The Great Ling was at war with the Northern Di. After losing dozens of border cities in a row, the emperor was forced to sue for peace, sending his seventh son to the Northern Di as a hostage.

The carriage swayed all the way from the capital to the grasslands. Fang Chen had been crying the entire journey. It was his young attendant who finally persuaded him to stop, lest he cry his eyes out before even reaching the Northern Di.

Fang Chen’s mother had passed away long ago. He had been raised under the care of the Imperial Consort, who treated him well, clothing him in brocade and feeding him delicacies, raising him amidst gold and jade. Who would have thought that this time, when a prince was required as a hostage, the Imperial Consort would push him forward to save her own son.

Fang Chen wiped his tears. “I heard the people there are savages who eat raw meat and drink blood. Especially their king, who is said to look like a yaksha and can tear a child apart with his bare hands. If I go, I’m afraid I won’t live to see tomorrow.”

His young attendant comforted him, “The rumors outside aren’t entirely true.”

Fang Chen continued to shed tears. After crying for a while, he said with a sob, “Bring me the pastry box. I’m hungry again.”

The attendant was helpless. “We only brought a few boxes. We haven’t even arrived, and you’ve almost finished them all.”

Fang Chen muttered, “What does it matter? I’m going to die soon anyway.”

“Aiya, Your Highness, don’t say such unlucky things.”

No matter how unwilling Fang Chen was, the carriage still entered the territory of the Northern Di’s royal encampment. A squad of soldiers stopped them.

“People from Great Ling? What are you here for?”

The official outside presented their credentials, saying respectfully, “We are escorting the prince as a hostage, with the intention of fostering good relations between our two nations.”

A general stepped out from the group and snatched the credentials. “What’s all this gibberish? Aren’t you just sending someone to us? And you expect us to feed him, another mouth to feed.”

Sitting in the carriage, Fang Chen heard these humiliating words and his eyes instantly turned red. Ignoring his attendant’s pleas, he stepped right out of the carriage. “Do you Northern Di people not understand etiquette and rules?”

The man sneered. “Your Great Ling understands rules, yet you were still beaten by us until you were fleeing in terror.”

Fang Chen clenched his fists. “You!”

The general finally looked at him properly and was stunned. The young man before him was dressed in a goose-yellow, round-collared brocade robe. His small face looked as if it were carved from snow, his eyes dark and bright, like a person from a painting. He grinned. “Are you here to be married to our great king?”

Fang Chen’s face flushed with anger. “What nonsense are you talking?”

Not far away in the royal tent, a man had just finished arranging provisions. He walked out and heard the commotion. He frowned, his face displeased, and strode over. “What’s going on?”

The general, who had been so arrogant moments before, quickly knelt. “Your Majesty, these are the people from Great Ling. They say they’ve brought someone to be your queen.”

Fang Chen’s eyes widened. “What queen? Is there something wrong with your ears? I am a hostage. I am the Seventh Prince of Great Ling.”

Seth knew that Great Ling was sending a hostage. He hadn’t paid it any mind, planning to just arrange a random place for him to stay. But when he slightly raised his eyes, he froze. The young man’s eyes and brows were filled with a faint anger, making him look vibrantly alive. Seth stared at him for a good while. It wasn’t until the little prince glared at him with his round eyes that he slightly quirked his lips. “Oh, the queen, is it? Send him into my royal tent.”

Fang Chen: “…” So no one here could understand human language.

Just like that, he was stuffed into the royal tent in a daze. Fang Chen’s head was about to explode. He was clearly here to be a hostage, how did it suddenly turn into a marriage alliance?

The Northern Di had their own capital city, but because of the recent war, they had set up a royal encampment here. Now that the fighting had stopped, they hadn’t moved back yet. The royal tent was huge, looking almost as big as ten ordinary tents. Fang Chen walked in by himself, feeling scared. He started to feel like crying again, but now that he was deep in enemy territory, he felt tears were useless, so he could only grit his teeth and endure.

After a short while, Seth also followed him in. He had just ordered the storehouses opened and had the tribute gifts Great Ling had sent for peace brought over. Dozens of large chests were placed outside when they couldn’t fit in the tent.

Fang Chen didn’t know what this king was up to and deliberately put on a cold face. “What exactly does Your Majesty mean? Are you trying to bribe me with things from my own Great Ling?”

