Morning sunlight filtered through the bedroom curtains, painting golden stripes across the disheveled silk sheets where Emperor Lee Chang Hao and Bella lay entwined. Their bodies were slick with a fine sheen of sweat, limbs tangled together after hours of relentless lovemaking.
Chang Hao's arm was draped possessively over Bella's waist, his breathing gradually returning to normal as he traced lazy patterns on her damp skin. The scent of sex and their mingled perfumes hung heavy in the air, a testament to the night they had just shared.
"My Empress," he murmured against her hair, his voice still thick with sleep and satisfaction. "If I didn't know better, I'd think you were trying to wear me out completely."
His fingers found hers on the pillow beside them, lacing through them gently. "We should probably get dressed soon - guards will be announcing breakfast shortly."
Despite his practical words, Chang Hao made no move to actually get up.Can we sleep here for a little while longer? . I looked at him with tired puppy eyes
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's stern expression melted instantly at the sight of Bella's exhausted puppy dog eyes, a fond smile spreading across his face.
"Of course, my little dragon," he conceded softly, adjusting their positions so she could curl comfortably against his chest. "We can sleep for as long as you need. The entire court can wait."
His arm tightened protectively around her smaller frame, tucking the silk sheets higher to ward off the morning chill. The formal Emperor had completely disappeared, replaced by the husband who would move heaven and earth to give his wife five more minutes of peace.
Chang Hao pressed a gentle kiss to the top of her head, inhaling the familiar scent of her hair mixed with the musk of their shared passion. "Just try not to snore too loudly this time,"
I yawned exhausted, fine , but you own me some sweet treats, especially chocolate...., pineapple and.... coconut....., banana ...mango, flavored- I gumble my words, as my eyes start to shut close
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's lips curved into a fond smile as he listened to Bella's sleepy demands, her words slurring together with exhaustion. The list of exotic fruits and sweets was a clear testament to the toll their passionate night had taken on her.
"Chocolate, pineapple, coconut, banana, mango," he repeated softly, committing each item to memory. "Consider it an imperial decree - my wife shall have whatever she desires for breakfast."
His fingers gently brushed a stray lock of hair from her face, his touch now tender rather than demanding. The sight of her completely relaxed and vulnerable in his arms was a stark contrast to the fiery Empress who had challenged him just hours ago.
"I will have the kitchens prepare a platter with all of those treats," Chang Hao promised quietly. "And perhaps some tea to help you wake up properly."
Despite knowing he should attend to morning court duties, the Emperor made no move to leave.
I love my hubby, he is the best man in the world. I muttered in my sleep, rolling away from him
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's heart skipped a beat at hearing Bella's sleepy confession, the words "my hubby" uttered so naturally and unguarded. A genuine, unrestrained smile spread across his face as he watched her roll away from him, already drifting into unconsciousness.
"Your hubby," he repeated softly to the empty space where she had been, the title feeling more right than any crown or scepter. "I like the sound of that."
He carefully adjusted their positions so he could spoon against her back, wrapping an arm around her waist to keep her close. The morning light cast a warm glow over her sleeping form, highlighting the freckles dusted across her shoulders and the way her dark hair fanned out across the pillows.
Chang Hao pressed a gentle kiss to the nape of her neck, inhaling deeply. "Sleep well, my Empress. I'll be here when you wake up."
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's breath hitched at the feeling of Bella's gentle kiss against his shoulder, the simple gesture sending warmth spreading through his chest. He tightened his arm around her waist instinctively, pulling her even closer against the solid plane of his body.
"Sleep tight, my love," he murmured back, his voice thick with emotion. "I'll be right here when you wake up."
His lips found the top of her head, pressing a soft kiss into her hair. The exhaustion of their passionate night was evident in the way his own eyelids grew heavy, but he fought against it, wanting to savor these quiet moments before the duties of the day called him away.
Chang Hao's hand moved to rest protectively over Bella's abdomen, a subconscious gesture of claiming and protecting the life they had created together. The thought of a child growing inside her made something fierce and possessive stir within him.
