Call My Name

When Luo Yi was summoned in her master's chambers she wasn't surprised. She had seen the way he had gazed at her, the way his eyes shifted and watched her steps, the way his lips curved upwards in a smirk whenever they spoke alone. Her master's tone had always been gentle with her, as opposed to his deep, authoritative voice when commanding the rest of the clan.

Nine years she had known Yu Zhong. She watched him mature from someone doubtful and angry to someone self-assured and unyielding. Their trust had grown over the decade of exploring the world together and fighting their foes. Throughout the years, never once did he ask her to join him in bed and Luo Yi concluded maybe she wasn't what he wanted from a woman. Or perhaps he wasn't into women at all.

But he changed. He had called her in his chambers so late in the hour after a long time of lustful gazes. It only meant one thing to Luo Yi and thus she must look presentable. She looked at the mirror and fixed a few stray hairs on her forehead. Her clothes were soft and easy to take off for her master's convenience. She washed and bathed in a tub with sweet-smelling flowers and dabbed a few drops of perfume on her shoulders.

She thought that perhaps, Yu Zhong had fully embraced his power over her. No more hesitation to take what he wanted from his servant. For Luo Yi, it was a good sign and proof of his growing confidence.

When Luo Yi exited her room, there was the scuttle of the servant girls. They quickly hid inside the other rooms, not knowing that their presence was known. Whispering. Gossiping. If her ears were not mistaken, they were also giggling behind the walls. Such childish acts to talk about their master's private affairs. But there was no reason to waste her energy in indignation - an hour had passed since the summon and Luo Yi was sure that the entire mansion complex had already been informed. In the morning, half of Dongyu would have already learned that the Black Dragon slept with his mage.

"My master, I am here as you requested," Luo Yi spoke softly when she reached the closed chamber.

"Come in, Luo Yi." The man inside replied.

She slid the door and bowed as soon as she entered the chambers. His room was too plain for a ruler, just consisting of a table for tea, a desk for his study, and a simple white futon at the farthest corner behind a divider. But he preferred it that way. He disliked the texture of fur and luxurious silk sheets. Every piece of furniture in his room was made from wood or bamboo, not even a single piece of gold or silver adorned his amenities. He even forbade servants to clean his room, wishing to do the task himself. It was a huge scandal when Yu Zhong was once spotted washing his own clothes by the river - and it was also the last time, as he realized how much panic it caused among the servants.

Yu Zhong was still reading some scrolls when she walked in. "Sit, I will join you soon," he said.

Luo Yi sat on a cushion he seemed to have prepared for her. On the table was a teapot spewing steam, recently delivered. She wondered if it was birth control, although it would be wiser for him to not resort to such things. If her womb was still capable even at her age, she would be honored to bear him children.

Or maybe it was just plain tea? "Should I pour you tea, my master?"

"No." He stood up and walked towards her, a gentle smile on his face. As expected, he was lightly dressed. "Let me do that this time." He took the pot in his hands and poured the content on two cups, a gesture that made Luo Yi feel uncomfortable. She was supposed to serve him. She lightly touched the ceramic with her fingers. Too hot. They wouldn't finish drinking in a short time. He wished to talk to her.

Luo Yi gently brought the cup to her lips, slipping it underneath her silk face covering. The tea was good, freshly brewed, and the perfect temperature. Her master seems pleased with it too. After all the hard work he had done there was hardly any time for him to rest. The servants had prepared a full course dinner for him to enjoy when he returned, but the rains had delayed his arrival late evening.

"I apologize for calling you in this hour Luo Yi, but I am weary and yearn for your company." He said across the table. He sounded tired.

"I am well-rested my lord, worry not. I am yours for the evening." Until morning, every day of her life, and until her very last breath.

"I see. How are you Luo Yi? Are things going well?"

Surely her master wanted to know what had happened in his absence. Days had passed since they last talked, while the past weeks they had been distanced by their responsibilities. Ever since the Black Dragon's memories had returned, the Cadia Riverlands was again split to the supporters of the Great Dragon and those who believed that Black Dragon would prevail. Contrary to what the other side believed, the Black Dragon's goal wasn't to drench the lands in bloodshed but to establish a new order. He will not hesitate to crush threats without mercy, and due to this, instead of being terrified, some tribes felt safer to ally with him.

