CHAPTER 14

Trepidation coursed through my veins as I faced him, his smug grin etched upon his countenance. The regal manner in which he occupied his throne exuded an air of authority and dominance. It was an overwhelming sight, leaving me feeling insignificant beneath his penetrating gaze.

I confronted him, my voice quivering, unsettled by the mischievous flicker in his eyes. He sat upon his majestic throne, exuding an aura of control and might. It was an imposing presence, causing me to shrink in his scrutinizing gaze. "Will you willingly divulge your secrets, Cai Lung, or must I extract them forcefully?"

"I... I apologize... I am reluctant to remain..." I murmured, my words dissolving into the emptiness of the room, only to rebound with enough force for him to catch my plea. 

A chuckle escaped his lips as he leaned forward, regally perched upon his throne. "Lung Er, whether it appeals to your desires or not, I explicitly commanded you to remain within these walls, and yet you defied my decree. In my own palace, disobedience shall not be tolerated, for my words stand as the ultimate law."

"I beg your pardon, but your malevolence does not define my principles," I dared to counter, despite my inner voice urging me to stay silent.

His eyes narrowed, a dangerous glint emanating from within. In a swift motion, he left his throne and stood before me, his agility a testament to his formidable martial arts prowess. I could feel the aura of power surrounding him, but I refused to succumb to the fear that threatened to engulf me. The words had escaped my lips, and I was resolved to stand by them, unwavering.

"I must admit, you are quite the mischievous soul..." he uttered. 

gazing up at his striking and enigmatic countenance while he loomed above me. In an instant, his hand gently encircled my neck upon hearing those words once more, pressing me against the solid barrier of the walls. Drawing his face nearer to mine, his warm breath caressed my cheeks, gradually descending towards my shoulder until his lips barely grazed my earlobe, murmuring in a low, seductive tone.

"Little bird, your audacity tests my patience with that captivating mouth of yours," he uttered, his thumb gently grazing my bottom lip as he pressed his body firmly against mine. A shiver ran down my spine as he wedged his thigh between my legs, parting them to maintain their open position.

"Since you seem incapable of being left to your own devices..." he whispered directly into my ear, his lips playfully nibbling on my earlobe, eliciting a wave of sensations throughout my body. The sound of his laughter in response to my reaction sent vibrations that stirred emotions I refused to acknowledge. "I shall have to keep a vigilant eye on you," he declared, his words interrupted by a loud bang on the adjacent doors. Lifting his head, he turned towards the entrance to address whoever sought entry.

"Only the eunuch may enter," he stated firmly, diverting his attention back to me. He attempted to forcefully insert his thumb into my mouth, but before he could succeed, the doors swung open. The sound of approaching footsteps reached our ears, causing me to instinctively try to turn my head to catch a glimpse of who had entered. However, the moment my head moved, he swiftly replaced his thumb with his lips, effectively silencing any further attempts at resistance.

Stiffening under his touch, I felt his teeth nibbling on my bottom lip, his kisses slow and deliberate. Desperation welled up within me as I struggled to pry him away, but he remained an immovable wall. The more I fought against him, the more forcefully he kissed me, his actions growing more intense.

I sensed the gentle touch of his tongue brushing against my lips, seeking permission to enter. However, I hesitated and declined. His hands then traced a path along my thighs, gradually ascending until they cradled my masculinity. 

My breath hitched as our mouths met, and he seized the chance to delve his tongue deeply within. Softly, his tongue caressed the roof of my mouth, eliciting a moan that escaped into our passionate kiss. The warmth between my legs intensified, ignited by his fervent embrace that made every moment feel infinite.

My strength waned involuntarily, dependent on his support to remain upright. Tears welled up, betraying my unwillingness to endure this any longer. Why does he persist in subjecting me to these acts? Despite having a multitude of concubines, he defiles my body. 

I never wanted to harbor such emotions towards him. Anger surged within me with every stroke of his tongue against mine. Suddenly, my instincts took hold, and I sank my teeth into him fiercely. A pained grunt escaped his lips as he withdrew from our kiss. He brought his mouth close to my ear and whispered softly.

"Cai lung, your refusal ignites a sense of thrill within me." With a firm grip, he pressed his hands against my rear, applying pressure as he pressed his hardened masculinity against me, all in an attempt to assert his dominance. Suddenly, he released his grip on my trembling and startled form, causing me to collapse onto the ground in a state of utter vulnerability.

Bring him forth and ensure his readiness to join me in my journey. Equip him with suitable armor and guide him to where my horse awaits. He shall stand beside me as we embark upon the battlefield. These instructions were conveyed to the eunuch, who had inadvertently become a witness to my humiliation.

"As you command, your majesty," the eunuch uttered humbly while remaining on his knees.

My dissenting voice resonated through the room.

 "I refuse." My defiance fueled my words, "I shall not accompany you anywhere!"

 I bellowed as he walked away, heading towards his majestic seat. The eunuch cautiously advanced towards me, attempting to coax me off the ground. Swiftly, I regained my footing, assuming a defensive stance. Ready to retaliate, I vowed to resist his coercive plans. I would not subject myself to endless days or weeks traversing alongside that man.

"Lung Er," his voice rang out, laced with a seething rage towards my defiance. "You shall submit to my authority." He clenched his teeth, his words dripping with a venomous threat. "Shall I summon the guards to bind you? I shall have your garments delivered and force you to disrobe in front of all, if that is your desire." His tone remained chillingly resolute, discouraging any doubt. Though I chose to dismiss him, his words instilled an unsettling fear within me. His unwavering conviction made it clear that he was not to be taken lightly.

"Come, young one, let us not further agitate the emperor," the eunuch uttered, attempting to soothe my restless spirit. I glanced at him, then shifted my gaze towards the grand doors. Generals stood poised on the other side, ready to heed their ruler's command. Perhaps, I contemplated, this turn of events could be advantageous. Once I am no longer under his watchful eye, I may find a better opportunity to escape, to embrace the freedom that awaits me in the open air. My odds, I mused, would surely increase beyond these confines.

"Very well, I shall comply," I reluctantly responded, straightening my posture. The eunuch moved closer to me, seizing my arm firmly, and began dragging me towards the doors. As we neared the entrance, he tapped lightly, and it swung open, revealing a corridor lined with five men adorned in resplendent golden armor. Among them, my uncle's face stood out from the rest. A flicker of surprise flashed across his features upon seeing me, but it quickly vanished, replaced by an expression of unyielding anger.

"Cai Lung?" he questioned, his voice laced with fury. 

He approached me, his countenance filled with a mix of disbelief and ire.

 "What on earth are you doing here?" Great, I thought to myself, now my uncle is going to compound my troubles. Sighing deeply, I responded.

"Yes, Father."

"What are you doing in front of His Royal Highness? Wait, did you cause trouble..." My uncle's question was abruptly interrupted by the resonant voice of the emperor from within the room.

"What is taking so long? All of you, come in! We have important matters to attend to." 

With haste, they all entered the room, not daring to test the patience of the formidable emperor. Before my uncle disappeared into the room, he cast a frigid glare in my direction.

"Go home. I will deal with you upon my return..." 

He didn't even wait for my response before turning on his heel and departing. Little does he know that the tables are about to turn. I can't wait to witness his reaction to the forthcoming actions of his beloved emperor.