From the heat of the kitchen to the mist of the hot spring, steam followed Yue like a shadow of things unsaid. But was it warmth that awaited her in the Emperor's arms—or the fire of something far more dangerous?
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Steam rose from the simmering pots, blending with the aroma of sizzling spices as Yue worked diligently in the Imperial Kitchen.
Her sleeves were rolled up, revealing her slender arms as she moved with practiced skill.
She dipped her fingers into a bowl of fragrant marinade, assessing its texture, and nodded with satisfaction.
"Add more cumin," she instructed a nearby young assistant.
"And bring me the dried apricots—they will soften the strong flavor of the lamb."
The kitchen staff bustled around her, working with both respect and efficiency.
Focusing on a tray of lamb, she methodically and carefully massaged the marinade into the meat.
A kitchen maid approached with a bowl of chopped herbs.
"The mint is fresh from the garden this morning, Noble Lady."
Yue smiled appreciatively. "Perfect."
The kitchen maintained its lively pace—knives chopping, water bubbling, and instructions given in low tones. Yue found her calm amid the organized chaos.
The busy atmosphere paused as the doors swung open. Everyone turned and bowed as a eunuch entered, his formal robes signifying his role as one of the Emperor's close attendants.
He walked up to Yue and gave a deep bow.
"Noble Lady Yue," he announced, his voice clear in the silent kitchen,
"His Majesty has requested your presence at the Imperial Hot Spring."
Yue's hands halted over the lamb.
The Imperial Hot Spring was a private sanctuary, rarely mentioned even in court gossip. Invitations were personal and intimate.
"Right now?" she asked, conscious of all the eyes watching them.
"Yes, Noble Lady. I will escort you when you are ready."
Yue carefully wiped her hands on a clean cloth, her mind racing with thoughts.
She hadn't seen the Emperor since their conversation about the song, and now this invitation brought new uncertainties.
"Please inform the Head Chef that I have finished the marinade instructions," she instructed a servant as she removed her kitchen apron.
"The lamb should rest until tomorrow."
As Eunuch Zhao guided her out of the kitchen, she felt the curious gaze of her colleagues.
Her heart beat faster as she moved away from the familiar, toward the mystery of the Emperor's request.
The palanquin swayed gently as four guards carried Yue through the palace grounds.
Silk curtains shielded her from view, but she caught glimpses of the shifting scenery—ornate palace buildings gave way to natural landscapes.
The air grew warmer, rich with a mineral scent that intensified as they neared their destination.
When the palanquin finally stopped, the eunuch pulled back the curtain.
"Noble Lady Yue, we have arrived."
Yue stepped into a secluded courtyard unlike any other in the palace.
Tall ancient pines provided a canopy that filtered the late afternoon sunlight. Stone paths wound through mossy rocks, with steam rising from hidden springs, creating a dreamlike atmosphere.
A middle-aged attendant with a kind expression bowed to Yue.
"This way, Noble Lady." She followed the attendant into a simple but elegant wooden structure—the women's bathing chamber.
Inside, the air was thick with steam and scented with jasmine oil.
"I'll help you prepare," the attendant said, reaching for the ties of Yue's outer robe.
As she was helped out of her clothing, Yue remembered her first summons months ago—her hands had trembled as palace maids prepared her to meet the Emperor.
She had been terrified back then, a sacrificial offering to secure Consort Shu's position.
Her heart still raced, but the fear had transformed into something more complex.
An attendant helped Yue into a light blue silk robe and guided her to a dressing table.
With skilled hands, the attendant pinned Yue's long hair up, leaving a few strands to frame her face gently.
Yue looked at herself in the polished bronze mirror. Her cheeks were flushed with color—perhaps from the steam or the anticipation, she wasn't sure.
"His Majesty is waiting for you at the grand spring," the attendant said, handing Yue a small bag of bathing salts.
"These waters are known to calm troubled minds."
Yue nodded and took the bag, following the attendant down a corridor that opened onto a secluded outdoor spring.
Steam rose from the water, curling into the air and disappearing among the pine branches above.
Stone lanterns bathed the scene in a warm, welcoming glow.
