Dear readers, thank you so much for the constant support by your reviews and favourites over the years. Here's a chapter to all the dedicated readers out there. The cliffhanger has been hanged for a very long time indeed.
Hope you enjoy the story.
A beautiful feminine figure walked up the steps into the chamber gracefully, clothed entirely in red. The modest garbs could barely hide the hourglass figure she possessed. She was indeed a beauty but even so, the sight couldn't strike any amount of happiness inside Zhao Yun's heart, he could only think about her brother.
Her face was covered with a red veil and she was guided by one of her ladies-in-waiting, walking up the steps gracefully towards him. There was a spring in her steps like she was excited, as any other normal woman and man would.
But the closer she was to Zhao Yun, the more nervous he felt. It wasn't the type of anxiety a happy groom was anticipating his charming bride, it was more like the feeling of impending doom, that his own happiness would be forever sealed by this beautiful goddess.
It was a most heart-wrenching thought. Zhao Yun did a double take when he realised his own actions. How could he think that way about Ma Yun who did nothing wrong at all? This behaviour contradicted with Zhao Yun's honest and straight-forward personality. Every guy in this world must envy at his good fortune, while he envied theirs for having a free choice. He was the one at fault here. This wasn't Ma Yun's fault. He was the one who fell in love with her brother instead of her.
He was tired of this facade. He would give anything to end this right now and just be his usual honest and trusting self. If given his way, he would have ended the ceremony now, confessing his true feelings to the crowd here even if everyone rebuked and reprimanded him. And he would have most certainly done so when at the last second, the words of Ma Chao suddenly entered his mind.
Go with the flow.
Ma Chao had asked him to follow with the flow, but why? The time to tie the two 'lovebirds' were fast approaching. Zhao Yun swallowed back a gulp. He had already given his word to Ma Chao, there was nothing to do but to carry on as he promised. He must have faith in Ma Chao.
"The prosperity time has come for the Tea Ceremony," one of the old ladies pronounced much to the happiness of the crowd.
Everyone had given him the highest honour of attending his wedding ceremony even when the feast was at night, they were all here to show their support.
Even Lord Liu Bei had sent his warmest regards and professed his deepest regrets at unable to attend the ceremony due to some urgent business at Fu Ling, near the borders with Wu along with his brilliant strategist Zhuge Liang.
He could just make out the faces of Guan Yu winking at him like a proud father, Zhang Fei with a mug of wine in his hand as he shouted callously, Jiang Wei who was watching silently, and many other more familiar faces, all his comrades who had fought by his side. All with the exception of the face he loved most – Ma Chao.
"Master Zhao Yun, if you may?" The old lady gestured towards him to take his place beside the Ma Yun. The chamber immediately hushed. Zhang Fei wanted to shout out something but Guan Yu nudged him sharply by the rib, silencing him.
With nowhere to turn, he could only forced himself to reel on the spot and stand beside his bride-to-be.
The anxiety inside him was already escalated to the point where he thought he was almost going to be broken in half. Was someone going to notice the anxiety he felt? They would probably conjectured that it was a result of nerves in front of such a stunning goddess. If they only knew.
Ma Yun took her place next to Zhao Yun and both of them stood facing one another. A porcelain teacup was handed over to Zhao Yun who took with trembling hands. Another porcelain cup was passed to Ma Yun who took it happily.
Where was Ma Chao? If they continued any longer, they were really going to become husband and wife.
"And now–" The old lady said loudly.
"Wait!" A resounding shout echoed around the chamber. The shout seemed out of place with the merry atmosphere, it was filled with anguish, fear and panic. "I've an announcement from Lord Liu Bei."
"Brother?" Ma Yun questioned in surprise, flipping open her red veil over her head as she gazed at Ma Chao in the utmost wonder.
"Ma Yun!" The lady beside her hissed and Ma Yun quickly dropped back the veil embarrassingly. It was against tradition to lift the red veil by herself, it should be done by her husband tonight.
Zhao Yun caught a glimpse of her beautiful features, her wide black eyes were even more pronounced against her fair face and those petulant rose petals were a bright shade of red, light pink tinges coloured her cheeks, making her looked even more stunning than usual.
Even so, Zhao Yun could only stare beseechingly at the emissary – his beloved, Ma Chao.
It was rare for Zhao Yun to see Ma Chao garbed in other outfit other than his usual armour. Compared to his sister, Ma Chao looked stunning as well in his robes of emerald green embroidered with a tiger at the back, a robe made specially for today's occasion. The robe accentuated his tall and slender figure perfectly, marking his well-built outline.
"This is an urgent announcement from Lord Liu Bei. There has been sighting of the enemies troop across the border, Zhao Yun and Ma Chao are urgently summoned to assist in the defence of the troops."
Curious and surprised whispers immediately rose among the crowd.
