A sepulchral silence descended over the room. The servants, who Chu Yun never wanted to find out about his pregnancy until it was impossible to hide, were doing their best to disappear into the wall panelling.
Xiao Zai's loud breath was audible in the quiet of the room. Chu Yun didn't know if he would be able to stop him this time.
"If you dare harm Chu-"
The King cut him off with a loud laugh. "Harm him? I would never do something like that. I know you aren't implying I would do something as taboo as hurt my own flesh and blood," he reached over the table to pat the back of Xiao Zai's hand. "It's normal to feel nervous about the birth of one's first child."
His smile took on a feral edge, his white teeth glinting. "Let's hope his Grace can give you many more...Who knows? When the heavens bless their favourites it's not with drizzle but with rain."
