With that, Xoan motioned to Radagar who was only too happy to usher King Jidan out. He grabbed the arrogant king by the arm and dragged him from the room. The king's protests and demands to be released were ignored and two other guards joined the head guard in removing the king. Xoan kissed the side of Shaugn's face and continued eating.

"Why not take the bribe?" he asked after a few moments. "You wouldn't be the first to do so."

Shaugn groaned in delight as he chewed on some vegetables. The food here was almost as good as the palace. He ate another bite before responding. "Because if I take one then I'll have to take others. Not to mention, it puts me in a position of having to owe favors and make exceptions all the time. Not worth the headache."

"The empress is wise."

Shaugn sucked his teeth. "Besides, that arrogant bitch insulted me twice."

Xoan's eyes darkened. "He nearly had a sword in him."

"You shouldn't be so quick to react to provocation from lesser men." He cocked a brow as Xoan's dagger pointed at him. What a temper.

"I'm a warrior emperor. My sword lets every man know not to trifle with me or my empress."

Shaugn batted his eyelashes and pushed the dagger aside. "My hero." He chuckled as a piece of meat was stuffed into his mouth by a perturbed Xoan.

"Eat."

They made quick work and polished off nearly half the dishes. Shaugn felt like his stomach had become a bottomless pit as he kept eating while Xoan leaned comfortably to the side and watched him. Seeing the emperor's relaxed posture, Shaugn thought it was a good time to probe his mind regarding the harem. He topped off Xoan's drink and slowly fanned himself. "Tomorrow is the luncheon with your other wives and children."

Xoan's hand still for a moment before he guzzled the wine in his goblet. "Yes."

Shaugn refilled the empty crystal goblet. His mom used to say 'the fastest way to a man's heart is through his stomach.' He decided to see how true that was. "It is your going away lunch and I won't have them cause a scene."

"You are the empress. Whatever you deem necessary, do so."

He put a small bit of food on Xoan's empty plate and continued to prod. "Even if I have them physically punished or dock their allowance?"

Xoan sat up and began to eat the things on his plate. "These things are within the realm of the empress's power."

"Exile? Death?"

Radagar and the assistant, Xaveh, looked on with raised brows. Xoan's chopsticks stopped in front of his mouth and his brow raised in curiosity. He looked at Shaugn with mirthy eyes. "Beloved empress, do you plan on murdering my wives while I'm away?"

Shaugn gave a devious smile before putting a piece of fruit in his mouth. "Maybe. If I'm provoked."

Xoan smiled showing a dimple on one side. "Well, as long as it's deserved."

"Really?" His eyes widened. He was only being half-serious. Killing wasn't his nature. But he knew how to make a person miserable.

"You know my feelings towards most of them." Xoan took a sip of his wine. "Except Dane and Jazzaia."

"Of course." Shaugn tapped the fan on his thigh in thought. "I would like for Faizan to be allowed to come more often."

"Oh?"

"I wish to explore some spiritual matters with the abbot."

"Spiritual matters?" Xoan repeated.

Shaugn nodded.

"Since when have you become spiritual?"

Shaugn couldn't help but laugh. "Well...I...it's a miracle I survived, right? I've sort of developed a new world view."

Xoan looked as if he wasn't swallowing Shaugn's bullshit but would play along. "Indeed." He gave a shrug. "As long as it pleases the empress and doesn't hurt others or break any laws, then do it."

Cute wasn't his thing but Shaugn gave it a shot and kissed Xoan's cheek. "My hubby spoils me."

He sorted. "Too much."

Taking a sip of his juice, Shaugn glanced over. "How do you want me to handle the court in your absence?"

Xoan leaned back and drummed his fingers on the cushion. Shaugn sipped his juice while he waited. While he had some of OG's memories, he didn't really have enough information or evidence to act on the court. For now, he'd have to rely on Etan. However, if anyone disrespected him like King Jidan tried to, he'd take action.

"Unless they are excessive, ignore them for now. You are level-minded and fair, so I trust your judgment on matters. Just don't get into any wars while I'm gone." Before Shaugn could protest, Xoan surged forward and tangled his fingers in Shaugn's long hair. He pulled his face close and kissed him hard on the mouth.

Shaugn gasped and a hot tongue slipped in. He wrapped his arms around Xoan's neck and kissed back with as much fervor. To those observing, the two royals looked like they wanted to battle for dominance more than anything else. Xoan pinned Shaugn under him and took what he wanted while letting him know who was top. He pulled away and pulled a dazed Shaugn up with him.