The attendant bowed and stepped away, leaving Yue alone beside the spring.
The steam parted like a curtain as Yue walked towards the spring. Emperor Li Zhao was already in the milky, mineral-rich water.
His broad shoulders broke the surface, droplets clinging to skin burnished gold in the lantern light.
The Emperor's hair hung loose around his face, a few strands darkened by moisture against his neck.
The casual intimacy of his appearance stole Yue's breath—this was not the stern ruler seated on the Dragon Throne, but a man at ease in his sanctuary.
Li Zhao's gaze met hers across the water. "You've kept me waiting," he said.
As he adjusted his position, water flowed off his sculpted abdomen, revealing the scar from the tiger—a permanent reminder of the day he fought to protect her.
His hand lifted from the water, beckoning her forward with an elegant gesture that wasn't quite a command but far from a request.
Yue's throat tightened. Her silk robe seemed too thin, too revealing.
Her face felt hot with a flush that had nothing to do with the warm spring.
Standing before him, taking in his strong shoulders and calm demeanor, her thoughts flew away like leaves in a gust of wind.
Her fingers gripped the edge of her robe tightly. What would it mean if she crossed that boundary between them and stepped into the water?
His eyes tracked her hesitation, patient yet expectant.
"The water is just right," he added softly.
She stepped back slightly, accidentally dropping the bag of salts, the white crystals spilling onto the dark stone.
Her heart hammered against her ribs, each beat carrying a different warning: Was this a test? A trap? Or simply what it appeared—an invitation to share the healing waters?
However, underlying these thoughts was another concern—the memory of the Princess of Yun. The ghost was standing between them. Was that who he saw when he looked at her with such intensity?
Yue stood unmoving, torn between the desire to step forward and the urge to retreat.
The steam caressed her skin with gentle possibilities.
The Emperor watched her with a steady gaze, his skin glittering with droplets she longed to touch.
She took a tiny step forward. "Your Majesty, I—"
He interrupted softly, "Li Zhao," his eyes still holding hers. "Here, there's no emperor. Just us."
Yue took a deep breath, letting the warm steam envelop her.
The intensity in Li Zhao's gaze stirred something profound inside her, beyond duty or position.
She moved toward the spring, the silk robe clinging to her as she walked.
The scattered bathing salts crunched underfoot, leaving tiny crystals on her skin.
At the water's edge, she paused again.
The steam parted as Li Zhao approached the edge where Yue stood, causing gentle ripples around him.
"The waters here can heal old wounds," he said gently, his voice reassuring.
Yue touched the sash of her robe. Slowly, she untied it, allowing the silk to part slightly, inviting the cool night air to touch her skin.
"I will join you," she said softly, taking a small step forward. "But I would ask... Your—would you turn around while I enter the water?"
Surprise flickered across Li Zhao's features. His brow lifted slightly, and for a moment, Yue feared she had offended him.
Women of the harem typically vied for his attention, using every opportunity to display themselves to advantage.
Her request was unusual—perhaps even insulting to an emperor accustomed to having his every desire fulfilled without question.
But then, his expression changed, and she saw a hint of respect in his eyes.
"As you wish," he said, turning his broad back to her.
The water moved around his shoulders as he shifted his position. Tiny drops stayed on his dark hair as it touched his skin.
He kept his gaze on the stone wall in front, giving her the privacy she requested.
Yue's fingers trembled slightly as she untied her silk robe.
The fabric made a soft sound as it slipped off her skin, exposing her.
Steam rose around her feet as she stepped toward the water. Her bare reflection shimmered on the milky surface.
She got into the water quickly, letting out a small gasp as the heat wrapped around her. The mineral-rich water felt smooth like silk on her skin, relaxing her tense muscles immediately.
"You can turn now," she said, lowering herself deeper until only her neck was above the water.
Her voice was almost lost in the soft sound of the water.
Li Zhao turned and found her eyes across the small distance between them.
In the lantern's light, with steam surrounding them, his gaze had a new gentleness that made Yue's heart race.
"Thank you," Yue said with a flush on her cheeks.
"The water suits you," he said softly.