Hell King's Rising III

@Lord Xiao Zhan From the moment that he was penetrated, it felt as though Yibo had been teleported into a different realm. He was hanging on the threshold of pleasure and overwhelming desperation from Zhan's skillful manipulation of his body. His voice had grown hoarse throughout the night, and a thin sheen of sweat covered his body. He was still catching his breath after the last round, and his entire body was shivering as Zhan hugged him close. Despite it all, there was a very clear smile on his face, meant just for Zhan.

After all the toils and tumultuous turns that they had gone through, Yibo felt as though he and Zhan had finally found peace by each other's side. With Yuning growing healthily and their realm in a peaceful time, he knew that the bright days with his husband were many and far to come. From the unique way that they met, no one, not even Yibo himself, could've anticipated the happiness that would come out of it. And for Yibo, this happiness and no end in sight.

@14th Heavenly Prince Yibo Zhan finished shedding the rest of his robes himself, settling between Yibo's legs and pressing his into Yibo's waiting hole. He didn't want to waste time with , not after all the anticipation Yibo put him through all day. "It's inside, my love, it's inside," Zhan murmured, his brows drawing together in a futile effort to keep himself together as he pushed into Yibo's tight, inviting heat. As Zhan originally hoped, they made love deep into the night, until Zhan was fully satiated, lying exhausted wth Yibo splayed over him. He brushed Yibo's hair out of his husband's face, grinning when he saw Yibo's pretty features peek up at him. "My prince," he whispered. "This was the best birthday I've celebrated. Thank you."

@Lord Xiao Zhan Yibo didn't feel terrified when Zhan hovered over him. The excitement overrode it, and he was eager to meet Zhan's expectations. "Come closer..." he beckoned Zhan, making quick work of the older's ceremonial robes by undoing it at the sash and pushing the golden seams off of Zhan's shoulders. Zhan's battle scars were familiar to Yibo now, and it was a comfort for him to see them. "Zhanzhan...hurry, I need you." He moaned as Zhan's hot groin rubbed against his, and he gasped in need, "Inside..."

@14th Heavenly Prince Yibo "More?" Zhan murmured, letting go of Yibo's wrist to finish disrobing Yibo, leaving the cloth splayed out beneath his bare body. "I love you that are so needy for me now, my love. You always know what to say to me." Trailing his kisses back up to Yibo's neck, Zhan pushed Yibo's legs apart and fitting himself between them, his arousal hot as he pressed it against Yibo's bottom. Separated by the cloths of his robe, Zhan rutted impatiently against Yibo. "You want more? Take my robes off and I'll give you more."

@Lord Xiao Zhan Yibo had always been under the impression that his body was something that had to be kept hidden away, not for anyone's eyes but his own. He had felt ashamed when Zhan had seen him bared for the first time, and over time, he had become more comfortable. Now, when he was fully exposed to Zhan, he felt even a little confident that he could draw such a reaction from his husband. He winced when the older started to le on his s, but soon became accustomed to the feeling. "Nghhh..." he whimpered, letting himself sink into the pleasure, "Ah Zhanzhan...more-"

@14th Heavenly Prince Yibo "I already feel special after what you've done for me." Catching Yibo's hand that was running up his chest, Zhan kissed it lightly before pressing it down against the bed, next to Yibo's head. He pinned Yibo's arm down by his wrist as he pulled at the front of Yibo's robes, revealing his pale, milk-coloured chest first. The smooth expanse of skin was only marred by two pink s, which Zhan gladly took into his mouth, his tongue swirling aggressively around each nub before pressing them hard against Yibo's chest.

@Lord Xiao Zhan Zhan was very easy to please nowadays, and Yibo didn't feel as shy as he once did when they talked about intimate affairs. "You have that look in your eyes," Yibo joked back, tapping Zhan's nose as he was lifted up in Zhan's arms. He had shouted at Zhan for parading him through the palace halls before, but now, their gazes were deeply locked and he didn't want to think of anything else. His robes splayed out to all sides of him as he was dropped on the bed, and Yibo gasped lightly. Immediately, Zhan's lips were against his skin and Yibo moaned softly. "Mm...I want Your Majesty to feel special today." His hand trailed up Zhan's chest, "So you need not hold back tonight, Zhanzhan."

