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"See, I would order wine, but you're not at the drinking age yet," Jaxon teased. He tapped my plain drinking water and winked at me.

It's been two days since our arrival back home. I remembered what I said in the car so clearly, that it was almost embarrassing to remember. It was fine, though. Everything worked out just fine. Here I was, being taken out to one of the finest restaurants, on a date with someone I met from ancient China.

I still remember our ride home.

"I can't believe we stayed there for a little bit over one year," Jaxon shook his head. "What a story..."

"A story we can't tell anyone, right?" I turned to face him. He looked at the road. Not looked actually, he glared at the road. He always had a scornful look on his face... or an angry look.

His face softened when he looked at me. He chuckled. "We'll be sent to a psych ward if we told anyone. I think this is our little secret."

I let a slight laugh out. It faded because I know it was true. I wish I could tell someone because that would be a great bragging story. I was royalty at some point in my life. That was something barely anyone can say.

The sudden realisation that Jaxon was still here with me... it led me to think about our relationship. What were we? Was the making-out and arguing with each other just hormones or did I truly love him? Back then, I always thought I was just being ridiculous but now that I'm sitting passenger humming songs in peace with him... My heart felt something that it hasn't had for a very long time.

I was in love.

Maybe it was still the lack of love I had... Maybe it was because I never found anyone else in the Palace attractive... I mean, it's been a year since I've seen a modern-day man...

Or maybe it was because I actually was in love with Jaxon. Could it be that?

All the things we've been through... All the things we've witnessed... Besides, Jaxon was the only person who shared the same secret with me. Something about sharing this one thing was sort of intimate. Jaxon was attractive—everything about him was. The way his light brown eyes were fixed to front of him, the way he had this thoughtful look on his face at all times—sometimes glaring—I felt safe with him. He was always playful and teased me, treated me like I was equal. He took an arrow for me.

I think I was afraid to say that I was in love. There was nothing to lose. Jaxon had already confessed his love to me, which I declined. But you know what? He's starting to grow on me. We could try. There was nothing to lose.

"Jaxon," I began. My eyes were still glued to the front. We were still on the highway.

He kept his eyes glued to the front as well. "What's wrong?"

"I want to give us a try," I said, softly. "I think I'm starting to... like you, Jaxon."

A quick brake of the car caused me to jump. Suddenly, the car began moving again. I frantically looked at him with widened eyes, in which he looked back at me with shock. My heart almost stopped as the experience with the car accident traumatized me. But as soon as I registered Jaxon's face in my brain, I knew I was safe near him.

Jaxon blinked a few times. He still remained stoic. "Would you mind confessing your love to me when I leave the highway?"

"Hey, you asshole! That took courage!" I yelled as he laughed. I quickly crossing my arms as the car began to move normally.

It didn't.

"My ego has now been inflated after you deflated it," Jaxon responded. "Thank you for that."

"Shut up," I chuckled. "I would've been the drinking age if they didn't push me back time."

After we left back to his place, I was in euphoria. Holding his arm while standing in the elevator, I faced him. He was already looking at me. He towered over me, waiting for me to speak but I was captivated by our situation. It was weird. Perhaps the magic above us wanted us to meet like this.

Maybe we were meant to be together.

The door opens and we walk to the room. Dimly-lit because Jaxon hated the light. All the furniture is either black or light grey. I wasn't surprised by the colour, because it suited him.

I placed my purse on the couch before letting my butt hit the seats comfortably. I admired the dark interior. It was different as to what I'd want. I wanted more of a modern feel to my own place, once I have one. Dark wasn't really my thing.

Leaning back, I stared longingly at Jaxon who raised an eyebrow at me. He placed a cup of water in front of me and held his while standing in front of me. "I like how I don't have to tell you to make yourself at home."

"As it seems like you already did," he laughed to himself and sat next to me.

