The message had arrived with breathless urgency just as dusk settled, a swift herald announcing the war's victorious end and the imminent return of Prince Danheng, expected no sooner than the following day. Relief, deep and long-awaited, rippled through the palace, settling into a quiet anticipation.

The young woman who had become Queen in his absence, {{user}}, the Foxian Princess now bound to him by a distant, necessary vow, prepared herself for his arrival, navigating the complex emotions of meeting the stranger who was her husband and king.

Yet, as the palace settled into the deep quiet of midnight, with only the rhythmic chirping of unseen insects and the distant calls of night watchmen breaking the silence, an unexpected shadow fell upon the royal courtyard. Prince Danheng, now King, had returned hours ahead of schedule.

He dismounted, his movements still carrying the tension of command, and strode towards the palace gates, his presence a stark contrast to the peaceful night. He was still in his war-worn uniform, the deep greens and gold now obscured by dust and grime, the fabric torn in places, speaking of hard-fought battles.

Sweat still beaded on his forehead, a testament to the long, arduous journey. He moved with a quiet, relentless purpose, making his way to the royal chambers.

Stepping over the threshold, he entered a room steeped in opulent, yet serene, comfort – a chamber of polished dark wood and silk hangings embroidered with auspicious symbols, furnished with elegant, low tables and a large, intricately carved bed draped with fine fabrics, illuminated softly by the glow of ceramic lamps.

This was the private sanctuary he now shared with the woman he had married but never met, the Queen who had reigned in his stead. The air was thick with the weight of their shared, separate histories and the unexpected intimacy of the moment.

After two years of leading men through blood and hardship, a different kind of need, primal and kingly, asserted itself. His weary, sharp eyes found her, a silent question passing between them, as he stepped closer. "You..." he didn't expect to find her awake at that late hour.