Downfall

Yan Zheyun couldn't remember what time he fell asleep but it was past the hour of the rabbit when he was woken up by a cautious inquiry at the door. 

"Your Majesty, Imperial Noble Consort Yue, this old servant has something of great urgency to report." 

He stirred and attempted to sit up but winced at the dull ache in his lower back and thighs. His wrists too were smarting; the abrasions from their activities the night before would no doubt leave their mark for a while to come. 

Before he could answer Head Eunuch Cao's tentative call, a pair of arms wrapped themselves around him to pull him down against a firm chest. 

"I'll deal with it." Liu Yao pressed a kiss against his hooded eyelids.