The little prince had quite a temper. Even his own father wouldn’t dare speak to him like this. Seth wasn’t angry either. He quirked his lips. “A meeting gift for you. You can play with the treasures and have the fabrics made into clothes.”

Fang Chen looked at him warily. “I don’t want them!” Is this person before me the King of the Northern Di? He doesn’t seem as scary as the rumors say. But he is indeed very tall, I have to look up at him. And his eyes… they’re actually grey-blue, like a wolf’s.

As Fang Chen was sizing up the man, Seth was also looking down at him. Their eyes met unexpectedly, startling Fang Chen. His eyelashes trembled, and he hastily looked away. Seth’s lips quirked up almost imperceptibly. He was as timid as a little lamb on the prairie, ready to bolt at the slightest disturbance.

Thinking this, he subconsciously softened his voice. “Are you hungry? I’ll have someone send food in.”

Having traveled under harsh conditions, Fang Chen was long since hungry. Hearing this, he touched his stomach, and the defiant air on his face disappeared. He said softly, “Well… I’ll eat a little.”

Seth found it amusing but didn’t tease him further. Soon, servants entered, bowing, and filled the small table with dishes. Seth wasn’t used to being served, so he waved them away. “Eat, little prince.”

Fang Chen thought the title sounded strange, but with food in front of him, he had no mind for such things. He sat down opposite Seth. The dishes were all Northern Di specialties. He found it novel and tasted this and that. The flavors were all quite good.

Seeing him eat with gusto, Seth smiled with satisfaction. He had just picked up his chopsticks when Fang Chen put his down. “Thank you for your hospitality, Your Majesty. I am full.”

Seth: “…” He asked in disbelief, “You’ve only had a few bites.”

Fang Chen snorted inwardly. Uncultured, aren’t you? This is our noble etiquette. The little prince lifted his chin, his expression proud. “A taste is sufficient.”

Seth was amused by his attitude. “Eating like a cat.” He tilted his chin. “Now that you’re in Northern Di, you will follow our rules. Finish all the food in front of you, or else…”

Fang Chen’s heart tightened. Here it comes, the humiliation a hostage is said to suffer! Bring it on! I’m ready! At worst, he would throw the food on the ground and make him kneel to eat, or simply starve him! No matter what, he, the dignified prince of Great Ling, would not yield!

But the next moment, he heard Seth say in a flat tone, “Or else I will hold you and feed you.”

Fang Chen’s eyes widened. “Huh?”

Seth quirked his lips. “Still not eating? Do you really want me to feed you?”

The little prince, who had looked so resolute just a moment ago, now looked as if he had been frightened and quickly buried his head in his food. The meal was like a battle.

After eating his fill, Fang Chen’s body grew lazy. He was no longer as sharp-tongued as before, and he curled up on the couch like a stretching cat. A subordinate had come looking for Seth, so he had stepped out. At this moment, only Fang Chen was in the royal tent. He unconsciously relaxed, his eyes even closing slightly. He had intended to just take a nap but ended up falling fast asleep.

When Seth returned to the tent after handling his official duties, this was the scene he saw. The young man was asleep on the small couch. The dim candlelight illuminated his small face, making it look as round and translucent as a polished pearl. Lying slightly on his side, the soft flesh of his cheek was squished a little, making it look chubby. His soft red lips were slightly parted; Seth wondered if he could see the tip of his tongue inside. Just this scene alone made Seth’s mouth go dry. He thought he must be crazy. He had only seen this Great Ling prince once, and he was already bewitched, his heart suddenly feeling so full it could hold nothing else.

The man walked to the side of the couch and half-knelt, his eyes fixed on Fang Chen, unable to move. He wanted to get closer, to smell if his mouth was as fragrant as it looked. Just as his head drew near, Fang Chen suddenly woke up with a start, his eyes wide, looking at the person in front of him with some confusion.

The air seemed to freeze in that instant.

Seth coughed and said, “I was going to wake you up. You should wash up and change into some comfortable clothes before sleeping. It’s not good to sleep like this.” His tone was gentle, the excuse a good one. But Fang Chen still shrank back, looking at the person before him warily.

