Wolf King And His Fox Consort [BL]

It was a race against time to have everything ready on time.

Xiao Zai was determined that Chu Yun shouldn't overtax himself, so he delegated all the tasks regarding setting up a city-wide, royal summer solstice celebration to Xiao Ziyi, Xiao Yuan, and took up what else was left himself.

The servants didn't understand why they were being suddenly tasked with organising a feast when just hours before they were decorating the palace in mourning white garlands, but did the best they could with the time they had.

No one could say that the makeshift festival was going to impress and awe the people of Haolin, but then again, the justification they were going with was that Xiao Zai wanted to take the opportunity to thank the Gods for their boons, and saving him (and now Chu Hean) from certain death.

Xiao Yuan looked like he was about to keel over when Xiao Zai found the time to exchange two words with him.

"I hope you and Chu Yun know what you're doing, because XFiao Ziyi is barking orders at soldiers and servants alike in the main square, and there's a crowd of onlookers gawking and speculating about what all this could be for."

Hopefully to save them from certain doom.

"Everything will be fine," Xiao Zai said, clapping his brother on the shoulder. "Let's just focus on arranging some entertainment now."

Xiao Yuan sighed deeply, rubbing at his temples. "Some wine would do wonders for my nerves."

Xiao Zai's gaze turned warmer, his touch more comforting. "But you have done well without it, haven't you?"

Wordlessly, his brother nodded.

His efforts to rid himself of his addiction hadn't gone unnoticed. Xiao Zai appreciated how much Xiao Yuan had changed, and how committed he was not only to his role in the court, but to overcoming the shadows of their shared past.

"I think you and Fan Jiang should go on a trip soon, somewhere relaxing and scenic, where you could enjoy each other's company without your duties interrupting you."

Xiao Yuan looked up at his brother with a sheepish smile. "I think we would really enjoy that."

Now that he had said it, Xiao Zai was thinking that he and Chu Yun could also benefit from some time to themselves.

They wouldn't have time before the baby was born...but perhaps after, if they brought the child along.

The idea glowed brightly in his mind, but the more he thought about it the more the logistic complications became apparent. Perhaps they would have been able to go on an extended trip to a remote location before he became King, but now there was too much at stake.

"Your gaze grew distant, what were you thinking about?" Xiao Yuan asked.

Xiao Zai shook his head, dislodging the wistful thoughts. "Nothing, daydreams."

He shook out his large golden sleeves and followed his brother out of the throne room. There was much they still needed to do.

He would have time to indulge his own whimsy later, maybe even ask Chu Yun about his opinion.

---

Chu Yun was technically not supposed to worry himself with the haphazard preparations for the celebration he had cobbled together, but he couldn't help himself from sneaking out the royal quarters, and taking a stroll to check on the state of things.

He was peeking around a corner, observing how a group of servants carried large flower arrangements towards one of the courtyards when a raspy cough almost startled him into losing his footing.

When he turned around, he found the Queen Dowager and her usual retinue of personal servants giving him an amused look from behind her veil.

"I see that everyone is very busy." Even through the veil Chu Yun could see her pointed smirk. "Or trying to be."

He cleared his throat and smoothed down his long hair with a smile, he refused to be embarrassed by his undignified behaviour. "Yes, we are hoping everything is ready for a celebration of the solstice tomorrow."

"Short notice," she said with a hum, "but it seems things have been happening very suddenly around here."

Chu Yun met her gaze without flinching. "That's true, and we could have used her Royal Highness' wisdom during such trying times, but we haven't seen her lately."

Her rattling laugh made the veil hanging from her heavy crown billow inelegantly. "Us old hands should know when it's time to retire and let the new generations take to the stage."

Before Chu Yun could say anything, she bowed her neck in an abbreviated farewell, and went on her way through the hallway, her servants keeping pace behind her.

Chu Yun's gaze remained fixed on the back of her golden crown. He didn't think it was a coincidence he should stumble into the Queen Dowager now, after not laying eyes on her for such a long time.

It was too bad he wouldn't have time to look into it.

Tomorrow they would know for sure if his guess about Ru Long's intentions had paid off.

---

The next day found both Chu Yun and Xiao Zai sitting at a place of honour atop of a stage that had been set up in a hurry the day before. They were sitting on brocade pillows behind low tables with a variety of cold dishes on top. To their right sat Xiao Ziyi and Xiao Yuan. To their left The Queen Consort and the Third Princess, and to their left Lieba Chun and Chu Hean.

Two tables sat empty, towards the front of the stage.

Below, the people of Haolin were making merry on the streets, entertained by the dancers and musicians, and enjoying the free food being cooked over roaring fires all over the ample square.

The cobbled roads had been decorated with flowers, and even the boats on the canals were fitted with garlands and banners.

Looking at all of it, Chu Yun couldn't help turning to Xiao Zai and whispering into his ear, "Anyone would think we spent months preparing this." He paused. "Weeks at the very least."

Xiao Zai took a sip of wine and used the cup to cover his mouth. "Let's just hope no one notices most of the flower arrangements are white on account of being originally meant for your brother's funeral procession back to Xin."

Just then, a distant rumble rose above the melody of the musician's instruments. The wine in Xiao Zai's cup rippled faintly.

Horse hooves. Maybe hundreds of them approaching at speed.

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