Work Text:
With the first rays of sunlight peeking from the horizon, hues of yellow, red, and orange painted Liyue's sky, a harmonious scenery to welcome a new day on the harbor. A gentle breeze caressing and whispering sweet nothings to the tranquil ocean.
A peaceful morning indeed.
Yet, the same thing couldn't be said inside the royal palace.
Within its rich golden walls, a cacophony of hushed whispers, excitement, and an endless stream of questions welcomed the emperor in the early morning. A flurry of servants and officials rushed by his side, their minds too preoccupied with preparations to recognize him. Not that he minds. Zhongli would rather stand and observe as disappointment settles in. His usual cup of tea by the royal garden is now nothing more than a distant mirage.
It was one of the few moments where he would simply sit on a rock and sunbathe, let his tail and horn feel the warmth of the sun. If it were for him, he would let go of his human vessel and lie atop a rock, just like a lizard. But, ah, appearances must be kept.
Instead, there are several members of the Qingxin surrounding him, firing question after question with no room for him to respond.
'Your Imperial Majesty, the kitchen is requesting your opinion on the meals to be served'
'Your Imperial Majesty, the maids wonder whether golden or silver cutlery should be distributed on the tables'
'Your Imperial Majesty, the Tianquan wishes to know whether a musical performance should be arranged for dinner'
'Your Imperial Majesty, should the kitchen staff also perform for our guests?'
'Your Imperial Majesty–'
With a raise of his hand the barrage of questions halts.
"I place my out most trust on the kitchen to decide on the meals. Our guests are important therefore golden cutlery shall be distributed. As for the performances, a musical performance would suffice, I wouldn't want to put much pressure on the kitchen staff"
Before they could ask more questions Zhongli steps back and speaks first.
"If there are any more questions, please refer them to the Qingxin, I have placed my trust in them to oversee this whole matter. I'm sure they will be more than happy to provide you with answers. If that is all, please excuse me"
Although not completely satisfied, the officers bow and make way for him; much to his relief.
A soft sigh leaves his lips as he makes his way toward the throne room. Now don't get him wrong, Zhongli adores indulging his people and their questions. So much so, he likes to sneak out of the palace to walk amongst them. To be able to admire their hard work and their enthusiasm to share it with him fills his heart with joy and pride. He loves seeing his people celebrate, whether it's the lantern rite or Moonchase festival, or rite of descension or simply celebrating for the sake of it, he loves seeing the happiness and excitement permeating the air.
Yet, he can't fully enjoy the celebrations this time.
Seating upon his golden throne adorned with carvings of dragons and glaze lilies, his silky smooth robes of his finest of hanfus painted the epitome of regal, but, he couldn't help but wonder and regret. For the first time in his life, Zhongli thought that perhaps he was far too hasty, that perhaps he should have put more thought before agreeing and sealing the contract.
He should have–
As if a dam broke, a rush of excited whispers and high-pitched squeals traveled through the halls. If all staff members of the palace were trying to keep their excitement at bay before, well, not anymore.
Which must mean his special guests have arrived.
And more importantly, his future empress has arrived.
Just how did he get here.
Ah, yes, the Tsaritsa.
Ever so cunning and sharp she had sent diplomats in an attempt to establish a political relationship between both nations. Much to her dismay, negotiations weren't going in her favor, or so it seemed. Like a predator stalking its prey, with the patience of a saint, she waited for a slight opening before pouncing on her target. That target being him. All the diplomats deployed were nothing but decoys and informants planted inside the palace and harbor. In what seemed to be innocent comments, the Fatui began to bring up the emperor's lack of an empress by his side to the table. And, oh, did the people gossip and stir up rumors. So much so, that passing comments were being made inside the palace, servants and officials alike indulging in the topic too. Even the Qingxin had partaken in it, the Tianquan ever so bold, mentioned the rumors in an official meeting with the emperor himself.
That was the green light for people to be openly vocal with their wonder.
Seeing the common interest from the harbor and palace, both the Adepti and the Qingxin began to request reasoning as to why the emperor had not taken anyone as a bride. They went so far as to offer a list of suitable candidates for him to court and wed.
Some officials went as far as to push their own sons and daughters onto him in hopes of them being chosen to be his bride.
Heavy, the pressure for him to find a wife was heavy, and quite frankly it was beginning to get on his nerves. He had patience, almost an infinite amount of patience, almost. He tried, he tried his best to not let it show, he tried to hide it behind his poised demeanor.
