{ Thicker Than Water - FutureWeiSovereign }
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Cao Zijian could practically hear the cogs working around the boyās mind. Hear the way he shifted whilst being held. Though Zijian eased his grip on Ruiās form and leaned himself backward, looking over the now tear-stained face of the young, budding prince.Ā
What was he to say if not the truth? But the truth was a dangerous thing, full of the secrets he and Lady Zhen were never supposed to bring to light. Full of the destructive connections that could bring an end toĀ both of their lives, as once it almost did.Ā
He took him by the arms, shaking his head very slowly, speaking in a hushed, low tone: āNo one can know,ā He began, dark tresses falling in front of sunken, tired eyes. āI loved your mother very much and my brother simply did not deserve her. I should have spoken for her when Iād had the chance but⦠whatĀ Zihuan wants, he gets, you see.āĀ
One hand came to rest upon Ruiās head as Zhiās breathing evened out, his head shaking from side to side. He attempted to calm himself, his features slowly returning to normal, though retaining their reddened, stained flesh.Ā
"Keep this information locked away where no one can find it. Never speak of it, do not treat me differently if you can help itā¦Ā not a soul can know.āĀ
Misted blue fell quietly to the floor as Rui was released from the embrace, one hand holding childishly to a loose piece of his unc- no, hisĀ father's clothing. "I understand," the boy responded quietly, "about his majesty's selfishness." Part of him chastised himself about speaking ill of Zihuan, that piece of him wary thatĀ anyone could be reporting on him, and wondering if this were perhaps a test of his loyalties.
A slight shake of his head sent those thoughts scattering, he'd always been able to entrust anything to the older man, now wasn't the time to be doubting him. If what he said was true, then he had every reason to resent the emperor, and to have offered his support all of these years. To have objectively critiqued his works, to have comforted him after the death of his mother, to have reassured him that despite the emperor's cold demeanor, he was loved...
"I will keep it close to me always, I could never have betrayed you before, so nothing has changed." A gentle smile served to reassure the other, but didn't quite reach his eyes, resting now on the abandoned cup. "Muqin always spoke well of you, but I never would have imagined it was more than respect for a fellow artist... she must have loved you very dearly, to have crossed his majesty in the way that she did."
"I am glad to know that I was not mistaken about the strength of her character."