"Oops, perhaps that is too impolite?" I shifted my body to face him, placing my left leg over his to signify that I am ready to be slightly intimate.

"No," Jaxon placed his hand on my thigh. "You are always welcome to feel comfortable with me."

I slowly watched as he gently caressed my thigh. He bored his eyes in mine, reading into my thoughts but my mind was blank when I looked at him. My heart was beating rhythmic patterns of love. Every time he touched me, I melted. While still feeling safe with him, I was still afraid. Ever since I lived in the harem, I was scared to love. I was scared to befriend and scared to trust.

Betrayal was nothing new to me; Loss was nothing new to me. Before, I looked at Hua Er's grief over her father as something I wouldn't understand for a very long time. But I lost. I've lost and I gained. Here I was, comfortable sitting next to the man I love. I've denied it for too long now.

Jaxon wouldn't hurt me. He would never try to. When he dived in to protect me, I didn't know it at that time, but I loved him. No one has gone that far to protect me, no one—not even the Emperor. Walking into the room where he stayed because of his injuries, I realised that I was afraid of losing him. I was afraid to lose the person I fell in love with. I am grateful for this present moment and grateful that we both survived something horrific.

He wondered what I was thinking about when I looked at him. He needed to know.

I pushed a few strands of hair behind my ear and sighed. "Jaxon, that day... The day of the ambush... When you saved me..."

"What about it?" he asked, casually spreading his legs masculinely. He held the mug and took a sip, still looking at me.

"I-I don't know where to start but, I was so afraid to lose you," I whispered. I knew it was just us two but I was being dramatic. "I guess that was when I realised I've fallen for you."

"Do you want to know when I fell for you?" Jaxon asked.

With an anxious smile, I nodded.

"The first time I laid my eyes on you, Carmen," he spoke confidently. Gently, he leaned forward and placed the mug on the glass table. He turned to face me again. "I've never believed in love at first sight. It was stupid to believe in that crap."

I rolled my eyes. Jaxon was rational and too practical. If I spoke to him about horoscopes, I know he'd try and rationalize with me. He moved closer to me. Cupping my cheek with his hand, he leaned forwards. "It was stupid... until I met you."

Nothing could've prepared me for this moment. I seriously thought I'd die alone. I thought I'd die in that cell as a virgin as well. I was anxious. I was nervous. But I felt comfortable in the presence of Jaxon. All I wanted was safety and security, and I received it. I needed it. After all the things I've been through, only Jaxon could be here to keep me sane.

My heart was beating so fast, that my brain didn't know if it wanted to pull away or dive in. I leaned in forwards. Our lips collided and I felt hot. I felt the warmth on my cheeks as I leaned back. My back pushed against the couch as Jaxon placed himself on top of me, following my movement. I loved the taste of his lips against mine. I loved the way he touched me—his hands caressing my body, electrifying my entire body with warmth. I surrendered to his touch. I surrendered to him.

He ran his hand down my spine to my lower back, before wrapping his hands around my waist. Our kiss began to become sloppy, and I was panting now. It was starting to become aggressive. We both were aggressive in our nature, fighting for more. I felt his hand on my inner thigh and I almost had a moan escape my parted lips. I was begging for this man. I would beg for eternity for this man.

We slowly paused and Jaxon pulled away, leaving a trail of saliva that connected our tongue. It dripped down my chin but I let it be. Our eyes were whirlpools of lust. He was still on top of me, light eyes staring at me with passion. One more touch and I'll die a happy woman. One more kiss and I'll be even more devoted than I am right now.

Our heavy breathing was filling the silence of the large place. Never breaking eye contact, Jaxon lifted me off the couch.

"Stay tonight," he said. "I don't want to sleep alone."

I wrapped my arms around his neck. I studied his face. Jaxon wasn't asking me. He was telling me to. And I knew Jaxon never took no as an answer, and I was ready to submit and say yes to him.

