/N: and the romance begins!

Ten miles

Ch 11

The Celebration for the newly ascended-1000 years later

"This brings back memories," Feng Jui said to herself as she prepared to walk outside. All the clan leaders, tribe leaders, and the kings and queens of the various locations came out to represent their position. Each official had been given a room to stay. She opened her door and walked out making sure her dress hadn't caught on the edge.

Siming walked passed her, stopped, and turned back as if he'd seen a ghost. The door had opened, but he'd nearly passed her before it registered who was exciting. The corners of her lips lifted and she launched herself at him in due happiness. He gently patted her shoulders and disengaged from her.

"Feng Jui!"

His smile was wide, and his eyes still had an element of surprise. He bowed to her, but she gripped his arm and stood him back up. "Oh, don't you dare stand on ceremony with me."

"We are in public," he carefully chided. He greeted her regardless, "Queen Bai Feng Jui."

"Starlord Siming." She nudged his shoulder. "We're getting too old, my friend."

He nodded, then piped up, "I hear you have found a companion for Mo Yuan." This news had genuinely surprised him. "How could two people walk this world at their age and not have met?"

"Indeed! They never passed one another in all these years. Isn't that crazy?" People began to fill the halls, so she took his hand and they moved closer to the wall. Her voice and demeanor changed, but her playful smile remained. "I'm surprised it took so long. I'd seen it over a thousand years ago."

"Incredible."

"I have missed our long talks," she stated earnestly.

"You've spent a lot of time on the mountain, and in the fields. It has done you well." In fact, he was a bit tongue-tied for words. She matched her Aunt in beauty.

"Promise me you will come to visit me there?"

#

Dijun exited the area with the other elders. He pulled his purple silk robe closer and readjusted it accordingly. He instantly felt the heat of her aura. Looking left, he could see her red dress, and the elegance of her back that was now faced away. When she pushed her body back against the wall, he could almost make out her features. Beside her was Siming with an ear to ear grin.

Dong Hua commented, "He looks like a goofy clown. Like he'd never seen a woman before."

Liansong trailed behind him and fanned himself. When he looked at who Dijun had mentioned, he momentarily stopped fanning. Dijun cracked a smile at this as he always seemed to be fanning something.

"Said the everlasting rock of stone." He snorted. "Is that Bai Feng Jui?"

He let his gaze sweep over her. She was extraordinarily beautiful like some flower that had blossomed while he was away. Who could blame Siming? "Indeed."

Liansong frowned, "she was your student, right? Till she ran off with that redhead." He over exaggerated naturally. Dijun's lip twitched and Liansong had finally seent he day! The rock is brittle, he thought. Wait till this gets out.

"She protected her last clan member from danger."

"And never came home. I wonder…" he said and trailed off. "Looks like everyone is headed out. Let's go," he motioned toward the flow of bodies.

This didn't concern him at first until he noticed that they were hand-holding as they made their way. More importantly, his ire raised when he saw she had Siming move his head closer to hers. Dong Hua frowned and gently cleared his throat as everyone bowed and passed by. He couldn't get closer to her if he wanted to with how full the hall was.

There was a trumpet sounding; a signal for all of them to take their places. Considering the flow of traffic was towards her, it was no surprise when they both turned to leave outside.

#

Feng Jui passed by several familiar faces. Among them was Cheng Yu. Liansong ran in and took his place beside her and waved. Her smile instantly radiated warmth as she saw the to holding hands. She said as she passed by, "bout time you too."

Liansong fanned himself as per usual and she rolled her eyes at him. She took her place toward the back row of immortals. She'd gotten several stares, and was not surprised considering she donned her red mane of hair. Her concern was for Song Ju who was among the crowd and a source of comfort to her.

Siming was in the back with her. Zhe Yan nodded at her as he passed going toward the front. Mo Yuan seemed like his usual stoic self and took his spot beside the emperor, Ye Hua, and Bai Qian. It was like all those years ago.

Then he passed her.

