The Villainess Fell In Love

Chapter 77: Twirled Between The Sheets

*Skip if you're young or uncomfortable.*

When the soft mattress met her back, a tender kiss was planted on her forehead. His body fell beside her and for a while, the only sound in the room was their breathing.

Khan Bojing was the first to speak. He recognized the embroidery style instantly. "So you've been searching for my mother...?"

"Yebai, I'm so sorry. I didn't know it'd be your mother." What started as an innocent side mission turned out to be a royal matter. Li Wei's growing suspicions weren't confirmed until they visited his parents and she saw the familiar brocade Mother Xu kept.

There was another long pause. He needed a moment to himself and she didn't pressure.

When he spoke again, his words were carefully chosen, "Xiao Wei, there are some things you don't know about my family... but I think you should know, as my wife."

"You don't have to tell me anything you're not ready to share," she gently reminded him.

"No, it's something you should know. You're my family now," he said firmly.

His stared nothing in particular, but the look in his eyes became distant. "My father was originally not the favored prince. All his life, he stood in the shadow of my uncle until an unfortunate accident rendered my uncle's legs useless. He was suddenly pushed into the spotlight and in his darkest moments, he met and fell in love with my mother. She was brave, she was strong, and she brought out the best in him."

The pain of the past was coming back to haunt him. She squeezed his hand.

"When the time came, they rose to accept the throne. Xiao Wei, my mother gave up her dreams to build this kingdom with my father. She created a family on the cold grounds of the palace. She gave everything to get my father to the sky. Then, everything came tumbling back down to bury her..." His voice that was always so strong faltered.

"At the height of his success and glory, my father betrayed her. He announced the death of my mother in the morning and spread news of his upcoming marriage by evening."

She wiped the single teardrop that rolled down his cheek and nestled into his chest.

Khan Bojing held onto her tightly. "My mother stood, breathing while her name was pronounced dead to the world. But life is funny sometimes and karma sure has its way of playing around. My new mother, Chu Fangyin, was forced into this whole ordeal. She never loved my father."

"Although we don't get along, we had never truly hated each other. Poke enough to mess with, but not enough to kill. Perhaps you can call this mutual respect and acknowledgement of one's rival's sufferings. Sometimes, you may even find the comfort in seeing your enemy alive because that means you are not alone in your pain." A small smile bloomed on Khan Bojing's face. It sounded ridiculous spoken aloud, but in its own way, was bitterly hilarious.

Li Wei's thoughts whirled around. She... she had never thought of this. Didn't they hate each other? Did Chu Fangyin not tried to assassinate him on multiple occasions?

He laughed at her dumbfounded expression. "Why do you think she chose to become infertile after the birth of my sister?"

"What? That was out her own will?!"

"Silly, that's her own way of torturing my father."

Li Wei was sure she looked like a fool at this point, blinking slowly and trying to make sense of the information. Chu Fangyin was this intricate...?

Khan Bojing flicked her forehead. "Silly, how will you survive in the palace without me?"

"How's that possible when she tried to kill you at every turn?"