Han Xin got up from the bed, pulling Xiang Yu with him, determined not to let the moment slip by entirely. He carefully fixed the tousled strands of Xiang Yu’s hair his movements tender and gentle.
The entire time Xiang Yu was staring at him with a look in his dark eyes that made Han Xin’s heart melt. Xiang Yu said to him, "My husband looks so handsome."
Han Xin felt so shy and giddy. He said with a beaming smile, " My husband looks so dazzling." Xiang Yu bit his lower lip lightly and kissed his cheek, the kiss lingering. Han Xin had turned his face slightly hoping them would lock lips instead but he was a step too late.
As Xiang Yu leaned back he said, "Let’s go, the sooner we go the sooner we get back." Han Xin nodded his head already imagining all the things he was going to do to his husband tonight.
Xiang Yu and Han Xin stepped into the grand banquet hall, their hearts soaring as they entered together as husband and husband. The grand room was filled with jubilant laughter and the soft sound of music, each corner decorated lavishly to celebrate their union.
As they walked hand in hand, a chorus of congratulations erupted around them, warm smiles and kind words offered freely, even from those who harboured discontent about their marriage. Many had no choice but to feign happiness with smiles plastered on their faces as their fear of Han Xin took precedence over their genuine feelings.
In the midst of the crowd, Xiang Yu caught sight of the federation imperial family, positioned among the dignitaries. Emperor Xandr greeted them with a cordial smile, though there was a weight behind his eyes that hinted at unspoken tension. His two children, however, wore expressions that betrayed their true feelings.
Serena stood stiffly, her dissatisfaction like a shadow hanging over her. She couldn’t hide her discontent with Han Xin marrying Xiang Yu, believing that Han Xin didn’t deserve the joy of being with the man she secretly loved.
The sight of Xiang Yu’s radiant happiness while standing beside Han Xin clawed at her heart, filling her with a bitter sense of loss. If it wasn’t Han Xin, anyone else would have evoked the same feelings of jealousy.
If not for her father’s insistence, she would rather have been wrapped in her blankets, indulging in chocolate, tears streaming down her face.
Sirius sat nearby in a wheelchair, a neck brace snug against his jaw and a plaster covering his leg. Despite his evident injuries, his trademark insufferable smirk persisted.
Though his mental power was shattered beyond repair, he still took pleasure in infuriating Han Xin. The sight of the newlyweds ignited a spark of mischief in his eyes.
As Emperor Xandr approached the couple, he softened his demeanour, offering his congratulations. "Congratulations to His Majesty and his Imperial Empress," he said, his voice steady but tinged with hidden regrets.
It was a humble attitude, a stark contrast to the confusion he had felt before when Han Xin had warned him to keep his children away from his wife. At that moment, he had been so confused as to who this wife Han Xin was referring to was.
Later, when he had summoned his children to confront them and scold them for their lack of morals and their tendencies to covet other people’s wives. When he finally asked them who this person was that Han Xin was mad about they told him it was Xiang Yu. The emperor’s jaw had dropped in disbelief.
Fast forward to the day he received the wedding invitation. Emperor Xandr stood at his palace window, staring out at the horizon with furrowed brows. The wedding invitation lay on his desk, stark against the polished wood. He didn’t want to go.
The thought filled him with reluctance, yet he recognized the necessity of showing respect to the formidable Han Xin. The potential benefits promised to the Federation depended on this delicate diplomacy. So, with a begrudging sigh, he coaxed his children along to this event, dragging them into an evening filled with forced smiles.
Upon their arrival, they found themselves treated with unexpected kindness. Han Xin had ensured that they would experience luxurious accommodations befitting their status, each interaction marked by a subtle respect that surprised the emperor.
However, something peculiar set the tone for their stay. In the hovercar assigned to them, they were greeted by a well-produced video welcoming guests to the wedding. It was entertaining, yes, but the undertone of gloating was unmistakable. Han Xin’s fingerprints were all over it. It was obvious he was showing off or trying to mark his territory for his children to see.
The gifts piling in their rooms compounded this feeling. Miniature bottles of wine, champagne, and craft beer, all adorned with Xiang Yu and Han Xin’s faces, depicted the couple in affectionate embraces. The faces of the newlyweds beamed up from the packages, clearly designed to emphasize their love.
As Emperor Xandr surveyed the numerous care packages, he had noted edible treats, delightful scents, tiny succulent plants, personalized coasters, spices, and tea blends, each item featuring either their faces or wedding date and initials, all carefully curated.
Reading the room, the Emperor felt he needed these brats to behave. He turned to them with authority, admonishing them to stay clear of Xiang Yu and to maintain their smiles. "Just keep it together," he had insisted, hoping to contain any brewing discontent.
But his children were far from compliant. Serena wore a scowl that spoke louder than words. Sirius, despite his injuries, sported a provocative smirk making Emperor Xandr’s lips twitch.
"Congratulations," Serena managed, her tone restrained, containing disdain just beneath the surface.
"Thank you," Xiang Yu replied, a bright smile illuminating his face. The warmth in his demeanour was infectious, causing Han Xin to tighten his arm around Xiang Yu’s waist protectively. He gazed at his partner with an affectionate look, igniting a spark of joy in the air.
Sirius interjected, "If he treats you badly, you know where to find me." His voice dripped with insincerity, a challenging edge lurking behind his words.
Han Xin whipped his head around, glaring daggers at Sirius, ready to defend what was his. Yet, Xiang Yu, unperturbed, placed a gentle hand on Han Xin’s chest. "No need. Please enjoy," he said, a calm smile dancing on his lips.
Then, leaning close, Xiang Yu whispered softly in Han Xin’s ear, "Let’s go. I am very hungry, husband."
Han Xin paused, momentarily entranced by the softness of Xiang Yu’s voice. "Which kind of hungry?" he asked, a hint of mischief sparking in his eyes.
Xiang Yu leaned in closer, breath warm against Han Xin’s ear, whispering, "Both."
A pleased grin spread across Han Xin’s face at that answer shifting their focus entirely onto each other.