Awakening the next morning, Rin could hear the soft calls of morning doves. She opened her eyes only to be met with the sight of a wall of flesh. She was still a little stunned at first, but she quickly realized where she had fallen asleep.
Slowly, she looked up and froze. In the sunlight, she could see the features of his face, the strong jaw, and gentle curves of his gray eyes.
"Good morning," Rin blinked her eyes, seemingly still processing her situation.
"Morning," An Sun's deep voice was low and husky, tickling at her ears.
At that moment, she couldn't help but flush and lowered her gaze only to meet his chest once again. Her lips tightened into a straight line. His skin shone white as porcelain in the soft glow from the sunlight, the faint lines of old scars visible on his broad chest. Ink-black hair, loose and unbound, cascaded over his shoulders and down his back, well past his waist.
The more her eyes lingered, the more she couldn't help but become aware of their sudden closeness. When she felt his hand against her cheek, she looked up to see him leaning in to kiss her lips, sending a warm ache through her body.
With wide eyes, she opened for him and eagerly took his tongue into her mouth. He continued kissing her deeply while holding her cheek, their bodies pulling closer together. They kissed deeply until she had to pull away for air. An Sun kept hold of her, their panting lips close.
"I love you." His husky voice made her shiver. However, his words made her heart tremble even more.
"I love you too," Rin whispered with a smile.
An Sun's eyes seemed to soften even more considerably as he kissed her again, more insistent this time. His hand started on her cheek, and then brushed over her side, fitting to the bend in her waist, curving over her hip, sliding to her bare leg, making her shiver.
Rin's fingers spread wide over the small of his back, brushing against the bandage on his waist. He shuddered and released a pained groan. Freezing, she leaned back carefully. For a second, they just lay there, their heavy breaths mixing.
"I'm sorry. Did I hurt you?" She glanced down at his bandaged waist.
"It's okay. Don't apologize." He said almost sternly, a smile in his eyes.
Rin stared at those beaming eyes a moment longer before she propped herself on an elbow. "I should go."
Before she could sit up, An Sun caught hold of her arm and pulled her back into his embrace. He rested his head on top of her head and released a sigh of content.
"Just a little longer..." He whispered, a hand rubbing the small of her back.
With a sigh, Rin reluctantly stayed in his embrace. But buried in his chest, a peaceful smile curled on her lips.
...
The troops had already left for the next battle. Due to his injuries, An Sun was forced to stay back and recover. Walking idly down the halls, An Sun felt a sense of boredom. Rin was busy helping the emperor and the court officials, and Manchu was testing the poison that killed Fan Mingli.
His footsteps suddenly paused.
Fan Mingli...
The mere thought of the freckled face young man made his heart sink. The look in his eyes before his death...it was one of fear.
He didn't want to die.
Thinking of it made the expression on An Sun's face turn even more frigid. Clenching his fists, An Sun made a promise in his heart.