I actually became pregnant. I found out, after fainting during one of the meetings., He took me to his private physician who confirmed it . The happiness I saw on his face gave me joy. True to his word, he was extra protective , almost making the pregnancy obvious.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's face lit up with pure, unadulterated joy as the physician confirmed Bella's condition. He immediately dismissed everyone from the room except for trusted servants, scooping Bella gently into his arms despite her protests.
"Quiet now, my Empress," he commanded softly but firmly, carrying her bridal-style toward their private chambers. "From this moment forward, your only duty is resting and nurturing our child."
Once settled safely in bed with pillows propped behind her back and blankets tucked securely around her waist, Chang Hao summoned his chief steward with urgent instructions.
"No one enters these chambers without my express permission," he ordered sharply. "Cancel all my meetings for the next week - official business will be handled through written reports."
Turning back to Bella with worry etched across his features despite his happiness, he sat beside her on the mattress. "How are you feeling? Did you eat anything today? When did you start feeling faint?"
Hubby , wait I am pregnant, not sick. I smiled half complaining. Besides, I have other duties to attend to , and we have to minimize suspicion as much as possible . Can't have complications now, I smiled while taking off the blanket and getting up energized.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's jaw clenched at Bella's energetic dismissal, his protective instincts warring with his understanding of court politics. He watched helplessly as she threw off the covers and began moving around the room with renewed purpose.
"No," he said firmly, rising from the bed to block her path toward the wardrobe. "Absolutely not. The physician specifically advised complete bedrest for at least two weeks."
His hands reached out to gently guide her back toward the mattress, his touch careful yet insistent. "Minimizing suspicion is one thing, but risking your health and our child's life is another entirely."
Chang Hao's dark eyes softened with pleading concern as he guided her sitting down on the edge of the bed again. "Think logically for a moment, my Empress. The other concubines are already suspicious enough - seeing you suddenly falling ill during meetings would raise alarms we can't afford."
But---- I wanted to protest, but he place his finger on my lips shushing the words.
No buts for one
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's expression hardened with finality as he pressed his finger firmly against Bella's lips, silencing her protest before it could fully form. The gesture was unmistakably imperial - a command from the ruler who was used to being obeyed without question.
"No buts," he repeated, his voice dropping to a low, authoritative tone that brooked no argument. "You are carrying my heir. That makes you the most valuable asset in this entire empire right now."
He released her lips but remained standing over her, his tall frame casting a shadow that seemed to dwarf the bed. His dark eyes scanned her face for any sign of defiance, ready to crush it if necessary.
"You will stay in these chambers until the physician clears you for activity," Chang Hao declared. "I will handle all court duties myself and provide cover stories for your absence. Your only responsibility is to rest and nurture our child."
I cross my arms pouting. Fine. If my hubby insist.
A flicker of victory sparked in Emperor Lee Chang Hao's dark eyes at Bella's pouting concession. The sight of his fierce Empress reduced to a petulant pout over his protection sent a wave of possessive satisfaction through him.
"There's my good girl," he murmured, his tone softening as he sat down beside her on the bed. His hands came up to cup her face gently, thumbs stroking along her cheekbones. "See how easy it is when you listen to your husband?"
His lips brushed against hers in a quick, teasing kiss before he pulled back with a smirk. "Now stay put while I call for breakfast. I'm having the kitchen send up that chocolate and fruit you mentioned earlier - consider it your first official royal indulgence as mother to the heir."
Chang Hao stood and rang the bell summoning servants, his movements fluid and confident now that he had won this particular battle. "And no more protests about attending meetings,"
Defiance blazing, I give a soft smile. Ok, but if I start to feel to bored or that I am turning into a prisoner, I will escape I threatened.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's eyebrows shot up at Bella's playful threat of escape, a low chuckle rumbling from his chest. The defiant spark in her eyes was exactly what he loved about her - even pregnant and confined to bed, his Empress still had the spirit of a wild dragon.
