Before Prince Ethan could speak, Morgan Shangguan suddenly said, "Father Emperor, I believe this is all just a misunderstanding. Prince Julian only invited the Grand Abbot of Serenity Temple to recite sutras and perform rituals. The claim that I was to be used as a sacrificial offering is completely unfounded."
Prince Ethan glanced at her. He suddenly realized that Morgan Shangguan was a woman he could not see through; he had no idea what she was really thinking or planning.
Damien Gray shot Morgan Shangguan a look, a dangerous glint in his eyes. If the story about using her as a sacrifice was false, then Prince Ethan was blameless—and the blame would fall on him instead!
Though he understood Morgan Shangguan was trying to regain Prince Ethan's trust, it still unsettled him to see the woman he loved siding with another man, no matter the reason.
Meeting his gaze, Morgan Shangguan seemed to realize this too. She reached out and took his hand, falling silent.
Emperor Alexander turned to Damien Gray, his face shadowed with anger. "What exactly is going on?" Before Damien could answer, he looked to Morgan Shangguan and asked coldly, "You are Damien's consort—why were you at Prince Julian's Manor?"
Morgan Shangguan was not intimidated by his authority. She replied gently, "I heard Prince Julian was setting up an altar to pray for Father Emperor’s blessings, so I went to his manor, hoping I could also ask for more fortune on your behalf."
Emperor Alexander glanced at Damien Gray, then asked, "So why did Damien say you were to be used as a sacrifice?"
Morgan Shangguan frowned and said, "His Highness has been unwell, bedridden and groggy for some time. He didn’t know why I visited Prince Julian’s Manor, so there may have been some misunderstandings. In fact, I went to his manor hoping to pray for his health as well."
Hearing this, Emperor Alexander turned to Damien Gray, his brow furrowed. "Didn’t Damien just recover? How is he ill again?" He wondered how Damien could fall sick so soon after returning to the manor. Though worried for his son, he also felt relieved—the legend of the Demon Child was always an unresolved knot in his heart, one he could never untangle.
Damien Gray smiled gently. "Father Emperor, you don't need to worry about me. I'm already well again."
"Enough! Let’s leave this matter here. Since you’re not well, you’re not to leave the manor until the national ritual." The implication was house arrest, but it was hardly a punishment—could a mere manor really confine Damien Gray? Especially when it was his own manor? What sort of penalty was that?
Emperor Alexander had never intended to truly punish Damien Gray; his questions and anger were just for show. Although Damien was somewhat unfathomable, the emperor still believed he had him under control.
Prince Ethan was not particularly angry at the outcome—he had expected this all along.
Emperor Alexander waved his hand tiredly. "I’m exhausted. You may all leave now."
Without hesitation, Damien Gray wrapped his arm around Morgan Shangguan and led her out. Before Prince Ethan left, he caught Emperor Alexander’s warning gaze—the emperor was convinced it was Ethan who wanted to get rid of Damien and had orchestrated all this trouble. It had always seemed odd: why would Ethan be so eager about a simple prayer ritual? He claimed to want discretion, yet deployed so many of his own guards. Now it was clear—he was targeting Damien Gray.
Although Prince Ethan truly did want to eliminate Damien Gray, and this whole scheme was for that purpose, he was still a bit wrongly accused.
Prince Ethan watched as Damien Gray and Morgan Shangguan boarded the carriage, his eyes unreadable. Morgan Shangguan—just what kind of woman was she?
Inside the carriage, Morgan Shangguan took the initiative to snuggle into Damien Gray’s arms, her arms circling his neck. Their eyes met, and Morgan’s gaze held a hint of apology as she sighed softly, "It won’t happen again."
Though her words were vague, Damien Gray knew exactly what she meant. He couldn’t help but smile; whatever discomfort he’d felt before was gone now. If he missed an opportunity, he wouldn’t be Damien Gray.
Damien Gray lounged lazily against the carriage wall, his lips curled in a wicked smile, eyes fixed intently on Morgan Shangguan’s lips. His meaning was obvious—how could Morgan not understand? She couldn’t help but laugh, "So you’re taking advantage of the situation!" With no hesitation, she leaned in, pressing her lips to his.
Damien Gray half-closed his eyes, raising an eyebrow as he brushed his lips against Morgan’s. "Does my consort not mind?" he murmured.
Morgan Shangguan raised her brow and sighed softly, "Who told me to let you down?" Her voice carried a hint of laughter.
Damien Gray chuckled but made no further move; he had no intention of taking her in the carriage.
After the kiss, Damien Gray pressed his forehead to hers, his voice husky with laughter. "It’s rare for my consort to be so obedient—it makes me a bit uneasy!"
Morgan Shangguan caught her breath and replied, "Don’t worry. I always accept the outcome of my choices—I’m not someone who can’t handle losing!" Now that she had accepted him, there was no need to resist. She had chosen to trust him, so there was no point in struggling or testing him anymore.
Damien Gray laughed softly. "How do you plan to explain all this to Prince Ethan?"
Morgan Shangguan raised an eyebrow. "I thought you wouldn’t let me work with him anymore! After all, you’re not exactly known for being generous."
Damien Gray pecked her lips and said in a gentle voice, "As long as you’re always thinking of me, and don’t let anyone else into your heart, that’s enough."
He didn’t deny his possessiveness, but he also knew Morgan Shangguan wasn’t a woman who needed constant protection. She was his equal, and that was exactly why he loved her. He would never ask her to be a submissive woman who obeyed his every word—if she were like that, she wouldn’t be Morgan Shangguan at all.
If he couldn’t see that, he wouldn’t be Damien Gray.
Now that his consort understood her own position, he no longer needed to be so on guard. He believed that since Morgan Shangguan had accepted him, she wouldn’t fall for anyone else.
Still, he’d have to keep a close eye on her—after all, his consort was so alluring, there were bound to be plenty of admirers trying to win her over.
Morgan Shangguan smiled. Damien Gray might be domineering, but he knew when to be gentle. That was what made him so unpredictable—by the time she realized it, her heart had already been lost to him. She ought to be angry at his cunning, but found herself willingly surrendering instead.