But the Qingxin, especially the Tianquan, knew how to relentlessly press his buttons to get more than a vague response from him.
With a slam on the table during a meeting, his facade crumbled. Surprisingly enough, that didn't deter the Tianquan from pressing on but he quickly shut down the conversation, a warning hidden behind his words.
'Drop it'
Unfortunately for him, it was too late.
The Fatui had already informed the Tsaritsa about his little outburst.
Not long after, a silver letter was delivered to him, and only then did he realize.
From the very beginning, she was the one to personally propose and seal a contract with him. Not those diplomats but the Tsaritsa herself. All those 'innocent' comments were made on purpose, a plan to put pressure on him and to create an opportunity for her to negotiate.
A bride.
She offered one of her Harbingers to be his bride.
The Tsaritsa dared to express sympathy towards his situation knowing damn well it was her fault. A bride in exchange for opening trading flow between the two nations, essentially proposing a political marriage.
'We both benefit from this proposition, the exchange of goods between Snezhnaya and Liyue brings economic gain and you get a competent bride by your side. That ought to quell all incessant questions.
If you accept this contract I will be personally visiting Liyue to close the deal. At that time I will present you three of my Harbingers for you to choose from.
There are other businesses I have to tend to around the area, so our stay will be limited to one night. It would be preferable if your choice is made by the end of the night, after all, preparations for a wedding like this, take time.'
She had written.
And in what can only be described as desperation to appease the public he accepted.
After not taking in a mate for six thousand years, he agreed to make a stranger his bride.
Like a fool, he fell into her trap.
At the very least, the Tsaritsa's Harbingers are all known to be capable at their jobs, whether it be at the front line on battlefield or their silver tongue in court. Each one of them can certainly take on the paper of being his empress.
He knows that this contract brings more benefits to him than her. But he can't rid of the feeling of being played. To play the oldest archon is a feat not many, if any , can tell.
Zhongli huffs, finally admitting defeat before chuckling.
'Well then, let's see who will be my future empress'
As if on cue, an officer steps into the throne room announcing the arrival of his guests.
"Your Imperial Majesty, Queen of Snezhnaya, the Tsaritsa along with Lord Scaramouche, Lady Signora, and Lord Tartaglia have arrived"
He nods and soon enough a flurry of Liyuen officials as well as Fatui envoys begin to flood the room.
At the center of it all, stood the queen of ice dressed in exuberant robes, crystal and diamonds alike sewn into the fabric. A clear display of her wealth and fine craftsmanship. Her Harbingers in tow don't fall behind either. Although standing behind their queen, Zhongli catches a glimpse of their hanfus, all adorned with golden and silver embroidery.
Warm cor lapis meets icy blue and the Tsaritsa smiles before stepping aside.
And,
Oh
He can feel himself go breathless.
Standing in the middle, there is a young man clad in a blue hanfu, the belt hugging snugly his tiny waist. Auburn curls framing his round soft face slightly dusted with freckles. The beautiful blue of the hanfu pales in comparison to the owner's striking cerulean blue eyes, those big doe eyes framed by fluttering long lashes. A twitch of his ear catches his attention and he takes notice of his fluffy tail and the pair of fox ears sitting on his head.
A fox hybrid.
His eyes shift focus again and settle on those plump pretty pink lips, Zhongli can only wonder how they must feel against his own.
Soft and warm.
Thump
Thump
Jumping and twisting inside his chest, Zhongli fears his heart is too loud.
Thump
Thump
It takes him a few seconds to realize it isn't his heart that he hears, but rather his tail swishing in excitement.
How unbecoming of him, wagging his tail as if he was an excited pup.
He doesn't need to look at the Tsaritsa to see a smug smile plastered on her pale face.
Clearing his throat, all heads turn to him. "It is my pleasure to welcome all of you to Liyue, although short, I will personally make sure your stay is nothing but pleasant and satisfactory"
"I will take you up on that, Morax" the Tsaritsa lifted her hand and gestured for one of her servants to come close. Procuring a box, the servant hands it to one of his officials to show to him. Tea is a box of tea "I'm aware of your fondness for tea, so I have selected the finest delicacies of Snezhnaya for you to enjoy"
Zhongli hums pleased with the selection. He must admit the Tsaritsa knows what she's doing, if she desires to make further negotiations concerning the trading flow, she certainly knows how to win his favor.
With pleasantries out of the way, the Harbingers and the rest of the Fatui are dismissed on a tour around the palace. Only he and the Tsaritsa remain inside the throne room as per his request.
