Without another word or another look, Zhao Yun scrambled up hastily from the ground and ran off. All that mattered that moment was to put as much distance as possible between Ma Chao and him. Zhao Yun continued to run across the palace pavements, turning corners, passing rooms, gardens and servants who stared in surprise at Zhao Yun.

It was only when Zhao Yun reached the safety of his sanctuary and behind closed doors, Zhao Yun slowed down and stopped to catch his breath. There was a knock on the door which made Zhao Yun spun around, his hands on his head. Zhao Yun really wasn't in the mood to see anyone now but nonetheless, he said, 'Come in.'

This time two servants with their arms laddered with gifts walked into the room. 'Your wedding presents, sir,' the two servants bowed low. Zhao Yun threw a sickened look at the presents but he couldn't say anything that could betray his emotions. 'Thank you,' Zhao Yun managed with a forced smile. The servants smiled and placed the gifts on the table and they departed.

As soon as they leave, Zhao Yun sank down to his chair, his head buried in his hands as his thoughts flew to the kiss just now. Just thinking of it made Zhao Yun trembled in delight, it had been something he had always imagined but now that Zhao Yun had actually done it, it felt so much better than he had imagined. Zhao Yun's fingers flew to his lips, his lips were still tingling from the kiss just now.

Zhao Yun sighed as he fell on top of the table. Now, Ma Chao would never talk to him again, and all this happened just a day before Zhao Yun's wedding. Zhao Yun also didn't dare to face Ma YunLu also after what happened, he felt so guilty towards her. It would mean against everything Zhao Yun believed in by betraying Ma YunLu's real feelings towards him. Honor. Zhao Yun must protect the honor he had always cherished. No matter how hard it was.

xxxx

As time passed, the sun slowly set behind the mountains, shrouding the palace in soothing darkness. The palace's lanterns started to light up one by one, just like the stars which twinkled in the dark backdrop. Activities were carried out as usual in the palace as a huge banquet was held as a pre-celebration for tomorrow's wedding. The sound of laughter and conversations continuously wafted into the room of Zhao Yun.

Zhao Yun stood before the full length golden gilded mirror as he stood there surveying his reflection. A huge lump was formed in his throat. Zhao Yun was still in his usual robes, he couldn't bear to look at the blue silk robe which was draped in the table. The blue silk robe was a courtesy of Master Liu Bei's gifts. It was the robe that he was designated to wear for tonight's banquet.

Zhao Yun had bathed and combed his ponytail until it shone. Everything was fine, and Zhao Yun looked fine. But Zhao Yun felt far from fine, it was a wreck of emotions inside him. Zhao Yun's eyes landed on his lips, a mixture of exhilaration, embarrassment and disgust surged up inside him.

Zhao Yun took one last look at himself before turning away. 'Master Zhao Yun, it's almost time to depart for the banquet.' A servant from outside announced from the other side of the door. The dread in his heart was so heavy that it almost crushed Zhao Yun. It would be the first time Zhao Yun had met Ma YunLu after the kiss.

'I will be ready soon.' Zhao Yun ignored the foreboding feeling in his heart. Maybe a sip of tea would calm down his frazzled nerves. His hands were just closing around the small porcelain cup when a knock on the door was heard. 'Lord Zhao Yun, humble servant Jiang Wei request permission to enter.'

Zhao Yun slightly perked up at that news. Jiang Wei. He was a good friend to have around, and he always followed Zhao Yun around just like a little puppy. 'Come in.' Zhao Yun said as he took a sip of his tea. The wooden doors opened brining in the scent of the summer winds and a few petals landed on the polished wooden floor. 'Lord Zhao Yun,' Jiang Wei greeted cheerfully, totally oblivious to Zhao Yun's bad mood.

Jiang Wei closed the doors behind him and took a seat opposite to Zhao Yun. After one look at Zhao Yun, Jiang Wei stared at him in surprise. 'Lord Zhao Yun, you are still decked in your under robes, why are you not prepared yet?' Jiang Wei asked as he fluffed his robes before he sat down. He was all dressed out in an event appropriate wine red silk robe, with an eagle embroidered at the side. Zhao Yun was at lost for words, he simply took another sip of his tea and placed the cup on the ceramic table.

'Are you alright?' Jiang Wei asked in concern, as if he just realized the funny expression on Zhao Yun's face. Jiang Wei stood up and peered at him, brushing a few strands of chocolate brown hair across his forehead. Zhao Yun flinched at his touch, his mind burning from the incident with Ma Chao.

Jiang Wei looked hurt and he settled down in his seat quietly. A sudden hush dawned on them and Zhao Yun knew that he had hurt Jiang Wei's feelings. He opened his mouth to apologize to Jiang Wei when Jiang Wei suddenly spoke up. 'I know what happen between you and Ma Chao.' Jiang Wei's words were so sudden that the cup Zhao Yun was holding crashed to the floor. The porcelain cup broke into several hundred pieces, drenching part of his under robe as well. But Zhao Yun didn't notice any of this, instead his green eyes were fixated on Jiang Wei's smug looking face.