Xiang Yu stood tall in an intricately designed ensemble of black and red that exuded both menace and majesty. His robe was made from the finest void silk, a deep, obsidian black that absorbed the surrounding light and created an air of shadow around him.
The edges of his robe glimmered with vibrant red, resembling flowing rivers of molten lava, which added a fierce intensity to his commanding presence.
A hush fell over the crowd as they watched the two men, their features striking against the vibrant backdrop of the spacecraft. But it was not merely their attire that held the public’s gaze. It was the sight of their joined hands. Gasps erupted throughout the square as people processed the image before them.
The traitor’s son, Xiang Yu, was holding hands with their imperial lord. A wave of disbelief rippled through the crowd, sparking whispers and murmurs that set StarNet ablaze with speculation.
"This can’t be real," someone gasped, while another voiced the hesitation lingering in their heart, "What does this mean?"
Rumours had swirled for years about the nature of Xiang Yu and Han Xin’s relationship, but none had prepared the citizens for this display of unity. Eyebrows furrowed, mouths gaped, and hearts raced as the implications sank in.
Conversations erupted, and faces lit by the screens reflected a spectrum of emotions. There was curiosity, confusion, and, for some, an unshakeable sense of betrayal.
As Han Xin and Xiang Yu moved forward together through the crowd, their hands tightly clasped, the air buzzed with anticipation, uncertainty, and the undeniable power of their shared defiance.
Xiang Yu walked confidently beside Han Xin, his demeanour relaxed, as if this was exactly where he belonged. The angry glances and cold glares from the nobles didn’t faze him.
He acted as if they were mere shadows, flickering in his periphery. When he strayed a bit too far from Han Xin, he felt a firm pull on his waist. Han Xin wrapped his hands around him possessively, drawing him closer.
The floating screens broadcasting their every move sparked an uproar among the citizens watching. Some speculated that Xiang Yu had some leverage over Han Xin, claiming the imperial lord was merely entertaining him.
Others whispered that it was magic, that Han Xin must be bewitched by Xiang Yu’s charm. A significant number, however, merely cursed under their breath at the sight of their imperial lord so intimately linked to Xiang Yu.
Yet, a large group of citizens couldn’t help but understand. They eyed Xiang Yu’s striking presence and nodded to one another, exchanging knowing smiles. "If I were his majesty, I would probably sew him to my hip, lest anyone tries to take him away," one said with a chuckle, his gaze locked on the handsome pair.
In that moment of loud speculation, Han Xin leaned in, whispering something in Xiang Yu’s ear. A smile bloomed on Xiang Yu’s face, warm and bright as sunshine. Before he could respond, Han Xin surprised him with a kiss, right there in front of the entire Republic.
Xiang Yu leaned back slightly, an instinctual worry flickering through him for Han Xin’s image. But the warmth of Han Xin’s affection was impossible to resist. He melted into the moment, his heart racing.
Han Xin, clearly basking in his joy, pressed a quick kiss on Xiang Yu’s cheek, his towering figure almost enveloping him. Han Xin’s gaze was laced with pure affection, tenderness spilling from his eyes.
To the watching crowd, it was undeniable. There was something enchanting about them. Their imperial lord was indeed under Xiang Yu’s spell.
As they finally entered the hovercar, the motorcade of military vehicles revved to life, driving off toward the imperial palace. Han Xin, supposedly preparing to address the entire Republic, turned to Xiang Yu with a teasing smirk. "Baby," he said, "why were you running away from my kisses?"
Xiang Yu chuckled softly, his thumb brushing the corner of Han Xin’s mouth where a hint of lingering warmth still resided. "I wasn’t running away," he replied, a twinkle in his eye. "You just caught me off guard."
"Caught you?" Han Xin echoed, feigning innocence while leaning closer. "I would say it’s more like you had me hopelessly enchanted. Your lips looked so tasty I just couldn’t resist."
Xiang Yu shook his head with a smile, the playful banter between them amusing.
Han Xin gently squeezed Xiang Yu’s hand, their fingers entwined in a tender grip. "I will warn you next time," he said, a playful glint in his eyes. If Lian and Mei were here to witness this moment, they would tease Han Xin mercilessly.
As the motorcade rolled into the imperial palace, rows of imperial soldiers stood at attention, saluting the passing vehicles. The sight was impressive, yet Han Xin’s focus remained on Xiang Yu. He rubbed the back of Xiang Yu’s hand softly, savouring the warmth. "So when are you going to be my imperial empress?"
Xiang Yu chuckled a soft sound that danced in the air like a gentle breeze. "So impatient," he teased, but butterflies flapped in his stomach at the suggestion.
The interior of the hovercar was spacious, but Han Xin seated himself so close to Xiang Yu that it felt as if they were cocooned in their own little world. Leaning in closer, Han Xin let his forehead rest against Xiang Yu’s, speaking in a low voice. "I can’t help it. Each day we aren’t married, I feel even more anxious."
Xiang Yu closed his eyes, his lips brushing against Han Xin’s as he felt the warmth radiate from him. He wrapped his fingers gently around Han Xin’s arm, feeling the strength and security that came with the touch. "We can get married as soon as we deal with that traitor," he promised, his voice soft but firm.
Han Xin’s warm breath fluttered against Xiang Yu’s face, sending goosebumps cascading across his skin. With a tender pinch, Han Xin lifted Xiang Yu’s chin, his gaze steady. "You don’t want me to spare him."
Xiang Yu shook his head with resolve. "You are not allowed to. I want him to pay."
"Okay," Han Xin agreed, determination burning in his eyes. "I will deal with him today then." Just as his lips were about to meet Xiang Yu’s, filling the space with a kiss, an abrupt ring from Han Xin’s communicator shattered the moment.