Heart of the White-haired Demon

After a prolonged silence, Bai Ye finally stood up, his movements fluid and deliberate. "Follow me, Zhang," he said, his voice low and even.

Zhang trailed behind Bai Ye as they stepped out of the mansion and into the crisp evening air. The sun had dipped below the horizon, casting a warm orange glow over the landscape.

Bai Ye turned to Zhang, his eyes gleaming in the fading light. "I must undertake a journey of great importance," he said, his voice firm. "One that cannot be delayed, not even for the sake of assuming the throne."

Zhang's eyes widened, his face pale. "My Lord, but what about your marriage arrangements?" he ventured.

Bai Ye's gaze turned icy, his voice dropping to a whisper. "Tell my father that I will make my own marriage arrangements when the time comes. Until then, I will not be bound by any decisions made on my behalf."

Zhang's eyes grew even wider, his face a picture of shock. "But, my Lord, you have been betrothed to—"

Bai Ye's glare cut him off, his voice low and menacing. "Keep your voice down, Zhang. Do you not know that the mortal is sleeping?"

Zhang apologized profusely, bowing deeply. "Forgive me, my Lord."

Bai Ye's expression softened slightly, and he nodded for Zhang to continue.

Zhang hesitated before speaking. "My Lord, if I may ask... did you choose that mortal as your spouse?"

Bai Ye's response was silence, his face impassive. Zhang's eyes grew even wider, his face a picture of shock.

"I thought it was just about the Life Core," Zhang whispered.

Bai Ye's glare cut him off once more, and Zhang understood the look. He bowed deeply, his voice barely above a whisper.

"I will take my leave, my Lord."

With that, Zhang disappeared into the night, leaving Bai Ye standing alone in the darkness.

Bai Ye stood outside for a while, lost in thought, before he sensed someone approaching. He turned to see Lian stretching, his movements languid as he yawned.

Bai Ye watched him, his expression neutral, as Lian stumbled out of the mansion, rubbing his eyes. The courtyard, lit by the soft glow of lanterns, was quiet except for the sound of crickets.

"You're still sleepy," Bai Ye said, his voice low. "Go back inside if you still need to rest."

Lian's eyes fluttered open, and he glared at Bai Ye, his shirt hanging open. "Leave me alone, demon," he muttered, holding his head. "I just woke up from my nap."

Bai Ye didn't respond. He simply placed his hands behind his back and walked back into the mansion, disappearing into the shadows of the main hall.

The mansion, with its traditional Chinese architecture, had a large central courtyard surrounded by intricately carved wooden buildings. The main hall, where Bai Ye had retreated, was adorned with intricate carvings and ornate furnishings.

Lian, still rubbing his eyes, stumbled after Bai Ye, wondering where he had gone. As he entered the main hall, he saw Bai Ye standing by the window, staring out into the night.

The silence between them was palpable, and Lian wondered what would happen next. They had never discussed sleeping arrangements, and the large bed in the center of the room seemed to loom over them, a reminder of their uncertain situation.

Lian's voice cut through the silence, "Ah, Old Demon, there's only one bed here."

Bai Ye remained still, gazing out the window into the night. Lian tried again, "Old Demon, Old Demon!" But Bai Ye didn't flinch.

Lian huffed, his face scrunched in frustration. He marched over to Bai Ye and pinched a fold of his robe, tugging gently to get his attention. Bai Ye turned, a hint of a smile on his lips.

Lian's pout deepened, but he pressed on, "There's only one bed here." Bai Ye's gaze met his, his eyes glinting in the moonlight. "Yes, that is quite visible."

Lian threw up his hands, exasperated. "Come on! I told you, there's only one bed! Can't you use your... your dark powers or magic or whatever to create another room?"

Bai Ye's expression remained serene, but a hint of amusement danced in his eyes. "Mhm?"

Lian's frustration boiled over. "There's only one bed, and there are two of us! You're a demon prince, for heaven's sake! You turned a tiny hut into a mansion. Can't you at least add another room? Or bed?!"

Bai Ye's gaze drifted back to the window, his face impassive. Lian's words seemed to hang in the air, ignored. The only sound was the soft rustling of the wind through the courtyard's bamboo plants.

The mansion's traditional Chinese architecture seemed to loom over them, its intricate carvings and ornate furnishings a reminder of the world outside their little bubble. But in this moment, Lian felt like he was the only one aware of the awkwardness, the only one who cared.

Lian stood still, his eyes fixed on the door as if willing it to open. But before he could take another step, he felt a firm tug on his wrist. He turned to see Bai Ye holding him back, a pair of handcuffs gleaming in the fading light.

"What are you doing?" Lian demanded, trying to shake off Bai Ye's grip.

Bai Ye's expression remained impassive, his voice low and even. "There's a reason your master told you never to go out at dusk."

Lian's eyes flashed with defiance. "My master told me that to keep you away from me! You're a demon who wants to eat my soul!"

Bai Ye's gaze narrowed, his eyes glinting with amusement. "Wait, I want to eat what?"

Lian's face scrunched in indignation. "Of course, you want to eat my soul! Why else are you keeping me here?"

Bai Ye sighed, releasing Lian's wrist before turning to lie down on the bed. The bed, adorned with intricate carvings and silk bedding, seemed to stretch on forever, big enough to fit two people comfortably.

Lian's anger boiled over as he stomped over to the bed, glaring down at Bai Ye. "You old monster, you ugly demon! Where am I supposed to sleep if you're taking the bed?"

Bai Ye opened his eyes, his gaze meeting Lian's. "You can stay and keep watch. It's only been few minutes since you woke up."

Lian's scowl deepened. "Keep watch for what?"

Bai Ye's eyes drifted shut, his chest rising and falling with each breath. Lian's frustration grew, but Bai Ye remained silent, ignoring him.

The room, lit by the soft glow of lanterns, seemed to grow quieter, the only sound the distant chirping of crickets and the soft rustling of the wind through the courtyard's bamboo plants. Lian's anger slowly gave way to exhaustion, his eyes drooping as he stood watch over Bai Ye.