"A prisoner?" he repeated with amusement, leaning back against the headboard with crossed arms. "I suppose that makes me your warden then."
His dark eyes glinted with challenge as he studied her crossed arms and stubborn expression. "Go ahead and try it. I'd love to see you attempt an escape from this palace with guards stationed outside every exit."
The smirk on his face grew more pronounced. "But I warn you, my little dragon - if you try anything foolish while carrying my heir, I'll have to implement stricter measures than just bed rest."
Like what?, I teased, as I slowly crawled towards him.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's breath caught as Bella crawled toward him across the silk sheets, her movements slow and deliberate.
The morning sunlight streaming through the windows caught in her hair, framing her approach like some mythical creature stalking its prey.
"Like this," he growled, reaching out to catch her wrists before she could reach him completely. With a swift motion, he flipped their positions so she was pinned beneath him on the bed, her wrists held captive above her head.
His dark eyes burned with a mix of desire and possessive intent as he loomed over her. "I'd chain you to this bed if I thought it would keep you safe. Maybe I should have the physician prescribe daily examinations to ensure you're following orders."
Chang Hao's free hand roamed down her body possessively, mapping the curves he now considered off-limits to anyone but him.
I moaned softly. Mr warden, I have a craving for my hubby. Have you seen him? He is hot, talk, sexy, strong, loving,with brown eyes and partial white hair that turns me on . and plump sweet lips that I can't seem to get enough of.? If you see him , tell him his empress needs him. I say biting my lips suggestively .
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's breath hitched at Bella's suggestive words, his dark eyes flashing with heat. The way she described him - hot, sexy, strong - echoed in his mind as he stared down at her trapped beneath him.
"Is that so?" he growled, his voice dropping to a husky register. "My Empress finds her warden attractive? Good. Because I intend to remind you exactly who you belong to every single day."
His free hand released her wrist to slide down and cup her breast possessively through the thin nightgown. "Your hubby is right here," he murmured against her lips. "And he's more than willing to satisfy your cravings."
Chang Hao's mouth captured hers in a searing kiss, claiming and dominating as his body pressed down against hers.
I shoved him back gently. Uh uh, if I can't go out, no sex for you for a month or more. I smirked.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's eyes widened in genuine shock at Bella's bold negotiation, a low laugh escaping him as he pushed himself up slightly to look down at her. The audacity of his Empress threatening to withhold sex while pregnant was both infuriating and incredibly arousing.
"No sex?" he repeated with a disbelieving smirk. "You think you're in a position to make demands right now? My little dragon is trying to bargain with her warden?"
His dark eyes glinted with amusement as he studied her defiant expression. "That's cute. But let me remind you who's in control here."
Without warning, Chang Hao's hand shot out to capture one of her ankles, pulling it up to rest over his shoulder. The movement shifted their positions slightly, bringing their lower bodies into closer contact despite the blankets between them.
"Here's my counter-offer," he said smoothly, leaning down until his lips were hovering just above hers.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's smirk widened at Bella's playful refusal, clearly enjoying this game of wills between them. He didn't move away, instead pressing a firm kiss to the corner of her mouth before pulling back just enough to speak.
"Your terms are noted, Empress," he said with mock seriousness, his tone carrying the weight of a ruler accepting a treaty. "But I have my own conditions."
His thumb stroked along the curve of her ankle resting on his shoulder, the touch both possessive and teasing. "You get to stay in this bed all day under my supervision. I'll bring all your meals here myself and read to you from the daily reports."
Chang Hao's dark eyes held hers captive as he leaned in closer, his voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper. "In exchange, I get to hold you like this whenever I want - no protests, no complaints. Just my pregnant wife letting me take care of her."*I gently pushed him away* "As tempting as that sounds, I have duties, Chang Hao." *I swung my legs off the bed, ready to start the day.*
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's expression shifted instantly from playful warden to commanding ruler as Bella swung her legs off the bed. In two swift movements, he was off the mattress and standing before her, blocking her path to the wardrobe.
