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After a week of rain, the sun finally shone in New Beijing.
Cinder was desperate to get out of the palace. It’s not that she doesn’t enjoy being there, but her duties as empress are exhausting, and not going outside was taking its toll on her.
Not to mention, she had barely seen Kai this week. He was stuck in meetings and their paths barely crossed. Certain nights he wouldn’t even come to their bedroom, Cinder being certain he probably fell asleep at his desk.
It was during one of those nights that she decided what she was going to do. As soon as the sun was out, she would be taking Kai out of the palace. The only flaw was that, though she has a computer in her brain, she unfortunately cannot predict the weather accurately.
No matter, the sun was out and there was only a 2% chance of rain. Today was the perfect day to force Kai away from his work.
The doors to his office opened automatically as she approached. Of course, he was working at his desk. Always so responsible.
She propped herself up on his desk. “Get up.”
He jumped in his seat. “Hello to you too, my love.”
“Hi. I’m taking you out of this stupid office. Get out of that chair. Now.”
“Can’t.”
“Don’t care.” She grabbed his arm, pulling him towards the door. He put up no resistance, which was smart. Cinder would’ve found a way to get him out of there regardless, but this made things easier.
The palace staff paid them no mind. It wasn’t uncommon to see her dragging the emperor around the palace.
“Can I at least know where you’re taking me?”
“Well, first, to our room. If you go out looking like that, then you’re gonna attract a lot of attention.”
If Cinder was anything when it came to getting him out of the palace, it was prepared. Once they got to their room, his clothes were laid out ready for him.
“Put those on.”
“Again, can I know where we’re going?”
“Out. The weather is finally good today, and I want to spend time with you.”
“Well, who am I to say no to such a pretty lady?” He smirked.
She threw the shirt she laid out for him to his face, and he laughed.
-; ୭̥⋆*｡
Stands of towering bamboo surrounded them. There was the glimmer of leftover rain all over the forest. The trail was deserted, the only ones there being Cinder and Kai. The wind crackled between the trees, the breeze blowing through their hairs.
They walked in silence, relishing each other’s company. Once they got to some steps on the trail, they decided to sit down. She put her head on his shoulder, letting their arms intertwine.
“I’ve missed you,” she said.
“I’ve missed you too.”
“You would think we’d be better at this after having spent two years without seeing each other.”
He shrugged. “If anything, all that time apart just made me realize how much I want to be around you.”
“Quit being a sap.”
“You love me.”
“I do.”
“I love you too.”
Cinder closed her eyes and relaxed further into the embrace, almost becoming one with Kai. If the weight of her head was bothering him, he didn’t give any indication.
The only sound was the wind bellowing through the trees. Cinder found that she enjoyed spending time in silence with Kai. He often had a wonderful way with words, yet silence with him was almost as enchanting.
She couldn’t help but wonder how she’d gotten so lucky. Despite all the limitations that being empress gives her, she wouldn’t change it for the world. As long as she was by Kai’s side, everything would be okay.
A drop of liquid fell on her cheek. Then another one. All of a sudden, rain started pouring down on them.
Kai burst out in laughter. “What was that you said about the weather being good today?”
“It said there was only a 2% chance. I didn’t think it was actually going to rain!”
He stood up, offering her his hand. “Well, looks like the 2% won.”
“Shut up.” She took his hand, letting him help her stand.
They stood there, staring at each other. Neither of them wanted to leave each other’s company, but the rain kept coming. It felt like an eternity until Kai finally spoke.
“We should probably head back to the palace, my love.”
“Hmm. No thanks.”
She wrapped her hands around his shoulders and felt his move to her waist. The rain made his hair stick to his forehead, and Cinder thought it made him look even more endearing. Despite the cold rain, she felt warmth all throughout her body.
“Have I ever told you I’m in love with you?”
“You have, but it never hurts to be reminded.” He smiled. If it wasn’t for the fact she could still feel the water pattering against her skin, Cinder would’ve sworn the day had just turned sunny.
“You’re in love with me.”
“I am.”
They closed their eyes and leaned in, taking their time. Once their lips brushed, she was transported to heaven. His lips were warm, just like his embrace. Even after years of being together, she would never grow tired of this. She would never grow tired of him. Everything about Kai was perfection to her, even his flaws. In fact, those were what made her love him more. She sees all of him, and he sees all of her.
After what felt like an eternity, their lips separated. They kept their eyes closed, foreheads touching. The rain was still drumming against them, but that only served to make the moment more perfect. If you asked either of them how long they stood there, neither of them could give you an answer.
Once they made their way back to the palace, nobody questioned why the emperor and empress were soaking wet. The smiles on their faces said all they needed to know.