Chapter 10: A Date with the King

Xuchang

It was an exciting month for the Wei troops. With the survival of Wu at Chi Bi and the recent advent of Shu, the world was now in the era of the Three Kingdoms. Talk was going around that King Cao Cao planned to wage an all-out war against the rival states. Rumours had spread amongst almost every division that two of Wei's finest generals, Zhang Liao and Xu Huang, had arrived near the capital to direct a punitive campaign for this purpose. Zhang Liao and Xu Huang were revered amongst the men for their impeccable dignity and martial supremacy, and there were even rumours that unlike many of the other officers, they were actually eager to meet and pay their respects to Galatea, the bodyguard whom their Lord had invested so much trust in.

It had been a busy time for God-Eye too, especially ever since her Lord had requested her to advise the generals personally on anti-Yoma warfare. She had asserted that the first step in countering the foreign invaders was technology. Despite Wei's vast arsenal of armaments, nothing could match the dedicated focus of the Claymore, which remained, as far as she was concerned, the perfect countermeasure to Yoma and Awakened Beings. She was well aware that Wei's higher officers were perfectly capable of handling themselves. Nevertheless, she advised the blacksmiths to begin forging swords of a Claymore's design for the main body of infantry, whom she planned to train later in anti-Yoma tactics she had mastered on the Continent.

She had spent much of the past month drilling his elite troops in the palace square. Thanks to her leadership during the retreat from Jiangdong, the men in several of the battalions had begun to nurture a degree of trust in her, and some even followed her orders to the word. She appreciated that.

But the week was approaching its end and night was falling. She sighed wearily as the soldiers dispersed, returning to their barracks. Bossing men around was more tiring than she remembered. She turned to leave the plaza, her metal greaves tapping lightly on the steps up to the palace. But she found herself blocked by Xiahou Dun, Cao Cao's cousin and one-eyed general. "His Excellency has invited you to another evening meal," he said, his voice more polite than the first time they had met. Perhaps he had gotten wind of Zhang Liao and Xu Huang.

"My Lord wants a date with me?" she probed.

Xiahou Dun's lip curled upwards ever so slightly. "I would imagine so."

"In that case, he can ask me himself," she grumbled.

"This is an official edict," denied Xiahou Dun, shaking his head. "You know this better than most."

"Very well," she sniffed, walking past him. "I shall prepare myself, then."

Despite her manufactured disrespect, she was, in reality, quite pleased that Cao Cao had invited her again – so he did appreciate her efforts after all! So often when he praised her, she could not flesh out his teasing from his sincerity. Perhaps that was what frustrated her about him – he resembled her in so many ways.

Not having quite overcome her vice of vanity, she enjoyed the opportunity of adorning herself each time he ordered her to his chambers. This occasion was no different. Tonight, she had chosen to don the most tantalizing apparel offered for women of the palace: a silken, crimson, one-piece dress that hugged her body tightly, revealing her arms and exposing her long, bare legs, aided by teasing slits at the sides of her thighs. She left her hair to spill down sensuously, as confident as she was in her natural charm. Her heeled sandals clacked on the palace floor quietly as she made her way to his private quarters, wondering if she had truly lost her mind.

She brushed aside the tinkling beads that delicately shrouded his opulent room from the corridors. Their eyes instantly met, and from the glint in his, it was apparent that he rather fancied her new outfit. His smile was broad as he gestured outwards to the circular, ornate table, on which his cooks had prepared a scrumptious banquet. She counted up to ten fragrant dishes of luxury fare, far too much for two persons. It was absolute overkill. Still, she smiled and took a seat, well aware that his eyes were caressing her curvaceous figure, accentuated by her Chinese dress. Not bothering with formalities, he began to eat, and she tentatively followed suit.

Usually when she accompanied him for dinner, he would have nothing more than a bowl of soup, rice, and fish, served with vegetables. Tonight's feast was a rather silly attempt to please her, since she rarely indulged in the decadence of gastronomic cuisine. But she appreciated the sentiment as she watched him enjoy himself from across the table. He ate slowly and frugally with a pair of ivory chopsticks, reaching for a piece of marinated duck before plucking a piece of boiled chicken. "The winter mushrooms are most delectable," he suggested, chewing quietly, his gaze shamelessly glued to her ample, accentuated breasts.