"I presume you want to discuss the situation regarding the trading flow further"
"Ah, is that what you think?" She tilts her head and smiles.
"Is it not?"
"Not necessarily, no" Zhongli raises an eyebrow, silently nudging for her to continue "I actually wanted to discuss matters surrounding your future bride"
"Oh"
"Setting the contract apart, I simply wanted to ask a favor, as a friend. Of course only if you want to hear me out, there is no obligation for you to do so" there was gentleness in her silver eyes Zhongli has never seen before. Here, inside the throne room, only the two of them, there was no need to keep appearances, an emperor and queen they might be but foremost of all they are friends, old friends who have fought together centuries ago. Zhongli relaxed and gifted her a small smile.
"I will do my best to fulfill your request" the seriousness behind his words earns a chuckle from the Tsaritsa.
"While I don't doubt your kindness, I can't help but be concerned about the future of my child. Whoever is it that you choose, I only ask for you to treat them with care and respect, and perhaps with time, cherish them"
Zhongli exhales through the nose and nods.
"There was no need to ask, I had intended to do so from the beginning" probably the Tsaritsa knew this deep inside but she still wanted to hear it from him, and who was he to deny reassurance to a worried mother. Even if her eleven Harbingers weren't related to her, the Tsaritsa cherished them as if they were her own children.
The Tsaritsa sighs content with his answer before a smirk tugs at her lips, eyes bright with mirth.
"Although, I have an inkling as to who will be your chosen one"
"Ah, is it that obvious?" He sheepishly scratches his neck while his old friend laughs.
Taking a sip, Zhongli waits for the Tsaritsa to calm down after her fit of laughter "You old dragon, you were ogling him like he was a trinket on a merchant's stand! Ready to whisk him away and covet him with the rest of your treasures. It seems old habits die hard"
That makes him blush and look away. Another laughing fit and Zhongli grunts but doesn't deny it. He is a dragon at heart, after all. No point in doing so, it's his nature, to protect and cherish what's his albeit in a possessive way, or so his adepti like to say.
"Morax, feel free to court him, also, a piece of advice. It would do you good to gain the favor of the other Harbingers" with that, Zhongli takes this as his cue to leave, not before bowing and saying his goodbyes "Good luck in your endeavors, old friend"
Opening the doors, he asks one of the guards to escort the Tsaritsa to her chambers. Then he sets off to find the fox hybrid, which actually proves to be very easy thanks to the open halls surrounding the areas.
In the midst of the royal gardens, there was a training ground, courtesy of none other than himself, he liked to train surrounded by a variety of beautiful flowers. It wouldn't hurt to have a nice view when doing so. And right at this moment, he can only be grateful towards his past self as he catches a glimpse of a fluffy tail and fiery red bouncing amongst the flowers.
Breathtaking.
Tartaglia was breathtaking to look at.
Light on his feet, he danced across the floor, robes flowing elegantly as he dodged an incoming par before retaliating with a slash of his hydro sword. Tartaglia laughed at Scaramouche's failed attempt to land a hit, a joyous sound he would engrave in his mind to later replay in the privacy of his room. With a clash of their weapons, they both jump back to regroup while they taunt each other.
"Tartaglia, remind me again how you became a Harbinger with that pathetic strength of yours" Scaramouche sneers before diving in for another round.
The redhead scoffs before doing the same "Could ask you the same thing with that little body of yours"
"Now you've done it you stupid brat!"
"Scaramouche! Mind your language! I don't want my pristine image to be tainted thanks to your filthy mouth" La Signora sighs and rolls her eyes "Ugh, can't believe I have to be associated with a bunch of idiots"
"Oh shut up you old hag" Scaramouche stills to look at her, Tartaglia follows suit to join him.
"Like we want to be associated with that ugly face of yours" both males snicker and jump out of the way when La Signora launches at them, barely missing them by the neck.
He can't help but chuckle at the exchange between the Harbingers.
His chuckle ends up attracting unwanted attention, La Signora looks up and they meet eyes, she immediately straightens her back. Clearing her throat she bows, and the other two follow her actions.
