MY PRINCE HUSBAND HAS SEVEN WIVES AND I AM HIS FAVOURITE!
Chapter 53: intertwined

Chapter 53: intertwined

"Hua Jing," Zhao Yan called again, louder this time.

The sleeping figure in his arms didn’t stir. Instead, her arms tightened around his waist, pulling him closer. Zhao Yan’s breath hitched, his mind going blank for a moment as he froze in place.

He looked down at her. Hua Jing’s face was tilted toward him, her features softened in peaceful slumber. There was a slight trail of drool escaping the corner of her lips, glistening faintly in the dim light.

Zhao Yan blinked. Was this truly the same sharp-tongued, aggravating woman who never missed an opportunity to mock him? She looked so different like this—quiet, serene, even vulnerable.

He hesitated for a moment, then gently reached out to wipe the drool from her lips. As his fingers brushed against her skin, he recoiled as though he had been burned.

His heart thudded loudly in his chest. He clenched his jaw, trying to steady his breathing. What was this feeling? Why was his body reacting this way?

Zhao Yan’s gaze lingered on her, taking in the curve of her cheek, the delicate slope of her nose, and the way her lashes fanned out against her skin. She was... so beautiful.

He sighed, reaching out again—this time, to tuck a stray strand of hair behind her ear. His fingers worked carefully, almost reverently, as he cleared her face of stray locks, ensuring nothing obstructed his view of her.

"Troublesome woman," he muttered under his breath, his lips quirking into the faintest smile.

After a while of simply watching her, Zhao Yan spoke softly, as if testing the weight of his own words. "You’d be furious if you woke up and saw this, wouldn’t you?"

He let out a quiet chuckle, his voice carrying a tenderness that surprised even him. "It’s a good thing you’re still asleep, Hua Jing."

He sighed again, this time in resignation, and leaned down slightly, his forehead pressing against hers. Her warmth seeped into him, grounding him in a way he hadn’t felt in years.

Carefully, as if afraid of disturbing her, Zhao Yan wrapped his arms around her, holding her tightly against him. For once, he allowed himself to let go of his guarded demeanor, letting the moment fill him with a quiet sense of peace.

Within moments, sleep claimed him, and the two of them remained entwined, the world outside their little sanctuary fading into the background.

....

Hua Jing was fast asleep, her breathing steady and her body finally at rest after the grueling events of the past few days. Yet, within the depths of her slumber, a dream began to form.

At first, it was formless—just a swirl of colors and sensations. But soon, a distinct warmth began to wrap around her, chasing away the cold that had clung to her bones for what felt like forever.

Her fingers twitched, and in her dream, she reached out, seeking that comforting heat. Her hand brushed against it—a solid, reassuring presence—and instinctively, she clung to it as if her life depended on it.

The warmth didn’t resist. Instead, it seemed to embrace her in return, enveloping her in a cocoon of safety and tranquility. The more she held on, the more she felt a sense of peace she hadn’t experienced in what seemed like an eternity.

In the quiet stillness of the dream, Hua Jing felt herself relax completely. Her worries, her fears, even the lingering pain in her body—all of it melted away under the gentle glow of this mysterious warmth.

But it wasn’t just a feeling. Slowly, a figure began to emerge within the light. It was indistinct at first, just a shadowy outline, but as she focused, the shape of a man became clearer.

He was tall, his posture upright and composed. His silhouette shifted and flickered, as if undecided between two forms. At times, he wore a sharp, modern suit, its crisp lines and tailored edges exuding confidence and elegance. At other times, he donned a long, flowing robe, reminiscent of the ones worn by the noblemen of this ancient world. His hair was tied back with a dark ribbon, its ends swaying gently as if caught in a breeze.

Hua Jing squinted, trying to make out his face. But no matter how hard she tried, the light surrounding him was too bright, obscuring his features. It was frustrating, and yet, it didn’t matter.

The warmth emanating from him was enough. It called to her, pulling her closer, and she didn’t hesitate. She ran toward him, her steps light and eager, as if she feared he might vanish if she didn’t reach him in time.

When she finally reached him, she threw her arms around him, clinging tightly. The sensation of his solid presence against her was overwhelming, grounding her in a way she hadn’t realized she needed.

"Don’t go," she whispered, her voice trembling.

The figure didn’t respond at first, but his arms came around her, holding her just as tightly. The embrace was firm, unyielding, and it sent a wave of reassurance coursing through her.

"I won’t," a voice finally murmured.

The sound was soft, deep, and achingly familiar. It resonated in her ears, wrapping around her like a melody she couldn’t quite place.

Hua Jing pressed closer, her face buried in his chest. The warmth seemed to grow, spreading through her body, chasing away every trace of fatigue and sorrow.

In the back of her mind, a question lingered: Who is this? Why do you feel so familiar?

But she didn’t ask aloud. The answer didn’t matter. All that mattered was that she felt safe, truly safe, for the first time in what felt like forever.

The figure leaned down slightly, his breath brushing against her ear.

"Sleep well, Hua Jing," he whispered, his voice a soothing balm that sent ripples of calm through her.

The words settled over her like a blanket, and she felt her grip loosen ever so slightly. The light surrounding him dimmed just enough for her to feel as though she could finally rest, truly rest, without any worries...