3 _ Chained for Love.

The trumpets sounded.

The palace was in an array of celebration and festivities .

His Royal Highness, Li Huang ...

Had returned.

Aurora sighed.

She ordered her son's Caretaker, Bao Ning , A wonderful girl with shimmering dark hair and a beautiful smile; To attend to her son quickly so as to welcome his father at the gates.

The Empress went to her room immediately where three maids were waiting for her. She was quickly stripped down and a white loose gown was placed on her. One of the maids named , TiangTing came forward with two robes.One fiery red with blue designs of peacocks , lined with glow stones and rubies and the other was pale blue with gorgeous green frills and a beautifully designed dragon decorated with emeralds and opals.

Aurora chose the latter and a wonderfully carved , mahogany wooden box was brought to her. When it was opened , She was faced with an assortment of jewellery. After careful decision , she chose her diamond necklace made by the best Jeweller that the Seven Great kingdoms could offer , lined with forty pea sized stones and quickly fastened her golden bracelet on her wrist.

Another blast of trumpets sounded . The king had passed through the main gate.

The Empress left the presence of her maids and slowly ascended the stairs to the balcony where she could have a full view of the ceremonies.

Lucian was brought to her and the two watched the proceedings; one with awe and pleasure and the other with nonchalance .

As Li Huang rode in on his magnificent white horse, he was waved to a stop by a man dressed in a vaguely familiar attire. The Queen looked closer.

It was Xiao Sun Yung ...

THAT BASTARD!!!!!!

He was conversing with the Emperor something and Li Huang's once happy demeanor changed suddenly.

When Li Huang arrived in the Palace , he was greeted with cheers and shouts of joy. He had successfully defeated the kingdom of Guggenheim and put it under his rule.

Strangely enough , Throughout his arrival he had kept away from her. Although he had welcomed his Son in his embrace , he gave her a cold shoulder.

Aurora decided to confront him about this since it was her marital right to do so, though secretly she was fine with it.

She sedately walked into his bed chambers and stopped at the entrance. It was a taboo for any Queen to proceed into her Husband's chambers without being summoned or invited.

"You may come in." Li Huang cold , icy voice called out.

The Empress sedately moved towards him and bowed. In his company , were three of his concubines from his harem. They were all giggling behind Li Huang as he lay on the huge divan by his King - sized bed.

Aurora cleared her throat and began to speak. "Li Huang , I need to talk to you...". Her husband spread out his arms mockingly. "You may speak!"

Li Huang was a very handsome man. With his dazzling brown eyes which Lucian took after him and his finely cut hair that gave him that royal gait of dignity. Not to talk of his lean , Muscular arms and broad Chest.

"I need to talk to you alone." Aurora said quietly.

Li Huang stared at her with great distaste and with a swift movement of his hand, ordered his concubines to leave.

"What do you want?" He asked sharply.

"You have been keeping away from Lucian and l ever since you came back and even before that . That is not how a man behaves towards his wife .Sometimes you act as if you don't know your duty. The Nobles might start Getting Suspicious." The Empress told her Husband.

"I do not know MY duty?!" Li Huang scoffed.

Li Huang moved towards his bed. Beside it was a tray with some wine which he now turned into a cup and drank slowly.

He set it down.

"I don't know why you insist on calling MY son that Insidious name!" Li Huang barked at her. "His name is Lu Cyran Huang!"

"I call him Lucian in honour of my Grandfather." Aurora retorted

"But he is dead ...is he not?" Li Huang remarked coldly, devoid of emotion.

He got up from his seated position and went towards , Aurora He wrapped his strong arms around her and pulled her to himself . He was about place his mouth on hers and instinctively, Aurora flinched and backed away.

The King scoffed as he walked out to the balcony to receive some fresh air .

" You've changed Aurora " . He declared . "Since the day we got married , I knew you never loved me but I respected you because you always knew and performed your duty and you bore me a Son. " He glanced down at his slender fingers.

" But now, Aurora , You now recoil at my slightest touch ."

Li Huang gazed down at his Knights training in the courtyard. His eyes caught sight of one specific individual.

Aurora was about to object when he cut in.

"But I wouldn't blame you, ...Since you have someone else keeping your bed warm on Cold nights. Sebastian Galen , isn't it?" Li Huang said . Presently , Aurora could see the fire of betrayal burning in his eyes.

The Empress eyes widened. But knowing how smart Li Huang was there was no use trying to deny it. "How did you know?"

"Seemed you'd angered Xiao Sun Yung ... " Li Huang looked at her and turned away. "But , You would be glad to know that I've approved his tax Increase for the Sinai District , in exchanged for his loyal service and reliable information."Li Huang voiced out.

Damn him , Aurora cursed Xiao Yung silently .

"I will be willing to forgive your transgressions against me only because of My son ; the fate of Kanerria Dynasty due to our Marriage Contract . Not to speak of how the courts would react when they hear of how disgraceful it was for The Empress consort sullied herself with a mere Knight , not half of her Royal Status ..."

Aurora didn't speak. He was every inch like his father. Brash and Ruthless. Traits she hoped Lucian never took. "Thank you my Lord." She was about to leave when Li Huang walked up to her and stopped her.

"I am not finished." He continued. "At dawn tomorrow , Your Lover will die for his actions against the crown. He is going to learn that none messes with my Property." Then , Li Huang leaned into her ears and whispered. "Don't worry. As a special favour to you my dear little wife...I'll make his death slow and unbearably painful."

Aurora held her composure and Li Huang dismissed her from his presence and once again he was joined by his Concubines.

Aurora calmly left his chamber , walking with poise and dignity . But once she'd crossed the threshold, she took to running. Her heart was pounding as she pondered on what to do. Getting to her room, she pulled in a cloak and set out to meet her love for the last time.

Aurora went to Sebastian in the stables . He was tending to the horses. She pulled him deeper inside from the watchful gazes of the night guards. She could tell he was surprised .He went on with their usual foreplay trying to caress her but The Empress held his hands to a still.

"What is wrong my dear?" Sebastian looked deep into her eyes.

Aurora heart ached. She was going to lose him. "You...You have have to leave tonight." She said turning away.

Sebastian was puzzled. He held her face in his hands. "Why?"

"Li Huang has found out about us . He wants to kill you."

Sebastian countenance fell but then he braced up."I'll kill him then. I must have you Aurora . I love you!" He exclaimed.

The Empress was touched but continued."He is the Emperor. You be dead before you can step foot in the Castle. If you do love me Sebastian ...I beg of you ...Please leave now My love."She plead earnestly.

Sebastian sighed ,as he looked into her deep blue eyes once more. Packing a few of his belongings hurriedly , with the help of Aurora, he jumped on a horse and got set to leave.

"Come with me. We can elope and leave out our days together.No one will find us. Please Aurora. You are my Life." He professed as he held her hand.

The Queen slowly pulled her dainty hand from his loving touch. "Go!" She whispered .

Sebastian pulled her up in his arms and gave her one last kiss. He moaned softly as her warm , soft lips was meshed against his.

This would be the last time they would ever be together .

Tears filled Aurora's eyes as she watched her love ride out of the gates in the darkness.

She looked up and saw Li Huang watching her from his balcony, surrounding by his concubines Caressing his Skin with their hands and undressing him. He had a superior look on his face, meaning he'd won.

It was a little game they'd played. He do all this to spite her ; To remind her that she was his mere chattel of property forever.

Aurora could have left with Sebastian but She couldn't leave Lucian in the throes of his Father.

She had been Chained to Li Huang forever because of the Love she had for her Lucian and she was going to do whatever she could to protect him.