"Your Imperial Majesty, to what honor do we owe the pleasure"
Zhongli shakes his head, eyeing Tartaglia for a second too long before looking back at La Signora "Apologies, I didn't mean to intrude"
"Not at all, ah, my colleagues here often spar. Although, I'm quite worried if it is okay for us to use training grounds without asking for permission first"
"No worries, there isn't a problem in you doing so. In fact, you are more than welcome to make use of them" That has Tartaglia perking up with a smile on his face. It seems the fox does indeed live up to the rumors, a force to be reckoned on battlefield, an individual who thrives in the thrill of the battle, constantly searching for ways to improve.
The way his fluffy tail moves from side to side and ears lay back in his head doesn't go unnoticed by Tartaglia's colleagues. La Signora looks at him intently before a sigh escapes her lips.
"Your Imperial Majesty, is there any way I could pay a visit to the market? It would be a shame not to look around, a chance to visit the center of trading is hard to come by" she smiles.
"That can be arranged"
"Perfect! Thank you, Your Imperial Majesty"
With a flick of his risk a servant comes forwards, he relays an order to have a carriage, and escorts be prepared to depart as soon as possible. La Signora is asked to follow, nodding she promptly turns on her heels and grabs Scaramouche by the arm, the latter grumbles and he tries to pyre her off.
"Wha–"
"You are coming with me" dragging her fellow Harbinger she looks at Tartaglia and winks at him with a mischievous smile "Have fun"
And just like that, they are gone.
Zhongli is startled when Tartaglia closes the distance between them, coming to stop a few inches away from him. He is close, so close he could bend down and steal a kiss from those pretty pink lips. Oh, how he longs to savor those soft plump lips, to pepper kisses on that milky white skin of his neck. Instead, he looks into those cerulean eyes peeking through thick eyelashes, there's a light blush tinting those freckled cheeks. Zhongli wants to kiss the ginger so bad his fingers itch with want. His desire only grows when Tartaglia grabs his hand, caressing the palm and every ridge of his fingers.
"Your Imperial Majesty–"
"Zhongli" he interrupts.
"Huh?" The way the ginger tilts his head is adorable.
"You can call me Zhongli"
Tartaglia pauses for a moment and looks at him before smiling, rubbing circles on his palm "Well then, Zhongli your hands are quite soft for someone that wields a weapon as good as you do"
"As a god, I have the ability to heal wounds and scars, at the time, my younger self saw no reason as to why I should keep scars on my body. Therefore, all marred skin had been healed to leave no trace behind"
The fox hybrid hums in satisfaction, raising their hands and pressing their palms together "If you don't mind me asking, what would be your weapon of choice?"
"I– uh– although–" he clears his throat, distracted by the way Tartaglia's hand feels against his, warm and smaller in size. They must feel nice against my skin, those slender fingers tracing and digging into the skin of my back when I– swallowing hard, he pushes away the thought as heat crawls up his neck "although I have mastered all weapons, I am very fond of using a spear when I fight"
"A master of all weapons, then you are just like me! Although I prefer to use twin swords on battlefield" Lacing their fingers together, the ginger intertwines them with a smile on his wet lips, their faces only a breath away "We are a perfect match, don't you think?"
Somewhere deep inside Zhongli sparks, lighting an uncontrollable fire that consumes his body with fervent desire. Like a relentless itch, his most primal instincts are urging him, begging him to take the ginger and litter that milky white skin with bites, begging him to claim him as his, to mate him .
Shame, boiling hot shame comes down splashing and quashing down those feelings. How could he let his primal instincts take over?! Zhongli is embarrassed at how easily he lost himself, it only gets worse when he notices his tail swishing excitedly from side to side.
Acting like he was a teenager with raging hormones.
Drowning in his own embarrassment, Zhongli is pulled out by a soft waft of the ocean with a small hint of sweetness. It was divine, Tartglia smelled divine and it was driving Zhongli crazy. The need to sink down his teeth into that pale neck and bathe in that refreshing sweet fragrance was killing him. That need only grew when Tartaglia leaned closer, his nose lightly grazing the skin of his neck.
"You smell nice" wet lips softly whispering those words into his skin, and as if that wasn't enough, the fox buried his face into the crook of his neck, their fingers still intertwined. In fear of his instincts taking over, he just stood there, allowing him to do as he pleased, allowing himself to indulge too by resting his head atop Tartaglia's.
Too late for him to notice, his tail wrapped itself around the fox's waist. Perfect, it felt so right, it was perfect . And much to his surprise, Tartgalia seemed to enjoy it, if the way buried his face deeper and nuzzled his neck was anything to go by. His chest rumbled with pleasure and he purred loudly when he felt the fox smile against his skin.
