Prince Ethan remained impassive, even leisurely pouring himself a drink. In contrast, Crown Prince Adrian's expression was grim and resentful. Emperor Alexander's favorite was Damien Gray, and his chosen successor was Prince Ethan. As for Adrian, though he had been given the title of Crown Prince, he ultimately possessed nothing. How could he possibly accept such a fate?
A cold glint flashed in Adrian Yarrow's eyes. Emperor Alexander was blatantly undermining the Azure Kingdom's dignity. Morgan Shangguan, the Princess Consort sent for a political marriage, had been ambiguously installed in the Ghost King's Manor as the 'Enchanted Consort.' Now, with this talk of bestowing marriage upon Sophie Qiu, Morgan—despite her title as the main consort—would always seem inferior to Sophie in the eyes of the court.
Regardless of whether the fault lay with Morgan Shangguan or Damien Gray, Emperor Alexander should have preserved the Azure Kingdom's dignity, not acted in such a manner.
Mona Shangguan looked at Morgan with schadenfreude, her lips curled into a mocking smile.
For a moment, the atmosphere was delicate and tense. The surroundings fell into an unusual silence, as if everyone feared breaking some invisible boundary and dared not make a sound.
"Cough, cough..." It felt as if a long time had passed, though it was only an instant, before Damien Gray's cough finally shattered the silence. "Father, Miss Qiu is indeed beautiful, but I already have Morgan."
At this, Emperor Alexander frowned and said, "It is common for men to have multiple wives and concubines. Besides, you are a prince—how could you have only one main consort? Your eldest and second brothers have so many concubines in their manors, yet you don't even have a secondary consort. People who don't know better might think I am playing favorites!"
Damien Gray, holding Morgan Shangguan, replied, "Father, I only want Morgan. My eldest and second brothers share your burdens and work tirelessly, so naturally they need more attendants. I do not need so many people. Besides, my health..."
He didn’t finish his sentence, but everyone understood his meaning. The Ghost King’s frail health was well known—no matter how many beauties the Emperor bestowed upon him, he likely couldn’t enjoy them anyway!
For a man to admit his shortcomings in that regard should have been painful and humiliating, yet as they looked at him, they realized he seemed utterly unbothered. He simply said warmly, "I do not wish to ruin Miss Qiu’s happiness."
Another silence fell. Damien Gray himself seemed unfazed, but those who heard his words felt a bit uneasy. After all, he was a prince, and for everyone to know such things about him was undeniably awkward.
The glances cast toward Morgan Shangguan grew more sympathetic. Such a beauty—her lifelong happiness ruined in an instant!
But if the Ghost King is truly incapable, how did he end up caught in bed with her? Did Princess Morgan climb into his bed of her own accord? That hardly seems likely. Even if she wanted to, why would she choose the Ghost King? Or perhaps he isn’t as incapable as he claims?
Prince Ethan narrowed his eyes at Damien Gray. Incapable? Then what about those marks on Morgan’s neck? Was Damien Gray just pretending, manufacturing evidence to cover up his weakness? So why reveal the truth now?
Mona Shangguan’s gaze toward Morgan was tinged with satisfaction, as if Morgan’s pain brought her happiness.
Morgan Shangguan paid no mind to those stares. Her lips retained a faint smile as she looked down at the hand crawling over her leg. She pressed it down, inwardly exasperated—could he stop acting so amorous while claiming to be incapable?
The silence was broken by Sophie Qiu, her gentle voice melodious. "Your Majesty need not worry about my marriage. My heart already belongs to someone." Her gaze flickered toward Adrian Yarrow, and Mona Shangguan’s once-gloating face darkened.
Emperor Alexander smiled in sudden understanding. "Then I am meddling unnecessarily!"
"I am overwhelmed," Sophie replied, her voice trembling slightly.
Emperor Alexander smiled, "A ruler’s word is never empty. If I say I will grant a marriage, then it shall be so. But since Miss Qiu already has someone in her heart, I will not force the matter. When you wish to marry, simply come to me for my decree."
"Thank you, Your Majesty!" Sophie Qiu replied.
A few palace maids and eunuchs quickly set up a new seat beside Adrian Yarrow. Sophie Qiu’s watery gaze lingered on him, then she lowered her eyes and walked to the seat next to him, her shy and affectionate demeanor captivating all who watched.
Damien Gray let out a soft snort. That old fox, Emperor Alexander, had deliberately proposed bestowing Sophie Qiu upon him just to observe his reaction. Even if he didn’t refuse, Sophie would, and then he could conveniently display his magnanimity, letting the matter drop.
Beyond that, it was also a message to Adrian Yarrow: the Azure Kingdom meant nothing to him. It was a calculated move to provoke Adrian, and his show of favor toward Sophie Qiu could also irritate Crown Prince Adrian, stoking his anger. Once a person is angry, they lose reason—perhaps he hoped those two would join forces, giving him an opportunity to seize control.
Perhaps he also wanted to remind Morgan Shangguan that her position could be replaced at any time—a warning not to forget her place!
It was truly one scheme with many targets, though the results were likely not as ideal as he imagined.
He had seen Damien Gray’s attitude—he was indeed captivated by Morgan Shangguan, that much was true. But he didn’t know that Morgan would never betray Damien. He wanted Adrian Yarrow to know the Azure Kingdom meant nothing to him, and Adrian surely wouldn’t be blind to it. Yet Adrian was unlikely to lose his reason in anger; the most successful part of the scheme was provoking Crown Prince Adrian, while Morgan simply ignored the warning directed at her.
After a while, Emperor Alexander left the banquet. Without him, everyone enjoyed themselves even more.
Suddenly, Morgan Shangguan asked, "What if Emperor Alexander insists on sending that woman to the Ghost King's Manor?" This time it was just a test, but next time he might really force someone into their lives.
Damien Gray snorted coldly, "Then it’s time for a change on the throne!"
"Hmm?" Morgan arched her brow. "Don’t you usually accept whoever comes to the Ghost King's Manor and then take their life?"
Damien Gray squeezed her hand and said, "It’s different now. I have a Princess Consort. How could I let other women into the manor? Wouldn’t that make people laugh at the Princess Consort? So whether it’s the main consort, secondary consort, or anyone else, it’s up to you alone! No matter if you care or not, I won’t let anyone speak ill of you."