protagonisthalo: (mild surprise)
Luo Binghe ([personal profile] protagonisthalo) wrote in [personal profile] empressliu 2023-12-13 05:28 pm (UTC)

Luo Binghe's body reacts to Liu Mingyan's presence before he consciously recognizes her. It's an immediate feeling of relief, conditioned by how many times he has gone to her chambers for support.

But this isn't Luo Binghe visiting Liu Mingyan to seek her counsel or company. Liu Mingyan is here, in the same place as Shen Yuan—the same place where Luo Binghe has been trying to find a new way to live. An unwelcome sense of insecurity unfurls in his heart, as though he's been discovered naked—if he was the kind of person who would be bothered by that. He's thought about introducing Shen Yuan to Liu Mingyan and the others, when he arrives back in his world, triumphant, with his new, best wife on his arm. Not like this, when Luo Binghe is still learning how to fit himself into the shape of someone Shen Yuan deserves.

What will Liu Mingyan think of him here? She would expect him to be ruler of this place. The population here is so small and easily dominated. Luo Binghe has stopped seeking power, but now it shames him how easily he let it go. Wouldn't it be simple to assert his rule? He is undoubtedly the strongest here. He should have everyone else pledging him tribute and bowing at his feet. That is undoubtedly what Liu Mingyan would expect—what she will assume is true. And what is he doing instead—brooding over his past, and worrying about making friends?

It's truly pathetic. He has been seeing himself through the eyes of Shen Yuan and Nina Zenik, who like this softer, more introspective Luo Binghe. But that is not who Liu Mingyan married—her partner in rule. If he has failed to secure his own position, it means he has failed to secure hers as well, and the foundation of their relationship is how they protect each other.

But let it not be said that Luo Binghe was ever afraid of greeting his own wife. He strides forward. "Mingyan."

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