His scent seemed to fill her nose and being. He glanced up just as he was about to pass her and their eyes met. Her stomach clenched in response and she wavered where she stood. It was only in later years that she'd understood this to be what they called attraction. And only he'd managed to coax such a response from her. Auntie, I'm going to duel you later! Only once he passed could her body relax.

If air was ever a thing, it became non-existent in that very moment. Feng Jui looked down for her own sanity. Her hands tingled badly. She'd secretly feared this day, but was not sure why. Mo Yuan saw her expression change and looked over at Dong Hua as he took his place. As per usual, he was unreadable. From the corner of his eye, Mo Yuan wanted to see if he'd itch his hands. Moments passed, and then he did.

Shit, he thought hoping they could keep the two apart.

Feng Jui starred out into the crowd for her uncle, as was Dijun. A dark looked crossed his features when he spotted Song Ju's red hair. He wondered, What is it with this man that she desires so much as to leave everything behind?

Through their link, Feng Jui heard Song Ju. Are you ok? Her face pinked, You know what that is, right?

She looked out towards him in the crowd. Yes.

Who caused that?

I just saw my old teacher. She heard him laugh.

He returned, this guy again? Why doesn't he age? Look at all the white hair…

This is embarrassing.

Feng Jui, we were not easily shaken. Remember, we'd often end up nude, we had several partners, and we heard each other's thoughts. Why have you not found at least one lover yet?

You are deplorable! Just like my aunt.

Hey, at least she's forward thinking. Too bad she's married to the celestial tribe.

She ducked her head down and tried not to smile at his words. Mo Yuan relaxed then. The two were in good harmony with one another and spoke through their link. By the look of it, Dijun had not guessed they were family.

Dijun watched her face and seemed to pale at the meaning of this discovery. Clearly, they were talking. This bird made her happy, too. Only really close family or lovers tended to have such a bond among their kind. His stomach felt a drop in it, and his response troubled him. They were the most forward of the tribes when it came to romance and freest of all immortals like Zhe Yan and his lover. Had Feng Jui adopted this lifestyle also?

Dong Hua couldn't take his eyes off her since taking his position up front. Red was suited to her and brought out her fair skin. She looked vibrant and the hum of her power could be felt as far away as he was.

Around him he sensed other immortals shift where they stood. Several of the younger immortal males were gossiping about the fox beauty who could take the form of a phoenix also. What a prize she would be to wed. Good luck, he thought to them.

She was on par with Bai Qian who was already married. Her beauty seemed to entrance people around her. Her eyes landed on the other red-haired bird in the crowd again and his anger soared. He paused and contemplated his emotions. Since he'd seen her, he acted no better than a human.

Startled, he looked to Liansong and watched him and Chen Yu. It reminded him of the times they used to fight and bicker like wild dogs. Chen Yu was jealous and had acted out when he'd enjoyed other women.

It was jealousy.

Why is he here? Dijun thought exasperated. Why does it matter? He was reminded of the time at the lake…it was the same feeling only he wanted to hit something now. His body felt tighter than normal.

This was anger.

Mo Yuan coughed gently, seeing Dijun's disposition. If there could be a hole in the ground, he'd have stared into it. He ever so slightly shook his head at him. What are you, five?

Bia Qian and Ye Hua also remained vigilant of the two.

Feng Jui felt every minute they were out there like it was a hundred mortal years. She was uptight as if her clothes didn't fit well. Her body heat began to flare up. She silently chanted a bubble around herself to contain it. Finally, the trumpet sounded and everyone began to disperse to the banquette. She'd missed the entire thing.

#

Feng Jui saw Die Feng, being on the same level as him out here, and walked up to him.

"Feng Jui greats second prince Die Feng." They regarded one another and exchanged pleasantries. Several of his comrades smiled her way, and she didn't know what to do. The rules here were far too many.

"I see Zi Lan is late." He smiled down at her being the taller of the two. She was quite beautiful in the red dress. Others watched their exchange curiously. He noticed this and frowned. She was like his little sister.

"He's recently come out of seclusion. It's is natural."

"You just want to use him to fend off potential proposals." He laughed at her. "Or are you planning to finally admit your feelings to one another?"

