Chapter 6: CHAPTER SIX: I’ll make you mine...
The stillness of her surroundings contrasted greatly with the beating of her heart as Zitao's forehead rests against her own, her hands gripping his shoulders tightly in an attempt to steady herself. His strong arms circling her waist, holding her neck in place and they stand in the silence of the room. Fear and unease screaming in her being at the realisation that he knew she was a woman, and had known for days. But, why? Why would he keep her secret? Why didn't he say anything to the Lings or even call her out on it? All the questions she wanted to ask filling her head to the point that she didn't even realise she was shaking.
Leading her to the bed, Zitao guides her down to seat across his lap not removing his hand from her waist, the other moving her hair from her face and tucking them behind her ear. Why is so gentle? Shouldn't he be mad. Meeting his gaze, Moon opens and closes her mouth unable to voice the questions he had, fear of the response paralysing her. A knowing smile forms across his face and his knuckle caresses along her face and down her cheek before meeting her clenched fists on her lap.
"You don't have to look so scared you know. If I intended to tell your secret I would've done so already. Though I believe it's less of. Secret and more of a survival tactic formed from everyone's misunderstanding." Depressing her fists he brings them to his lips, kissing the nail marks that had formed in her palm. Exhaling in something close to relief, she meets his eyes again her brows frowning in confusion.
"So... you knew..."
"Do you really think I wouldn't know? The first time we meet, it ended with you sat on top of me Moon-er." He says, a cheeky smirk peeking from the corner of his mouth and she rolled her eyes in annoyance.
"You started that... why..."
"They underestimated you. Better yet looking at you lower yourself to their level pissed me off." He retorts and he's eyes stare at her, his anger evident and she couldn't help but chuckle at the sight.
"You really are rather odd..."
"Why were you bleeding that day?" His question comes out of nowhere and under the intensity of his stare she falters, eyes widening in shock.
"I-I fell..." he squints disbelievingly at her and she shallows nervously, looking avoiding his eyes.
"You fell?"
"... yes..."
"Mmhmm..."
"I really did fall." In was beyond her own comprehension as to why she was still trying to protect that hour but the look in Zitao's eyes she knew he would do something and feeling responsible for what misfortune would befall that household frightened her.
"Did he kick you out? After my request to join the camp?" Unable to word the response, she nods still avoiding his eyes and he sighs loudly.
"I see. So, you no longer have any ties to that house?" She nods again and he chuckles darkly, kissing her neck softly.
"Well then, that's probably the best decision that Old Man Fang has made in his entire life..." Lifting her off him, he stands up, easing her back onto the bed before covering her body with the covers, "sleep here tonight. I've got some work to complete tonight so please rest comfortably." Kissing her forehead, he moves to put out the light before leaving the room and her to her devices.
"He... left..." staring at the door he'd just left through a feeling of lose washing over her, "you could've at least stayed until I fell asleep... stupid Zitao..." her level of exhaustion finally reaching its limit and her heavy lids close, the warm silence of his room washing over her, his scent on the sheets soothing over her like a lullaby and she drifts of, a feeling of tranquil settling over her as she falls asleep finally.
"... too much excitement..."
Groaning at the knocking on the door she burrows herself further into the bed covers blocking out the light streaming through the windows.
"... five more minutes…" she mutters barely audible. Her entire body ached and the comfortable bed she laid in helped her none and did her no favors. She'd almost fallen asleep again when she heard the knocking again followed by a soft voice.
"Young Master Moon. It's Retainer Qui, i've been sent to wake you. May I enter?" Confused as to why he'd been sent to the dorms she lifted the covers peeking her head out intending to ask Ao Xi what was going on. Looking around the room her eyes widen as she takes in the unfamiliar space.
The bed she sat on be placed against the wall facing the door just below a small window and all around her, shelves filled with books and artifacts lined the bedroom only breaking at the doors and a separated wall space that was lined with weapons: a sword, katana, knives and curved blade daggers just to name a few. Yet, despite all the block objects in the room, it still had a soft air to it. Similar to the ones outside the library flowers and orchids lurked in every corner of the room.