The light from the lanterns looked like flames dancing in his eyes. "I won't be able to protect you if you start a war and I'm not around."

Shaugn felt like his face was on fire. The man couldn't stop with the PDA. Even as a modern man, Shaugn kept his PDA private. He opened his fan and tried to cool off his burning cheeks while fixing his hair. "I can take care of myself," he grumbled. He jumped as Xoan smoothed his hair off his shoulder. His warm lips pressed against the side of Shaugn's neck.

"Maybe. But it is my right and responsibility."

Shaugn trembled as the warm breath tickled his skin. "Yes, dear."

"Is my beloved empress finished?"

"I am. It was all very delicious."

Xoan stood and reached for his hand. "The view of the moon is quite lovely from here. Let's walk a bit to help our food digest."

They exited the room with two guards in front and two in the back. Xaveh settled the bill. Night had fallen while they were having dinner and the moon was high in the sky. Lightning bugs skittered over the surface of the river their lighted bottoms blinking on and off. There was a path along the side of the restaurant that followed the river bank. The guards stayed in place by the restaurant and the carriage making it seem like they were alone. Shaugn knew that the shadow guards were skulking about in the trees and rooftops ready to spring out at a moment's notice.

They walked silently along the river bank, each lost in their thoughts. It was a quiet, serene place with the scent of night jasmine in the air and night-blooming flowers along the path. Xoan broke the silence first.

"I know it has been rough on you with me being gone a lot."

Shaugn waved the comment aside. "That's the past."

Xoan stopped walking and pulled Shaugn into his arms. His voice lowered as he looked down into Shaugn's eyes with seriousness. "Still. A lot happened. I want you to know I haven't forgotten. I will get justice for you."

To show Xoan he didn't hold any anger towards him for his past failings, Shaugn smiled and kissed his lips. "That's sweet, but I will get justice for myself." He tried to pull away but was stopped by Xoan.

"As your husband, it is my duty and right."

Chivalry was nice but not necessary as far as the topic was concerned. "I am also a man. These attacks were personal and I have plans to make those who are guilty pay."

"How?"

"I dunno yet but they'll beg for death by the time I'm finished."

Xoan scoffed. "Vicious."

Shaugn gave a lazy shrug and stared at the moon's reflection on the water. He pulled away and walked a few steps forward towards the water. The sound of the frogs and crickets created a nighttime soundtrack to the sound of the waves lapping against the shore in the night.

Shaugn quietly fanned himself. For better or worse, he was here until he died. He would give birth to Xoan's child and raise it here. Getting along with Xoan and dealing with those that wanted his life were priority. After that, then what?

"I want to be a good empress to the kingdom. I can't do that fighting inside the palace walls all the time."

Xoan walked up behind him and wrapped his arms around Shaugn's waist. He kissed the side of Shaugn's neck and rested his chin on his empress' shoulder. "And you shouldn't have to."

"I need to make a stand and let people know I'm not one to trifle with."

"I will do what I can."

Shaugn nodded to himself. It was a relief to have Xoan's understanding and blessing. "What do you want?"

Warm breath tickled his skin as Xoan let out a heavy sigh. "I want to be a good husband to my empress and a good emperor to the empire like my father before me. I want my empress to rule at my side."

His heart flip-flopped in his chest. "You are so sweet." Shaugn smiled and turned his head and gave Xoan a soft peck. "Regarding your father, you can only be yourself. You can't compare yourself to him. You have different circumstances than he had."

Xoan smiled and rocked them side to side. "Yes. My father never had to worry about his consorts. They were all well behaved and looked after each other and the children. My siblings and I were never in competition with one another."

Perhaps with a different set of people it was possible. Shaugn knew better. "It would be good if we could have that sort of harmony. However, many of your wives are spoiled and selfish. They somehow think their nobility or birth ranking means something."

"You mean it doesn't?" He chuckled as Shaugn smacked his leg with the fan. "Meanie."

"As if," Shaugn sucked his teeth. "When it comes to personality and character, they weigh more than whether they are a noble or first in line."

"I agree one hundred percent."

Shaugn raised a brow. He didn't recall reading about percentages in the education texts he read. Had he said it at one point in time?

Xoan took his hand and spun him around ballroom style. Then he pulled him back flush against his body before dipping him. "The hour grows late, your majesty. Let us return to our bed chamber so you can rest."

Caught off guard and breathless, Shaugn clung to him for dear life. "But I'm not tired." He gasped as Xoan stood him up and gripped his waist. Their crotches rubbed against one another and Xoan's voice was seduction in his ear.

"Oh, I'm sure I can change that."