They returned to their room and Shaugn began stripping off his outer robe. The ancients wore too many layers. The only thing left uncovered were their hands and heads. Shaugn felt as though he was going to steam cook in his clothes.

Xoan leaned against the desk and watched his empress fight with his garments. He heard Shaugn muttering to himself as he fought with his clothing and rubbed his chin in thought. Since the accident, his beloved zinzin seemed to be a changed person. Not that it was all bad. He just seemed more assertive, more...fierce. Where he cowered and preferred peace before, he actively attacked the other consorts.

A smirk appeared on Xoan's chiseled face.

Good.

"You realize you've started a war in the harem." Xoan walked over to Shaugn and stood in front of him. Shaugn's deep brown eyes stared back without remorse or concern.

"I am aware."

Xoan sat him down in a chair and began taking the ornaments out of Shaugn's locks. "There will be some fallout."

"This too I have considered." A queasiness rose in his belly and Shaugn rubbed it away. He looked into the mirror and watched Xoan take out the rest of his adornments.

"I am not upset. I just want to know what is your ultimate goal?" Their eyes clashed in the mirror.

For a moment Shaugn was surprised. He shook it off and clenched his back teeth. His ultimate goal was simple. He looked back with a resolute gaze. "To punish those that bullied and harassed me."

"Is that all?"

Shaugn turned to face him and squinted his eyes. "Why?"

Xoan's hands landed on his shoulders and gave a light squeeze. "I want to be sure no traces are left behind and help you set up any countermeasures."

Shaugn was quietly turning everything over in his mind. He wanted to tell Xoan everything about his reincarnation but at the same time, he wasn't ready yet. He answered cautiously.

"You will not be angry?"

Xoan gave a small smile. "I told you, do what you must."

"I plan to eliminate anyone who plotted against me and..." his voice choked as tears burned his eyes. He looked at the floor trying to keep Xoan from seeing them. Shaugn put his hand over his heart where it felt like someone was squeezing every last drop out of it. A burning despair rose up in his throat making him want to cry out in soul-wrenching pain.

He found it harder to breathe. These weren't his emotions. Where did this profound feeling of grief come from? Was he still connected to OG?

Warm hands landed on the sides of his neck and Xoan's thumb tilted his chin up. A tear rolled down his cheek and splashed on the warm palms. Xoan's piercing gaze softened. "And?"

"I will punish anyone involved in us losing our child." He inhaled sharply as Xoan's lips took his in a bruising kiss. After the initial shock, Shaugn wrapped his arms around Xoan's neck and kissed back just as fierce. They tried to pour all their grief, anger, and love for each other into their kiss.

Xoan broke the kiss and crushed Shaugn to his body. Never again would he let his beloved be hurt. He spoke in a gruff whisper in Shaugn's ear. "Gather all the evidence you need but refrain from any killings until I return."

"Do I not have the right?" Shaugn pulled out of his arms and looked up with scowl.

"You do. But," a smirk lifted the corner of his full lips. "I want to watch."

Shaugn cupped his cheeks in his hands and gave him a fierce kiss. "Whatever you say, your majesty." Strong arms lifted him and carried him to the bed. He was laid down and Xoan's body covered his.

"What are you doing?" he strembled as Xoan kissed the side of his neck.

"I'm gone for a while."

"And?"

"Give me something to make me smile when I'm bored to tears while traveling."

"You? Bored?"

The light hit Xoan's eyes making them sparkle like peridots. "Mmhm."

Shaugn tugged on a silky strand of hair that had come loose. "What would his majesty like?"

"Whatever the empress is willing to give."

With a quick roll of the hips and shoulders, Xoan was pressed down with his back on the mattress and Shaugn straddling his waist. The green in Xoan's eyes gave way to inky black as if to swallow Shaugn into their depths. Shaugn smirked and leaned down.

"I'll make it so you only ever have me in your eyes from now on."

Xoan gripped Shaugn's ample globes in his hands and squeezed while pressing his hips up. "I look forward to it, empress."

*****

Morning came before either of the lovers were prepared to wake. Having stayed up until the sun almost rose, the two moved with sluggish steps and half-shut eyes as they dressed and prepared to leave their room. Akechi prepared a rejuvenating lemon drink which woke them both up. Xoan dressed in a simple black tunic and pants with a golden brocade robe over. He did his hair up in a simple bun tied with ribbon. He waited by the door with Xaveh while Akechi pulled half of Shaugn's hair up into a side bun and inserted a beaded comb.

Shaugn looked up from the mirror to see Xoan's eyes on him. He bit the corner of his bottom lip to suppress a smile. They'd been unrestrained last night. Just thinking of the x-rated night they spent entangled in each others arms was enough to make Shaugn's face burn. "See something you like, your majesty?"

Xoan gave a small snort. His eyes raked over Shaugn's body and a smile lit up his face. "Indeed I do."

"Oh?" Akechi tapped Shaugn's shoulder indicating she was done. He stood and she helped him into his blue robe. "And what is it that has caught his majesty's eye?"

Xoan approached them and reached out his hand. Akechi handed over the belt and stepped back. Shaugn lifted his arms to allow Xoan to wrap the belt around his waist and tie it. He dusted Shaugn's shoulders then smiled in satisfaction. His warm lips pressed against Shaugn's jawline before his breath whispered in Shaugn's ear.

