While William Wang Jinling was forced to rush back to his clan in frustration that night, Ninth Royal Uncle Nolan and Serena Feng enjoyed a rare stretch of peace. No one disturbed them as they rode together on a single horse, galloping freely, feeling both unrestrained and carefree. Any would-be assassins who crossed their path were swiftly handled by Nolan's men before they could get close.
After nightfall, they traveled for another half an hour before finding a modest but clean inn. Away from home, even Nolan couldn’t afford to be too picky.
"One room," Nolan shamelessly and calmly declared before Serena could speak, requesting a single room.
"Just one? What if William arrives later—what will we do if there aren’t any rooms left?" Serena didn’t mind sharing a room with Nolan. With him there, she could sleep soundly without a care.
Besides, even if Nolan wanted to try something while they were traveling, he wouldn’t be able to pull it off.
Nolan’s face darkened at her first words, but when Serena clarified that the other room was for William, his expression eased. He replied coolly, "One room is enough. William has already gone back to Eastlyn."
"Back to Eastlyn? How can you be sure he’ll actually return?" Serena and Nolan headed upstairs to the guest rooms, following the inn boy, who bowed low and didn’t dare breathe too loudly.
He couldn’t help it—this man and woman radiated such a powerful presence that, even in the bitter cold, he was sweating with nerves.
"He’s rushing home to get married," Nolan lied without batting an eye.
"What? Get married?" Serena missed a step and nearly fell, but Nolan was quick—he caught her instantly. "You’re a grown woman. Can’t you watch where you’re going?"
"Which family is the bride from?" Serena asked curiously.
"Are you really that concerned?"
"I just wonder what kind of woman could marry the Grand Heir and not feel inferior," Serena mused. Facing a man whose looks outshine her own every day would be frustrating; any woman lacking in beauty would never have the courage to wed such a handsome husband.
"What’s there to be curious about? You’ll know when we’re back in Eastlyn," Nolan replied. In truth, he had no idea who William’s bride would be, nor did he think William would obediently marry—he simply wanted William out of the way.
"Then let’s wait until we’re back in Eastlyn." Since Nolan wouldn’t say, Serena didn’t press further. After a long day of travel, she was tired and turned to make the bed.
Ahem... Actually, she was a bit of a clean freak herself and didn’t have the courage to sleep under bedding countless strangers had used. So...
Serena stripped off the sheets and blankets, replacing them with her own sleeping bag. And why did she do it herself instead of asking Nolan?
Could you imagine someone as distinguished as Nolan handling such chores? So, Serena resigned herself to doing it.
Sigh... Marrying a handsome man can make you feel inferior, but marrying someone so noble isn’t necessarily easier.
Ahem... Although Nolan admired seeing Serena work, he felt awkward just watching her do chores without helping.
Nolan stood up and glanced at the copper basin and gray towel in the room. He hesitated, then decided not to wash his hands—he just couldn’t stand using such a dirty towel.
So spoiled!
Serena finished making the bed and turned to see Nolan’s look of distaste. She muttered in annoyance, then pulled out the fresh white towel she’d prepared earlier.
The towel was sealed in a bag and still damp. "Come here, let me help you clean up."
She beckoned Nolan over, signaling for him to sit. Nolan raised an eyebrow, a smile flickering in his eyes, and obediently sat down, letting Serena wipe his face and hands.
To be honest, Serena didn’t know how to serve people—her touch was rough and her movements clumsy. Nolan’s face stung, but he endured it.
The atmosphere reminded him of an ordinary married couple. For a moment, Nolan’s heart softened and his eyes stung.
Serena—the woman he chose—could fight on the battlefield and cook in the kitchen; outwit scheming officials, defeat spoiled brats, save lives with one hand and take them with the other.
To him, Serena had no flaws. He even found her occasional stubbornness and quirks endearing.
After cleaning his face, Serena smeared lotion on Nolan’s skin, leaving him feeling sticky and uncomfortable. "This is awful," he complained.
He wanted Serena to wipe it off—he couldn’t stand the greasy feeling. If not for the atmosphere, he would’ve done it himself.
This chapter isn’t finished yet~ Please click next page to continue reading!
But this time Serena wouldn’t indulge him. She patted his cheek: "Be good, just bear with it a little longer. Your face has been blasted by cold wind all day—it’s almost cracked."
The wind was biting, but Nolan had protected her well. Meanwhile, his own hands and cheeks were red and chapped. Neither did more nor less; they each quietly cared for the other in their own way.
"Uh..." Nolan’s face darkened, glaring at Serena in annoyance. He’d just thought well of her—how could she be so hard to praise? This girl was getting more and more out of line.
"Hehe... All right, all right, just bear with it a bit longer. Here’s your reward." Serena gave him two quick kisses on the cheeks, her tone and actions making Nolan feel like she was coaxing a child.
Nolan pulled Serena into his arms, settled her on his lap, and pinched her cheeks hard, distorting her face.
Serena rolled her eyes and slapped Nolan’s hand away. "My face is filthy—don’t touch it."
This man was getting more and more petty. All she’d done was coax him like a child—did he really have to retaliate by pinching her face?
"Mm." Nolan let Serena go, then picked up a fresh towel from the table, unfolded it with elegance, and, under her gaze, gently wiped her face.
His movements were gentle, his gaze focused, as if he were cleaning a priceless treasure. Serena couldn’t help but close her eyes and relax into his embrace.
As William would say, these two were ridiculous—"Why do you need to wipe each other? Just clean yourselves!" Doing it separately would be much more efficient.
But if they’re happy, what can you do? They just love fussing over each other.