Cook Him Into Broth

After Grace Wan was taken away by Princess Luminia, Emperor Henry Tuoba arrived.

He went in for a secret meeting with Minister Zhuo and Evan Xiao.

By now, it should be over, right?

Grace glanced toward the door and called out, "Hope."

"Miss Grace, what is it?"

"Go see if my father’s meeting is over yet."

"Miss Grace, it’s over. The Emperor has already left!" Hope replied.

Grace sat up. It’s over?

And what about Evan Xiao? Did he go back to the General’s Mansion?

She got out of bed and was about to put on her shoes, but felt something tugging at her from behind.

She turned around and saw Cutie Pie tugging at her clothes, biting the fabric.

When Grace finally noticed him, Cutie Pie looked up at her, clearly delighted, grinning wide.

Grace suddenly remembered how this little guy climbed into her bed every night, insisting on sleeping snuggled against her chest. Annoyed, she grabbed him and shouted toward the door, "Tenner! Tenner!"

"Miss Grace, what is it?" Tenner came in.

"Take him and stew him! I want Mystic Serpent Broth!" Grace handed Cutie Pie over.

"Huh?" Tenner froze for a moment, then said, "Um... it rained the other day, and all the kitchen firewood got soaked. Can't light a fire."

"There are so many kitchens in the house. All the firewood in every kitchen got soaked?"

"Yeah! No idea how it happened, but it’s all wet!"

"If you won't go, I'll do it myself!" She picked up Cutie Pie and started to leave.

But before she could take two steps, the Antler Serpent slipped out of her grasp. When she looked up, Evan Xiao was standing there, smiling at her.

"I’ll take my leave." Tenner quickly backed out and shut the door behind him.

Grace looked at Evan Xiao. "Your Highness, Crown Prince of the Divine Clan, this is my private chamber. Just barging in like this—isn’t that a little inappropriate?"

"Your father gave me permission."

Grace’s tone was less than friendly: "...Do you need something?"

"Are you mad at me?"

"How could I be? I just love being tricked and spun around! Why would I be angry?"

Evan Xiao hugged her. "Don’t be mad. I promise I’ll never do it again."

Grace tried to push him away, but couldn’t budge him at all.

"Grace, I didn’t mean to mess with you," Evan said. "I was just afraid that if my whereabouts got out, it’d attract too much attention. That’s why I kept it a secret."

"You really don’t trust me? If you told me, would I go blabbing to everyone else?"

"It’s not that I don’t trust you, it’s just... you talk in your sleep, don’t you? You even sleepwalk. I was worried you’d spill it while dreaming."

"When have I ever sleepwalked?"

"Back when you were my maid, you’d sleepwalk into my room all the time."

Grace: "..."

"Besides, there’s stuff like Red Elixir that can mess with your mind, so it’s safer not to tell you."

"Let go of me first. I have some serious questions for you."

Evan let go of her. "Ask away."

"Why did you let Grace Wan go?"

"Well... that’s a long story."

"You’ve got the whole night to tell it."

"Then let’s start with your mother’s identity," Evan said.

"My mother’s identity..." Grace’s eyes suddenly lit up. "You once said she was your 'fellow countrywoman.' Don’t tell me she’s also from the Dragon Clan?"

"No, she’s from the Phoenix Clan," Evan replied.

"The Phoenix Clan..." Her mother was actually the Phoenix Goddess she’d always worshipped. It felt so surreal.

"Your mother was supposed to inherit the Phoenix Clan’s throne, but twenty years ago, a rebellion broke out. She was forced to live among mortals ever since."