"My empress."

Shaugn let out a small giggle and grabbed his hand. "The words in your mouth are sweet as honey. Anyone ever tell you this?"

Xoan played with one of his twists before he pressed a kiss to the end and smiled. "Once or twice maybe." He leaned his forehead against Shaugn's.

"Flirt." He gazed in Xoan's eyes. What he wouldn't give to be able to do so forever.

Seeing the warm atmosphere, Xaveh was disappointed he had to break it. He covered his mouth and coughed. "Pardon, your majesties. The carriage awaits."

Shaugn kissed the plump lips in front of him then laced his arm through his beloved emperor's. "We wouldn't want you to be late, your majesty."

Xoan pinched Shaugn's nose before kissing his lips one more time. "Let us go, empress."

The sun was just rising and casting its golden glow on the palace as the doting couple walked arm in arm to the awaiting carriage. To their surprise, on either side of the palace steps were the household staff, the consorts, the children, and the guards. A hundred men dressed in armor sat atop a black or brown horse with armor to protect its head, chest, and sides. Behind them were three carriages pulled by a team of four horses and three carriages pulled by teams of six. Behind that team was another complement of guards on horseback.

Shaugn noticed there were three different types of horses in the procession and that the last carriage was mostly metal of some kind. He gave himself a mental note to ask Radagar later. As they walked down the steps, Afiyah stepped forward with a seven-year-old child beside her. They both bowed and gave their greetings.

"Your majesty, the little one and I made these snacks for you to enjoy on your journey," Afiyah pushed her daughter forward with the little basket. "Go ahead, Yafi. Give your father your gift."

Yafi blinked her hazel brown eyes up at her father and held out the basket. "For you, father emperor."

Xoan smiled and reached out to take her gift. "The third princess is thoughtful. Father thanks you." He raised his hand and stroked the top of her head.

The sweet moment was destroyed by several voices calling out all at once. Shilian's children, Lian and Lisha, and Sieh's sons Sion and Ishmael hurried over with their hands out to offer some kind of gift. They squeezed Yafi to the side as they surrounded their father.

"Father, go safely. I have a talisman to grant safe passage."

"Pui! I have a dagger said to belong to the most powerful warrior of all time."

"As if. Father, this carnelian is blessed by the monks in the temple. It will ward off evil and protect you from any danger."

Shaugn resisted the urge to roll his eyes. These women and children really went all out this time. Yafi and Afiyah were successfully brushed to the side by them. He hid his smirk behind his fan and looked at the smug expressions on Sieh and Shillian's faces. He looked at the other children who were standing quietly by their mothers. Shaugn called to them and beckoned them forward with his fan.

"Zoe, Lisha, Kasi, Col, Lora, and little Tobin. If you have a gift, bring it to your father."

The smug looks vanished from Sieh and Shillian's faces as the children came forward with their mothers. Each child gave him something different that he could use on his trip. Xoan accepted each one with a smile and praised them for their thoughtfulness and kindness.

After things were put into the carriage, Xoan took Shaugn's hand and walked to his carriage. "Take care while I'm away."

"I will. You be careful. Don't be a hero."

Xoan chuckled. "Yes, empress." He pulled Shaugn into an embrace and squeezed tight. "I'll miss you."

Shaugn leaned into the embrace and inhaled Xoan's scent. "I'll miss you, too."

"Keep your eyes open. Use the guard if you need them," Xoan whispered.

"I will." Shaugn pulled away and kissed Xoan's cheek. "Go and return soon, your majesty."

Xoan took Shaugn's hand and pressed his lips to the ring on his finger. With reluctance, he turned and boarded the carriage. Shaugn stepped back as the door was closed and the soldiers on horseback rearranged themselves so they rode in the front and sides of the carriage providing protection. There was a loud shout from the front and the procession began to move.

Shaugn stayed and watched until the last mounted soldiers disappeared into a cloud of dust into the distance. When they were gone, he turned to see the staff and consorts were gone. He turned to Kazim.

"Go bring me a physician versed in dujshua physiology."

Kazim nodded. "I'll go get physician Jong –"

"No," Shaugn quickly cut him off. "Someone outside the palace. I need discretion."

Kazim looked at Akechi then nodded and ran off. Akechi, Radagar, and Nirik followed Shaugn back into the palace.

"Nirik, I'm going to ask you to monitor the nursery for me."

Nirik wrinkled his nose in disdain. "I have to be with those brats?"

Shaugn chuckled and looked down at the twelve-year-old. He was not much older than the first prince. "They're practically your brothers and sisters."

A frown appeared on the youngster's face. Shaugn laughed and put an arm around his shoulders. "For only an hour or so as I set their mothers straight."

The gloominess faded away and Nirik nodded. "Okay."

"What about me, your majesty?" Akechi asked with shining eyes.

Shaugn couldn't help laughing. Her eagerness was refreshing. "I need you to tell the kitchen to prepare a late lunch for the consorts and then invite them all."

"If they refuse?"

"Tell them they won't get a penny until the emperor returns."

The corners of her eyes crinkled. "They won't like that one bit."

Using his fan to cover his mouth, Shaugn let out a hearty chuckle. His dark eyes sparkled. "They won't like a lot of things once I'm through with them."