“Xiyu, are you alright?” Dongyue appeared concerned.
She was looking blankly at the walls of her rooms, still absorbed by Yan’s words earlier. She had come to appreciate that in Muxue, marriage was more of an obligation rather than due to love. She saw the same for the other residents of the island. Wang Xi’er had been offered to Hanshan in marriage through debt rather than love, although it was he who had fallen in love with his wife. Between her and Dongyue, they shared a bond and mutual feelings, which she found to be a reason that made it acceptable to marry him.
Dongyue, on the other hand, was mystified by the news of the marriage. Because, after knowing Yan for some time, he had perceived that Yan regarded him as a lesser human: similar to that of his minions. He had never felt any interest from the eccentric ancestor towards him. This matter was something Dongyue could accept as he was, after all, an outsider. One part of him wanted to jump in joy, but on the other hand, he didn’t know if Xiyu was happy with the arrangement. She seemed lost in thoughts since they got back from the assembly, and their connection told him he was worried about something.
She didn’t reply, so he spoke to her through his thoughts. Mind communication was an act that required more energy and focusing while their connection was active. It was draining to Dongyue. But, he needed to be mindful of her feelings, so he did it anyway.
I am okay.
I will be your husband in a few days. Why can’t you share with me what is wrong?
I just need some time alone.
I will accompany you, Xiyu.
She merely nodded and lay her head on his shoulder. Perhaps she didn’t mind being married to Dongyue, but the uncertainty about Muxue Yan’s words haunted her endlessly. She didn’t need to tell Dongyue that she wanted him to stay the night; he automatically did. He was always by her side, being that caring fiancé and lover he was.
In the middle of the night, she found herself asking him softly, “Dongyue, do you know something about Muxue Yan that I don't know?"
Dongyue was a light sleeper. A little twist or turn from her in bed was enough to wake him. He whispered back in a mild tone, "Something about him beats me. I'm no cleric, but I can detect some evil about him."
She needed to believe his shamanic abilities, even if she didn't trust him fully yet. "There's so much about him, which I don't know how to believe. What do we do, Dongyue?"
Even with her brilliance as an enchantress, she doubted herself. Dongyue held her close and told her gently, "Whether we're married or not yet; I’ve always seen you as my wife. My life is yours, Xiyu. Trust me. I’ll not allow anything to happen to you."
It was soothing for her to just lie in his embrace. If not for the bond, would she have fallen for this man and allowed him to walk into her heart slowly? Xiyu wondered, looking up at the ice blocks that made up the ceiling of her room.
…………………………………………………………………………
Three days later
The traditions of Muxue were a lot different from Yilong. In Yilong, a couple would exchange marriage rites by bowing to each other, paying respects to Heaven (the sky) and Earth (the land). However, in Muxue, there was no Heaven nor Earth. The newlyweds would also dress in white instead of the traditional red robes they would wear in Yilong.
Yilong’s traditional red bridal robes were often exquisitely embroidered and contained complex designs. The bride would often wear a matching red veil, where the groom would unveil in the solitude of their bridal chambers. Customs often varied among the city on what the newlyweds would consume after consummating their marriage.
Xiyu and Dongyue walked into the hall side by side, dressed in pure white robes the colour of snow. A shaman was responsible for honouring the event. On his high throne, Yan witnessed Xiyu and Dongyue hold hands and perform the rites. The shaman handed the couple a pair of joss sticks. They prayed to the gods and predecessors, although she didn’t know who Yan’s predecessors were. Once they finished, the shaman took the joss sticks and planted them in an incense burner.
“I would like to say my vow,” Dongyue suddenly announced, startling Xiyu and those present. He turned and faced her lovingly. He cleared his throats and spoke courageously, “Xiyu, you and I came to meet by fate. I am blessed to be united with you in this lifetime. From now onwards, the remnants of my life belong to you, Xiyu.
Even if the sky crashes down and whatever calamity befalls the world, I swear that will never stop loving you, Xiyu. Now, I entrust my life to your hands.”
Dongyue’s words moved everyone present, and even Xiyu found her heart softening. Though he had never had a woman or knew anything about how to please a girl, Dongyue had said his oath perfectly. Xiyu knew that he was not lying, as it would have shown very well through their connection. Every word he had mentioned came from the bottom of his heart.
She hadn’t worn her veil today. Dongyue observed her cheeks redden slightly, though she remained nonchalant. But whether she expressed her feelings or not, didn’t matter. What was most crucial was that he was now officially her man. He was responsible for her welfare and protection.
They heard a round of applause. Muxue Yan also came down from his throne to congratulate the couple.
“Young man, I have not underestimated you,” Yan’s booming voice resounded in his mind, although he noticed that Yan’s mouth was closed. Some martial arts he had indeed, to be able to project his voice in this way, Dongyue thought but smiled and greeted him. It was just that he no longer knew if it was martial arts or his wicked ways now.
“Ancestor Yan, thank you for giving us this opportunity. I will indeed take care of your descendant for the rest of her life.”
Yan’s eyes widened, but he probably realised that Dongyue was not aware that Xiyu had a supremely long lifespan as a half-celestial. He didn’t think it was necessary to explain further and gave them his blessings.
The crowd consisting of Yan’s minions and Hoko escorted them to a superior room with white tapestries and magnificent decor, before dispersing. Xiyu said nothing as she sat on the bed, while Dongyue indulged in the sight of his wife’s supreme beauty. From her simple headgear to every thread on her robes, he felt she was in actuality, a goddess.
“Why are you quiet, Xiyu?” he asked after a long silence. “Are you not happy?”
Xiyu attempted a smile. “No, I’m happy. It’s just...that there’s so much for me to take in right now.”
Dongyue nodded. “Alright, let’s go to sleep. We can talk about it in the morning. But first…”
She let out a gasp as if anticipating what he was about to do next. Dongyue used his abilities to blow out the candle, sending the room into total darkness. He then took her face in his hands and kissed her tenderly. She reacted strongly, kissing him back furiously, letting go all other concerns she had at the moment. Secure in Dongyue’s arms, she told herself, Everything will be fine.
A mist formed in the corner of the room, and a woman’s figure appeared. In the darkness, the light silhouette was hardly noticeable. After a few glances, the woman vanished.
She heard the words, ‘Xiyu, you need to be happy’, but nobody else was in the room. Could she have dreamed of it? Nevertheless, she could not get to sleep, so she continued thinking of what she and Dongyue could do once they returned to the island as a married couple.
How would their life change as a married couple? Would he still be as loving and thoughtful towards her? Will he fancy other women, in time to come, like the father that had brought her up?
You’re just comparing him to Hanshan, she said to herself. She appeased herself with the actuality of the bond and leaned over and stared at the sleeping Dongyue.
“Xiao Tian, Ya’Xing, I will avenge you,” she heard him say, shaking in his dreams. Though she didn’t know their condition exactly, she knew that the odds were not in their favour. Those captured by the devious Bull Demons were often mutilated and used as a subject for their non-ending experiments. The bulls were chemists by nature and often meddled with toxins of different kinds. She just hoped that when they both had the opportunity to visit their companions, the damage inflicted wasn’t too terrifying. Although she couldn’t fully appreciate Dongyue for who he was yet, she realised Dongyue had a heart of gold and was benevolent towards his comrades.
Suddenly, he launched his hand towards her and grasped her hand from under the covers, warming her cold palm. She inhaled and exhaled slowly, closing her eyes.
It had never occurred to her that having a man’s attention and being loved was that gratifying.