Wolf King And His Fox Consort

Xiao Zai's coronation ceremony happened without much fanfare three days later. The nobles in attendance looked like they were shocked to be there, even the ministers and officials who had more time to get used to the idea didn't look much better. Only Xiao Ziyi and a contingent of the higher ranking military officers looked appropriately neutral, and businesslike -- no doubt due to her own influence.

Chu Yun was glad they had expedited the ceremony, despite the Minister of Rite's complaints about waiting for an auspicious date and time. The compromise they reached was finding the most auspicious day and hour of the upcoming week, which was why there were all gathered in the throne room in the middle of the night.

Xiao Zai sat on the throne while the Minister of Rites read out all the religious and secular texts, detailing his duties as the King of Zui. The Queen Dowager stood behind the throne, as the Regent who would be passing over her powers to him, even though she'd only been so for less than three days. 

Chu Yun stood a few paces to Xiao Zai's right, wearing his stripped tiger cloak, and vibrant red robes to celebrate the occasion. He was already wearing a gold haircrown and hairpins with a trailing silk ribbon between them. Although it was far more simple than what an omega Consort would have worn, Chu Yun still felt its weight awkwardly on his head. In the future, he would avoid wearing such intricate haircrowns unless it was extremely necessary.

He did like his tiger fur cloak. That he expected to wear as often as possible.

Xiao Zai was wearing the golden robes of a King, and a jade haircrown and hairpins. He looked elegant and refined, but Chu Yun missed seeing him in his darker colours.

Maybe when it was just the two of them he could talk him into wearing darker robes again.

Finally, after what felt like hours, the ceremony was over, Xiao Zai was King, and Chu Yun was King Consort.

Chu Yun let out a huge sigh of relief, while everyone wished Xiao Zai long life and a thousand-year reign. 

They had done it. It was over, and Chu Hean and Ru Long hadn't shown up to interfere, which had been Chu Yun's biggest fear. It didn't mean they wouldn't in the future, bringing with them a world of trouble -- but for now, at least, everything was fine. 

Xiao Zai addressed the crowd to make Xiao Yuan's position as Great Chancellor official, and express his desire to consult with Commander-General Xiao Ziyi in all matters concerning the safety of Zui. 

It was a brief, dry address, but Xiao Zai would never be an eloquent person -- so the court should get used to his directness.

---

With the ceremony over, people started filling out of the throne room, eager to return to their homes and go straight to bed, most likely. 

Gu Wei stayed behind with Jin Luan, who Chu Yun still couldn't help eyeing warily.

"Well, we're off now," Gu Wei said, smiling at Xiao Zai. "Tonight we officially change homes."

Chu Yun still held a little resentment over that. The Second Prince's estate had been completely restored to his tastes, while the Crowning Moon palace most definitely was not.

And as much as Chu Yun thought that Zui stylistic sensibilities were lacking, he wasn't going to suggest reforms that would clearly aggravate the people he was trying to ingratiate himself to.

No one had brought up the matter of the harem yet, but it was obviously only a matter of time before political alliances started being suggested. In no time, every lord from north to south would be marching into Haolin trying to push their young relatives into the newest King in exchange of favours. Or worse, reminding him of existing alliances.

He didn't even want to think about how they were going to navigate that.

"You don't look so well, is the pregnancy giving you trouble?" Gu Wei asked, bringing Chu Yun out of his thoughts. 

"No, everything is fine, I'm just tired."

He wasn't about to admit that the idea of random people being pushed into Xiao Zai's lap was giving him hives.

Chu Yun knew that while they had overcome a great hurdle to get Xiao Zai on the throne, things weren't about to get any easier.

If anything, the stakes had only gotten higher.

"We need to settle on a date for Xiao An's execution. I don't want him to stay in that cell for too long, who knows what damage he could cause." Xiao Zai said, changing the subject abruptly. The issue had been preying on his mind.

Gu Wei gave him an inscrutable look. "Don't concern yourself over that now, enjoy the moment."

He and Jin Luan left after that, but Chu Yun got the impression that Gu Wei was planning something.

"Your dam is up to no good," he told Xiao Zai, once the doors closed behind them, and he and Xiao Zai were finally alone in the throne room, dark but for the flickering flames of the torches and candle-holders.

Xiao Zai wrapped one arm around Chu Yun's waist and pulled him against his chest. "You always think that," he said, inhaling Chu Yun's scent deeply.

The proximity sent a thrill through Chu Yun's body. They had been so busy lately, he missed touching Xiao Zai, missed the heat of him, in more than just exhausted sleep.

Xiao Zai took one of Chu Yun's hands and started leading him up the dais, towards the throne.

Chu Yun knew at once what he had in mind. "You don't give up, do you?" The truth was that despite his words, Chu Yun was also looking forward on making good on his promise.

Xiao Zai said nothing. He let go of Chu Yun's hand and sat down on the throne, his legs spread wide.

He patted his robe-covered thigh with a smirk.. "His Royal Highness the King Consort's seat is ready."