Seth silently clicked his tongue. He could only stand up and have the servants bring hot water to help Fang Chen wash up. Seeing the servant hand Fang Chen a hot, wrung-out towel to wipe his face, Seth felt a pang of jealousy. If only he could be the one to serve Fang Chen. To hold the young man in his arms, take a towel and wipe his face. If he tried to dodge, he could only press against his chest, a soft little rice ball. Just the thought of it made Seth’s chest burn.

Fang Chen wiped his face and rinsed his mouth, but still felt uncomfortable all over. This King of the Northern Di was just standing there, staring at him. His gaze made Fang Chen’s heart race. He hesitated for a moment, then slowly spoke, “Your Majesty, where am I sleeping tonight?”

Here it comes! The second humiliation for a hostage! Is he going to make me sleep in a dog kennel or a sheep pen? Fang Chen clenched his fists slightly.

But the tall man in front of him just frowned slightly. “What did you call me?”

Fang Chen was bewildered. “Huh?”

“Seth. That’s my name.” The man paused, then gestured to him. “I read in the official document that the seventh prince is named Chen. Is your name Fang Chen?”

How did we suddenly jump to exchanging names? Fang Chen gave a muffled “mm.”

Seth seemed to love his name, calling it a few times in a low voice. “Fang Chen, Fang Chen.” The man’s voice was deep and hoarse. Although there was still some distance between them, it sounded as if he were whispering right in Fang Chen’s ear. Fang Chen’s ears inexplicably turned red and hot. He coughed slightly, feeling a bit awkward. “What does Your Majesty want?”

Seth said in a low voice, “Don’t call me Your Majesty. Call me by my name.”

Fang Chen: “…” Seriously, is this King of the Northern Di normal?

He took a deep breath. “Where am I sleeping tonight!”

Seth said naturally, “Of course, you’ll sleep in my royal tent.”

Fang Chen’s eyes widened. “There’s only one bed here.”

Seth raised an eyebrow. “So what?”

Damn it! Is this the Northern Di’s way of humiliation? How unique!

The lights in the royal tent were extinguished, plunging it into darkness. It was quiet all around; even the sound of the soldiers patrolling outside couldn’t be heard. The bed in the tent was very large. Fang Chen clung to one side, clutching the blanket, his heart pounding. Something felt off. He really wasn’t here for a marriage alliance! How did he end up sleeping with him so inexplicably?

His mind raced with wild thoughts. He thought about this and that, assuming he would be sleepless all night, but he unexpectedly fell asleep after a short while. The man beside him had remained still, appearing to be asleep. It wasn’t until the person next to him was breathing deeply that the man quietly reached out an arm, scooped him up, and pulled him into his embrace.

The young man was sound asleep and didn’t notice a thing, his head resting on the man’s arm, sleeping soundly. Years of leading troops into battle had given the man eyes like a wolf’s, with excellent night vision. Even though the royal tent was pitch black, he could clearly see the young man’s sleeping face. His long eyelashes were cast down, making him look obedient in his sleep.

Of all the gold, silver, treasures, land, and livestock that Great Ling had sent over, none had satisfied him. But today, they had sent a treasure, and it had been delivered right into Seth’s heart. Holding the person like this, Seth also closed his eyes slightly. Let me think. What day should we set for the wedding?

After rushing for days, he hadn’t slept well. But this night, he slept soundly. When Fang Chen woke up in the morning, he yawned, and was about to stretch, when he suddenly found he couldn’t move. He was stunned. He looked down and froze. The sky had fallen! How did he end up in Seth’s arms?

The man had him completely tucked into his embrace, like holding a small, soft pillow. The man’s arm was wrapped around Fang Chen’s waist like an iron hoop. Fang Chen struggled a few times to get up but couldn’t move at all.

Seth had been awake for a while. His alertness was high; he had woken up the moment Fang Chen moved, but he deliberately kept his eyes closed to hold him a little longer. It wasn’t until Fang Chen couldn’t bear it anymore and called out, “Your Majesty!” that Seth instantly opened his eyes and frowned. “Didn’t we agree you’d call me by my name?”

Fang Chen took a deep breath. “Let go of me.”

Seth didn’t want to anger him, so he reluctantly released his hold. Fang Chen quickly got up, turned around, and left Seth with only the back of his round head to look at.

Hearing the sounds in the tent, servants entered in single file, carrying water basins to help the two nobles wash up. A servant subconsciously handed Fang Chen a set of Northern Di attire. Fang Chen glanced at it and said deliberately, “I’m not wearing this!”

