Emperor Alexander sat high above, surveying the scene. He saw Morgan Shangguan supporting Damien Gray as they approached. Noticing Damien’s pale and distressed complexion, he quickly called out, “Damien, what’s wrong?”
Damien Gray suddenly began to cough. Morgan Shangguan immediately reached out to pat his back and replied, “Father, His Highness isn’t feeling well.”
Emperor Alexander said worriedly, “Then hurry and summon the imperial physician.”
Damien Gray weakly replied, “That’s not necessary, Father. Please don’t worry. I’ll be fine after some rest.”
Emperor Alexander insisted on having the imperial physician examine Damien Gray. After the examination, the physician merely advised rest, a recommendation Emperor Alexander had heard many times before.
Seeing Damien Gray leaning completely on Morgan Shangguan in his weakened state, Emperor Alexander couldn’t help but say, “If you’re truly unwell, you should return to your residence and rest. I’m sure the Crown Prince won’t mind!” As he spoke, his gaze shifted toward Adrian Yarrow, who sat at the head of the lower table.
Adrian Yarrow smiled and said, “The Ghost King is unwell and should rest. I would never take offense!”
With heroic brows, deep black eyes, and a prominent nose, every feature of his face was striking. His fair complexion carried a touch of coldness, yet his thin lips curved into a gentle smile, creating a contradiction that was captivating. His noble and elegant bearing was equally alluring. As he spoke, his gaze lingered, almost imperceptibly, on Morgan Shangguan.
He had met Morgan Shangguan a few times before, but she was completely different now. Back then, Morgan was beautiful but lifeless, always with her head down, looking timid and insecure. But now, in front of so many people, she showed no fear at all. Even facing Emperor Alexander, she was perfectly at ease. Her calm and serene demeanor seemed to disregard everyone around her, yet she constantly drew their attention. He couldn’t help but wonder—was this really Morgan Shangguan?
It seemed his original plans would have to be put on hold. He needed more time to observe Morgan Shangguan.
Feigning his frailty, Damien Gray nodded to Adrian Yarrow, then turned to Emperor Alexander and said, “Father, you worry too much. I’m fine.”
Damien Gray appeared normal, but Morgan Shangguan sensed his displeasure. She glanced at Adrian Yarrow, frowning slightly, and tightened her grip around Damien’s waist in a subtle gesture of comfort. She felt a bit helpless—Morgan’s feelings had nothing to do with her, and Adrian Yarrow didn’t care for Morgan either; he only wanted to use her. Yet Damien seemed to mind very much.
Seeing Damien Gray’s insistence, Emperor Alexander said no more, and no one paid attention to the formalities.
The pair’s abrupt arrival seemed less conspicuous than if they had been seated all along. If they’d been there from the start, everyone would have knelt to greet Emperor Alexander, making their refusal to kneel even more noticeable.
Crown Prince Adrian watched Damien Gray, who looked as if he might collapse at any moment, and smirked coldly before drinking by himself. Prince Ethan, on the other hand, frowned, wondering if Damien had some ulterior motive.
Music and dance continued in the hall, and polite exchanges filled the air, but Damien Gray and Morgan Shangguan seemed isolated from the noise, quietly whispering to each other. No one could hear their conversation, but their intimate posture drew mixed reactions—satisfaction, suspicion, disdain, or jealousy—from those who glanced their way.
"Princess Consort, I want to drink some wine."
Morgan Shangguan gently reminded him, "Patients shouldn’t drink alcohol."
Damien Gray sighed, "Then at least let me eat something." When Morgan didn’t respond, he nudged her shoulder, hinting, "Princess Consort, I’m so weak now." Clearly, he wanted her to feed him.
Morgan Shangguan shot him a glance, picked up the chopsticks, and asked, "What would you like to eat?"
Damien Gray pointed with his chin at the fish on the table. Morgan Shangguan frowned, "Why do you always pick the most troublesome things to eat?" Despite her words, she still picked out a piece of fish, carefully removed the bones, and fed it to him.
Only Damien Gray was lucky enough to be served so attentively by Morgan Shangguan! But then again, the only person Damien would serve in return was Morgan herself.
While tending to the 'gravely ill' Damien Gray, Morgan Shangguan discreetly observed the others. Prince Ethan remained gentle and refined, betraying nothing unusual. Lady Sapphire, sitting beside Emperor Alexander, also appeared calm, her gaze never once landing on Prince Ethan. If not for the earlier scene, no one would suspect any special relationship between them.
The other consorts looked at Lady Sapphire with pure jealousy. Who in the Inner Palace didn’t want the seat beside Emperor Alexander? Yet Lady Sapphire seemed unfazed, simply smiling and serving Emperor Alexander with sincere care, never once appearing fake. To achieve such naturalness was no easy feat. Morgan lowered her gaze, realizing she needed to reassess Lady Sapphire.
Judging by Lady Sapphire’s attitude toward Prince Ethan, she would do anything for him. People who act without restraint are the most dangerous. However, Lady Sapphire wasn’t completely without weaknesses—Prince Ethan was hers. As long as that weakness was grasped, she could be destroyed at any moment!
"Morgan, I want some tea."
Morgan Shangguan glanced at the sparkle in Damien Gray’s eyes and asked with a hint of amusement, "Does bossing me around make you so happy?" Noticing a particular gaze on her, she ignored it and picked up the tea, bringing it to Damien’s lips.
Damien Gray took a sip and said softly, "This isn’t called bossing you around! Princess Consort, you really don’t understand romance."
Morgan Shangguan smiled, unwilling to debate further. She turned and set down the teacup, her lips brushing lightly across Damien Gray’s face as if by accident.
Damien Gray raised his eyebrows, looked at her, and laughed softly, teasing, "Princess Consort, are you trying to kiss me again?"
Morgan Shangguan caught his wandering hand on her lap and said helplessly, "Can’t you behave for once?"
Damien Gray protested aggrievedly, "It was you who provoked me first, so how can you say I’m the one misbehaving?"
Morgan Shangguan was momentarily speechless—it was indeed she who started it. Unconsciously, she squeezed Damien’s hand and muttered quietly, "How do I know you’re not deliberately tempting me?"