The Shadow Bridegroom

The Command To Rest

Chapter 2: The Command to Rest

The Obsidian Citadel was dark, even at dawn. The high walls and heavy architecture shielded the rooms from the morning sun, creating an enduring twilight. In the immense bed of the Clan Leader’s chamber, Lan Wangji awoke precisely at the Gusu-mandated hour of five.

He was immediately aware of the disarray: his inner robes were slightly wrinkled, the sheets were tangled, and the comforting weight of another body was pressed against his back. Wei Wuxian, the powerful leader of the Wei Clan, was a furnace of warmth, one heavy, possessive arm draped across Lan Wangji’s waist.

Lan Wangji’s mind immediately began running through the Gusu morning rituals: five hundred vertical sit-ups, meditation, the precise cleansing of his robes, and the first lesson. His body, however, was immobilized by the affectionate weight and the overwhelming realization that he was no longer bound by those solitary rules. He was bound by the man behind him.

Carefully, Lan Wangji tried to slip free. He moved inches, his intention to slide to the edge of the bed and begin his quiet regime.

Immediately, Wei Wuxian's arm tightened like a steel band. A soft, deep hum resonated against Lan Wangji’s ear.

“Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian murmured, his voice thick with sleep and command. “Dŏu liú (Stay).”

Lan Wangji froze. He felt a deep, instinctive flush rise on his neck. He was not used to being ordered to simply rest. His discipline fought the command, but the rules of the Lan Clan were currently subordinate to the political reality—and the intimate truth—of their marriage. He was meant to obey.

He settled back down, allowing his body to relax slightly into the warmth.

“The Gusu routines begin now,” Lan Wangji stated, his voice a low, formal explanation. “I must maintain my spiritual practice.”

Wei Wuxian finally opened one eye, the dark gaze heavy with drowsiness and undeniable dominance. He shifted, pulling Lan Wangji closer until their backs were perfectly aligned, his chin hooking comfortably over Lan Wangji’s shoulder.

“You belong to the Wei Clan now, Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian whispered, the words gentle yet firm. “Here, we value strength over needless suffering. My command is that you rest until the sun is high enough to bother us. That is your new discipline.”

He moved his free hand to stroke Lan Wangji’s bare forearm, a slow, mesmerizing sweep that made every muscle in Lan Wangji’s body surrender.

“Your spiritual practice is unnecessary if you are exhausted from trying to be a perfect ornament for a clan you no longer serve,” Wei Wuxian continued, his tone shifting to tender concern. “You do not have to be rigid for me. I command you to relax. I command you to be comfortable.”

Lan Wangji felt the internal resistance crumble. He was used to orders that demanded sacrifice; these were orders demanding ease. It was a completely foreign concept.

He turned his head slightly, seeking the warmth of Wei Wuxian's neck. “I… I must uphold my self-control.”

Wei Wuxian chuckled softly, a low rumble in his chest. “Oh, Lan Zhan. You will uphold my control. That is enough. And in this room, my first command is always to me.”

He rolled slightly, shifting their weight, and suddenly Lan Wangji was flat on his back, looking up at Wei Wuxian, who was propped up on one elbow, his eyes alight with genuine affection and clear command.

Wei Wuxian leaned down, pressing a soft, lingering kiss to Lan Wangji’s slightly parted lips. He didn’t demand a response; he simply claimed the moment.

“I am your only rule now, Lan Zhan,” Wei Wuxian stated, his voice dipping low, emphasizing the submissive position. “And I command you to submit to comfort. Rest. We will discuss the duties of the day later. Until then, you are under orders to stay with me.”

He settled back down, burying his face in Lan Wangji’s shoulder, his heavy arm draping over his chest. Lan Wangji lay perfectly still, the strong scent of sandalwood and spice surrounding him. He was a prisoner, but the chains were made of warmth and devotion.

He closed his eyes, for the first time in his adult life, willingly submitting to the command to rest. In the Obsidian Citadel, Lan Wangji was learning that the greatest discipline was sometimes the submission to love.