Neither kingdom is showing any intention to go to war at the moment. Damien Gray has entrusted the governance of Silvermoon Kingdom to Sophie Qiu, who truly holds real power in her hands. Yet she must always be wary of Damien’s unpredictable moods and his tendency to suddenly interfere in court affairs. In such circumstances, starting a war is clearly unwise, and it is always the common people who suffer most in the end. As for Azure Kingdom, with Prince Julian having just passed away, Adrian Yarrow’s first priority is to secure his own position. This is obviously not the time for war either.
It seems Adrian Yarrow and the Blood Wraith are mutually exploiting each other. If Blood Wraith were to help him, it wouldn’t be impossible for Adrian to conquer Silvermoon Kingdom right now. However, Blood Wraith wants Damien Gray to throw the world into chaos, so he certainly won’t allow Adrian to make the first move. If Adrian started the war, it would go against Blood Wraith’s purpose. So Adrian will not choose to start a war at this moment.
This so-called marriage alliance is something Adrian Yarrow genuinely hopes will succeed. If Damien Gray really marries the princess, the relationship between the two kingdoms will become even more peaceful. Moreover, it would damage the bond between Damien and Morgan Shangguan, increasing Adrian’s chances of winning Morgan’s heart. Naturally, he hopes Damien, for the sake of Silvermoon Kingdom, will obediently marry the Azure princess. But recalling how Damien once abandoned his throne and rushed off to find Morgan, Adrian feels uncertain. Damien Gray is truly impossible to read.
But Sophie Qiu felt even more uncertain than Adrian. The Ghost King was always mercurial and willful. She had originally assumed Damien Gray would reject this marriage alliance, and had prepared many arguments to persuade him otherwise. Unexpectedly, Damien agreed so decisively that it only deepened her anxiety. Even though Damien had already arrived safely in Azure Kingdom, she couldn’t shake her uneasiness.
For now, Minister Magnus Shangguan set aside his worries and stated the purpose of his visit: "It’s been a long time, and Xuanxuan has missed the Princess Consort dearly. So I’d like to invite His Highness the Ghost King and the Princess Consort to stay at my estate for a few days!"
“Is that so…” Damien Gray murmured absentmindedly, then fell silent. Minister Magnus Shangguan began to feel restless. Though he had been an official for many years and his composure was usually strong, facing Damien always made him feel pressured and lose his usual steadiness.
Morgan Shangguan finally stirred, her voice languid, her gaze sharp and cool. "I was just thinking of going back myself." A glint of calculation flashed in her eyes—why had Minister Magnus Shangguan suddenly invited them to the Prime Minister’s Estate? Was this Xuanxuan’s doing?
Since she had nothing better to do, she might as well see for herself. Besides, word was that the Grandmaster often visited the Prime Minister’s Estate! Xuanxuan, Yunxuan—she wondered if the Grandmaster had found his beloved yet. The slight curve of her lips carried a chill; Morgan had never liked owing anyone, nor being owed. Jin Locke wanted her dead, so she cursed him—no debts left between them. But now, Damien Gray had nearly died at Jin Locke’s hands. That debt, Jin Locke would never be able to repay. The reckoning was hers alone to decide—how much was owed, and when it would be settled.
Damien Gray kissed her lips lightly. “Then let’s go and take a look.”
As soon as Morgan Shangguan and Damien Gray entered the Prime Minister’s Estate, Xuanxuan greeted them warmly. Just as she was about to take Morgan’s hand, Damien’s arm tightened, and Morgan fell into his embrace, deftly avoiding Xuanxuan’s outstretched hand.
Damien Gray glanced at Jin Locke, who was following behind Xuanxuan, then ignored him and turned his attention to Xuanxuan. He asked with feigned concern, "Miss Shangguan, are you pregnant? Who is the child's father?"
His gentle demeanor seemed harmless and polite, but Morgan Shangguan could clearly see the amusement and malice in his eyes.
Minister Magnus Shangguan’s expression shifted slightly. Although Xuanxuan had always carried the title of future Crown Princess, she wasn’t officially engaged yet, and now she was pregnant—this was a breach of propriety. Even if the child was the Crown Prince’s, the future emperor’s flesh and blood, it was hardly something to be proud of!
Jin Locke’s gaze fell on Damien Gray’s arm around Morgan Shangguan’s waist, his expression darkening. Seeing Morgan’s relaxed smile, so accustomed to such intimacy, he couldn’t help but wonder if he’d mistaken her for someone else. The Fiona Yun he knew—her secret alter ego, known for her emotional distance—was never like this. She disliked being close to others. Even when they were nominally a couple, she never let him touch her at all. He knew it wasn’t false modesty; she genuinely disliked physical contact. He thought she was distant with everyone, but now it seemed that wasn’t the case.
Morgan Shangguan was aware of Jin Locke’s gaze, but she paid it no mind. Her smile deepened, a hint of icy mockery flickering at her lips.
The awkward atmosphere didn’t last long. Suddenly, Damien Gray rested his head on Morgan Shangguan’s shoulder, nuzzling her and acting spoiled. "Mo’er, I’m hungry…" To cheer Morgan up, he decided to leave Jin Locke for her to handle. But he really couldn’t stand Jin Locke’s lovesick gaze!
Morgan Shangguan twitched her lips, glanced at him, and caught the irritation in his eyes. She smiled, pinched his chin, and—without a care for anyone else's reaction—tilted her head and pressed a kiss to his lips, her movements bold and unrestrained.
Jin Locke watched the two of them, fists clenched and face dark with anger. Minister Magnus Shangguan’s expression was equally grim. Damien Gray, however, was delighted—he had just dealt a heavy blow to his romantic rival! His Princess Consort truly understood him best!
After a long moment, Morgan finally pulled away, looking at Damien Gray’s smiling face. Unable to resist, she pecked his lips again and asked with a laugh, "Not hungry anymore, are you?"
"Mm." Damien Gray nodded.
Xuanxuan’s lips curled coldly, then she forced a gentle smile. "Sister and the Ghost King are so loving—it’s truly enviable!"
Damien Gray’s gaze swept over her indifferently, sending a chill through Xuanxuan’s heart. But it lasted only a moment; Damien’s eyes had already moved on to Jin Locke. He straightened, his expression shifting to cold authority as he addressed Minister Magnus Shangguan: "Prime Minister, aren’t you going to invite the Princess Consort and me inside?"
Seeing the glint in his eyes, Morgan Shangguan smiled faintly. Clearly, some people had unwittingly offended someone without realizing it!