I.."

Chen lifted his eyes and looked down at his woman.

"You don't have to tell me if it's uncomfortable. Didn't I tell you before?" He patted her back.

"But... I want to tell you, even a little bit."

Chen kissed her forehead where three red flower petals marked.

"Where I lived, my family we're not good people. T-they don't like me."

Chen stayed silent for her to take her time. He continuously patted her gently.

"I ran away and they tried to drag me back. Luckily my aunt helped me block their path. I'm a coward right? But what can I do?" She tried to tell him a vague as possible. "I-I just want to forget everything."

"That's enough." Chen hugged her. "You don't have to tell me anymore. You're not a coward. I'm here, I'll protect you."

"I know."

Yifei hugged his waist and closed her eyes.

_________________

"Chen!" Yifei ran after him.

"Slow down!" Chen ran back towards the house. "It's still quite chilly in the morning, you didn't have to send me out."

"Here! You forgot your lunch!" Yifei lifted a wrapped box up to his face.

"When did you make it?" He clearly saw her lying next to him when he opened his eyes.

"Earlier this morning while you were sleeping." Yifei giggled.

She tipped-toed and kissed his cheek. "Hurry! His majesty would be angry if you don't get there."

Chen nudged his forehead against hers. "Let him wait. Will you be bored without me? I heard the maids talking this morning."

"I have them with me. It should be fine."

Chen instantly looked dejected. "Okay. If you want to go out, you must let the maids know. They'll dispatch the guards for you."

"En. Have a safe trip then." Yifei waved.