"Where…" memories from last night rush through her mind and she shrieks, stumbling off the bed as Retainer Qui knocks again, "umm… you can come in…" she says softly picking herself up off the ground and straightening her robe, "such a peculiar man." she says at the room.
"Good morning My Lord, did you sleep well?" Flushing at the way Retainer Qui addresses her, she smiles sheepishly nodding.
"I did… ummm.. And please just call me Moon… calling me Lord is a bit…"
"As you wish, Young Master." He replies and Moon couldn't help but laugh.
"That works." Smiling at her knowingly he sets about filling the bath while the other servants brought in new clothes and trays of food before bowing politely and leaving.
"What's all this?" She asks confused, looking from Qui to everything that had been brought in.
"It's breakfast." He replies teasingly and Moon rolls her eyes at his playful tone.
"You're just as annoying as your Master." At that Qui chuckles, existing the bathroom handing her clean towels.
"It was sent by said annoying Master. He had to leave on important business and so i'm incharge of your well being till he returns."
"Huh…" brows creased puzzlement, "you really don't have to do all this Qui, I'll simply head back to the dorms…"
"I'm afraid I can't allow you to leave until your bathed and dressed, Young Master Moon. Master Weis orders." He cuts in, arms folded, the stubborn look in his eyes was similar to Zitaos and she knew he wouldn't back down.
"Ugh, stupid Zitao…" she mumbles beneath her breath before turning and stomping into the bathroom, "fine! I'll shower dammit!" she shouts slamming the door, "stupid man… making a full of me… bossy jackass… I'll give him a piss of my mind when I…" Finally looking up she's silenced by the lavish view before her. Centre of the room is a circular bamboo tub at least five feet in diameter and four feet high. Flowers and potted vines lining the walls and selves that held various soaps and other objects she'd never seen before and couldn't even name or pronounce.
Why is everything about this man nature themed? His library. His bed room? Now is bathroom? Is he an Elf from the Northern Kingdoms of Winter or something?! Stepping towards the tub, she passes her hand through the warm water, notices the hot stones near the bottom. The soft sounds of the birds from the forest behind the camp, filtering through the room making the serene oasis she was in come to life. Since the training camp was stationed near the forest at the edge of the town it was obvious that these sounds would be heard however since she'd come here the only noises she'd heard were from arrows hitting targets, men and women shouting in excitement and anger, the slashing for swords, she'd yet to hear the sounds of her childhood and yet here she was surrounded by all those memories again; her feeling of longing to return growing even greater.
Sighing, she removes her clothes stepping into the warmth as the water reaches up to her neck as she seats in the tub on the small bench near the bottom. Feeling her lungs with clean steamed air, her eyes shut and she sinks to the bottom of the tub, the water swallowing her as though protecting her. She felt safe. Water had always made her feel safe. It was like her own safe haven. The one thing she knew would never hurt her.
'I guess our relationship is destined. Water and Moon.' Returning to the surface, she lathers the rag with soap before washing her body and her hair.
"Who knows when I'll get to have such a nice bath again." Sighing reluctantly, she steps out drying herself off before dressing in the under robes that were set out for her. Towel drying her hair, she steps into the bedroom, finding Qui stood quietly in the corner near one of the selves with a book in his hand.
"Please don't tell me you were stood all this time." She asks, frowning at Qui.
"I was sitting. I got up to return the book." He replies with a smile, placing the book back on the self and moving towards her.
"Did you finish it?"
"No. But I have read it many times."
"I see. Is it any good?"
"It depends."
"On?"
"Who reads it." He says smiling warmly at her. 'Such a weird man.' Picking up the robes he'd laid out on the bed he helps her get dressed, stepping back to admire his handy work, a smirk of satisfaction playing along his helps.
"Why are you looking at me like that?"
"Master was right. The red really does make your eyes stand out."
"Umm… What exactly is this for? Isn't this a bit to fancy for training?"
"Training…" chuckling softly, he shakes his head leading her to the dressing table before seating her before the mirror, "the other soldiers won't be back till tonight and your friend is also being taken care off as we speak. It's the Being of of the Spring festival and Master Wei has invited you two to be his private guards to the day."