In a matter of fact tone she added, "I told my father that on no uncertain terms will he force me to marry. He can suggest all he wants, but ultimately it is up to me." She turned her head sideways, "What about you? Have they set a date?"

He sobered some not completely happy with his match, "I do not have a choice. Unless you argue on my behalf that is?" He joked with her. "No date."

"Do you know or like her at least?"

#

Dijun wandered after everyone greeted him. There was a long line of faces, and he was bored with the formalities after the 50th person. Feng Jui was quite the bell of the ball. She glided through each situation without error. After seeing this, he felt a twinge of loneliness. Mo Yuan kept a watchful eye on him, as he noticed, but his attention changed when his disciple appeared.

Could Mo Yuan be weary? Dijun hadn't seen him budge since the incident with Bai Qian when he was first revived. He had a temper when it came to those he loved, and he must have loved her like a daughter to be so stubborn. There was a different look than the one he'd had when he was in love with Bai Qian.

Zi Lan joined Die Feng and Feng Jui in conversation. They seemed so young that he felt old and tired himself. He'd never had such connections. He'd basically appeared and conquered until there was peace. Dijun had just lifted his cup to his lips when Feng Jui locked her arm in his.

Too familiar, he thought to himself.

Mo Yuan came up behind him, "they are all good friends. It is nice they've maintained their friendships."

He hid his anger watching Zi Lan smile down at her. "Are friends so familiar on your mountain and in public?"

"Depends, is the stone face brittle? Have you ever been this bad before?"

Dijun offered Mo Yuan a drink and he sat. "They are not on the mountain. Feng Jui had left some time ago. She has duties to attend to now. They are quite close."

"Ah yes," he stated. "Queen of Qing Qui. Nice tactic."

"Her father wishes to give her the world." He remained passive. He vaguely smiled, "I do not think she will give him permission to marry her off. And she didn't want to come back to you."

Dijun stared at his cup and he whirled it slowly in his hands, "You've encouraged them."

"Why not?" He watched the older deity and felt pity for him and that choice he'd made. At their age, it was far too long to be alone. "It was Bai Qian, really. He is like her brother and wishes him happiness. They are of the same mind and it is why I'd paired the two in the first place."

Dijun lifted his brow, stopped swirling the cup and looked point blank at him. "Your deciple-She's as blind as a bat."

They both smirked at this knowing the past.

#

The night was cool and the moon was high in the night sky. Feng Jui sat on one of the benches near the gardens that lined the outward wings of the banquette. Everyone was happy here, but she felt a pain in her chest. It felt like being lonely all those years ago. She frowned and put her hand back down on the stone bench. Why was it so suffocating all of a sudden? Her body had begun to ache in places it hadn't in several years. Why now?

A rich deep voice commented, "you should wear more on a cool night like this."

"I am already hot," she said. Feng Jui looked up and met his fathomless eyes as they regarded one another for the first time in eons. "Don't," she said when he attempted to give her his robe anyway. She leaned away as if he were poisonous.

His eyes traveled to her birthmark. He'd always thought it was beautiful and strangely alluring. It flared and a faint heat radiated around her. There was a joke there, but he didn't make it.

"May I?" He said and indicated the other side of the bench.

She shrugged, "it's a free-ish world."

"Do you really hate it here?" His lip quirked remembering MO Yuan's words. "Siming was happy to see you."

"It was nice to see him as well. And yes," she met his eyes, "I hate it here."

"Do you like your new home?"

"It is a home, and I do like it. I am not sure about being a Queen over so much land, but what could I say to my father?" Feng Jui regarded him and clasped her hands together. As faint as a shadow, she saw the threads on her hand reach out to his. Unable to move, she sat stock still captivated. What would happen? Her heart began to race as she watched them dance towards one another. They drew closer and she noticed he itched his hands in response. Just as they would meet, there was an invisible barrier that kept them from joining.

Forever blocked. It hurt.

A deep sadness took root in her heart. Feng Jui sat back abruptly causing Dijun to look at her with concern. She'd placed a hand on her chest, and her expression was suddenly somber.

"I need to go." She stood then before he started asking questions.

"What? Already?"

