At his words, Ji Qingwu's breathing quickened, her chest rising and falling unevenly.
The fabric of her nightgown brushed against the tip of his nose.
Their eyes met. She was the first to look away, her gaze dropping, her lashes trembling almost imperceptibly.
His gaze was so invasive it felt little different from being stripped bare.
Emperor Wu Su carried her straight into the inner chamber.
With his free hand, he lifted the thin bed curtains and gently placed her on the bed.
Ji Qingwu lay on her back, her dark hair fanned out across the bed. Her skin was pale and translucent, her eyes shimmering softly.
Just as she braced herself for what he might do next, Emperor Wu Su's gaze shifted to the inner side of the bed.
Ji Qingwu turned her head to follow his gaze and couldn't help but smile. The little girl's chubby arms and legs were sticking out, but a long, crimson scarf was carefully draped over her belly.
A sweet smile graced her small face, lost in some beautiful dream.
