It was an impulsive decision by his majesty Cao Pi himself that a celebration be held for the Wei victory at Hefei. It was impressive that the Wei kingdom could host a grand celebration during a serious time such as this, when the three great kingdoms of China were still in conflict. The Wei emperor had insisted that regaining morale was just as important as the training of troops, so the celebration was to be held.

There would be dancing and delicious food and drink, and everyone of aristocratic and military status was invited. It was the talk of the city - everyone bustled around the local markets, looking for the fanciest clothing they could find.

“You are coming, aren't you... my dear Zilong?” the Wei emperor casually enquired as he reclined on the canopy bed in his room, lazily skimming through his endless stream of work-related scrolls and occasionally dipping a writing brush in ink to write something on the pieces of aged parchment.

The other was kneeling on the ground at the low table, his hands resting respectfully on his thighs. “Forgive me my lord, but only the people of Wei are permitted to attend this celebration.”

Cao Pi waved his writing brush dismissively. “You are an exception, remember? That includes this celebration.”

The jade-clad warrior was silent for a moment longer before speaking again.

“....I apologise, my lord. The truth is... I do not know how to dance.”

Ah. So that was the true reason behind his reluctance.

The Wei emperor chuckled softly. How cute. Who knew that a fierce warrior would have such an endearing side to them?

“Very well. I shall teach you." 

Zhao Yun raised his head in alarm. "My lord-"

“-it is not difficult." Cao Pi interrupted. "Especially with someone like me as your teacher.”

“But-”

“It’ll be fun.”

The warrior chewed his bottom lip.

With a line like that, how could he say no?

The celebration was in full swing. The cheerful sounds of flute songs and elegant notes from the guqin twirled around in the air, making everyone merry, the presence of alcohol causing the people to be additionally tipsy. The main hall was brightly lit by the many lanterns left around the room, and in addition to that, the grounds outside had been tidied for dancing under the starry night sky.

Unexpectedly, the emperor himself was nowhere to be seen. He had addressed his audience at the beginning of the night and then proceeded to make himself scarce. The guests gathered thought it strange at first, but the servants had told them not to worry, that he would be back soon. Nobody had noticed the two silhouettes that had silently left the illuminated hall.

Outside, the moon shone bright, the stars high in the sky.

The two lovers were dressed to their best - Cao Pi's clothes were of smooth silk, while Zhao Yun's was of a similar material, albeit a little lower in quality. The two had let their hair down for the occasion.

Cao Pi brought Zhao Yun’s hand onto his shoulder, his own hand resting gently on the other’s waist, while their free hands intertwined tightly. They swayed to the music coming from inside the hall, the sounds of the beautiful string instruments drifting outside to the open balcony where they stood.

As they danced, Cao Pi came to the conclusion that Zhao Yun had been undoubtedly correct about his experience in dancing.

His steps were clumsy, his movements hesitant, his inexperience in anything unrelated to combat perfectly clear. Compared to the other’s smooth, graceful and light movements, he looked like an elephant dancing to a peacock’s tune.

A warrior like him did not belong here.

Zhao Yun started to become restless, moving to release Cao Pi from his hold. “My lord, I am not fit for this-” 

He was not given a chance to finish his sentence as Cao Pi tightened his grip around Zhao Yun's hand and waist and abruptly pulled him close, so close that they had no choice but to gaze into each other's eyes. Calculating blue observed iridescent emerald. Somehow the sight of these hues was calming, and he felt his shoulders relax.

Seeing that Zhao Yun had stopped his movements, Cao Pi smiled softly. 

“It is fine, Zilong - there is no need to be nervous around me. We are the only ones here,” soothed Cao Pi. His kind words would never be heard by anyone other than the person dancing awkwardly in front of him.

The moon watched over them tonight as well.