We would take it slow. But I didn't like sleeping alone either. When my back hit the comfortable bed, I watched him rummage through the closet for something. His back muscles faced me and I was smiling at how lucky I was.

I didn't wrap the heavy blankets around myself yet, my eyes continued to admire him.

The wall of the bedroom was just one long window. City lights and police sirens were heard from outside. Without the lights on, the moonlight illuminated the room. The wooden floors matched the dark grey colours of the bed. Tall white ceiling, a fuzzy grey rug underneath the bed, two black picture frames of vintage paintings above the bed, and a beautiful man giving me his large t-shirt to sleep in.

"Thank you," I grabbed the shirt, then watched as Jaxon stripped in front of me. I kept my eyes wide open. I didn't blink.

After I changed, I entered the bathroom.

A flash of white that blinded me took as a surprise. White marbled floor, white bathtub, and white sink. It was a contrast to what was outside.

I turned around and looked at him, who was right behind me. He gently placed his lower hand on my back and smiled. "Yeah, I know. It hurt my eyes for two weeks when I moved in but you'll get used to it."

Used to it. I'll get used to it.

My smile gradually widened.

"Remember how I asked you what your skincare routine was?" Jaxon placed his toothbrush back in the holder.

I nodded, then realising my entire routine placed neatly on a white cosmetic organizer. My heart was racing. Nobody has ever put in this much effort for me and I turned around. I couldn't believe him.

"I'm going to cry," I croaked, placing my hand on my heart. "You're unreal. You are so unreal. You have to be from outer space or a government spy."

"How did you know? I was planning to tell you when we have our wedding," he joked. He looked over his shoulder as he exited the bathroom. "That way, you had no choice but to stay with me."

Still thinking about Jaxon even though he was about ten feet away from me, I finished with my night routine and slipped myself in bed. The city never sleeps, but I felt like whatever was happening in this room was more alive. Jaxon put the roller shades down while I felt comfortable under the blanket. When we laid next to each other, I turned to wrap my arm around his chest.

I placed my cheek on his heartbeat. It beat fast, maybe it was in sync with mine... My heart was racing as well.

He placed the palm of his hand on the top of my head, and caressed me. "I still can't get over how we met."

"When we introduce each other to our family and friends," I looked up at him. "What will we say?"

"Don't you remember? You were escaping an attacker and I was hiking for my journey of self-discovery," Jaxon said but laughed after he spoke. I smiled as I felt his body shake underneath me. "I'm amused by imagining myself hiking."

"Me too, I laughed when I told my family that story," I rolled away and laid on my back. My hand was still in reach of his. "Have you ever hiked before?"

Jaxon scoffed. He shook his head. I knew he shook his head because the pillow made noises. I was a psychic. Truly. Anyway, this was the deal-breaker for me. It was the final moment to see if Jaxon was the one. He turned his head to face me. "No. I hate hiking."

"Me too!" I exclaimed, quickly wrapping my leg around his lower body. I reached my arm over his chest in an attempt to show him that I was happy at his answer.

"I'm glad we're on the same page," he responded. "That would be a big deal-breaker for me. Imagine liking hiking."

I nodded. "Exactly! I'm so glad!"

"Even if you did like hiking, I'd still give a shot," Jaxon whispered.

"Okay, don't even try to flatter me with that!" I giggled, then rolling to the other side to express my fake resentment.

"I meant it, I did!" he justified.

I felt his arm wrap around my waist, pulling me in closer. Spooning. This was spooning. I was glad it was dark to hide the blush I had on my face. Tomatoes were in season, weren't they? I stifled a laugh at my stupid joke.

The room fell silent and the only thing I could hear was faint sirens. I felt warm under the blankets and under the embrace of Jaxon. This was love. This was the love I dreamed of. Me, in the arms of the man I loved, and our bodies one with each other. The soft complexion, the flawless man under the moon, it was him.