@14th Heavenly Prince Yibo "I love you too," Zhan answered without any hesitation this time, returning Yibo's kiss with a nibble over his lower lip. He rested his cheek against Yibo's shoulder when his husband drew away, but perked up again almost immediately when Yibo suggested they take it to their chambers. It was as if Yibo could read his mind. "How did you know I wanted to do that?" Zhan asked, tucking his arms under Yibo's shoulders and knees, standing up with Yibo in a carry in one swift motion. With Yuning already taken by Xuan Lu, Zhan wasted no time in bringing Yibo to their bed, tossing him down like a sack of flour. Immediately, he was on top of Yibo, his kisses messy as he trailed them from Yibo's jaw to his neck. "My empress is so eager to please," he murmured, ling hard at the soft skin beneath Yibo's earlobe. "Isn't he?"

@Lord Xiao Zhan When the song was over, Yibo slowly lowered the flute from his lips. He searched for some kind of reaction from Zhan. It wasn't a conventional gift, and it was practically unheard of to gift something so mundane to a noble, much less the Emperor himself. Yibo cocked his head to a side, hearing his racing heart through his eardrums. Finally, the smile on Zhan's face allowed him to sigh in relief. "Yes, Zhanzhan," he smiled back, leaning in to press a kiss to the corner of Zhan's lips, "Happy Birthday. I love you." His lips lingered against Zhan's warm ones, and he thoroughly felt the firm grasp of his husband's hand around his waist. When Yibo pulled away, he slid an arm around Zhan's neck, caressing the hot, smooth skin, "There's something else you want us to do right, Zhanzhan? Let's make this the perfect end to your special day...in our bedchambers." he suggested.

@14th Heavenly Prince Yibo Flabbergasted, Zhan was silent as Yibo pulled out his flute. He had genuinely been so sure that Yibo's gift for him was an intense night of lovemaking, and never in a million years would Zhan have thought of this. Still, he listened attentively. The melody was quite sad for the most part. Even though Zhan didn't know exactly what the tune was trying to convey, he could make a wild guess — it was about them. The melody lifted toward the end, and Zhan almost demanded more when the song ended. "Did you write that, my prince?" he murmured, a smile flickering on his lips as he held Yibo's waist. "For me?"

@Lord Xiao Zhan It was a sea of souls who had come to get one look at their Emperor of a thousand years in the face. Yibo felt like he never truly understood the burden that Zhan carried, and he never really would if he didn't see all these souls come before them himself. He was patient and accepted each courtesy bow as Zhan's empress, though in the end, even his posture had stiffened from sitting for so long without much moving.

When their banquet was over, Zhan didn't even seem interested in relocating to their bedchambers first. Instead, the force at which he grabbed Yibo's arm had the younger indecently propped over his lap, like a small child awaiting a teaching. Luckily, Yibo had been prepared. He smiled as he extended his arm and revealed the porcelain blue flute that he had once played before Zhan. It was his weapon of defense before, but it made its next appearance in hopes of impressing Zhan. "Well...it's not a treasure...or some kind of delicacy...or any kind of war trophy...but I wrote you a song, Zhanzhan," Yibo admitted. Before Zhan could laugh at him, he brought the opening of the flute to his lips, and he played the sweet melody that he had crafted for his husband. It was a slow melody, but it carried a wishfulness to it, as though revealing how many turbulent trials their love had overcome, and how much Yibo wanted to truly express himself to Zhan now.

@14th Heavenly Prince Yibo Finally. Finally! It took everything in Zhan not to leap out of his chair and drag Yibo to their chambers. He dismissed their guests, and as soon as the last one was out, Zhan grabbed at Yibo's wrist before he could come up with another excuse to leave him. "It's time now, isn't it?" he asked, gesturing for Xuan Lu to come and take Yuning. "You made me wait all night. No more excuses, no more waiting. Give me my gift." One strong jerk pulled Yibo into Zhan's lap. His voice was a low growl when he said, "Now."