"How could Lord Liu Bei asked Zhao Yun to participate in the front lines on the day of his wedding?" Huang Zhong murmured thoughtfully.
"Why didn't brother call for us instead?" Zhang Fez's indignant voice rang clearly across the room.
"Ma Chao and Zhao Yun? How bad luck for them on such a prosper day," Sun Ce said, shaking his head slightly.
"Poor Ma Yun. She had been looking forward to this day very much," Xing Cai said dolefully.
Ma Yun, the lady of the day, stepped forward and interjected loudly, "But today is my wedding with Zhao Yun. Why would Lord Liu Bei summoned him and brother to war? I believe there must be other capable Generals fit for the duty." Her voice was indignant.
"You dare contradict the order of Lord Liu Bei, your emperor?" Ma Chao thundered sternly, his brows locked together and his coal black eyes flashed.
Ma Yun recoiled in shock. It was the first time she ever heard her brother raised his voice at her.
Everyone was gazing at them expectantly, whispering behind their hands as they threw her pitiful looks. She couldn't openly disobey Liu Bei when there were so many people around, it would ruin her reputation. Liu Bei was a good and decent Lord, he would never act such way unless he had good reasons. At least it showed how much confidence Lord Liu Bei had in Zhao Yun.
Sighing in defeat, Ma Yun drew herself to full height and face her brother steadfastly. "Understood." She held herself proudly with composed dignity, fulfilling her own duties as the sister of a famous General and the wife-to-be of a General. Her tears would be save for tonight when she was alone, away from the prying eyes of the public.
For the first time since he entered, Ma Chao locked eyes with Zhao Yun, so much love and adoration flowed through soundlessly between them. It felt like everyone had vanished on the spot, leaving just the two of them gazing at one another.
"Zhao Yun?" Ma Chao said, breaking Zhao Yun's reverie. He stretched out his hand towards him, as if inviting him to join him.
The sun shone high at that moment, darkening the expression on Ma Chao's face so Zhao Yun couldn't see his face clearly. The light hit the golden headless adorned on Ma Chao's head, making him glowed brilliantly like an angel.
Zhao Yun was so filled with anxiety that he could barely move. Was this a dream? The thought kept repeating his mind. Everything seemed so surreal.
Zhao Yun chanced a step forward, afraid that if he hastened or rushed, this perfect dream would end and he would wake up alone in his own room, staring at the ceiling in despair. He wanted this dream to last as long as possible.
The whispers intensified in his ears and as he descended the small flight of steps, he stumbled upon the pedestal on his right, hitting it by his hip. He managed to clutch to the pedestal on time, balancing himself.
"Master Zhao Yun!" Someone cried out loudly.
Pain shot up his body, making him realised with a start. This wasn't a dream. It was real.
Everyone was watching him closely, he knew that he should have better control over his own emotions. He tried to keep his face passive even when his heart was filled with so much love and happiness as he headed towards Ma Chao, towards the hand that was stretched out to him. He felt like he was running towards his future.
The butterfly was beating it wings anxiously, the lid of the bottle was finally opened, and the butterfly was rushing toward the exit as fast as it could, afraid that this was all but a ruse.
He was almost flying now as he raced across the flat hallway, eager to be united with Ma Chao. He stretched out his hand, closing the distance between them by taking Ma Chao's hand into his. If there was nobody around, Zhao Yun would most certainly have thrown himself into Ma Chao's arms, embracing him tightly. But as such, he had no choice now.
When he felt Ma Chao's warm hand in his, his heart stopped beating for a second before speeding up. Everything finally felt right. Ma Chao's hand fitted perfectly in his like they were meant for one another.
Ma Chao stepped closer to him, lowering his voice as he whispered by his ears, "Do you trust me?"
Zhao Yun nodded silently, unable to speak a single word. He could only stare at Ma Chao earnestly, his eyes portrayed the love, hope, and relief he felt inside him. No words were needed.
Ma Chao's features softened as he gazed upon him. He gave a slight nod of his head like he understood him.
No matter where Ma Chao was bringing him, he would follow, to the ends of Earth and time. He was not afraid. No matter what happened, he would be alright as long as Ma Chao was by his side.
"Let's go," Ma Chao said confidently in a louder voice for the sake of their audience, entwining their fingers right in public. Then he pulled him together with him out into the glorious sunlight, into the unknown future that laid for the two secret lovers.
To be continued…
For Lord Liu Bei to summon two of his best warriors on Zhao Yun's wedding day. Such was an act that seemed different from the benevolent leader. Was this a perfect coincidence? Or was there something else? What would happened to the two lovers who managed to escape from the wedding? Would they be able to stay under the radar without being spotted?
Stay tune to find out. Hope you guys enjoy the story and kindly leave a review behind.