Jing He nodded faintly but didn’t pursue the topic further. Qiu Ling had told him before that he didn’t intend to have children too soon and he himself wasn’t in a rush either. For now, he would focus on finding his place in the dragon realm and doing well as Qiu Ling’s spouse. After all, even though it might sound easy, he was sure that there would be many challenges on this path as well.

Qiu Ling also didn’t want to continue discussing another man on their wedding day. Instead, he focused on their own future. “Don’t be scared when we get to the capital city. Chances are, everyone will be excited so things might get a little … out of hand. Just stay with me and watch from the distance.”

Jing He nodded again and then reached out, taking Qiu Ling’s hand and interlacing their fingers. “I hope people will be satisfied with me.”

Qiu Ling looked at him with some hesitation, not sure how to react. He didn’t doubt that everyone would love him and even if they didn’t, in the dragon realm, people would never argue against someone’s lover. That was the reality of their curse. It didn’t seem important though. More than anything, he wanted Jing He not to worry about this in the first place.

He squeezed his hand and leaned closer, kissing his temple. “Don’t worry. I am sure that they will. But even if they don’t, it’s unimportant. What matters is that we love each other. Everything else … it’s secondary.”

“You are the king of the dragon race though.” This was something Jing He couldn’t simply ignore. He was well aware of Qiu Ling’s identity and it wasn’t one that would have no influence on their relationship. A ruler’s spouse was always a matter of the whole realm, whether they held any real political power or not. After all, their potential influence on the sovereign couldn’t be disregarded and neither could the image the couple had on the common people.

He knew this. He always had. It was one of the many reasons their relationship wasn’t as simple as that of others. And even though they had overcome a lot of hardships already, this would be one of the hurdles in their life going forward, something they’d always have to pay attention to.

Qiu Ling hummed but he didn’t think it was that serious. “I’d give up that throne for you. I hope you know that. If you … ever feel that it is too much, just say the word and I will do it.” He reached up and rubbed Jing He’s cheek with his thumb, trying to reassure him.

Unfortunately, Jing He didn’t quite feel the same way. “They are your people and you have cared for them for so long. How could I ever ask that of you?” He lowered his head, feeling that he already wasn’t doing a good job. He had to make sure that Qiu Ling didn’t feel that this was too much for him. If he made him give up on this position he had held for so long, he would never forgive himself.

Qiu Ling shook his head. “I know you wouldn’t ask for it but I would do it nonetheless. In life, you ought to have priorities and you are mine. After all … somebody else could be sovereign of the dragon realm but I won’t accept anybody else being your husband.” He leaned in and cupped Jing He’s cheek, tilting his head up. Smiling at him mischievously, he finally kissed him on the lips. When he pulled back, he sighed faintly. “In this life, that position is mine. If there is a next one, I still want it.”

Jing He’s cheeks flushed and he nodded hurriedly. “I wouldn’t accept anyone else either.” Although he still felt that Qiu Ling should never be forced to give up the throne just for him. It simply wouldn’t be right. He didn’t want to argue though and simply kept that thought to himself, resolving to make sure that he adjusted well in the dragon realm so such a choice would never need to be made.

Qiu Ling also didn’t say anything else and instead looked ahead, thinking that he’d point it out if they saw something interesting on the way. Unfortunately, this stretch of the way really wasn’t the most interesting, with half the landscape below being taken up by the Qishi Sea.

After a while, he heard the sound of the wind behind them shift and turned his head to look. What he saw was the figure of a golden dragon sparkling in the sunlight. He raised his brows and brushed through Jing He’s hair with his fingers. “Seems like Jinde and Leng Jin Yu have caught up to us.”

Jing He also raised his head from Qiu Ling’s shoulder and then tried to pull back even further when he saw the two people approach.

Qiu Ling hurriedly pulled him back though. “Where are you going? They’re my family. Your family as well, going forward. Do you always want to hide from them?”

Jing He paused when Qiu Ling pointed it out this directly and finally shook his head. “No … No, of course not. I’m just … not used to it yet.” He looked up at him, his gaze apologetic. The dragons were so much more open so refusing to show any intimacy in front of others probably wouldn’t be taken well after they arrived in the capital. He ought to try harder.

Qiu Ling’s gaze softened at once when he saw Jing He look at him that way. He hummed and kissed his temple again, gently rubbing his hand. “Don’t worry. We just got married. It’s alright to get used to it slowly. I just want you to know that nobody will judge you. The dragon race is very open so no matter what you do, nobody will find an issue with it. But if you need more time, they won’t think more either. After all, everyone knows you’re a god so it’s to be expected to need a while to adjust. Just … go at your own pace but don’t be afraid that anyone will think negatively, especially not our family.”