Morgan Shangguan wasn’t sure if she was deliberately twisting his words, but she smiled faintly and said, “Although the Valley of Destiny keeps to itself, its master, Master Destiny, is quite famous in the martial world. It’s not strange that I know of him.”
Master Destiny gave her a deep look before turning to leave. He thought to himself, fortunately he’d already instructed Claire Yi to come to the capital—otherwise, he’d truly be worried that this woman would enchant Prince Damien.
“Master, that person who’s just as frightening as you was here.” A little reaper drifted in from outside, lifted the lid of a Spirit Gourd—a mystical vessel used to capture wandering spirits—and spoke as it tried to squeeze itself inside.
That was close! She’d almost been discovered. That person really was as chillingly terrifying as the master—her heart still hammered in her chest.
Morgan Shangguan frowned. Prince Damien had been here? And she hadn’t even noticed. Truly, that man was the most dangerous of all!
Just as dawn broke, Ethan Gu steeled himself and went to knock on Prince Damien’s door.
“What is it?” came a husky, seductive voice from inside. Ethan Gu quickly reported, “Your Highness, Miss Yi has arrived. The old master said he wouldn’t disturb you two while you nurture your feelings, so he left.”
There was a moment of silence in the room before the door opened. Prince Damien frowned, his brow furrowed in pain, and said, “Go make the arrangements.”
“Yes, sir!” Ethan Gu sighed inwardly. Anyone could see that Miss Yi liked His Highness, but although His Highness treated her differently, he clearly didn’t have that intention. Yet the old master insisted on bringing them together.
In the main hall, a young woman in a pale blue dress sat with dignified grace. Her delicate features were elegant and refined, her skin soft as jade, her bright eyes sparkling, and a gentle smile lingered on her lips—she radiated warmth and gentle charm.
When she looked up and saw the handsome man entering through the doorway, her eyes brightened and she called out softly, “Senior Brother…”
A faint blush colored Claire Yi’s cheeks. Since childhood, she’d always liked this gentle senior brother the most. Yet, for all his tenderness, he always kept a certain distance, making her want to draw closer but unable to, even after everything that had happened.
“Claire…” Prince Damien smiled gently at the woman before him, then suddenly turned to Ethan Gu behind him and said, “Go invite the Princess Consort.”
At his words, Claire Yi’s face turned pale. Then she recalled what her master had told her: although the emperor had bestowed many women upon her senior brother, he’d never touched any of them. This woman was another political bride—surely, he wouldn’t like her either.
Ethan Gu turned and walked toward the Shadow Court, feeling quite puzzled. His Highness’s attitude toward Morgan Shangguan was odd. Normally, spies were dealt with after just a day or two of observation, yet Morgan Shangguan was still alive after all this time. And now, why was he asking for her at this moment?
In the main hall, the two sat quietly, neither speaking. Claire Yi wanted to ask but didn’t know how, afraid the answer would break her heart. Behind her, the maid’s face was full of anger, feeling her mistress had been wronged—how could the young master hurt her like this? She’d been so good to him, even risking her life!
Morgan Shangguan entered the room with a bright smile and said, “Your Highness, I’m not used to waking up early. If you need me, could you wait until after sunrise next time?” Though she was smiling, Prince Damien could see in her eyes that she was anything but pleased.
Morgan Shangguan was truly irritated. Disturbed in the dead of night, now woken at dawn—was it because she seemed so mild-mannered, so easy to push around?
Claire Yi sized up the woman at the door, her expression shifting. This woman dared to speak to senior brother so bluntly, and it seemed her relationship with him was closer than hers. Plus, she was beautiful—what if senior brother really fell for her?
Claire Yi was deeply uneasy, her fists clenched tight as she didn’t dare look at Prince Damien’s expression.
Suddenly, Prince Damien stood up and walked to Morgan Shangguan’s side, slipped an arm around her waist, and smiled with gentle warmth. “It was my fault. I knew you barely slept last night, yet I had you woken so early.” The words were true, but the way he said them was unmistakably intimate!
Morgan Shangguan glanced at Claire Yi. Though she tried to hide it, the jealousy in her eyes was raw and unmissable—she was biting her lip so hard it nearly bled.
Morgan Shangguan smiled and crooked a finger at Prince Damien. He leaned in, and Morgan Shangguan hissed in his ear through clenched teeth, “Are you trying to make trouble for me, Your Highness?”
If he didn’t like her, he could just say so—why drag her into this farce? It was as if he wanted all that woman’s resentment targeted at her. Though Claire Yi seemed gentle and sweet, that fleeting bitterness in her eyes hadn’t escaped Morgan Shangguan’s notice. A woman’s jealousy was a dangerous thing.
Prince Damien whispered back in her ear, “She saved my life, so I can’t be too blunt. Didn’t you say that husband and wife are one? Naturally, we should face hardship together!” His tone was as innocent as could be.
Watching their closeness, Claire Yi tasted blood in her mouth and bowed her head, hiding her expression. Behind her, the maid glared at Morgan Shangguan, her eyes burning with fury as if ready to tear her apart for her mistress's sake.
Morgan Shangguan snorted lightly. “Then what’s in it for me, Your Highness?” There was no reason to keep playing along and earning resentment for nothing—it was all effort with no reward!
“Didn’t I say we should face hardship together? What more do you want, Princess Consort?” Prince Damien’s eyes sparkled with playful mischief.
No benefit? Morgan Shangguan shoved him away and said to Claire Yi, “I have nothing to do with this man!” She turned to leave, wanting to escape this mess.
Prince Damien suddenly grabbed her, sounding utterly aggrieved. “Princess Consort, don’t be angry. I know I was wrong. Tonight, I’ll make sure you get a good night’s sleep.” His voice was plaintive, almost childlike.
Morgan Shangguan could feel the scorching gazes on her, so intense it was as if they might burn a hole right through her. She drew a deep breath and turned to Prince Damien, danger flickering in her eyes. She was convinced he wasn’t trying to reject that woman, but rather to get her in trouble. Now she truly understood what it meant to be unable to clear her name, no matter how hard she tried!
Prince Damien hugged her and rocked her gently, his voice pitiful as he called out, “Princess Consort…” His expression was the very picture of misery.
Morgan Shangguan gritted her teeth and whispered, “Close your eyes—it’ll look more convincing.”