My Liege And I

Favor

Chapter 14

Wei Li Lian
Blacksword Academy

Wei Li Lian woke up with a lump in her chest, anxiety and distress concerning the matters of the previous night. Oren finding her with Yuwen Hong in a compromising manner was more than embarrassing.

Yu’er had tried to cover her up, obscuring her as he led her up the short distance toward her sleeping quarters before kissing her goodnight with a slight apology about the awkward meet-up. He hurriedly shrugged her garments on, some inside out that she had walked the rest of the way fitting herself well.

Their pending plans were instantly cancelled at the approach of Oren. Yuwen Hong excused himself from spending the night with her, stating that since he had to leave for the palace as soon as he could,  priority had to be taken in resolving the matter of Oren returning his heart to him.

Blacksword Academy had been her home for months, in the time she sought recovery, aspired to attain freedom, and also figure out the meaning of life. Now leaving it left her in the midst of bitter-sweet emotions.

Being with Yuwen Hong was a sacrifice beyond her. She hoped he would be there to defend, protect, care, and shield her. Besides, this time it was not for any gain that she was staying in the palace.

But for love.

Love. The silly notion she didn’t know and was still understanding, she would give up everything she wished to do for it.

“Greetings,” Li Lian approached the entrance of Oren’s quarters.

“Greetings, Li Li― I mean, My Lady.” They were used to addressing her informally but now that Yuwen Hong was there and claiming her as his, publicly, who would dare? “How may I help you?” The man guarding the entrance continued.

“I seek the audience of Master Oren.”

“Master Oren wishes to not be disturbed.”

“Tell him it is I and let us hear what he says,” she lightly suggested. Master Oren always said she could come and see him at any time she wished.

“As you have said and wished for.” He bowed and entered Oren's quarters.

If it was last week she said such a thing, he would have held his ground and refused. Yet, not now. Not when the ruler of the empire was around to claim that she was not just any woman.

“Greetings, Master Oren.” It was not a while later when she was allowed inside.

“Li Lian,” Oren smiled. You would not have guessed it was the same man who caught her with Yuwen Hong last night. He smiled the same, adoration still dressing his eyes, kindness kissing the corner of his eyes.

She noticed the two generals guarding him. “Is everything all right?” Surely, Yuwen Hong was not punishing him for yesterday?

“Yes, yes,” Master Oren dismissed her concern. “I happen to be preparing the Grand General’s heart for it to be returned to him.” He pointed at the golden case before him.

“It has always been boasted that you are his heart’s keeper. Why would you return it?”

Master Oren seemed to sigh and hesitate for a moment. “Yuwen Hong is a difficult disciple, and now even so, since our relationship is strained by distance and other factors,” he avoided eye contact as he mentioned, 'other factors'.

Li Lian did not want to probe the matter. It did not have anything to do with her and it was not the reason she was there. “Master Oren, I would like to thank you for your hospitality.”