Chapter Text
Xie Lian ran to the edge of the large wood of the fae wilds, figuring that this was the only safe place. He knew that if he went further than the edge, he would surely become very lost.
Yet, the prince was determined to keep this crimson bundle-- Hong'er-- safe from all harm.
Hissing could be heard over the yells of guards behind him. It seemed the cocoons had opened the moment that the guards had been ordered to remove them. The prince knew that if he looked back, he might not be able to stop himself from throwing his body into the fray to save every single creature from their miserable fate that had been decided for them.
Xie Lian slowed to a walk, looking around for any safe spot for Hong'er to exist before he emerged. The prince figured that if the others were emerging now, the crimson bundle in his arms might as well.
After a while, the prince found a small, broken-down shrine that looked like it hadn't been used in years. Xie Lian sighed in relief and went inside, his eyes widening at how unused the place was. A thick layer of dust lay on nearly every surface, and the wooden altar leaned precariously with half-rotted legs. If he sneezed at all, Xie Lian wouldn't be surprised if the table just crumbled from the force.
The prince sat himself down against the wall by the door, sniffing at the musty smell of the place. As a prince, he had never been around such a dirty place. It was honestly somewhat refreshing experiencing something new like this.
Suddenly, Hong'er chittered quietly. The prince looked down and smiled softly. "Shh.. It's alright. I won't leave you until you emerge. I promise." Xie Lian soothed, making that same brushing movement with his fingers that he had before. "It shouldn't be too long now, right?"
The crimson bundle seemed to quiver in his arms. Xie Lian simply held him closer, humming some lullaby that he had heard long ago, hoping that would offer some comfort to the small creature inside the cocoon. Rain began to pound on the roof above, and the prince hoped that the shack would stay together at least until Hong'er emerged.
"It took forever, so this one doesn't blame His Highness for leaving when he did." Hua Cheng said to a wide-eyed Xie Lian.
"It wasn't that I left, San Lang! I was pulled away by my attendants! I didn't want them to find you so..." Xie Lian said, a little defensive.
Hua Cheng looked extremely guilty, averting his gaze. "Forgive me. This one didn't mean to accuse His Highness like that." He said.
"No... It's alright." Xie Lian replied, pressing a soft kiss to Hua Cheng's chin. "You didn't know. ... Please tell me what happened after?"
Hua Cheng sighed. "After I emerged in the shrine," Hua Cheng explained, "I waited there for a while. I kept leaving to get food, returning to see if you had come back. I always waited for you, Your Highness."
Hua Cheng brushed Xie Lian's cheek with a fuzzy finger, soon cupping his cheek lovingly. Leaning into it, the prince nuzzled his face into that warm palm, closing his eyes. "I'm sorry I didn't come sooner." Xie Lian said.
"There's nothing to forgive, Your Highness. I promise." Hua Cheng said. "I love you. I have always loved you."
Xie Lian looked up into that midnight eye once more, overtaken with adoration. "San Lang..." He whispered.
"I was drawn to you like a magical flame. His Highness is the most radiant person I've ever met, and I would do anything to keep his light in my life for the rest of time." Hua Cheng said, his low, smooth voice filled with a deep sense of love that made the prince's heart swell.
"If... His Highness would also like that?" Hua Cheng asked, his expression more shy than Xie Lian thought him capable. "I would court him properly, of course. His Highness deserves only the best."
Xie Lian smiled, the corners of his eyes crinkling. "Of course, San Lang... I want that more than anything," he said. "I have never had a connection with someone as I've had with you. I..."
The prince was unable to finish his sentence. Lips pressed together once more, and Xie Lian sighed contentedly. Hua Cheng chittered happily, and the prince let out an airy laugh into the kiss, pulling the moth king closer.
The two continued to kiss on the grass, fully enveloped in each other, the outside world nonexistent. The idea of Hua Cheng courting him filled the prince with an indescribable sense of joy, and his heart swelled beneath his ribcage.
Dark was the night, but warm was the embrace. Calm was the breeze, but fervent was their shared love for each other. Softer than silk, warmer than a flame. Together, they abandoned all thoughts of their past, only looking forward to the future they would have together.