Just as she turned, Dijun stood before her, "Why do you need to go? Is something wrong? I've sensed something."

His eyes narrowed, but she closed off her face. "Why would there be something wrong? Zi Lan would be waiting for me. I promised to come back fairly quickly."

"We are reduced to ploys now?"

"I tried the truth, but you won't heart it."

They stared at one another. "What about the red bird, or is it both men you keep close?"

She made a face at him like he'd grown two heads, "what are you saying? Or do you always speak like a child? What is this nonsense?"

His brows lifted, "I've been watched all night by your family. Do they think I intend to make a scene and run off with you?"

She blinked at him unsure what he meant here. Just as suddenly, she burst out into a strange fit of laughter. It was strange to him, as he watched the smile fade. Her face was desolate then and she began to look like he'd hurt her. "We didn't part on good terms, so they are careful."

"Why do I still sense you are lying?"

She attempted to walk around him, but he caught her elbow and whirled her around to face him. When she pushed back, he pulled her back toward him, only he hadn't expected that action to have them collide. What is it with her balance? He asked himself.

His body instantly responded to hers. He froze.

With her this close, he could smell her fragrance. It was peach mixed with a hint of the wild. He frowned slightly as he stared down at her. Her features were stressed, pained, and full of a sorrow that made no sense to him.

"What are you hiding?"

Feng Jui could barely breathe as she stared up at him. His hair gently waved in the small breeze, his face became unreadable, and her heart hammered hard. She felt the top portion of her body heat, and her cheeks felt hot as she remembered the books her aunt had given her. It left no doubts to what she was feeling.

When she felt his response, the ache became almost unbearable. We are too close! Though she tried to step back, it was like she was stuck to the floor. Time slowed. Everything else blurred except the man in front of her. It was happening just like they said it would. The pull was overwhelming and she couldn't stop it.

Her mind sent warning bells off, but she still couldn't move. His other hand clasped her second elbow, and evened her hands on his chest. He lifted his hand to touch her birthmark like he had all those years ago. When he slid his finger over it, she responded unorthodoxly.

Her response caused his desire to flare to life. Sure there had been others that were beautiful. Countless women that had tried to seduce him. He couldn't have her any more than he could have one of them. Never had a woman made him lose control like this. None had been as well matched for him as she had become.

And she wanted to go to another. His grip tightened possessively.

Feng Jui's eyes clouded as a wave of pure want rolled through her. Just that one touch sent shivers of desire through her body. Every nerve lit up like the stars in the sky. She may have moaned slightly, she wasn't sure. It was passed the point of embarrassment.

"Have you not controlled yourself in all these years?" He stepped closer to her marveling at the shadows and the way they made her eyes sparkle.

Dijun was inexplicably drawn forward, as if some force guided him toward her.

"Control…what?" Her body trembled in his arms and he pulled her closer as his eyes landed on her lips. They'd parted when he'd touched her mark. "I need to go back", she said.

"Why?" he responded, his voice having gone hoarse. His arms encircled her and drew her completely against his chest. 'I want you here."

"We can't have what we want." She felt him draw closer, and his lips brushed over the red mark on her forehead. She cried out, but it wasn't pain.

Each of her fingers dug into his sides and pinched his skin through the robe. A pang of need centered at her core. His lips traveled lower brushing over the bridge of her nose. He felt her tremble in his arms, and was unable to stop himself from seeking her out. He could see her lose her resolve, and it only fueled the flames of the fire.

He cupped her cheek and angled her head to the side just as their lips met. Her body flamed to life; a red glow that surrounded them and entwined them together as if they were one body. Dijun shuddered at the tide of want that swamped through his body. The kiss grew more passionate, heated, and demanding.

"Dong Hua," she whispered between breaths.

The sound of his name on her lips made him want her more. He couldn't see anything else, couldn't hear anything or anyone else. H.e walked her backward until they were flat against a pillar

I want her, he realized through all of it. He pushed the current of his power through hers, causing her to moan softly. When her lips parted, he took advantage and pushed his tongue inside her mouth. The kiss grew more urgent, and the fire that ignited inside her spilled over.