The royal tent fell silent instantly. Fang Chen snorted inwardly. I don’t believe you won’t get angry at this!

Seth frowned. Just as the servants were bowing, thinking the king was about to get angry, he said coldly, “Who brought this for the little highness? Go change it for clothes from Great Ling. And the fabrics that were taken from the warehouse yesterday, have them all tailored to the little highness’s measurements.”

The servants quickly complied. Fang Chen, standing beside them, was dumbfounded. Little highness? Who? Me?

Looking at the dazed young man beside him, Seth’s heart softened. He said gently, “I have some official business to attend to today. I’ll assign a couple of people to you. You can walk around.”

Fang Chen felt like a dud firecracker. He had been waiting for Seth to get angry so he could throw a tantrum himself, but the man’s temper was so good? All he could do was nod sullenly.

Seth chuckled a few times. “Good boy.”

---

The title “Little Highness” spread like that. Fang Chen had been a hostage for nearly half a month, and it was rumored throughout the entire Northern Di royal encampment that this hostage from Great Ling was to be the king’s queen. The king doted on him to an unbelievable extent, and no one in the Northern Di dared to look down on him. Whoever saw him would address him as “Little Highness.”

Today, they had agreed to go horse riding. Seth had promised him this long ago, and Fang Chen was looking forward to it. It was said that the horses of the Northern Di were different, twice as big as those of Great Ling. Wouldn’t it be incredibly majestic to ride one?

Fang Chen changed into Northern Di riding attire early in the morning and even had someone braid his hair. Seth’s eyes went straight when he saw him. Before the servants could leave, he couldn’t help but hug him. “Are you deliberately seducing me? How can you be so beautiful, baby?”

Fang Chen couldn’t help but push him. “What are you calling me? Your Majesty, don’t be so handsy with me. It’s detrimental to the diplomatic relations between our two countries.”

Diplomatic relations? Seth just wanted to have some hard-banging relations with him. The man took a deep breath and forced himself to let go. “Baby, something came up in the front tent. You’ll have to wait for me for a bit. I’ll handle it quickly.”

Fang Chen’s eyes widened. “What did you promise me yesterday?”

“It will be quick, baby, be good.” Seth coaxed him. “I’ll let you pick a pony later, the prettiest one.”

Fang Chen was furious. He had been looking forward to horse riding today for days. Yesterday, Seth had even stuck his hand inside his clothes and he hadn’t said anything. But today, the man was breaking his promise. He sat on the chair with a straight face. “I’m not interested!”

The servants were already used to it. They watched as their cold and ruthless king knelt on one knee before the little highness, coaxing him, promising a pile of conditions, acting like a completely different person from when he negotiated with Great Ling. Finally, he managed to coax Fang Chen’s expression to soften a bit, and Seth left with a sense of relief.

The moment Seth’s front foot was out the door, Fang Chen snorted coldly and beckoned with his hand. “Let’s go. We’re going to the stables.”

The servants’ faces turned pale with fear. “Little Highness, perhaps we should wait for His Majesty to return.” This was blatant defiance of an order. In the entire Northern Di, only he would dare.

These past few days, Fang Chen had been spoiled by Seth. His pampered temper was even worse than when he was in Great Ling. He raised an eyebrow. “Who’s waiting for him! Isn’t he busy? Let him be busy. I’m going horse riding. Are you going to listen to me or not!”

This was the little highness that the king held in the palm of his hand. Last night, the king had even knelt on the ground to wash his feet. Thinking of this, how could the servants dare to offend him? They gritted their teeth. “This servant will listen to you.”

When Seth finished his meeting in the front tent and came out, he heard a servant report that the little highness had already gone to the stables.

Seth’s face darkened. “Who allowed him to go?” The servant stammered, not daring to answer. Seth’s expression was grim as he strode towards the stables. Horse riding was inherently dangerous, and Fang Chen had no experience riding Northern Di horses. The servants didn’t dare to dissuade him and just let him have his way. What if he fell?

Thinking of this, Seth’s face grew even colder. The servants beside him held their breath, their hearts filled with anxiety. They feared the little highness was in for it this time.

