Qiu Ling thought back to that evening, his gaze softening. Yes, Jing He’s voice had a quality to it that had always spoken to him. It was … soothing, just right to recite a poem or tell a story or …

His gaze flickered as he thought to this point. Suddenly, he couldn’t help but think that it would be very nice to hear a little more of it. “Mn, come to think of it … Seeing that you’re about to leave for such a long time … How about singing your husband-to-be a lullaby?” He knew this might be a whimsical wish but … he really wanted to listen. Surely, it would sound wonderful.

Jing He didn’t feel as certain. He was musical, to a degree. He had learned to play several instruments and he wasn’t bad at it so he had a sense of rhythm and tune. Singing wasn’t a habit of his though. He wasn’t even the type who would hum to himself. Could he really sing a decent lullaby? But then, this was what Qiu Ling wanted and he had decided just earlier to do what his husband wanted and had even told him so. At this moment, he felt really torn. “I … Do I have to?”

Qiu Ling wrapped his arms around Jing He’s waist again and hummed in response. “I would really appreciate it. You know, when we got to know each other back then I nearly instantly thought of that. I just …” He sighed and leaned forward until their foreheads touched. Yes, this was indeed something he wanted but it was something he could only ask of him now. Ten years ago, it absolutely would have been impossible.

At the familiar touch, Jing He’s resistance collapsed. Anyway, he shouldn’t be that talentless. If he chose something that was somewhat familiar, it should work out. And it wasn’t something that would be considered either so in that regard, it was much better than other things Qiu Ling could have asked for at this time.

Qiu Ling had no idea that he had managed to convince him. Thinking that he really wanted to listen, he added some more explanation. “My love, you don’t know but these years I’ve sometimes had trouble falling asleep. I’d be lying there in that cold and lonely palace and my thoughts would inevitably wander toward the Nine Heavens. I would remember the time we spent here and recall each and every word that was uttered from your lips. I would imagine all those little gestures you do and wonder what we would do if you were there with me at that moment.

“So, for the whole night, I’d be lying there until dawn arrives again. And even when I finally fall asleep, then I still can’t rest. I can only rest at your side. Lying here next to you or walking beside you in the day … that’s when my mind is completely at ease.”

While most of this explanation was nonsense, truth be told, he did have issues falling asleep sometimes. It could be due to his worry about the situation with Jing He but often enough, he just didn’t feel comfortable in the palace. Even after so many years, he just wasn’t used to it.

Jing He couldn’t imagine that this was the truth either. He only felt that Qiu Ling was coaxing him. That feeling … wasn’t bad. He smiled and covered Qiu Ling’s hand on his waist. “I had no idea it’s that grave.”

“Mn. So, my love, be so kind and sing one song for me, alright? I’ll listen and engrave it into my heart and when I feel restless again I’ll remember and I’d certainly feel better then. Won’t you do me that little favor?”

Jing He didn’t have any doubts left and easily went along with Qiu Ling’s words, pretending to take them seriously. “Well, if it’s such a grave issue, then I naturally can’t reject it, can I?”

“Mn, that would be … I would appreciate it so much if you could do this for me.” Qiu Ling eagerly waited for him to start. He really felt excited about this. Jing He’s singing voice should be ethereal and touching. If he heard it … actually, he really might have trouble sleeping afterward. Ah, well, he could live with that.

Jing He didn’t actually start singing though. No, if he did this, he wanted to do it right. “Then, what kind of lullaby would you like?”

“I don’t care!” The response came at once without the slightest hesitation, easily betraying his eagerness.

Jing He didn’t want to let him wait any longer so he readily accepted his answer. He couldn’t help but first caution him though. “Normally, I don’t sing so you can’t be angry if it’s not up to par.”

“Oh, no need to say that. I will love it anyway. It’s you singing for me, after all.” Yes, he had high expectations but even if it turned out that his beloved would sing off-key from the first to the final note, he’d still listen patiently and praise him to the High Heavens afterward. Yes, that was what a qualified husband would do for his spouse.

Jing He hummed with a smile on his lips. Holding his lover’s hand, he thought of the few songs he was at least somewhat familiar with. There was one he liked, even though it was one he wouldn’t dare to sing under normal circumstances. Today was a very special occasion though and the song seemed oddly fitting, considering that they would have to part ways for his trial tomorrow.

He took a deep breath and slowly started the first verse. “Thinking of that familiar figure, remembering the lines in that face, recalling the voice gently calling out to me, reminiscing about that sweet touch.”

This was the beginning of Xing’s lament. The song he sang for his husband when he set off for war. It wasn’t well-known and few dared to sing it, feeling that it was disrespectful to the Supreme Sovereign and his husband to do so.

At this moment, Jing He didn’t think of any of that and only focused on each of the verses one after the other. “If ten-thousand li separate us, if flood and fire bar your way, if our mighty enemy’s army thwarts you, then remember that I … am still waiting for you.”

Qiu Ling certainly wasn’t familiar with the song either but listening to the words, he couldn’t help but tighten his grip around Jing He’s waist. This … seemed like an unlucky choice of song right before they had to separate. It kind of made him anxious but he didn’t dare to interrupt him either.

“From the distance I call you, wanting to visit you at least in your dreams. I pray to Heaven for your safe return, fearing for them to bring back news of disaster.

“Oh, my love, other half of my soul, why did you have to go?” Jing He’s eyelids flickered when he sang the beginning of this verse. He had never dared to call Qiu Ling this way but it sure felt like this was the way it should be. He didn’t dare to think too much and only continued to sing quietly. “Why would you leave me while braving those dangers alone? I know a man like you can’t be tied down but at least … at least take me with you to die at your side.

“I do not fear death or injury. What I only fear is to never see you again. Remembering, recalling, reminiscing forever and ever while being alone.”

Qiu Ling couldn’t take it any longer. He tightened his grasp on Jing He further and leaned close, kissing him in desperation. If there was one thing he truly feared in life, it was losing this person he had fallen in love with. He had no family left and no one he would consider his friend. His whole life only consisted of his duty as king to the dragon race and this person he held in his arms. Hearing him sing of separation and death did not only tug at his heartstrings but also seemed to erode his sanity.

“Jing He … let’s … let’s never separate, alright?” He barely suppressed the trembling in his voice as he begged him for this. “Whatever happens in the future, let’s face it together. I’ll accompany you as you accompany me. There won’t … ever be a day when we’re apart, alright?” Yes, as long as he stayed with him at all times, neither of them would leave the other behind to face such a dark future alone. He had to make sure of that.

Jing He didn’t understand Qiu Ling’s fear. He only felt that the sentiment of never separating in the way the Supreme Sovereign and his husband had needed to was sweet. He smiled in response and, feeling emboldened by what had just happened, he even reached up, wrapping his arms around Qiu Ling’s neck while his smile brightened. “Yes. Let’s be together forever.”