@Lord Xiao Zhan Zhan was not easily impressed by treasures before, and it was the same now. Yibo knew that there were many treasures that Zhan already owned, so it would be hard to touch him, which was why his gift wasn't anything invaluable like that. Yibo maintained his courteous smile as each provinces was covered. Finally, they neared the end, and people began to come up to bid Zhan a proper farewell and prostration.

@14th Heavenly Prince Yibo "Your Majesty, this is a spirit pearl crafted from the essence of the elusive white dragon that lives on—"

Zhan waved his hand. "Put it down," he snapped, eager for them all to leave. If it wasn't a night with just the two of them, then why would Yibo have to make it sound so secretive? His gift from Yibo had to be something very, very worth his while. He barely listened to the guests and their gifts, not finding anything to be worth his attention compared to Yibo's gift. He shifted, antsy, growing more and more impatient by the second. Still, he continued to accept the gifts, not wanting Yibo to realize Zhan hadn't changed.

@Lord Xiao Zhan The dance performances that were showcased allowed Yibo to see the differences of culture between Heavenly Banquets and the ones here with Zhan. The dancers interacted with their audience and moved rhythmically to sound of drums here while Yibo was used to hearing the slow thrum of the lute for dancers to move weightlessly like petals back in Heaven. He quite enjoyed the upbeat nature of the dances, and had to hold back from moving in pace with the dancers, though he was clearly immersed. Zhan was impatient, like Yibo's younger siblings when they wanted a piece of candy. "Very soon, Your Majesty," Yibo promised, "Right after these last two performances."

True to his words, the dancers wrapped up their last two performances right on schedule and they cleared the stage. It was at this time that the royal advisors adjoined in the center and prostrated before Zhan, then announcing the list of gifts that each small province had brought as tribute. In the list, fancy trinket names were listed off and different delicacies were named in rapid succession. Yibo turned to Zhan, wanting to see if any caught his fancy.

@14th Heavenly Prince Yibo Zhan glanced toward the dancers, disinterest clear on his face. All he could think of was Yibo's gift, but knowing Yibo prepared this banquet for him, he had to at least go through all of it first. He sorely wanted to dismiss everyone so the two of them could be alone, but resigned himself to watching the performance while he sipped on his wine. He eyed their guests, always watching for when they would start lining up before him with his gifts in hand. "Is it time yet?" he asked impatiently for the nth time. Three dances had passed, and all his guests remained seated. "For my gifts?"

@Lord Xiao Zhan Zhan's self-control lasted about as long as a peach did in Yibo's hand - for only a split second. Yibo had not even finished his own side of the dishes before he was hit by Zhan's question about the gift, causing him to cover his mouth behind the sleeves of his robes, turn his head away, and chuckle softly. "Your Majesty, didn't you say you'd wait?" Yibo asked, gesturing at the crowd beneath them with the expanse of his robes, "Our guests are still looking to present their gifts to you first. Mine will come last," Yibo said, reaching under the table to massage Zhan's knee gently. He hoped that would keep the older at bay, since Zhan was known to have a temper that could explode at any moment if the flames were not kept at bay. "Tonight, when it's just the two of us, I'll give you your gift, Your Majesty," he promised with another light smile. Just as he said this, the harp began to play, and dancers filled the middle stage. Yibo's brows gestured for Zhan to turn and watch, though he himself couldn't tear his gaze off his husband either.

@14th Heavenly Prince Yibo Maybe it wasn't the best idea to have Yibo's gift wait until later that night, because Zhan spent the rest of his celebration thinking about it, wondering just what it could be. It seemed almost scandalous, and Zhan hoped it would be a wild night of lovemaking while someone else took care of their son for a bit. He ate without thinking, used to the grandeur of the food, distracted by his fantasies. Oh, how he would love to hook Yibo's legs over his shoulders and do him until he pleaded for Zhan to stop. His eyes were glazed over when Yibo spoke to him, and he slowly glanced over before putting the fish in his mouth. "It tastes good," he said. "What's your gift for me?"