Dongyu grew and became a safe haven for many groups. As Yu Zhong promised, he destroyed the bandits that terrorized the region and slaughtered the beasts that ravaged the populace. Merchants were returning in their trade. Farmers were once again tilling the lands stolen from them. Children were once again playing in the fields. Luo Yi told everything to her master, heart swelling with pride. He listened without any hint of disinterest, never interrupting her. "The people had never been filled with hope. It's a great beginning for all of us," she said, ending her report.

Yu Zhong nodded and seemed to be pleased. In turn, he told her about the campaign in the south. Three more villages had joined their nation, securing them additional land and a source of ore for their weapons. While Yu Zhong was most powerful in the battlefield, he was also gifted with a brilliant mind and foresight. The economy of Dongyu mattered to him, even the health of his citizens and the education of children.

Most important of all, her opinions mattered to him. She lost track of time as they moved from one topic to another. Yu Zhong poured the last contents of the teapot into his cup. "You are my most trusted ally Luo Yi. This is why I ask you: do you think I made the right decision? Please speak your mind and do not hesitate to criticize me."

She has always told Yu Zhong to be true to himself. It would be hypocritical to dwell on lies just to garner praise from the master. It meant a lot to her that he valued her honesty. There were some decisions she disapproved of. The punishment handed on their enemies seemed too light for her own liking, and some of the allegiances he entered seemed to be untrustworthy - but overall, he had been wise and strong. Loved and feared. Hated and respected. Admired and misunderstood. She expressed all of that to Yu Zhong and even when he voiced his own objections to her assessment, he was never offended. "I believe we are on the right track, but please take care, my lord. Not everyone who calls you master wishes for your well-being. Let me search their hearts and determine where their true loyalty lies."

"I understand, your advice and support are priceless Luo Yi. There is no one else in the world I could rely on."

"Your servant takes delight in your success."

"I see you are satisfied with my leadership and it puts me at ease." He gazed at her fondly and she smiled back. Her smiles had always been true, never fabricated just to please the man before him. "Did you miss me when I was gone?" Yu Zhong cocked his head, a smirk appearing on his face.

The question caught Luo Yi off guard and she looked away for a moment. Her face-covering seemed warmer for a reason. Yu Zhong was being playful and teasing and she wasn't sure what kind of response he wanted. It was his time to relax and she was there for his pleasure. "Every moment I spent with you is an honor. I will not want to be in another's presence than you, my master. "

She expected an acknowledgment of her devotion and loyalty but the man remained silent, observing her. The look in his eyes made her heart sink. Was that a hint of disappointment? Luo Yi tensed, wondering if her master was expecting something else. The question was personal and she answered with honesty. If Yu Zhong desired someone more versed in the art of seduction, he would never find such a woman from her. Perhaps this was a mistake.

"I missed you, Luo Yi." Yu Zhong broke the silence, but his voice was as tender as the glow of candles, warm like the flames, captivating her. "So many things had happened. The wheels of destiny have turned and will keep on going until Cadia Riverlands is brought to power and prosperity." He sighed and turned his head away as if he was thinking of the next words carefully. "I do not wish for us to be distant to one another. I need you by my side."

Luo Yi didn't understand and her chest tightened. She leaned forward and bowed her head as a sign of submission. "I'm always here to support you, my master. I will never leave your side! If I had done things to make you doubt my loyalty, please forgive me. Let me prove myself to you again," she pleaded.

Yu Zhong shook his head. "You misunderstood. I never had anyone in my life I trust with all my heart until I met you. Remember when we first met?" He smiled, reminiscing. "I acted shamefully towards you when all this time you were just guiding me to my destiny. You risked yourself and devoted the last nine years teaching me, never giving up. How could I ever thank you?" He moved closer to her spot, bridging the gap and taking her hand.

She still didn't understand. His words were beautiful, sweet like honey that nourished her soul. But what did he mean by being distant? Now with his hand gently grasping hers, her heart began to race. She remained silent, waiting for Yu Zhong to convey the full meaning of his words. The man continued; "Now that I have regained my full power and authority as the Black Dragon, I do not wish that you forget Yu Zhong. While it was the name given by the one who imprisoned me and kept me away from the truth, I wish to keep it as a reminder that I am still a man, and it's my desire that you see me as such."

It was clearer now and Luo Yi's words were locked in her throat. This was difficult. Too much. He wished for her not to call her master but to address him using his human name. Her chest felt like it was going to burst and her head was spinning. All her life she dreamed of serving the Black Dragon and had been determined to give him everything - her mind, her heart, and soul. Now that she had achieved her deepest desire, Yu Zhong was asking for more, something more intimate. "I-I will do what pleases you…" She stopped herself from calling him master again, afraid to say the word that might frustrate him.

