Damien Gray had always despised Mona Shangguan, and she still hadn't learned to keep her distance. Instead, she constantly spoke with hidden barbs, poking at his taboos. This time, there was bound to be a good show!
Morgan Shangguan and Damien Gray had barely sat down when someone rushed in to report: Adrian Yarrow had arrived!
Minister Magnus Shangguan was somewhat surprised and quickly ordered preparations for the welcome, but Adrian Yarrow moved so fast that before Magnus could take a few steps, Adrian had already appeared before them.
A flash of coldness passed through Damien Gray's eyes. He would never believe this was a coincidence!
When Mona Shangguan saw Adrian Yarrow appear, her eyes lit up with joy, but then her gaze shifted to Morgan, and her expression darkened. She couldn't be sure who Adrian had come for.
"Prime Minister, there's no need for formalities!"
When Adrian Yarrow's gaze landed on Morgan Shangguan, Mona Shangguan's expression instantly soured, and Jin Locke furrowed his brows.
Although Adrian Yarrow was about to become Emperor of Azure Kingdom and Damien Gray was only a prince, asking Damien to bow to him would only happen in another lifetime. Morgan Shangguan had no intention of giving even a token gesture, and Adrian didn't seem displeased at all.
The group sat in the courtyard, while nearby maids and attendants waited anxiously, afraid of neglecting their guests.
Aside from Minister Magnus Shangguan, who was older, the rest were all strikingly handsome men and beautiful women—a feast for the eyes. Yet the mood was oddly tense, though Morgan Shangguan and Damien Gray seemed completely unaffected, as if relaxing in their own backyard.
Adrian Yarrow kept his attention on Morgan Shangguan, never once glancing at Mona Shangguan. Mona felt deeply wronged and unwilling to accept it. She looked over at Jin Locke, only to find him just as entranced—gazing at Morgan as if nothing else existed. Mona's heart ached with disbelief, and her face grew pale.
Morgan saw it all, a playful smile curling on her lips, her face full of amusement. It seemed Mona had feelings for Jin Locke as well, yet she hadn't given up on Adrian Yarrow. Morgan wondered, who did Mona truly love?
Suddenly, Damien Gray reached out and pulled Morgan onto his lap. She glanced at him, then nestled obediently into his arms, ready to watch the drama unfold.
The table was covered with snacks and treats. Damien Gray picked up a candied fruit and fed it to Morgan.
Jin Locke suddenly spoke up, "She doesn't like sweets!"
Before he finished speaking, Morgan had already opened her mouth and eaten the candied fruit. Jin Locke frowned, feeling that Morgan was trying to please Damien Gray. He was displeased, thinking she was selling herself short. She was Yun Fengqing, after all; she shouldn't compromise for a man. If she didn't like something, why force herself?
He failed to notice Adrian Yarrow's slightly darkened expression, Minister Magnus Shangguan's thoughtful gaze, or Mona Shangguan's resentful eyes.
Morgan and Damien Gray remained completely unaffected. Morgan narrowed her eyes in enjoyment, and Damien, moved by her look, lowered his head and kissed her lips, smiling as he asked, "Is it tasty?"
Morgan nodded. It was only after becoming pregnant that she started to like sweets. Even though the babies had been born for quite some time now, she still hadn't gone back to disliking them.
Mona Shangguan forced a smile and said, "Sister, you truly are blessed. His Highness the Ghost King dotes on you so much. I suppose he won't neglect you for the princess in the future, will he?" She sounded concerned for her sister, but was really reminding Damien Gray not to forget his old love for a new one. In truth, she was warning Morgan that their visit to Azure Kingdom had a purpose—no matter how happy she was now, that happiness wouldn't last much longer!
Adrian Yarrow had long since seen through Mona Shangguan's true nature and knew exactly what she was after. Still, he was happy to let things play out and had no intention of stopping her.
Only Minister Magnus Shangguan and Jin Locke thought Mona truly cared about Morgan. Magnus frowned, "Mona, don't say such things!"
Damien Gray fed Morgan another candied fruit before finally speaking, "Actually, I was never the right person for this marriage alliance."
Adrian Yarrow smiled and said, "Your Highness the Ghost King is the best choice, and I believe you'll treat the princess well!" His gaze fell on Morgan, but she showed no displeasure or sadness, simply pointing at the oranges on the table.
Damien Gray picked up an orange and began to peel it, his movements naturally elegant. "Actually, the most suitable candidate isn't me—it's our emperor."
Adrian Yarrow knew Damien was trying to push the marriage alliance onto Prince Ethan, and he wasn't about to let that happen. In truth, the two kingdoms had only recently allied, and neither planned to go to war anytime soon. Even without this marriage, relations would simply be less stable, not truly threatened. This whole alliance was really just his own selfish scheme.
"Your Highness jests. Your emperor is certainly a dragon among men, but the Ghost King is just as outstanding. And seeing how devoted you are to your consort, I believe the princess will be very happy with you!"
Damien Gray smiled, not rushing to argue. He finished peeling the orange but didn't feed it to Morgan right away. Instead, he picked up his teacup, took a sip, and muttered, "Terrible taste."
Minister Magnus Shangguan frowned and quickly ordered the tea to be replaced, though he suspected Damien was just being difficult.
In truth, Magnus was mistaken. Damien wasn't picky about food or drink, but now he was judging everything by Morgan's tastes. Except for Blue Tea Blossom, Morgan was particular about other teas.
When the maid brought out the finest tea, Damien took another sip and, with infuriating nonchalance, said, "This one's not especially awful."
Magnus felt a surge of anger but couldn't show it. The tea had been a gift from the late emperor, a tribute from a small vassal state—there was very little of it left. Now, he was steeling himself to serve it, only for Damien to complain!
As if to make things worse, Damien handed the teacup to Morgan and said, "Rinse your mouth first!"
Magnus's face twitched, nearly overcome with anger, but he forced himself to remain composed, struggling not to show his true feelings. It was clear how hard this was for him!
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