"Fine. But I'm not too hungry." She looked down at her own pair of Chinese utensils, resting beside her bowl of rice, and scowled. She hated how two sticks could leave her feeling so clumsy and inelegant. After practicing with them for several long weeks – in her Lord's absence, of course – her fumbling fingers finally bested them, and no longer did she have to use forks or knives from the royal kitchens. She took a bite of the mushrooms he had recommended and winced. This tastes feral.

He placed a goblet of wine to his lips and took a sip. "Liu Bei has seized Jing and conquered Yi. He's declared himself the King of Shu, implying that he now sees himself as my equal, like Sun Quan does." His lip curled. "Those two think highly of themselves, don't they?"

She smirked, suppressing a laugh. "Yes, my Lord. Nobody could possibly harbour the same dreams of ultimate conquest as you."

"They do, of course. But they will never achieve them."

"You are… dominant," she admitted, drinking the hot jasmine tea from her small, ceramic cup and smiling at Cao Cao's pleased grin. "Still…"

"What currently concerns me more than Liu Bei is the expedition that Wu is planning against He Fei. And to complicate matters, a mysterious man has been sighted there," he added quietly. "Reports say that he can somehow metamorphose into a lion that walks upright. Surely this one of those Awakened Beings you warned me of a few weeks ago?"

"Yes. An especially powerful one, too," she affirmed, lifting a bowl of bird's nest soup to her mouth. "His name is Rigardo – the legendary Awakened Being who unleashed his powers during the first generation of our warriors. He is one of the reasons why there are no male warriors with silver eyes."

Cao Cao stroked his moustache. "So, there are two enemies we must deal with now – the Wu Army, and that Awakened Being Rigardo."

"I suppose you have great faith in Zhang Liao's ability to defeat them both."

"Yes. But what troubles me is that Rigardo seems to know that He Fei Castle's seizure will open the road for expeditions to the north. Someone amongst the Awakened Beings is behind this attack, and he is no fool." Cao Cao then peered over his goblet sharply, and said something unexpected. "If you are in agreement with me, then I want you to accompany my commanders to He Fei. Discover why Rigardo understands He Fei's importance. You will return to Xuchang and report to me after interrogating and killing him."

She almost spat out her soup in indignant surprise. "You're kicking me – your bodyguard – out of Xuchang?" she demanded, putting down her bowl.

"Come, now. I am merely giving you a military directive."

She blinked. "You summoned me tonight to tell me that?"

"You are one of my strongest warriors. Perhaps my strongest," he replied nonchalantly. "Despite your rank as Tigress Guard, I have come to realize that I do not wish to limit your jurisdiction. I would like you to play a larger role as a general."

His words were ones of praise, but she felt almost insulted. It was as if he had lured her into a trick, into agreeing to this undertaking. This wasn't even part of her job. She didn't want it to be part of her job! "My duty is to protect you – "

"I will be fine. As I said, I am remaining here to reorganize my forces. No harm will come to me."

She bristled, resentment rising in her throat. Her Yoki flared in palpable sullenness. "You can't dismiss me like this."

"I am not dismissing you," he insisted, his almond eyes narrowing.

She lowered her head. "You're sending me away," she said bitterly.

"Do not take it like that. Besides, are you not bored following me everywhere?" He raised his cup, hoping to lighten the mood that he had inadvertently darkened. "Well. Perhaps I did thrust this upon you too hastily. But one day, we will no longer need to discuss military proceedings whilst enjoying dinner together."

"For someone who says that, you have a point of bringing them up incessantly. As usual, you remember nothing, none of what I told you, nothing of what has passed between us. I don't know why I even bother to warn you of anything anymore. Is your arrogance truly so unsurpassed? It staggers even my imagination."

Caught off-guard, he remained silent, staring at her sour countenance. Had he struck a nerve? He blinked, realization dawning upon him. He must have upset her, this time by dismissing her so flippantly, as if her original orders to remain by his side were no longer important. As if… she shared a relationship of mere utility with him like the other generals. Surely he hadn't forgotten their promises the night they first met? Had his desire to create a new world for her slipped his mind? Did he remember nothing of their flight from Chi Bi together?

And that night when… she fell asleep whilst watching over him…

He rose from his chair and moved around the table to stand before her. She always knew that he was not a large man – if anything, she was a hair taller than he. So she crossed her arms defensively, glaring up at him, hoping he would break. But she knew deep down that it was a futile, spiteful wish. For once in her life, she had finally met someone who was her match… in essentially every respect.