At the stables, Fang Chen was having a great time. Among the six arts of a gentleman, he had learned to ride back in the palace. However, the horses in the palace were small ponies, afraid of injuring the nobles, so riding them was boring. It was nothing like now. The horses of the Northern Di were so tall and large, their backs broad. Riding on them and galloping felt as if the wind was chasing him. The riding ground was an endless grassland, a sight that lifted one’s spirits.

Since coming to the Northern Di, he had been living a completely different life from before—free and unrestrained, with no one to restrict him. Seth had not mistreated or looked down on him. On the contrary, the man practically held him in the palm of his hand. Did he really want him to be his queen? But he was a man. Although relationships between men were not forbidden, they were not so openly accepted either.

Fang Chen’s mind was in a mess. He didn’t notice a row of pebbles in front of him. They were roadblocks commonly used by the army for defense. It was unclear how they had ended up here. When the horse stepped on them, it suddenly let out a frightened, long neigh. Fang Chen was abruptly startled. He had never ridden a Northern Di horse before. He could put on a show, but when faced with a real emergency like this, he was immediately at a loss.

Fang Chen’s face turned a little pale. He gripped the reins tightly, but the Northern Di horse was large and powerful. It looked like it was about to throw him off. A fall like that, followed by being trampled by the horse, would leave him disabled if not dead.

Fang Chen was about to close his eyes in despair when an arm wrapped around his waist. The man, having ridden up at some unknown time, their two horses galloping side by side, reached out with a large hand, wrapped it around Fang Chen’s waist, and forcefully pulled him over.

It all happened in the span of a breath.

Fang Chen’s heart was still pounding. The joy of surviving a disaster washed over him. “Seth!”

But the man, contrary to his usual self, had a terrifyingly cold expression. It wasn’t until both horses had stopped that he dismounted and single-handedly hoisted Fang Chen onto his shoulder.

Fang Chen was stunned. “What are you doing! Seth! Let me down!”

Northern Di men were naturally tall and large, not to mention a royal like Seth. Carrying Fang Chen was effortless, like carrying a small lamb. He held him down with one hand. He strode back with a tense face, his voice cold. “Everyone who accompanied the little highness to the stables today will kneel outside for me.”

Fang Chen lost all face. He angrily pounded on the man’s back. “Let me down! What are you doing!”

It wasn’t until they were inside the tent that the man threw Fang Chen onto the couch. Before Fang Chen could get up from his dizzy state, he coldly went over, held him down, pulled down his pants, and raised his hand for a slap.

The pain on his bottom stunned Fang Chen. He… he… even when he was little, no one had ever held him down and spanked him. For a moment, he was both ashamed and angry. The young man’s entire face flushed red, and he struggled fiercely. “Seth! You’ve gone too far! I’m never speaking to you again!”

Seth snorted coldly and raised his hand for a few more slaps. “The little highness is quite impressive. If I hadn’t rushed over today, would I have been sending funeral news to the Great Ling emperor?”

The thought of it made Seth’s heart ache. The scene he had witnessed when he arrived at the stables had almost made his eyes split with rage. The man was used to leading troops. His large hands were strong and calloused. A few slaps were enough to make Fang Chen’s soft, tofu-like bottom swell up.

Fang Chen buried his head and sobbed.

“Cry! You still have the nerve to cry!” Seth pulled him up and roughly wiped his tears. “If something had happened to you today, what would I do?”

Fang Chen was crying so much his head was dizzy, and his bottom burned with pain. Snot and tears streamed down his face. “What does it have to do with you if something happens to me?”

Seth’s head throbbed with anger. He gritted his teeth. “Nonsense!” He didn’t want to hear this little bastard talk back to him anymore. He simply grabbed his chin and kissed him fiercely.

Fang Chen froze, even forgetting to cry. The man’s kiss was ferocious, as if venting his anger, rolling Fang Chen’s tongue and making his lips ache.

After an unknown amount of time, when he finally let go, the young man’s lips were swollen. Seth looked at him with dark eyes. “You ask what it has to do with me? You are my queen, my person. I dote on you, spoil you, hold you on the tip of my heart. But if you’re so reckless and thoughtless again next time, I’ll still beat you.”

Fang Chen: “…” His tears fell again, and he sobbed. “How can you be like this? Are you professing your love or threatening me?”

Seeing him like this, Seth felt both angry and heartbroken. Finally, he pulled him into his arms and lowered his head to kiss the top of his hair. “I cherish you.”