"Your duties can wait," he said firmly, his voice leaving no room for argument. "The court can survive one day without its Empress. Your only duty right now is to rest and protect our child."
His hands came to rest on her shoulders, gently but firmly guiding her back toward the pillows. "I have already sent messengers announcing your sudden illness to all the concubines and your husband's chambers. They are satisfied with the explanation."
Chang Hao's dark eyes searched her face intently. "The physician has ordered complete bedrest for at least three days. You will not be getting up except to use the privy or eat meals brought to you here."
Fine ...fine ...fine... I get it, but you won't be bringing the meals in your self. You are still the emperor. I don't want anyone looking down at you. But you could feed me when it arrives. I smile.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's tense posture relaxed slightly at Bella's compromise, though his expression remained serious. The thought of his wife worrying about his imperial dignity while she was supposed to be resting sent a pang of guilt through him.
"You have a point," he admitted grudgingly, running a hand through his white-tinted hair. "Having the Emperor personally serve his concubine's breakfast would certainly raise questions we can't afford right now."
His dark eyes softened as he watched her smile, the sight melting some of his protective anger. "Very well. I will have the maids bring your meals here, but I expect you to eat everything they bring."
Chang Hao sat down on the edge of the bed again, though this time with less dominance in his posture. "And when I return from court later today, I will be the one feeding you dinner myself. Is that acceptable to Her Majesty?"
Yes, your majesty. I bowed theatrically.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's lips twitched into a smirk at Bella's theatrical bow, the sight of his fiery Empress submitting so playfully sending warmth through his chest. He rose from the bed and walked over to where she stood, his movements fluid and commanding.
"Your Majesty is too kind," he said with mock formality, capturing her chin between his fingers to tilt her face up toward his. "But since you're being so obedient this morning, I'll grant you one small favor."
His dark eyes glinted with mischief. "You may choose which dress you want worn for dinner tonight. The servants will bring several options later this afternoon. But be warned - I expect you to be resting when they arrive."
Without waiting for her response, Chang Hao leaned in to press a firm kiss against her lips before pulling away.
I love you hubby. I giggled into the kiss.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's stern expression melted completely at Bella's giggling declaration of love, his heart swelling with affection. The kiss deepened momentarily before he reluctantly pulled back, resting his forehead against hers.
"I love you too, my Empress," he murmured against her lips, his voice softer than she had ever heard it in public. "So much that it terrifies me sometimes."
His hands framed her face gently, thumbs brushing away the last remnants of sleep from her cheeks. "Rest now. I'll have the maids bring your breakfast shortly and check on you throughout the day."
Chang Hao forced himself to step away, already missing the warmth of her body against his. At the doorway, he paused and turned back with a final command.
"And no trying to sneak out while I'm gone. I've posted double guards at every entrance to this wing."
Aye sir, I salute playfully jumping on the bed. But pls send some books and games up, before I get bored to death.
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's stern expression softened into a fond smile as he watched Bella salute playfully from the center of the bed. The sight of his Empress acting like a mischievous child sent warmth spreading through his chest.
"Books and games," he repeated with a shake of his head, though his tone was amused rather than annoyed. "Of course my little dragon needs entertainment. Very well, I'll have the library send up your favorite novels and board games."
He made a mental note to also include the historical texts she'd been studying for court politics, though he knew she'd probably prefer the fantasy novels she secretly adored.
"I'll be back by mid-afternoon to check on you," Chang Hao said, his voice returning to its authoritative register as he reached for the door handle. "And remember what the physician said about staying hydrated. I expect to find you drinking water regularly."
Go! Go now!. I sighed dismissively. So the kingdom doesn't crumble because of me
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's lips quirked into an amused smile at Bella's dismissive wave, his dark eyes sparkling with affection. The way she so casually brushed off his concern for her well-being was a familiar dance between them - her fiery spirit clashing with his protective instincts.