"Doesn't he already have guards."
"Oh child, you really are slow…" he sighs, locking eyes with her through the mirror, "he simply wants you there. Being a guard and having your friend there is but a front, a guise if you will, to have you Master Moon by his side." At Quis words and the obvious meaning behind them she falls silent as he styles her hair. Half up in a bun the rest falling freely down her back. Picking up a gold pin for the table he sticks it through her bun the small bell attached to it jingling softly.
"Put this between your lips…" he says holding out a coloured paper to her lips, "and let go..." residue from the paper making her lips look even fuller and she couldn't believe the face that stared back at her was actually her own, "you really are rather handsome Young Master Moon."
"Thank you." She replies, Smiling shyly up at him.
"Now, please eat something." Moving to the table she beings to eat as Retainer Qui busies himself with cleaning. Tidying up the dressing table and collecting her dirty clothes and towels from the bathroom. She felt uncomfortable having him wait on her but she knew it would be useless to try at stop him. A soft knock on the door draws their attention and Qui moves to open the door and she follows coming face to face with Jiang.
"Waw! Brother Jiang, you look so handsome!" She exclaims rushing out and circling him, poking his side making him laugh.
"You're such a kid…" he teases, pinching her cheek, "you look rather handsome yourself Little Brother." She grins up at him bashfully and he laughs at her embarrassment, patting her shoulder heavily.
"Now then, the carriage is this way. You will be accompanying Master Lin Qiu to the Phoenix Palace Gardens, from there you will meet Master Wei. Be on your best behaviour and keep him safe."
"Is there something going on we should know about?" Moon asks as they near the carriage.
"Jinzhou Wei didn't look so well last night." Jiang adds and they both looked at each other before turning to Retainer Qui and he sighs under the pressure of their stares.
"Master Weis father, General Wei was injured in battle last year during the last surge from the rebels and although he's still alive, he's sadly unable to return to the battle field. As it stands, Master Wei is the only living son of the Weis and so a lot of responsibilities beyond that of simply training you and the soldiers before you. With power comes enemies…" He trails off, looking to Moon and Jiang who nod in understanding at his unspoken words. God forbid.
"We'll keep him safe, sir." Jiang says bowing politely before heading into the carriage and Moon moves to follow him but Qui holds her arm, gently stopping her.
"The men and women who've approached him in the past have only ever been after his name. May I ask why you stick around Moon?" She frowns and the indication of his tone, her eyes leveling on him. She could tell he was testing her like he did at the library and it annoyed her slightly.
"When we first met, I didn't know who he was and he held a sword to my throat. But not to kill or frighten me as i'd though but to shown me sense and help set me free. I'm here because he helped me cut the ropes that bound me and I have no intention of evering letting that idiot go. So be rest assured, I'm not going to his side for his name but for him. As he is. As a man." Smiling kindly at the man before her, she knew he wasn't the one she had to tell the last bit too but because of him, she now knew what she wanted to say to Zitao.
"I was right. You are a good child Fang Moon." He pats her arm, pushing her towards the carriage. Getting in she sits next to Jiang, opposite Lin Qiu, bowing politely at the bored looking woman.
"Is this everyone?"
"Yes, Duizhu Lin." She replies and the woman knock the carriage twice and it sets off. Sitting back, she closes her eyes, listening to the world as the carriage drives through it, anticipation at seeing Zitao, building at the pit of her stomach. '... he wants me by his side huh…' She says to herself, remembering what Retainer Qui had told her.
"So do I…" she mutters below her breath, her fingers finding the bracelet on her arm, tracing over the wood carved charm that spelled her mothers name, calmness flowing over her. '... is this the happiness you foresaw for me mother…?' The question lingers in the air and she wished the answer would come in her mother's voice. She felt free yet lost at the same time. Stupid Zitao, making my life a mess.
Wait till I confess and make you speechless. Hmph.
CREATORS' THOUGHTS 
Fu_Otaku
Fu_Otaku Please Note, that this story is based more so around the main characters romance than military tactics and war. Thank you :)
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