At this moment, seeing the two so close, Prince Ethan felt a surge of anger. He let out a cold laugh and gave a deep command, "Seize them all!"
The guards surged forward, plunging into chaotic battle. Maxwell Jing and Ethan Gu showed no mercy; bodies were torn apart, limbs severed, countless casualties. With Ethan Gu's poison, some collapsed with festering wounds, others bled from every orifice—the ground ran red with blood in an instant.
Prince Ethan and Morgan Shangguan never lifted a hand. Even amid such chaos, Ethan Gu and Maxwell Jing managed to shield them completely—not only thanks to their formidable skills, but also to their seamless teamwork.
The Azure Kingdom's men fared much worse; several had already fallen. Crown Prince Adrian was forced to join the fight. Gradually, both sides were driven by the mass of guards out onto the open ground outside the hall, trapped together.
Adrian Yarrow glanced into the hall, then suddenly swung a blade he'd snatched from a guard at Ethan Gu. He wanted to escape, and at this moment, the best choice was to unite and fight their way out together. No one expected him to suddenly attack Ethan Gu. Ethan Gu was locked in combat with several opponents and could only twist his body slightly to minimize the damage.
At the critical moment, Damien Gray was about to intervene, but Maxwell Jing was even faster, reaching out to block the blow.
Damien Gray and Morgan Shangguan had been perfectly protected, but now, due to this sudden movement, a gap appeared. Adrian Yarrow took advantage of the opening, swiftly pulling Morgan Shangguan toward him and placing a firm grip around her neck—clearly intent on using her as a hostage!
Prince Ethan strode out from the hall, sneering, "Does the Crown Prince really think he can threaten me just by grabbing her?" His tone carried a hint of mockery. Was it not obvious that he intended to kill Morgan Shangguan?
Adrian Yarrow smiled calmly and called out, "Prince Ethan, you love her, don't you? Can you really bear to kill her just like that? Think carefully—if you do, she's truly gone forever!" He wasn't a fool; as an observer, he could see Prince Ethan's feelings for Morgan Shangguan clearly. But he didn't hold out much hope, knowing that he and Prince Ethan were alike—if their roles were reversed, he wouldn't be swayed by threats either. But now, he had no other choice.
Hearing this, some of the ministers felt dizzy—the chaos kept escalating, leaving them unable to keep up. Now, they heard that the emperor who wanted to execute the Enchantress Consort had actually fallen in love with her! What kind of situation was this? If he loved her, why would he want to kill her?
Prince Ethan's face grew grim. Kill her, and she's gone forever! Suddenly, Prince Ethan hesitated. Staring at the captive Morgan Shangguan, the ruthless resolve in his heart wavered at this moment.
Morgan Shangguan ignored the negotiations between the two men. She simply gave Damien Gray a reassuring smile, signaling him not to act rashly.
While Prince Ethan hesitated, Adrian Yarrow glanced at the grim-faced Damien Gray and threatened in a low voice, "Ghost King, if you don't want to see your Princess Consort torn apart, help me hold off these guards. Once I'm gone, I'll let her go!"
Morgan Shangguan couldn't help but smile—he truly made use of everything at his disposal.
Adrian Yarrow kept his grip on Morgan Shangguan's neck and slowly backed away. Mona Shangguan stood behind him, her face pale, following his movements. Several men in black surrounded them protectively. Morgan turned to Damien Gray and smiled, "Farewell, my lord!" Even now, she remained unruffled, smiling as she said goodbye—making everyone wonder if she had lost her mind.
Only Damien Gray understood her meaning—she wanted to escort Adrian Yarrow out of the palace. 'Farewell' meant: we'll meet again at Jade Dragon Manor!
Morgan Shangguan's smile was serene and gentle, set against a backdrop of blood and corpses. For a moment, she seemed almost otherworldly—yet upon closer look, she was more like an immortal ready to ride the wind and depart.
Morgan Shangguan was aloof and ethereal, but not truly immortal. Beneath her calm exterior lay a nature that was vengeful and cold. Adrian Yarrow took her as a hostage, but she would not let him go unpunished. That was why she let him take her—so he could leave. To her, death was a kind of release, but those who displeased her did not deserve release.
Yes, she was merely displeased—not truly angry. Adrian Yarrow was not worthy of her anger.
Perhaps, nothing could truly anger her. In her memory, she had never been truly furious—not by Susie Yun's scheming, Jin Locke's betrayal, Mona Shangguan's hatred, nor by Emperor Alexander and Adrian Yarrow's manipulations. None of it could make her angry.
After his hesitation, Prince Ethan regained his composure and commanded in a deep voice, "Seize them!" He would never let Adrian Yarrow escape. This time, he was fully prepared to capture Damien Gray, and for Azure Kingdom to try a rescue now was nothing but a fool's dream.
Just then, Sophie Qiu, who had been silent for a long time, suddenly spoke, "Let the Crown Prince of Azure Kingdom leave!"
Prince Ethan turned to her with a dark expression. "Empress Consort, what do you mean by this?"
Sophie Qiu ignored him and looked at the head of the guards, repeating, "Let them go!"
Prince Ethan was about to lose his temper, but saw the head of the guards raise his hand and shout, "Stand down!"
Prince Ethan was furious—the head of the guards ignored the emperor's command and obeyed the Empress instead! "How dare you! Are you trying to rebel?"
Sophie Qiu smiled gently and said, "Your Majesty misunderstands. I only wish to assist you in managing the Silvermoon Kingdom more effectively."
Prince Ethan was shocked and angry. "Are you trying to meddle in state affairs?" He hadn't expected Sophie Qiu's ambitions to be so great!
Adrian Yarrow seized the opportunity, taking Morgan Shangguan farther away. Damien Gray could only watch, his face dark—allowing another man to hold her like this, he would have to teach her a lesson later!
No one would have guessed that this was what was on his mind at that moment.
"My lord..." Maxwell Jing was filled with guilt, blood streaming from his arm, but Damien Gray paid him no heed.
Though he knew Morgan Shangguan was capable and likely safe, he had still failed in his duty!
Damien Gray said in a low voice, "Never again!" He understood Maxwell Jing's feelings—at that moment, it was a reflex, no time to think. Besides, even as he rushed to save Ethan Gu, he hadn't forgotten to protect his master; otherwise, he wouldn't have been wounded at all!