Michael had never entertained the idea of becoming someone's concubine, especially not a man's. The news of a selection for the eastern Prince's harem did not initially faze him. Surely, his family would never allow such a thing to happen.
However, to his surprise, his beloved older brother had signed him up as a noble candidate. It seemed that the Collosel household saw this as an opportunity. While talk of sending their youngest, Cyrus, had circulated, Michael found himself forcibly included among the candidates, and the King promptly chose him.
It was a strategic move on the King's part. Selecting someone from a lower household would provide greater control over the main concubine. The Meilin household, with their modest status, proved a suitable choice—low enough to be influenced yet high enough not to offend the eastern emperor.
With this in mind, Michael concocted a plan to be the worst concubine in history, hoping to swiftly be expelled from the harem. At this point, he was even prepared to run away. His family wielded sufficient power, and he harbored no guilt about their potential repercussions. Their indifference toward his fate became painfully apparent when they signed that paper.
That plan remained intact until he attended the welcoming ceremony and laid eyes on the renowned crown prince for the first time.
In a word, the eastern prince, Li Jie, was simply... divine.
Michael couldn't help but be reminded of a cherished picture book from his childhood. Li Jie embodied the living embodiment of the angel within those pages. If only he had a pair of wings, though Michael suspected they were concealed beneath his billowing robe.
Li Jie stood before him, the most beautiful person he had ever seen, transcending gender. Slim of waist yet lean of shoulder, soft of feature but sharp of gaze, Li Jie exuded both authority and power with every step.
There was no denying Li Jie's masculinity, and yet Michael, who had never felt drawn to anyone or anything before, felt himself ensnared by an enchantment.
However, upon meeting the other harem candidates at the morning banquet, Michael's confidence crumbled. They were all handsome, some seeming as if they were raised amid flowing gold. Michael was certain that one among them was even a prince.
Yet, there were deeper concerns that plagued his mind. Though Michael had not experienced it firsthand, he had heard stories from their merchants about being disowned in other countries due to their darker skin. While some individuals possessed skin darker than those in the western regions, none matched Michael's complexion.
After much contemplation, the young man decided to present himself in his country's attire and hairstyle. If the prince's heart did not match the beauty of his face, Michael saw no reason to make an effort.
"Please accompany me," Li Jie said to Michael after the emperor's announcement during the morning banquet.
Michael's attention fixated on the beautiful hand extended toward him. How could someone's hand possess such beauty? Overwhelmed, he felt a mix of dizziness and confusion, struggling to regain his composure.
The envoy sent with him discreetly nudged Michael, rousing him from his thoughts. It was a gentle kick, unnoticed by others but sufficient to bring him back to reality.
"It would be my pleasure, Your Highness," Michael replied, placing his hand in Li Jie's and rising with his assistance. He bowed as the prince did, oblivious to the piercing gazes from onlookers. His heart brimmed with joy, eclipsing any concern.
He chose me! Michael couldn't help but rejoice inwardly. Out of all the men present, he chose me!
"We'll be going alone," Li Jie informed the servants trailing behind him, breaking the heavy silence of the banquet. He turned to Michael, a smile gracing his lips. "Would that be alright with you?"
"Of course, Your Highness," Michael replied, wanting to bow but reluctant to release his intertwined hand from Li Jie's. He cherished the connection they shared.
"Then please follow me," Li Jie said, his kindness shining through despite his elevated status. Michael felt as if he were floating on cloud nine. "I'll lead the way."
He's my angel, Michael thought, feeling giddy and as though he were melting from the inside. They walked side by side, their hands bound together, as the prince guided him. Michael, likely the most naïve member of his family, understood that this was likely a political gesture, though he remained blissfully unaware of the heavy implications. For now, he reveled in the cool touch of his angel.
Silently, Li Jie led Michael out of the main palace. As soon as they stepped outside, the sounds of the banquet, the music, and the animated conversations permeated the air, impossible to ignore.
Lost in his happy-go-lucky thoughts, Michael failed to notice the sudden awkward silence that enveloped them.
"I..." Li Jie broke the silence, and Michael observed that the prince seemed more human now that they were outside. "I'm going to be honest, alright?"
"Of course, Your Highness," Michael responded, his imaginary tail wagging with delight.
"I don't know what to do," Li Jie admitted, a shy smile playing on his lips. Yet, even in that vulnerability, Michael still sensed the young prince's underlying authority. "I feel a bit awkward."
If it were anyone else saying this, Michael pondered, would they seem powerless? Just as I suspected, he must truly be an angel!
"Uh..." Michael desperately sought to keep the conversation flowing. He had always been told he was an introvert, and it rang true.
How did Meghan initiate a conversation? Michael quickly searched his mind, recalling his adopted sister's approach.
"We could find a comfortable spot," Michael's eyes gleamed with excitement as he remembered what to do. "And play a game of rock, paper, scissors. The loser must answer a question!"
"I-I mean, if Your Highness agrees," Michael hastily added, momentarily forgetting that Li Jie was the prince of a nation.
"That's a wonderful idea!" Li Jie tightened his grip on Michael's hand, a wide grin adorning his face. "Let's go. I know the perfect place!"
Michael followed the prince, his grin unyielding, feeling as if his heart might burst from his chest.