Yu Zhong brought another hand atop of hers, so warm and gentle despite the calluses on his palm and sharp claws. "I understood this might be overwhelming for you. I do not wish for an answer tonight Luo Yi. Please sleep for now. Thank you and we will talk again about this when our minds are at ease." He let go of her hand.

The loss of Yu Zhong's hand made things a little colder. She was lost whether to simply comply and leave his presence, or ask another question. There were so many different emotions filling her heart, and one of them was fear. Surely the man wanted something more for the night and she might have disinterested him with her lack of willingness, tiring him with politics. Luo Yi took a long time to speak again, thinking of her words carefully. "You do not wish anything else from me?"

"You seem upset." Yu Zhong looked at her with brows furrowed. "Is there something wrong, Luo Yi?"

No, she wasn't upset. The woman shook her head, her cheeks growing hot. "No, it's just that… I wish to make sure that your needs have been met, that you do not find me… undesirable."

"I only wished to talk..." Yu Zhong responded, frowning slightly then his eyes widened in realization.

"Luo Yi looked down, silently chastising herself. She wanted to run out of the room that moment and scream into the moonlight. "I see, then I shall take my leave," she said in such a hurry, almost stumbling in her speech, and it made Yu Zhong visibly concerned.

"Please, do not be embarrassed. I understand what you're offering me Luo Yi, and you made preparations for my sake. Therefore, I apologize. I called a woman like you in this hour without a clear reason. I know well enough that you can see how much I desire you." He said in a voice barely above a whisper. His eyes locked on Luo Yi's until his gaze wandered down her neck. He continued looking at her body, taking a long time when he focused on her chest, covered only by thin fabric. His eyes burned, reflecting the fire. Yu Zhong moved closer until they're only a hand's breadth away, and lifted his hand towards her face. His fingers found the small hook of her veil and removed the covering. "I have always loved your eyes... And you're even more beautiful this close."

Luo Yi closed her eyes and cherished the soft strokes on her jaw, and Yu Zhong's thumb lightly tracing her soft lips. "If you desire me, take me now," she said, her breath hitching as Yu Zhong's hands moved down on her shoulder and peeled off the robe, exposing her skin. She shuddered against his hot breath as he leaned down and placed kisses on the spot between her neck and her shoulder. His other hand found its way around her waist, tracing the curve from her hip up her spine, spreading warmth. Luo Yi's body reacted, and she arched her back, craving for more touch. She gasped and ran her hand through Yu Zhong's chest, feeling the muscles underneath. If only she could take off the robes to feel his skin directly. Heat began to pool from the core of her body and her pulse quickened as Yu Zhong's lips continued tasting, consuming her.

Then he stopped. Yu Zhong took a deep breath and moved back, putting her robe back in place. He looked away as if he was ashamed. When he returned his gaze on her, he fixed the fabric of Luo Yi's robes so there will be no creases. Such an unnecessary gesture. There was no longer desire in his eyes, only kindness. "Not this way. Not when you still call me master."

She reached out and touched him lightly on the arm just to reassure him- even if they're both sitting down, his shoulders were still uncomfortably high for her to reach. Was she not encouraging him enough? He shouldn't have second thoughts. "Please, don't hold back for me."

"No, we shall end this tonight. I want to have you Luo Yi, but only when you desire me. Not as your master, but as a man." He took her hand again and spoke to her gently. "I shall leave again tomorrow and come back after three moons. When I return, I'd like to know your answer. Come here in my chambers at your own will. If you are not ready, I shall take no offense. If you do not desire me, then I shall respect your wish."

Never had she heard such kind words for so many years. All this time she had feared to displease him, seeing herself as a tool to be used to his liking. Yu Zhong never considered her as such and he deserved a better answer than ramblings from a confused woman. "Thank you... When you return I will give my answer. I promise that I will be true to myself, as you are to yourself." She bowed and took her leave.

Luo Yi left filled with warmth, remembering every word that Yu Zhong told her and smiling as she looked into the stars. There was no longer fear in her heart. She was a firm believer of destiny, that every person was subject to a higher power, an inescapable tide that one should always accept. But Yu Zhong gave her time. He reminded her that she had a choice, and she was grateful for it.

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This version is standalone. The explicit one is in Archive of Our Own.