Jaxon. His name on my lips, on my tongue, flossing between my teeth—gross but I liked it—I would drink his name. I would drink his sorrows, his pain, his joy, his love, everything.

The future wasn't determined but I knew we'll last for eternity. There was chemistry, there was a magnetic connection. No one in the world made me feel like he does, and I doubt anyone can compare to how I make him feel. There was no cockiness when I said this, there was only truth in these words.

Feeling his body shift, I tensed when I felt him breathe down my neck. I froze. The infusion of the scent of both of our fragrance made me feel at ease. It smelled nice. It would leave the sheets smelling nice.

He groaned, "Are you still thinking? I can feel you thinking. Are you overthinking, baby?"

Baby.

"You've never called me that before," I tried to speak louder, but it was only a sheepish tone in my voice.

"I was thinking too," he whispered. I could sense him smiling when he spoke those words. "Pet names... Like you know when lovers have cheesy names for each other?"

I turned my body to face him. His hand never left my waist.

"Pumpkin or... sweetie pie is the cheesiest," I winced. "But I'm alright with whatever. As long as it's from your lips, I'm fine with anything."

That ended our conversation. He placed a small kiss on my forehead and I turned around again. This time, my back was still against the bed, but my face was looking away from him. One more look at him and I'd die right here... My heart was beating even louder.

Pet names? Pet names? Already?

I wish he didn't pull down the shades. That way, I could distract myself by looking at the dark sky. This was a blessing. Everything that happened was a blessing in disguise.

In a few minutes, Jaxon was already sleeping soundly. I was still awake in his arms and the rush of adrenaline was starting to fade.

Slowly, I turned around to face him. His eyes fluttered open. Jaxon raised an eyebrow and looked at me. Cupping my cheek with the palm of his hand, he gave me his full attention. "What's wrong?"

"Can you still believe how we met? How things just... happened?" I whispered although I knew that it was just the two of us.

He nodded. His head sank into his pillow as he stared at the ceiling. "Sometimes I recall the memories from the place, and it intrigues me to know how many times we could've died."

"We?" I pushed my body up, my elbow was sinking into the mattress.

I looked at him tenderly. I almost forgot Jaxon was a guard, who had to deal with a lot of attempted assassinations and other dangerous situations. Whatever he was doing in ancient China, never came across my mind. He must have risked his life many times.

So, I caught myself. "I realise that now... It must be dangerous being an Imperial guard. I'm sorry for not considering that until now."

"I think you went through the worst though," Jaxon chuckled. I followed after. He turned his head to look me in the eyes. The fire between us, was burning brightly. "All I can say is, that I am proud of you. You are an empress. You have bragging rights."

"Bragging rights that I can't actually use, though," I laid back in bed and pulled the blankets up to my chin. I thought for a moment before turning to Jaxon.

"Correct. But you are strong. I know now not to try and piss you off because you were scary over there," he took my hand. "You took down all your enemies, did some immoral things to remain in power, went against the traditions and norms, did things women weren't allowed to do at that time, and introduced new things to that world... That's something that I admire."

I felt at peace. I've been through too much, and the number of executions I've called used to weigh me down. I was never guilty of framing Bao Zhai and Minister Feng. It was mostly because I had to do what I had to do in order to survive.

The harem was scary, and to be above the harem, was even scarier. I didn't know my boundaries. I messed with everything and everyone. I had the whole council hate me at one point.

Jaxon wrapped an arm around my waist and pulled me in. I let my body slide in his arms. I could almost feel him smiling. "I'm glad I met you. I'm also glad I got to see this side of you."

"I'm glad I met you too," I whispered back. "I'm sorry that it took so long for me to realise that."

And even though I went through a lot of major changes, I still felt like I didn't lose a part of myself. I felt like I discovered parts of me that were submerged in my subconscious for too long. Besides, I had no regrets. I met Jaxon.

Everything happens for a reason, I believe so... I know so.

We didn't meet at a conventional place, but I'm glad we met.