Tartaglia chuckles and oh, does he love the sound. To be able to hear that joyous sound for the rest of his life would be a wish come true, so he held onto it as if it was one of his most prized treasures.
"Zhongli, if it's okay with you, I would like you to use my other name. One only those close to me are allowed to do"
"Of course, it would be my honor to do so"
"Childe" he can feel those pretty pink lips on the skin of his neck, searing the name for him to never forget. As if. "You can call me Childe"
"Childe" he says, tasting the name on his lips.
He likes it, he likes it very much.
Although he isn't allowed to dwell on the thought for long, Childe raises his head and pats his tail, signaling for him to release his hold. Begrudgingly, he does, and the ginger laughs lightly at his blatant reluctance.
"Ah, unfortunately, I have some matters to attend to with her majesty" taking a few steps back he looks at him directly in the eye, they are still holding hands "But, if you so much want to spend time with me, you only need to say word and I will gladly become all yours"
With a last squeeze on his hand, Childe lets go of his hand and disappears into the garden, leaving him all alone wanting more.
He chuckles.
Enthralled, Zhongli is absolutely enthralled with Childe.
The rest of the day is busy, meetings upon meetings discussing the plans on trading, trying to find the most efficient way for the goods to be delivered. Low cost and high gain being the priority.
Honestly speaking, it was tiring.
The only thing that made it bearable was Childe.
Sharing discreet glances (or that's what they both want to believe) and small lingering touches whenever they passed by each other.
Childe always leaves him wanting so much more.
At first, Zhongli didn't think he was doing it on purpose, but dinner proved him wrong.
Pink, orange, and purple painted the sky, the last rays of the sun reflecting on Childe's face. The fox looked ethereal, light hitting all the right places, almost making him glow. He took a mental picture of the sight and engraved it into his mind.
If there was music in the background, he didn't hear, Zhongli was too focused on the little fox in front of him. Struggling to pick up a crystal shrimp, Childe sighs defeated, and tries again. It was proving to be impossible to get food into his mouth. Having had enough fun looking at his struggle and unable to resist Childe pouting in displeasure, Zhongli stood up and rounded the table, coming to a stop behind the ginger.
"Let me help you Childe" a shiver ran down Childe's back, his tail stiffening ever so slightly before slowly moving from side to side, and it didn't go unnoticed by him.
Zhongli moved closer, bending his body forwards until his chin hovered over Childe's right shoulder, their face only a breath away. He relished the feeling of being so close to the ginger before placing his hand atop of his, completely engulfing the smaller hand with his hold "You place your fingers like this, the hold shouldn't feel straining on your hand"
Guiding the food to Childe's mouth, he chuckles at the chirp the fox does, happy to finally be able to eat. They stay like that for the next few minutes, conversing while Zhongli feeds the other, both clearly pleased with the arrangement. One for being spoiled and the other for being able to provide for his mate–
Not his mate, not yet at least.
Having eaten all the crystal shrimp on the plate, Childe sighs happily before turning his head to look at him. He turns too and their noses bump each other. Zhongli swallows hard as the urge to devour the fox right there and then becomes unbearable. Almost as if sensing his internal struggle, Childe leans even closer, their lips almost touching, alluring him to steal a kiss. With a flutter of his thick eyelashes and a sweet smile, Zhongli leans in only to stop when Childe spoke.
"The music performance is amazing" and just like that, he pulls away like they hadn't almost kissed.
Childe gave him a sweet innocent smile before shifting his attention to the orchestra playing.
Zhongli's eyes lingered on the ginger's profile before looking around the room. Spotting the Tsaritsa, their eyes meet and he nods.
Even with the distance, he can see her eyes brighten up. She nods back and turns to speak to her two Harbingers.
He'd chosen his bride.
With some more lingering touches, the night goes by.
The morning comes too soon for his liking as he watches the Tsaritsa and her company get ready for departure. Not traveling that much, the Tsaritsa wanted to pay a visit to the others; Liyue was her first stop and if he remembers correctly, her next one is Mondstadt.
With one final bow, the Fatui make their exit with only one person staying behind.
Childe.
Taking slow steps, the fox comes to stop in front of him before leaning in. His pretty pink lips ghosted over the shell of his ears and with a whisper those supple lips opened.
"We'll see each other again soon, lǎo gōng "
And with a flick of his tail against his thigh and a quick kiss on the corner of his mouth, Childe leaves.
Zhongli can only pray to Celestia for patience not to whisk Childe away and bed him.