He seemed to be in a generous mood tonight. "My tigress," he offered, "I have offended you, haven't I? I almost forgot that you are no mere general. You are… nothing less than my Eye." He smiled, but it was more of a smirk, that hunter's grin that both infuriated and beguiled her. "Forgive me."

That fascinating smile that prompted her pale face to blush ever so slightly. "Damn you," she muttered, avoiding his gaze and staring at his legs.

He extended a gloved hand, gently nudging her chin so that their eyes kissed again. "You still begrudge me for my careless directives?"

"I don't know," she blurted powerlessly, unable to resist closing her eyes at his loving, teasing touch.

"How juvenile. Very well. I withdraw my previous orders. You need not ride to He Fei." His stern face seemed to relax. "If you wish to remain my guardian alone, fine. Then you may do so."

There was a long, pregnant pause.

Then came her quiet response. "Thank you."

He chuckled. "I always believed I was lenient, but this is beyond indulgent! Perhaps you know why." His eyes glimmered as his voice turned thoughtful. "That night, Galatea… I know you slept by my bedside. I felt your head on my blankets. You watched over me and I sensed your presence throughout the evening. Yet you departed early in the morning, before I awoke." He frowned.

"Why did you not join me in bed?"

"Are your concubines so fed up with you that you have to resort to me?" she replied mockingly, hoping her desperate disdain would mask her vulnerability.

"Now, don't be ludicrous. Why do you assume that you are merely my second choice?" At those tender words, she fell silent, unable to come back with an adequate retort. She stared up at him, her proud eyes meeting his demonic ones.

"You do not jest, then," she finally mumbled, unable to hide the cracks of loneliness and longing on her face much longer.

"I speak from my heart. I desire you, Galatea, and I invite you to come with me. Should you enjoy our little escapade, I will take you again. As often as we please." No longer smirking, he bent down, and his hands cupped her cheeks, forcing her lips to touch his. She could not hold back her quiet gasp, and in response, he cuddled her tighter. Even in love, he was severe. "Do not turn away at the last moment. I forbid it."

She did not even wait for him to finish his kiss before she unfolded herself and reached up, searching feverishly for him. He did not reject her, and he clasped her in his arms, his embrace aggressive and tight as he lifted her from her chair. She gasped; his strength was astonishing, inspiring – and then he kissed her again, harder, his mouth devouring hers, and she breathed in unreserved surprise as his fiery hands moved to tear away at the annoying red silk that concealed her breasts. His eyes glinted, and for a moment, she almost felt fearful.

"Come," he whispered, regaining himself slightly. He turned in the direction of his personal chambers as she pushed her supple, moistening body against him, against his hardening erection. "Follow me… wherever I go."

*

Royal Bedroom

He enjoyed how seductive this blonde looked in a Chinese gown. Not that it mattered anymore, for he had stripped off the clothing that hid her body from him, and he intended her to remain naked for as long as he desired. Stripped and bare, nervously covering the scar on her stomach, she trembled in his presence, her eyes shut in transfixed bliss as he kissed her pale breasts, his lips brushing at her nipples lightly, pressing her onto his bed and lifting up her soft thigh in blazing hunger. She put up a feeble, ephemeral resistance, pushing at his lean, taut chest weakly. But it only aroused further the violence in his loins. He was used to having his way – she was in no position to deny him. Not even the beautiful, imperious Galatea could resist the magnetic authority of the Imperial Chancellor. But it was not the Imperial Chancellor who embraced her tonight, but the man, Cao Cao. That was more than enough for her to sigh in surrender.

"I do not care," he had whispered, looking down at her stomach's disfigurement, his sinister eyes softening. "I love you regardless."

He fell upon her like a thunderbolt. His potency was monstrous, terrifying. The moon seemed to shine ever brighter as he made love to her and her fingers dug into his golden flesh, her teeth clenching in sultry, voluptuous ecstasy. He held nothing back, and she responded in kind, letting her calm, sardonic, cool persona fall aside for just a few hours. It was enough to compel her to throw herself before him, wrapping her long bare legs around him, welcoming him inside. How strange, that it should have come to this. Suddenly, her time in China did not seem so lonely or boring with his draconic presence. She had come home to a seductive, alluring hearth. He pulled her head to his, pressing his mouth to hers with the passion of a lusty god. The cool breeze was powerless to temper the inferno that burned within them, that unreleased tension that had brewed since their very first meeting.

