New World's Empress

She blinked at him then rolled her eyes, completely stunning him in motion. With a chuckle, she came suddenly closer. ''What is next? You will try to kiss me or will you try to go further? Sigh...''

Her hands were pressed to his c.h.e.s.t and she could clearly feel his heart racing but when she spoke those words his heart skipped the beat. It seems she really spoke what it was on his mind.

''Your Highness, I need to speak to you truthfully. Yes, you are indeed one very attractive man. But is that enough for me to feel love for you? It is too early to say such words and they would be meaningless if I really did at this point. Am I right?'' She earnestly looked straight into his eyes.

He sighed and straightened up. ''Actually, I met you before, but you don't remember me. I found you strange and at the same time interesting. But hearing that you are widow made me give you some space. I wanted to give you time to get over the grief. Really. But the current situation in my country...''

There was a moment os silence that she used to think about it deeper. ''I have a similar situation on my side. I am giving more or less the task to do that so my family in the other world won't suffer. Your Highness, I hate doing things halfway. I am married and have two sons.''

He looked at her with his deep gaze. ''But where are they now?''

His urgent voice made her go deep in thoughts. ''In the other world. I probably won't be able to see them ever again.''

''That means you accepted that fact. You are now here and belong from now on to me. I know you hold some feelings for your past husband, but please give me a chance as well. I am not as bad as everyone spoke about me.'' He suddenly held her hands and looked at her.

She shook her head but then nodded with a chuckle. ''I am not foolish. Many things happened that I can't speak of. My heart, I do not know how will it react, but I have to tell you one thing. I definitely hate dirty things.'' Her words were clear as day so he nodded.

''I understand. But give me time. Many things need to be taken care of. I am unfortunately not a simple commoner. As Emperor, I must handle the government as well. The rule changes and new laws are ready but it will take me time to make them pass. Many people will try to stop me, for their own sake. They like current laws as they can use them as they wish.'' He started walking up and down with a dark face.

Looking at his expression Liu Mei's heart softened. Of course, she knew many things from her school and even those he was not the best student, she still knew many things. He might be the Emperor but if he doesn't handle his people well, they will rebel and usurp the throne. Who knows what will happen to the country if they do that.

''Your Highness. Your duties and my duties, I understand them clearly.'' Her words made him stop suddenly.

He turned his eyes and gis gaze became suddenly quite hot. ''You understand your duties? Hmmm...'' With a small smile in corners of his lips, he stepped forward again and as she stapped again back he lowered his head.

She closed her eyes with scrunched eyebrows and suddenly... she felt pain on her forehead. He flicked her head so hard that the red spot appeared on her white skin and the pain made her big eyes turn watery. ''Ah, hurts...''

Her words made him suddenly feel hot. This time he held her body with both hands and she felt soft lips pressing on the spot he hit before. His hot breath whirled over her skin and she heard his soft voice. ''I wanted to give you time to get used to me. But the situation... I still hope you won't resent me too much. Sorry for pushing you to become my woman without your real wish. The flick on your head is for your words. I do not need a woman that takes such personal contact only as a duty. I want her to want me, just this time we need to do it for the people's sake. I can't take time. I just don't have it.''

Liu Mei thought about her loveless marriage. The way her husband treated her and just chuckled inside. It's the same. Or not? This person seems to have at least some feelings for her. Should she give it a try?

She pushed him a bit from herself and looked at his eyes. ''I can't promise anything. But I do not dislike you, so I will take the chance. Maybe...''

He pressed her lips with his finger, but still held her tightly with one hand. ''Stop talking. No matter what happens tonight, after that, we will have many more chances to talk. You will be my woman, no my wife from tonight on. Liu Mei, I would like to ask you for just one favor, please.''

She nodded softly. Her lips were still sealed by his finger and he looked at them with a strange expression as he moved his hand away. ''Tonight, at least just for tonight, think only about me. Even if it's just for a short period of time. I want to be in your thoughts only for one night, can I not?''

His words held bit fo pain in them and she sighed inwardly. Of course, he would think she was still emotionally connected to her husband. ''Your highness. The only people I am thinking about are my children if that is what you want to say in your underlying question.''

He stared at her clear eyes and suddenly he felt like a huge stone fell off his heart. ''I ... I mean... Uhhh...'' He started stammering while she smiled at him.

''I do not hold him in my heart, but I can't give up loving my children. Is that acceptable?'' She rose her hand slowly and stroke his cheek softly. ''I do not know where my future lies. There are too many secrets about me that I still didn't figure out, but one thing is for sure, I am here, now.''

She completely gave up. Her husband, she knew, she didn't wish anymore. Her children found someone they could love and care about and not only that, it seems that woman will be good to them, right? Small worry appeared in her heart but then she remembered that old man prophecy so she just sighed.

Then she remembered that voice. Waiting for the next ten years here or in her house or monastery. Isn't it the same? She didn't want to start their lives with lies so she made a decision. ''I need to tell you something before we know each other better, the thing you will hear now. No, I must show you...''

Suddenly...