Prayer

My eyes widened while my breathing quickened, my attention focused solely on the women approaching us.

Lady Ai was as beautiful as ever; the Moon Rabbit walked with a grace and sensuality that remained pure, even as her robes showed her pale white skin and ample cleavage.

Behind her was Bao, the White Tigress all dolled up as well, her gray robes hugging her body tightly as she walked, while that scar of hers added to her feral charm.

Both were attention drawing women, but for the moment, I was focused on the third woman.

Wearing a deep red robe embroidered with orange flower petals, Li Yichen strode forwards with her eyes downcast, her stoic expression and pale blue eyes contrasting the warm robes she ware.

Her wrists were laden with jewelry, and her right hand was a blatant display of wealth, but one that wasn't tacky or ugly; the way the chains fell over her petite hands was enrapturing, and each ring fit snugly on her fingers.

Though, her left hand remained free of any rings, awaiting the band that I would slip onto her finger.

Two solid chunks of poor quality fire crystals hung from her ears, but the symbols carved into them told a story; the story of the Matriarch, to be exact.

Various elaborate pins were stuck into her black hair, keeping it up and out of her face, displaying her otherworldly features to everyone.

Maybe I was biased, but the way she glanced up at me from under her lashes was irresistible, and I shivered as a small smile tugged at the corner of her thin lips.

Li Yichen wore make up, just like she had for her birthday, and I found it to be a novelty to see her with it on; it didn't take away from her own charm, instead just adding to it.

A light blush was added to her cheeks, a foundation smoothed away her pores, thin black lines were drawn under her eyes, and finally...

Finally, she had a deep, seductive red lipstick painted onto those lips, and I gulped as I stared at them intently, wondering what they would feel like.

As always, Li Yichen walked quietly, her feet gliding over the ground as she eventually reached the podium, joining the Matriarch and I before the Divine Peach Tree.

Giving me a small nod, the girl whispered "Good morning, Gao Chen..."

Her normally low voice felt like it was velvet today, and I shivered slightly as I whispered back "Good morning, Yi'er..."

My voice felt raspy, and I swear I saw her smirk slightly as she glanced at me from the side, those pale blue eyes filled with mirth.

"Quiet now... It is time for prayer."

Nodding, I cleared my mind as I clasped my hands together, lowering myself to my knees before beginning my prayer.

The peak was silent as all four of us prayed, Bao watching over us quietly as we all knelt before the Divine Peach Tree.

Prayer...

Something I did rarely, and something I didn't feel right doing.

The idea of asking a higher power for aid felt wrong; not only did I not believe I deserved it, but I also disliked the idea of being beholden to said power.

Not all prayers needed to ask for something, but I disliked the idea of praying in general...

For today though, I felt differently.

Today, I prayed.

For a few moments, my thoughts jumbled around from thought to thought, each one something I desired to happen.

I desired for the Matriarch to continue to favor me.

I desired for Lady Ai to be able to successfully manage the new Harem the Matriarch created.

I desired for my unborn child to be born without issue.

I desired for said child to be born with my talent.

I desired for Li Yichen to have an easy pregnancy.

I desired for a lot, and these prayers continued for minutes on end, each one something I worried about in my heart, something I would never normally say to people.

When we all finished, we rose from the podium and bowed to the tree, before the Matriarch guided us away.

Lady Ai once again led Li Yichen away, taking a separate carriage so that they could prepare further for the ceremony being held at the base of the mountain.

Once again left alone with the Matriarch, I felt my now unguarded heart squirm in my chest, the silence deafening.

"The ceremony should be rather short; three or four hours before you both are allowed to retire. Keep the words with the Elders and other Sect Heads brief and respectful. Keep any discussion with your... prior partners civil and brief. Don't bring shame so swiftly upon our Family name. What you do now reflects on more than just yourself, Chen'er... Remember that."

I nodded, the Matriarch's words cutting into my mind as she both warned and threatened me.

"Good. Now, since we have a few minutes to ourselves, show me this 'Void' of yours. Hui Ling was excited to tell me that you broke through."

Relief at the sudden change in subject almost made me break my composure, but I just nodded as I entered the lavish carriage waiting for us, letting the Matriarch observe the Void that had taken place where my dantian used to lay.

The longer we sat inside the carriage together, the more I learned about what I needed to do to improve, and I realized instantly what had just happened when we reached the venue.

Considering the small smirk on the Matriarch's lips, she had distracted me to alleviate some of the nerves I had for this event; again, I was fine with public events, but this one held such great importance that I wasn't sure what to do.

There was so much that could go wrong, so many variables at play here, that I felt a little overwhelmed.

However, I had forgotten that I wasn't the only one shouldering this burden.

"She is still my daughter, no matter how the Sect views her. Now, you are my daughter as well. Of course I would help you both..."

Her mutter made me freeze, and I glanced back at her, only to see her smirking slightly before she flickered away, leaving nothing but a whisper behind.

"Don't mess this up, for your sake, and hers."