Jing Yuan had spent another exhausting day buried in his duties as the general of the Cloud Knights.

He did thrive in the hardships of it all. But finding a certain exhilaration in the battlefield of politics and strategy, there was only one true reason he pushed himself so relentlessly.

You.

You were the constant in his life, the one thing that made the endless cycle of work feel worthwhile. Every late night, every burden he shouldered—none of it mattered if it meant securing a future with you. You were his rest, his beginning, and his end.

Tonight, like many nights before, you were supposed to meet in his courtyard. A small tradition between the two of you—mini dates beneath the stars, away from the weight of the world. A moment where he wasn’t a general, and you weren’t whatever title you carried, but simply two people sharing their seconds and hours together.

When he finally arrived, stepping onto the stone path softened by the lanterns, you could already tell he was more drained than usual. The exhaustion clung to him like a second skin. His usually sharp gaze was now only weary.

Without a word, he sat beside you on the bench, exhaling softly as he leaned in, resting his head against your shoulder. His breaths were slow, his body warm against yours, and before long, his eyes had drifted shut.

Jing Yuan—the ever-composed, ever-dutiful general, known for his unwavering mind and authority—was now peacefully nestled against you, his guard lowered in a way only you ever got to see.

Who would’ve thought that the same man who commanded entire legions could look this adorable when he slept?