Damien nodded. "Han and Moxen can handle most things. Lately, only the struggle for the throne and the plot at Jade Dragon Manor have piqued my interest."
Morgan Shangguan smiled and said, "Well... would you like to go with me?"
A deep smile appeared in Damien's eyes. He rubbed her lips with his thumb and said teasingly, "Is my princess reluctant to part with me?"
Morgan raised an eyebrow and smiled lightly. "If Prince Damien doesn't want to go, then forget it."
With that, she moved to leave him, but before she could take a step, Damien pulled her back into his arms. He said helplessly, "Princess Consort, admitting you can't bear to leave me isn't something to be ashamed of."
Morgan arched her brow at him and laughed. "I just can't stand seeing Prince Damien take advantage and then act innocent!"
With that, she pulled him away, then suddenly recalled something. She turned to look at Susie Yun and smiled, "Susie Yun, enjoy your time with Ryan Ouyang. Otherwise, every time he sees me, it's like he's running into his nemesis!"
Susie Yun responded with an "Oh," watching the two walk away. She smiled at Ryan Ouyang beside her and said, "Miss is truly happy now! She finally seems like a real person, with all the emotions and desires she should have, instead of being indifferent to everything."
Though they went together, in the end only Morgan was invited into the Crown Prince's Manor. Damien naturally wouldn't show up openly; otherwise, people wouldn't dare say what needed to be said.
Just as Morgan expected, this invitation was merely using Mona Shangguan's name as a pretense. In reality, it was Adrian Yarrow who wanted to see her.
Morgan Shangguan showed no surprise as she saw the people waiting in the courtyard. She walked over and sat on the stone bench, her tone calm as she asked, "Crown Prince Adrian, what is it you wish to discuss with me?"
Adrian Yarrow gazed at her in silence, saying nothing. He found Morgan Shangguan inscrutable, which was dangerous. Originally, he should have abandoned this plan and chosen the second option, yet now he'd sought her out.
He didn’t quite understand his own strange behavior, but he hadn’t lost his head completely—he wouldn’t reveal his true intentions so easily.
This time, he had invited Morgan Shangguan under Mona Shangguan’s name. Yet now, seeing Morgan neither turned away nor hurried to ask about Mona’s whereabouts, it proved she was willing to see him. It was another sign that she wasn’t entirely indifferent to him.
Adrian Yarrow poured her a cup of tea, his gaze filled with tender emotion—different than before. Morgan Shangguan didn’t bother to analyze it; she simply raised the teacup and took a sip. As she lifted her eyes, she suddenly choked.
Damien Gray was standing right behind Adrian Yarrow, having completely concealed his presence. Adrian hadn’t noticed him at all. Because Adrian wanted to discuss something secret, all the servants had been sent out of the courtyard. So Damien stood there, watching Morgan Shangguan, and no one realized he was there.
Seeing Morgan Shangguan startled into coughing, Damien Gray frowned, but he couldn’t go to her; frustration welled up in his heart.
"Morgan..." Adrian Yarrow’s face was full of worry as he reached out, wanting to pat her back.
Morgan Shangguan raised her hand to block his arm, coughed lightly twice, and replied calmly, "I'm fine."
Adrian Yarrow watched her for a moment, then withdrew his hand and sighed, "Sorry, I was just worried, so..."
Taking advantage of his lowered gaze, Morgan Shangguan glared fiercely at Damien Gray—how dare he saunter out so brazenly!
Damien Gray curled his lips into a smile and shrugged innocently. Morgan Shangguan glanced at the mask in his hand and gestured for him to put it on.
Obediently, Damien Gray donned his ghost mask but remained standing behind Adrian Yarrow. He wanted to see how Adrian would try to lure his woman away right in front of him.
Morgan Shangguan withdrew her gaze and smiled lightly. "It's nothing, Crown Prince Adrian. No need to worry."
Adrian Yarrow looked up at her, murmuring, "Morgan..."
But he said nothing more, gazing at the flowers and plants in the courtyard, a hint of sorrow between his brows.
Morgan Shangguan’s eyes flickered as she asked, "Crown Prince Adrian, has something happened?"
"Hmm?" Adrian Yarrow seemed to return to himself, glanced at her, and shook his head with a faint smile. "You don’t need to worry, it’s nothing." But even his smile was tinged with worry. After speaking, he fell silent again, lost in thought, his brow tightly furrowed.
Morgan Shangguan’s lips curled slightly. She glanced at Damien Gray before saying, "Crown Prince Adrian, there’s no need to hide anything from me. If there truly is something, perhaps I could help." Of course, she had no intention of helping at all!
Morgan Shangguan lowered her gaze and said softly, "After all, I am the Princess Consort now." There was a trace of sadness in her voice, almost a sigh, almost self-mockery. Yet her eyes were calm, with a hint of a smile—one that Adrian Yarrow could not see.
"Morgan..." Adrian Yarrow looked at her, seemingly moved, but in his heart he thought: Morgan Shangguan could certainly be of use.
Adrian Yarrow reached out, wanting to cover her hand resting on the table, but Morgan Shangguan avoided him. She spoke softly, "Crown Prince Adrian, I am the Princess Consort now. We were never meant to be." Secretly, she thought: If he really touched her hand, Damien Gray might get so worked up he’d strike him down, and that would be far too dramatic!
After a brief pause, Morgan Shangguan continued, "But if I can help Crown Prince Adrian, even if it costs me my life, I would..." Not necessarily help!
She didn’t finish her sentence, but Adrian Yarrow interpreted it as he pleased. Though satisfied with how things were going, he was still not completely at ease.
Damien Gray looked at Morgan Shangguan, a smile in his eyes. Morgan’s gaze swept over him, subtle and fleeting. Damien’s lips moved silently, mouthing a few words that nearly made Morgan choke again.
What Damien Gray mouthed was, "I want you."
Adrian Yarrow sighed and said, "I’m only worried about the struggle for the throne in Silvermoon Kingdom. As the Princess Consort, I’m sure you’ve heard something from the Ghost King."
Morgan Shangguan nodded and asked, "Since it’s Silvermoon Kingdom’s struggle for the throne, why are you so concerned, Crown Prince Adrian?"