@Lord Xiao Zhan "Of course I can show you now, if that's what you'd like Your Majesty," Yibo answered, a look of complete seriousness on his face. He could see the emotions flashing across Zhan's face as he considered the wide range of possibilities for what his gift could be. Yibo almost wanted to give away his surprise to Zhan just to ease the older's worry, but when Zhan decided to exert his self-control, Yibo held back a grin and nodded solemnly, "As you wish, Your Majesty." Yibo squeezed Zhan's hand again, "They will begin serving in half an incense's time. There are still guests arriving and settling in."

As Yibo planned, the meal was brought out when the majority of the guests had been seated. Nobles sat closer to Zhan's throne while commoners who made the long trip were seated down the main palace in rows, some on longer tables while others sat in half circles. Regardless, everyone had a spot to sit and enjoy the feast of rice and side dishes, from spicy to plain, meat to vegetables. Yibo sat besides Zhan, picking at some lotus roots and candied persimmons. He placed a fatty piece of fish over Zhan's rice, gesturing for his husband to eat. "It seems everyone is enjoying their meal. What about Your Majesty?"

@14th Heavenly Prince Yibo Yibo was sounding so secretive that Zhan was immediately overcome with curiosity. He perked up immediately, covering Yuning's ears when he asked, "What is it? Can you really show me now?" What if it was something that only Zhan should see? His mind began to wander, and he shook his head. He would rather die than have these lecherous ministers see Yibo in an indecent light. "Actually, no. Let's get through this, get all these people out of here, then you can show me. I want to save the best for last." He glanced out, giving the air a sniff. "When do we eat, then?"

@Lord Xiao Zhan Zhan was always so direct, Yibo thought and chuckled. "Yes, many of the provincial officers did. They will individually present them to you after the banquet, My Lord." Yibo comforted Zhan. It was normal for guests to bring their gifts directly to the host when they arrived, but Yibo didn't want to overwhelm Zhan on the morning of his big day. So, Yibo had arranged for the gifts and celebratory speeches to be saved for later. He, himself, felt as though he had a little more privilege than having to wait. "Your Majesty, I have a gift for you," Yibo whispered, leaning in close to Zhan so the older could hear him. "Do you want it now? Or...shall we save it for tonight?" Yibo's expression didn't change, so he didn't give away what the birthday gift was exactly.

@14th Heavenly Prince Yibo Zhan took a look around. The celebration was grand, even more grand than his ascension as emperor a millennia ago. Yibo was from the Heavenly Realm, which probably explained everything. The fools up there would celebrate anything given the opportunity. "I like it," he said, though a little puzzled about his role in this. Was he supposed to just sit and be admired. He would much rather be spending time with Yibo in their bedchambers, but he kept the thought to himself, not wanting Yibo to feel as though all his planning was for naught. He s an arm around Yibo's waist, pulling him close. "Did they bring gifts?"

@Lord Xiao Zhan As each day came and went, Yibo felt the pressure of holding the most flawless birthday banquet settling heavier over his shoulders. No ruler in the history of Hell had been celebrated at a scale this large, at least not of their own command anyways. Yibo wanted everyone to see Zhan in the light that he saw his husband - a reasonable and benevolent ruler that had made many important contributions to protecting their realm from certain destruction. As the final touches were added, he himself had to arrange for the ministers to present a scroll from each province, detailing all of the changes that had taken place since Zhan's reformation. When time came for the bells and gongs to begin ringing, Yibo turned to Zhan, sitting on the throne. He smiled and bowed his head to his Lord, then made his way over to join his happy family. "Happy Birthday, Zhanzhan," Yibo said, lowering himself so he could sit next to Zhan. They couldn't be too improper while the guests began to file in, so Yibo reached a hand over, placing it over Zhan's to give it a loving squeeze. "Today is all about you. Is everything to your liking so far?"

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@14th Heavenly Prince Yibo As soon as Yibo was let out of his sights again, it wasn't hard for Zhan to occupy himself until his birthday celebration. There was always some sort of affair to be handled even after Yibo began sharing some of his duties. It wouldn't be proper for Yibo to do too much, nor did Zhan want him to, so in order to continue looking the part of benevolent king in his husband's eyes, Zhan toiled. The days flew by, and although Zhan didn't know what to expect at first, he found that he quite enjoyed a celebration in his honour. It was different when someone else organized it, rather than Zhan forcing the people to bow down and applaud him. He sat atop his throne, Yuning tucked against his side, watching Yibo confer with a minister. His husband was so busy, Zhan didn't even dare call him over, only able to wait impatiently for Yibo to finish his duties.

