Self-Inflicted Injury and an Escape Plan

Let go? After finally getting the chance to hold her, how could Prince Rowan possibly let go? If they didn’t clear things up this time, there would always be a barrier between them.

He wanted to tell Serena Feng that everything in the past could be wiped clean. If possible, they could start over as friends—just like Serena and William Wang Jinling.

Prince Rowan and Serena Feng locked eyes. In Serena’s gaze, Rowan saw anger and restraint—and his own reflection…

Serena Feng stared unblinkingly at Prince Rowan. She needed a way to escape his grip, while also guarding against him suddenly turning violent. With her upper body firmly restrained, she couldn’t move at all.

She was skilled, but there was an innate difference in strength between men and women. Breaking free from Prince Rowan’s embrace wasn’t easy—he wasn’t some weak scholar with no strength to tie up a chicken.

The more she thought about it, the angrier she got. All she could smell was this man’s infuriating scent. Threats didn’t work, so Serena snapped—her eyes flashed with killing intent. In a heartbeat, as soon as Prince Rowan reacted, Serena raised her right leg and kicked hard toward his groin…

But Prince Rowan was ready for her. He bent his right leg, pressing down on Serena’s: “That move again? Serena, can’t you come up with something new? Did you really think I’d fall for the same trick twice?”

Prince Rowan burst out laughing, sweeping away days of gloom.

“His Highness is right, I really shouldn’t rely on just one move.” Serena didn’t let him enjoy his triumph for long. She suddenly jerked her head back—and with a loud ‘thud,’ smashed her forehead straight into Prince Rowan’s.

Darkness crashed in. Serena was hit by a wave of dizziness, tears springing from the pain. She cursed the bastard who taught her this trick—claiming it was the best way to break free when pinned, to catch your opponent off guard. But no one warned her this move would hurt herself almost as much as the enemy.

Looks like she was bleeding...

Fighting off the dizziness, Serena pushed Prince Rowan away with all her strength.

She had to get out of here. If anyone saw her injure a royal prince, she’d be as good as dead. But Prince Rowan refused to let her go.

“Serena, you lunatic!” Prince Rowan felt a sharp pain in his forehead as warm blood trickled down. His vision darkened; Serena’s headbutt had knocked him off balance and sent him crashing backward.

Even as he fell, Prince Rowan still didn’t let go of Serena’s hand.

Thud… Both of them hit the ground. Thankfully, because Serena used all her force, Prince Rowan took the brunt of the fall, landing flat on the floor while Serena fell into his arms.

The world spun. Serena’s head throbbed so badly she couldn’t even struggle with Prince Rowan. She just lay quietly on his back, waiting for the dizziness to pass.

Concussion, she thought gloomily. Luckily, tomorrow’s contest doesn’t require much brainpower.

Nothing good ever happens when she runs into Prince Rowan and his sister.

Serena’s compliance made Prince Rowan breathe easier. He wasn’t much better off, but thanks to his martial arts training, he recovered faster than Serena. He tightened his hold, making sure she couldn’t move. Once she was secure, he lay on the ground too, completely still…

For once, things were quiet between them. But just then, the palace guards heard the commotion and started running over—boots pounding in perfect rhythm. To Serena, the sound was like a death sentence.

She was doomed…

She knew better than to cause trouble in the palace. She could shrug off a few jabs from Princess Serenity, but she really couldn’t figure out what Prince Rowan wanted. All she wanted was to stay far away from him.

Serena debated whether to just knock Prince Rowan out and escape the palace. With his pride, he’d never admit a woman had bested him.

Getting knocked out by a woman—Prince Rowan would never live it down. He’d rather settle the score later than let word get out.

Just as Serena moved, Prince Rowan tightened his grip: “Don’t move. Leave it to me.”

Before the palace guards arrived, Prince Rowan flipped them over, pinning Serena beneath him.

“You…” Serena was furious. Did this man really think she was easy to bully? It was written all over her face.

“Shh. Don’t talk.” Prince Rowan lowered his head, blocking Serena’s face from view. Seeing she was restless, he warned again, “Don’t move. Harming a prince is a capital crime. If you’re caught, not even I can protect you.”

Serena let out a cold laugh, about to say, “In your hands, I won’t survive either.” But turning her head, she met Prince Rowan’s sincere dark eyes—seeing real worry and tension there.

Serena suddenly paused, swallowing her words. She couldn’t figure out what was up with Prince Rowan—had he lost his mind?

Whatever the case, she’d trust him this once. Things couldn’t get any worse than they already were.

The footsteps were getting closer—Serena could already see the edge of a guard’s uniform. When they were less than a hundred steps away, Prince Rowan spoke up: “Stop.”

The well-trained guards halted instantly, almost like machines. Their leader asked cautiously, “Your Highness Prince Rowan?”

They couldn’t possibly mistake a prince’s voice.

“Mm.” Prince Rowan answered coldly, his tone leaving no room for argument. “Withdraw.”

“Your Highness…” The guard protested uneasily. The noise had come from this area—something was clearly wrong. He just hadn’t expected Prince Rowan to be here.

“Didn’t you hear my order? Get out… Whatever happened, I’ll take responsibility.” Prince Rowan’s voice was full of menace.

“Yes, Your Highness.” The guards didn’t dare approach any further and reluctantly retreated.

Whew…

Once the guards were gone, Serena finally let out a breath.

Whatever Prince Rowan’s reasons for helping her, she knew she should thank him. “Thank you, Your Highness.” After all, it was her reckless attack, at the wrong time and place, that brought on this mess.

Of course, that was only because His Highness had provoked her first.

Prince Rowan didn’t reply. He just stared at Serena’s blood-smeared face.

This woman was so reckless and impulsive—it was a miracle she’d survived this long.

The way he stared made Serena uneasy. She wondered if maybe he needed her medical skills for someone, otherwise why help her? Besides medicine, she didn’t seem to have anything worth his trouble.

Serena was about to ask, “If you want something, just say it—I’ll consider us even.” But Prince Rowan cut her off before she could finish.

“Come on, let’s head back and clean up these wounds. If we leave the palace like this, it’ll only cause trouble.” Without waiting for her answer, he pulled Serena down a side path, leading her to a remote cold palace.

“Serena, wait here. I’ll have someone fetch medicine. We both need to clean up our injuries—no one can find out what happened.” Prince Rowan wiped the blood from his face and hurried out.

He never gave Serena a chance to speak. She was left confused, but since the danger had passed, she didn’t bother to argue.

Rubbing her still-dizzy head, Serena activated the Smart Med-Pack and took out some antiseptic and bandages.

It was just a mild concussion—a little rest would fix it. Serena quickly cleaned away the blood, straightened her clothes, and, once satisfied nothing was seriously wrong, calmly left the palace.

As for His Highness and his injuries?

That was his problem. With his intelligence, he’d definitely find a way to cover his tracks…