Yes, it was that night… when she kneeled before him, and he stroked her cheek. Oh, how he gripped her hair as she went on her knees again tonight, taking him in her hand and lovingly stroking him in return. How beautiful it was to taste his ambrosia, to savour it greedily as he poured it into her. They struggled on the bed, and to her joy, he overpowered her easily, her eyes rolling back in irresistible desire for his majestic supremacy. Her joy of submission, something that she usually disdained, had overcome all reason, all rationality… all cynicism.

To abandon this pessimism, this joyless, sterile doubt of the world, if only in his presence… it was admittedly wonderful.

Was it because he trusted her, trusted her enough to let her nibble at him in acute ecstasy as he continued his journey into her? Perhaps. But it wasn't enough! She begged him to trust her even more, to hide within her deeper, to whisk her to the highest ecstasy. They continued to moan in one another's ardent company as the night passed, and she could sense nothing except him, the hoarse comfort of his words and the soft delight of his lips, his tongue, his member, and his ever so perfect hands.

As she came for the first, second, third, and fourth time, she realized that he was really quite tender, despite his stern face and his unfriendly eyes. He did not tear at her delicate, alabaster skin, nor did he crush her to him. However, he did guide her, urging her to trust him too, and chastising her with a flippant slap if she disobeyed him. The sting was… peculiar. She felt greedy again. Naughty. As if she was teasingly denying him something that was his right.

Yes… he desired trust. Such an emotion was difficult to find. To think that they had found it in each other… it was nothing less than a blessing from Heaven. And was it so! Her blonde tresses tangled with his black hair, and she kissed him endlessly, clinging on to the sensation of his power that shot through her – he did not relent, his manhood spared nothing of her body, and she gritted her teeth in salacious thrill at the sensations that entered her from behind, from above, from below. He was around her, he was within her, and she could not – did not – fight back. She let him possess everything she had, let him pour his strength into her wherever he wished. It was enough to make her moan, whimper, shout and scream with satisfaction, at having taken this man in her arms and made him into her lover, her fond, true lover.

After they reached their final zenith, their arousal exploding into the warmest of raptures, they rested, preparing for another round of impassioned excess. She vainly hoped that he would never return to his wife, or his concubines. It was a desperate wish, an arrogant wish. But she did not care. I am enough for you, my Lord.

Sword of Heaven, indeed, she thought amusedly, as he tenderly embraced her, urging her to sleep.

*

Climax after climax, bliss after bliss. They had made exquisite love over a period of many hours, erotic devotion merging with tranquil slumber. Exhaustion had overtaken them both, and Galatea was astonished that he could keep up with her, she who was half-Yoma. He didn't seem to care that her blood was tainted so. Perhaps it was because he had only seen her humanity, the side that was of a woman's heart. Like the shining face of the moon, with its dark half completely hidden, ignored.

*

When they awoke in the morning, their bodies close and warm, neither mentioned the passion that had passed between them, and perhaps it was better that way. It was embarrassing for her, to be reminded that he had seduced her and that she had slept with him. It was mortifying to know that their warmth had touched and stayed as one. His room was bewitching, alluring, and its charm was amplified all the more by his personal presence. His… smell. She would ask for more later, no doubt. And he was quite free to give himself away with no fear of denunciation. She was now closer to him than even his advisors and generals. Nobody save him exercised any form of jurisdiction over her. But most importantly, he had made it quite clear that her company was awaited, welcomed, desired. And that was a welcome change. It was a welcome change from the lonesome, boring life she led on the Isles, surrounded by ugly Yoma and ugly Awakened Beings.

Yet now, they had managed to taint this land with their unwelcome presence too!

"How disgusting," she whispered, as Cao Cao stirred. "I will rid your nation of their filthy existence. You'll never need to lift a finger against them, for they're not worth your attention. I'll personally eradicate them and remove them from your sight. And then I will return to you, over and over."

It was almost humiliating to admit that she loved him, but what choice did she have? The morning star kissed the interior of the chambers, gently urging her to give herself fully to him, as she had already done several times. She rose, her bright hair draping down and tickling his face, his chest. "So. Do you still wish to send me away?" she murmured, her hand clasping his fingers.

His sleepy sneer was beautiful. "Never."