@Lord Xiao Zhan "It's only for one night that you must restrain yourself, Zhanzhan. After all, we have all the time in the world to ourselves beyond this." Yibo said, pulling on Zhan's reins before his husband's imagination ran rampant again. "Yuning knows very well what an amazing ruler you are, so I'm sure he'll understand what's going on." Yuning was, afterall, their miracle baby. Yibo sighed in relief as he saw all the decoration pieces coming together as he planned. "Zhanzhan, I have to go check on the kitchen next to make sure the food is being prepared as I instructed. Don't worry about me and tend to your business. I'll join you for dinner tonight, alright?"

@14th Heavenly Prince Yibo Knowing Yibo meant for Zhan to wait, Zhan restrained himself, though it was not done so without a pout. "Yuning won't even know what's happening. He's still too young." Much like a mortal soul, Yuning would grow up and mature slowly, ceasing to age physically in his twenties. Until then, Zhan and Yibo had many years left to go in raising Yuning, thus having no time for themselves until then. Yuning would only become needier as he entered his coherent child years. His agreement didn't mean he wouldn't try to convince his husband, though. "We should take advantage of the time we have before Yuning grows up and realizes where we're sneaking off to when we convince him to go to bed early."

@Lord Xiao Zhan Yibo had been working nonstop to prepare for Zhan's birthday celebration, so it wasn't an exaggeration to say that his feet were extremely sore, as if they were going to go numb at any minute. So, when Zhan grabbed at his waist, Yibo's body knew when to accept the moment of relief, and he leaned himself against his husband, gripping onto the hem of Zhan's robes with a clenched fist. He smiled sweetly as Zhan courted him with suggestive comments again, and Yibo shook his head, smoothing out the material of Zhan's robe with his flattened palm, "But I think My Lord will love it even more if he waits until the banquet is over...I'll have a real surprise prepared for him then." Yibo's eyes flickered up to meet Zhan's gaze, hoping that it would be enough to hint at Zhan what Yibo was going to give him anyways. "I organized all these events so that Yuning will be awake to celebrate with you too, Zhanzhan. He'll get to see how all the people of the land love and worship you."

@14th Heavenly Prince Yibo Zhan didn't even keep track of his own birthday, yet someone Yibo had figured it out. The gesture alone was enough to move Zhan into doing exactly as Yibo asked of him. "I suppose I can," Zhan grunted, looking past Yibo to the decorations being put up and moved about in the hall. He smiled, then turned back to Yibo and grabbed him by his waist, bringing their faces within a hair's breadth of each other. "But these souls who travel from near and far alike will have to excuse me when my beautiful empress becomes too much for me to resist, and I have to excuse myself early. They should understand this before they attend."

@Lord Xiao Zhan When Yibo was given a task, he completed it to his utmost best, hence why he knew how to read and write at a younger age than most of his siblings and how he rose through the musical ranks in such a few short years. Yibo transitioned into his new role with a light, official celebration after Zhan established his title. Then it was down to business. Day in and day out, he wrote letters to each far away branch of Zhan's governance to reestablish order where it was needed. Then at night, he'd spend time with Zhan and Yuning, the three of them keeping each other's company before drifting off to sleep in the wee hours of the night.

Amidst all that, Yibo vaguely recalled Zhan mentioning his birthday was soon approaching. His husband had only brought it up in passing, but Yibo was completely and utterly devoted to Zhan now, so his mind could focus on nothing else until he organized a celebration banquet in Zhan's honor. Zhan was totally unsuspecting of the surprise, so Yibo was eager to surprise his husband, "It's your birthday banquet Zhanzhan! In three days, I invited all the influential nobles in the province and any citizen who wants to come witness your lordship in person! You'll grace them with your presence, won't you Zhanzhan? Your citizens are very much dedicated towards you."