59 _ In a Heartbeat.

Jianhuo Huang was already getting impatient. He had sent out a number of his guards to go in a search for Mizuki Yang but all were fruitless efforts. Presently, his fourth attempt had just returned to inform him that she had not still been found.

The traitors that had taken up an abide in the hidden forest were slowly but surely gathering their strength and numbers.

Word had gotten around the Five Kingdoms of The Emperor's betrothed disappearance, it being highly possible that she fled with the aid of a paramour. Mizuki Yang's actions were frowned upon and the Yang Clan became obligated to recede to the Emperor's demands. What Jianhuo Huang had been able to sucessful conceal from prying eyes was the state of his Empire. The Kanerria Dynasty was prosperous , rich in land and wealth and natural resources.

That was what he wanted them to see.

In truth , his Empire was in Shambles. Kanerria was divided with Nobility against the rest of the people. Due to insatiable greed, Taxes were being increased at random and those unable to pay their dues are bound and thrown in prison which as always ends in a revolt , as the people refuse to work until the Injustice was solved.

He groaned. Jianhuo Could not relate any of his problems to the Ministers of Court as all of them were either devious backstabbers looking out for their own necks or spies. Right now , his major priority was to find Mizuki Yang as Su Yang's obligation to him would not last for ever.

"I trust You to Find her." The Emperor said to the Commander "I'm the ruler of this Empire. You have until the New Moon rises. If you do not find her by then...Dire consequences shall await you."

The Commander bowed before rising, taking up his Sword and quickly departing from his Lord's presence.

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Mizuki Yang was in an inner turmoil of her own making. Days turned into weeks as she was haunted by Dai Fang , from his intense gazes and his passionate Kiss.

She was caught in his web ; He made her feel vulnerable and her heart go weak at the mere sight of him. Dai Fang had Gradually begun changing towards her ; his coldness , now thawed into an unusual warmth , Indifference and apathy were replaced by an Empathy.

His eyes were like a physical Caresses , her body would grow warm and sensitive at a single touch. Being with him for all this time now made her realise that her earlier assumptions about him had been wrong. He was just misunderstood by the outside world who always feared what they could not comprehend.

She roved the Palace grounds desperately seeking For an answer. As Mizuki was lost in her thoughts a voice called out to her. It was Nucai , Smiling gently as always.

"What disturbs you Mistress ?" She queried as she came up beside her and both walked past a marvellous fountain made from pure gold , etched into it's shimmering textures , elaborately designed were. Mizuki paused as she looked upon the reflection of the Moon upon the rippling surface.

"It is nothing Nucai." The dark haired girl said wistfully as another ripple spread throughout the waters.

The maid with the curpreous cropped hair took in a breath before speaking once more. "It is about My Lord is it not?"

"Am I that obvious Nucai?" Mizuki sighed as red painted her cheeks at the thought.

"I did not mean to offend My Lady." The maid servant quickly remitted as she lowered her head in courtesy. "What I meant to say was that before you arrived at the Forbidden Palace , Lord Dai Fang was a recluse. Living in a self imposed isolation, cut away from feelings of any nature but since you came , You have affected in him in more ways than one."

Mizuki did not know how to reply to this . Could it be that she had affected Dai Fang as he had affected her? He was the Devil King, a being with a cold , impenetrable heart but the warm smiles he had given her proved otherwise. As she was about to speak , a

It was a moon flower , a dark blend of red and blue harmonised into one that reflected in the glimmer of a moon light. It was a rare and unique blossom due to the fact that it only bloomed once in a thousand years on the Hills of underneath the light of the full moon.

"It is truly wonderful ." Mizuki muttered admiring the perfection of the blossom.

"Unique in it's beauty..." Dai Fang commented as he plucked the flower from her still hands and tucked it securely in her flowing hair. "Just like you."

Mizuki closed her eyes and savored his gentle and unexpected touch. The feel of his lithesome body behind her , She craved him now more than ever. But almost as sudden , he stepped away.

"Dai Fang ..." Mizuki hesitated and lowered her head. Their paths were different. He could leave her life as suddenly as he has come in and he would be lost to her for ever. No one knew tomorrow as this could be the last time she might ever set eyes on him again. If she did not let him know how she felt tonight , she might never have another chance. She cares for him and she wanted Dai Fang to know that ; That he was loved , he did not need to face the world alone . She had to give

him some thing only she could give ...

"What is it Mizuki?" He lifted her chin , so that she would be looking into his eyes. In that moment She realized she wanted to taste love , his love. Dai Fang was the only man who had stirred her emotions in a powerful way. He believed in power , strength ...That emotion made one weak. But she would show him otherwise ...

Prove to him she was a treasure worth possessing.

Mizuki placed a hand on the side of his handsome face as she leaned against his hard body and placed her lips on his to taste his kiss.

"You had better be careful Mizuki Yang ." Dai warned with his bedazzling reddish gray eyes searching hers as he made no effort to release her from his grasp. "I the Devil King , terror to mortals and ruthless in my ways. My mere touch is Poison and a glance from me can make an Empire Crumble. Do you truly want to give your all to me?"

"In a heartbeat." Mizuki mummured slowly but softly yes. Mizuki looked him straight in the eyes as she spoke. "I am not afraid of you Dai Fang . I do not see you as a ruthless, nor a monster as others may do but I see you as one who is lost longing and waiting to be found ,, understood and loved. I am not scared to love you. Not anymore." .

For the first time he could see pure love not fear in her eyes .Dai Fang took her in his arms and held her tight and kissed her passionately as the night had only just begun.