Susie Yun frowned, glanced at the two guards, and then nodded.
The two guards did not stop her. They had come openly to Prince Ethan's Manor to fetch someone, clearly unafraid of being seen. They cared little about Susie Yun's presence; as long as they brought Morgan Shangguan back, their task would be complete!
Crown Prince's Manor.
In the garden, flowers bloomed in clusters, swaying gently in the breeze and filling the air with their fragrance.
Inside the pavilion, Quentin Hua wore an ordinary-looking human-skin mask, but his alluring aura was impossible to hide. He seemed utterly unconcerned about whether his identity would be exposed.
At this moment, Quentin Hua lounged lazily on a soft couch, his robe half open, revealing a fair and tempting chest. One stunning beauty was massaging his legs, while another, equally gorgeous, giggled as she peeled grapes for him. The glistening grapes were brought to his lips, her pink lips and the sparkling fruit equally enticing, making one want to devour them whole. Her lips parted slightly as she placed the grape in his mouth, then, with a playful motion, he licked her fingers, making the beauty gasp and blush. Quentin Hua smirked wickedly, his Adam's apple bobbing as he swallowed the grape, leaving the beauty breathless. After a moment, she came to herself and reached out to catch the grape seed he spat out.
Crown Prince Adrian sat to the side, initially impatient, but watching the scene, he couldn't help but swallow. Even knowing the person before him was a man, and that his current appearance was utterly plain, Quentin Hua's allure was still irresistible.
In truth, Crown Prince Adrian was also strikingly beautiful, but compared to Quentin Hua, he seemed to lack a certain seductive edge, unable to captivate hearts so effortlessly. Quentin Hua's allure came from deep within; no matter how ordinary his face, each simple movement drew all eyes to him.
"Your Highness, Princess Consort Morgan has arrived!"
Crown Prince Adrian did not live in the palace, but had his own manor, which made things far more convenient. In truth, he had no desire to meet Morgan Shangguan this time; it was Quentin Hua who was curious about the woman who had claimed the position of Princess Consort from the Cloud Guildmaster.
Hearing the announcement, Quentin Hua looked up and met Morgan Shangguan's gaze. He froze for a moment, feeling that Morgan seemed oddly familiar. He stroked his chin, trying hard to recall.
It was no wonder—he was always surrounded by beauties, so he truly had to think carefully. After a long while, he was sure he had never met such a beautiful woman before!
Indeed, the reputation of the most beautiful woman in Azure Kingdom was well deserved. Her presence alone surpassed all the beauties around him!
Although everyone knew that the title belonged to Morgan's sister, Mona Shangguan, Quentin Hua thought differently. Morgan and Mona were twin sisters, and it was said their looks were almost identical. If Mona was the most beautiful woman in Azure Kingdom, then so was Morgan!
Crown Prince Adrian saw Morgan Shangguan simply standing there, not bowing, not even glancing at him, and felt quite displeased. He spoke sternly, "Princess Consort, do you not know the rules of etiquette?" In truth, he was venting his frustration. Damien Gray was unfathomable, and Adrian could not figure him out; all his attempts to undermine him had failed. Even using Claire Yi had come to nothing. His annoyance made it impossible to treat Morgan with any warmth.
Morgan glanced at him coolly. Etiquette? She would bow to Emperor Alexander out of courtesy, just to avoid trouble, but to Crown Prince Adrian? That was unnecessary. She doubted he could cause her any real trouble, and if he did, she could always let Damien Gray handle it. Why should she compromise herself?
Seeing Adrian about to make a fuss, Quentin Hua spoke up unhurriedly, "Your Highness, don't you have many matters to attend to? I'll talk with Princess Consort; you should get back to your work." He smiled faintly, adding, "Don't disappoint His Majesty's trust!"
At those words, Crown Prince Adrian snorted coldly and swept out, his departure showing he still gave Quentin Hua a measure of respect.
Quentin Hua watched Adrian's retreating figure, a flash of mockery passing through his eyes—so quick it was almost imperceptible. Yet Morgan Shangguan noticed it. Clearly, Quentin Hua had no intention of truly helping Adrian.
Quentin Hua glanced at Morgan, waved his hand to dismiss the two serving beauties, stretched languidly, then collapsed bonelessly back onto the couch. He looked up at Morgan, his eyes seductive, his smile dazzling. "No need for formality, Princess Consort. Please, have a seat."
Morgan Shangguan raised an eyebrow and sat down on the stone bench, her demeanor calm and unassuming, as if she didn't know Quentin Hua at all. She simply waited quietly for him to speak.
But Quentin Hua just propped his head on one hand, his gaze roaming over her, clearly in no hurry to speak. At last, his eyes landed on her neck. He squinted, then, with no trace of subtlety, pointed directly at her throat and asked, "That mark—could it be left by the Ghost King?" Though he asked, he had already ruled out the possibility in his heart. He knew Damien Gray well enough—since he fancied Fiona Yun, he would never get involved with another woman, even if she was his rightful Princess Consort!
But if it wasn't Damien Gray, then who? Morgan Shangguan dared to walk around so boldly—she certainly was fearless! Or perhaps she and Damien Gray had struck some kind of deal, and he allowed her to stray?
Morgan reached up to touch her neck, arching an eyebrow. "Lotus Sect Master, is this why you invited me here?" Quentin Hua had sent Adrian away, so clearly it wasn't Adrian who wanted to see her.
A flicker of emotion flashed in Quentin Hua's eyes, and he laughed softly. "For Princess Consort to recognize me so easily, that's truly impressive!" He no longer underestimated Morgan Shangguan—though, in truth, he never had. After all, surviving so long in Damien Gray's territory required real skill. But how had Morgan ever seen him before?
Morgan ignored his comment and cut straight to the point: "Lotus Sect Master, what is it you truly want?"
Quentin Hua didn't reply. He stood up leisurely, walked lazily to her side, and reached out as if to lift her chin. But just as he was about to touch her, Morgan—who had been sitting calmly—was suddenly pulled away by someone.