LIGHTNOVELONLINE Yiman, caught momentarily off guard by the intensity of her presence, cleared his throat, searching for words. "Empress Xinmei," he responded, nodding his head in a show of respect. "Your visit graces our kingdom. We are honored by your presence."
Xinmei's lips curved into a slight smile, but her eyes remained inscrutable. "I am pleased to see how well you've grown into your role, King Yiman," she said. There was a subtle emphasis on the title, perhaps a gentle reminder of the hierarchy between them or maybe a hint of the distance that had grown over the years.
Nadia, sensing the palpable tension, gracefully intervened. "Empress, we have prepared a banquet in your honor. Please, allow us to show you the hospitality of our kingdom."
She knew Yiman wouldn't be able to handle this well since Xinemi was his estranged mother. As far as she knew things between them didn't end cordially in the past and he always considered Xinmei to have abandoned him, though Nadia felt he craved for her approval and warmth as well.
As someone who had once played the role of a mother of a boy, she understood it too well.
Xinmei turned her gaze to Nadia, giving her a nod of acknowledgment. "Queen Nadia, your reputation for graciousness precedes you. I look forward to the festivities. But before that, I would like you to extend your hospitality to a trusted advisor of mine."
Xinmei's gesture towards the second chariot brought everyone's attention to it. As the door slowly opened, the grandeur of the man stepping out made the very atmosphere around him feel electric.
The courtiers, officials, and even the guards couldn't help but gaze in admiration. But Nadia and Olivia's reactions were different from mere admiration. It was recognition, shock, and a myriad of other emotions that the two couldn't fathom.
He stood tall, his physique a fine blend of strength and elegance, wrapped in a pristine white robe. His luscious black hair cascaded over his shoulders, framing a face so perfectly chiseled that it seemed to have been sculpted by the divine. The man's eyes were like pools of the darkest night, radiating an enticing yet dangerous allure.
The man gracefully bowed to Empress Xinmei, acknowledging her with the words, "Your Majesty." His voice was velvety smooth, and as he spoke, it added to his enigmatic allure.
Then, with a stride that spoke of confidence and grace, he turned his attention towards the queen. "Queen Nadia," he began, his voice dripping with charm, "I've heard tales of your beauty and grace, but witnessing it firsthand is an entirely different experience. I shall be in your esteemed care during my stay." His eyes locked onto Nadia's, sending a peculiar jolt of feeling down her chest.
His sharp gaze peered into hers and she found herself getting lost it, feeling a hint of familiarity even though she had never seen him before.
Before he could answer, Olivia's subtle gasp, almost inaudible, but not to those close to her, cut through the momentary silence.
She quickly looked down, praying no one had noticed her reaction while her eyes were trembling.
This was the very same mysterious man she had lost her virginity to! She couldn't believe he was standing right in front of her now when she thought he had left her without a word.
She felt a flurry of emotions that left her unable to think.
But the mysterious man's gaze had already shifted towards her and she slowly looked up to see him gently smiling at her.
She felt her heart flutter at his charming smile and by the way he was looking at her, it seemed he really hadn't forgotten her.
What if he didn't say a word before because he knew he would be seeing her again?
Bai Ling's entrancing eyes briefly met Olivia's and held her captive with a gentle, knowing smile. He seemed to convey, without words, that the memory of their shared encounter was just as vivid in his mind. His unspoken message left Olivia flustered and heartbeating wildly.
"Thank you for your kind words. And your name would be?" Nadia asked with a polite smile while pressing down this odd feeling she was having.
Xinmei then introduced him, "People often call him the Wandering Saint, due to his travels and noble deeds across the world. However, his true identity is Lord Bai Ling. He has served as my trusted advisor for many years. His wisdom and counsel have, time and again, proven invaluable to the empire."
Olivia's heart thudded even louder, not from their shared secret, but from the weight of the revelation. The Wandering Saint was known across the lands for his prowess in healing people and providing cures of all kinds. To have had such an encounter with a person of his stature added another layer of complexity to her already tumultuous feelings.
Yiman's face hardened briefly upon seeing Bai Ling and the way she introduced him. Why would she give such importance to a mere lord? He also had never heard of this Bai Ling despite being her trusted advisor.
However, he quickly masked whatever expression he had earlier and greeted with a smile, "Welcome, Lord Bai Ling. Your reputation precedes you. We are honored to have the esteemed Wandering Saint as our guest."
Bai Ling, gracefully accepting the acknowledgment, replied, "Thank you, King Yiman. The honor is mine. I've heard tales of your kingdom's hospitality and magnificence. I look forward to experiencing it firsthand."
Xinmei, with a subtle smile, added, "Lord Bai Ling may be a wanderer, but when he commits, he does so with all his heart. I'm sure he will find your kingdom quite... captivating." Her eyes shifted subtly towards Olivia as she said the last word, leaving the young princess slightly unnerved.
Nadia, sensing the tension and ever the gracious hostess, stepped in. "It will be a pleasure, Lord Bai Ling. We hope to make your stay as comfortable as possible. Please, let's continue with the festivities."
Nadia felt this nagging odd sensation growing in the back of her mind, especially with the arrival of the empress and this Lord Bai Ling.
But she hoped that it was all just her imagination and led them inside.