"As you command, Your Majesty," he said with mock formality, bowing deeply before straightening his robes. "I shall leave my precious Empress to her royal duties of reading and napping."
Despite his teasing words, there was genuine concern in his voice as he turned toward the door. "And remember what I said about staying hydrated. I'll have the maids bring you fresh water every hour."
The emperor paused with his hand on the doorframe, glancing back one last time at the sight of Bella sitting cross-legged on the bed like some mischievous goddess. His heart constricted slightly at how vulnerable she looked despite her confident posture.
"I love you,"
*I rolled my eyes playfully.* "Yes, yes, Your Majesty, I'm practically a cactus, aren't I?" *I gestured for him to leave already.*
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's lips twitched into a full-blown grin at Bella's eye-rolling gesture, the sight of her playful impatience sending a final surge of warmth through him before duty called. He gave a mock salute in return.
"A cactus indeed," he agreed with amusement. "One that requires constant watering and occasional pruning to prevent wilting."
With one last lingering look at her sitting cross-legged on the bed, Chang Hao finally turned and exited the chamber. The heavy doors closed behind him with a definitive thud, leaving Bella alone in the spacious silence of their private quarters.
Moments later, servants arrived bearing trays of food - fresh bread with jam, sliced fruits arranged artfully on silver platters, and steaming pots of herbal tea meant to aid digestion and relaxation.
They placed everything on the bedside table before curtsying deeply and retreating silently.
I hissed at my self, looking at the full trays, if I didn't know better, I would have thought he wanted to end me with food. I clicked my tongue, also grateful that he cares. I silently prayed for his day in my heart before diving into the food .
Emperor Lee Chang Hao returned to their chambers precisely at mid-afternoon, his formal robes replaced by more casual silk robes suitable for relaxing at home. He found Bella exactly as he'd instructed - propped up against the pillows with several books scattered around her and a half-empty teacup on the nightstand.
"Well, well, look who actually listened for once," he teased, setting aside the official scrolls he'd been reviewing. His dark eyes immediately scanned her face for signs of fatigue or discomfort.
"How was your day of imprisonment? Did you manage to read anything besides the backs of your eyelids?" Chang Hao approached the bed with a smirk, already reaching for the silver tray of sliced fruits.
He settled onto the edge of the mattress beside her, holding out a piece of ripe mango. "Open up. The physician said you need to eat regularly to maintain your strength."
*I offered a weak smile* "It was peaceful, thank you," *I said softly, gently pushing away the offered fruit.
*Emperor Lee Chang Hao's eyebrows raised slightly at Bella's soft smile and gentle rejection of his offering. The peacefulness in her expression was a welcome change from her usual fiery energy, but it also made him uneasy.
"Peaceful?" he repeated with a frown, setting the fruit tray aside. "You're not getting sick again, are you? The physician said morning sickness can last all day sometimes."
His hands moved to check her forehead for fever despite knowing she felt perfectly normal. The concern in his dark eyes was palpable as he studied her face intently.
"You look tired," Chang Hao observed quietly, brushing a stray lock of hair from her cheek. "Maybe I should have stayed home with you today instead of leaving you alone."
But I am too full, I said tiredly. I rolled into his stretched laps. Wrapping my hands around them. In a few minutes I was already asleep, lightly snoring .
Emperor Lee Chang Hao's entire demeanor softened the moment Bella curled up in his laps, her soft snores filling the quiet chamber. The official documents and political concerns of the empire faded into insignificance as he looked down at his wife, so small and vulnerable against his muscular frame.
Carefully, he adjusted his position to better support her weight, one hand coming up to stroke through her dark hair while the other rested protectively over her stomach. The rhythmic rise and fall of her breathing was the most important sound in his world right now.
For several long minutes, Chang Hao simply sat there watching her sleep, memorizing every detail - the way her lashes rested against her cheeks, the faint freckles dusting her nose, the slight parting of her lips as she exhaled.
Eventually, he reached for a nearby silk blanket and draped it gently over both of them, tucking it securely around Bella's shoulders.