The following morning, Emperor Alexander suddenly summoned his three sons and their wives, announcing that he would visit Adrian Yarrow to check on his recovery. Regardless of the true motives behind the assassination attempt, since it happened in Silvermoon Kingdom, he was ultimately at fault. Thus, he made a show of concern, following all proper etiquette, lest anyone accuse him of neglect.
A group of people made their way toward Adrian Yarrow's quarters. Morgan Shangguan and Damien Gray walked at the back, keeping some distance from the others.
Seeing the subtle curve of Damien Gray’s lips, Morgan Shangguan began to understand why he had given those two such a strong dose of medicine, ensuring they would not wake until midday rather than early morning.
Although Damien Gray appeared calm on the surface, to Morgan Shangguan, his expression was nothing if not cunning. Clearly, he had already anticipated that Emperor Alexander would come to show his concern.
They were to bathe and fast for three days—the day of arrival not included—and today was the third day. Tomorrow was the day of the ceremony, so Emperor Alexander was certain to visit Adrian Yarrow today, and the time would most likely be in the morning.
Morgan Shangguan shook her head with a smile, leaned in close, and whispered, “Are you so sure everything will go exactly as you planned, Damien?”
Seeing no one was paying attention, Damien Gray lowered his head and gently nipped her lips, his voice tinged with amusement as he murmured, “Even if things don’t go as I wish, I won’t lose anything!” What he had done was a risk-free venture; he would never suffer a loss.
Morgan Shangguan met his smiling eyes and tossed out a single word: “Fox!”
In the quiet room, two people stirred at the same time, waking up. Adrian Yarrow turned and saw Mona Shangguan. Remembering how he had asked Morgan Shangguan to stay with him last night, he had somehow mistaken Mona for Morgan!
Mona Shangguan saw the deep affection in his eyes, the way he looked at her so intently, and her heart suddenly raced. But then she heard him call out tenderly, “Morgan…”
Mona Shangguan's face instantly turned pale; the flutter in her heart vanished, replaced by the memories of last night. The pain inside her—she could no longer tell if it was hatred or heartbreak.
Adrian Yarrow noticed her pallor and woke up completely. “Mona? Why are you here?”
Mona Shangguan gave a bitter smile. Of course, in his mind, it should have been Morgan Shangguan by his side. She didn't even have the energy to wonder why she was in Adrian Yarrow's bed. Numbly, she replied, “I couldn't sleep last night, so I came to see if you were feeling any better.”
Adrian Yarrow nodded. Seeing that he felt no guilt at all, Mona Shangguan's heart ached even more and her face grew paler. He didn't even bother to explain—what did she mean to him, really?
A wave of suffocation washed over her, but she didn't faint. Mona Shangguan was puzzled; the last two times she felt this way, she had passed out, but not now. Was her condition improving? Yet her heart still hurt so much!
Adrian Yarrow noticed something was wrong and called out with concern, “Mona…”
Mona Shangguan forced herself to push aside those thoughts, trying to feel better. She said softly, “I'm fine.” If she questioned him now, he'd only find her annoying. She didn't want to lose him, nor did she want Morgan Shangguan to get her way!
Tears welled in Mona Shangguan's eyes; she looked heartbreakingly sad but tried her best not to cry. Looking at Adrian Yarrow, she whispered, “Crown Prince, please don’t love my sister, okay? Anyone else is fine, just not her. Please…” Her pitiful look could easily arouse sympathy.
Adrian Yarrow assumed it was his calling out for Morgan Shangguan that upset Mona, unaware of any other misunderstanding. He pulled her into his arms and comforted her gently, “Alright, I won’t love her. I only love you, Mona.”
After what she learned last night, Mona Shangguan couldn't bring herself to believe his words, no matter how sincerely he spoke.
After a moment’s hesitation, Mona Shangguan suddenly sat up and slowly began to unfasten her clothes.
Adrian Yarrow was stunned for a second, then quickly grabbed her hand. “Mona, what are you doing?”
Mona Shangguan pulled her hand free and continued undressing. “Crown Prince, I’ve always belonged to you. I’m willing to give myself to you now.”
Adrian Yarrow tried to say something, but Mona Shangguan had already stripped herself bare. Her cheeks flushed as she looked up at him. Adrian was momentarily speechless, his Adam’s apple bobbing—her body was indeed beautiful and tempting.
Feeling Adrian Yarrow’s heated gaze, Mona Shangguan moved closer and leaned in to kiss him softly. Adrian closed his eyes; Mona was destined to be his, so he saw no need to suppress his desire.
Soon, the two were naked, facing each other. Seeing the wound on Adrian Yarrow’s shoulder, Mona Shangguan asked worriedly, “Crown Prince, your injury…”
Adrian Yarrow was already consumed by desire and didn’t want to stop. His voice was hoarse as he said, “It’s fine. Just be good and cooperate with me.”
The two embraced and kissed passionately, oblivious to the two lecherous ghosts in the room who were watching with drooling mouths.
“Wow, this woman is really beautiful!” Of course, in his mind, the Princess Consort was the most beautiful—she was like a celestial being, and not to be defiled!
The ghosts raised by Morgan Shangguan were all grateful to her and treated her with utmost respect. Without her, they would have remained wandering, lost souls, doomed to fade away. Now, with her care, they had companions and happiness, and in the Purple Gourd, their souls could be nourished, safe from oblivion. To them, Morgan Shangguan was nothing short of a goddess.
“No, I think this man is the handsome one!” After a pause, he added regretfully, “But he’s still not as impressive as the Ghostmaster—the boss. Not intimidating at all; I’m not scared one bit!”
Uh... I really suspect this ghost is a masochist!
“You lecherous ghost! The Ghostmaster belongs to the Princess Consort—if you dare covet him, I’ll destroy you first!”
“Hey, hey! You lecherous ghost, hitting a female ghost? Where’s your manners! As if I’d dare covet the Ghostmaster—I was just saying!”