Why did Prince Nolan rush to Lyndaria, traveling day and night?
Of course, it was for Serena—to confirm her feelings. But...
But as a man who is reserved to the extreme and hopeless at expressing himself, even if that was the real reason, Prince Nolan could never say it out loud. Besides, even if he did, Serena would just think he was joking and wouldn’t believe him at all.
Prince Nolan knew his own reputation well, so he picked the most suitable excuse: "I have an appointment with Titus."
After all, everything started because of Titus in Lyndaria, so using him as the reason was absolutely right.
"Oh..." Serena nodded knowingly, but a flash of disappointment flickered in her eyes. Prince Nolan happened to catch it as he looked up; he opened his mouth to say something, but was interrupted by the howling of the snow wolf.
What a shame... He finally wanted to act on impulse, only to be blocked at the last moment.
Prince Nolan sighed quietly, kicked the snow wolf, then leaned back in his chair and closed his eyes to rest for a moment.
Now wasn’t the time for talk—even if he regretted it, it was useless. Better to conserve his energy for what’s coming next.
The windburn on his face and the scent strong enough to repel even the wolf were proof of how hard Prince Nolan had pushed himself to get here. Serena’s heart ached for him; she stepped forward and gently shook him awake: “Go sleep in the bed.”
"Filthy." Prince Nolan didn't move an inch. If he weren't so utterly exhausted, he'd never tolerate being in such a state.
"Take off your outer robe. I'll help you clean up." With no servants in the courtyard, and Summer and Spring too intimidated to come near, Serena had to personally tend to Nolan.
"Mm."
His low, hoarse voice slid into her ears; Serena's heart couldn't help but tremble, ripples of emotion spreading through her.
That voice was just too seductive.
Feeling embarrassed, Serena turned her face away, missing the fleeting smile at Nolan's lips and the unabashed pride shining in his eyes.
In that moment, Prince Nolan's masculine vanity was thoroughly satisfied.
Knowing how exhausted he was, Serena carefully wiped him down, then quietly said at his side, "Rest easy. I'll go check the kitchen."
There were no clothes ready for Nolan; Summer and Spring were sewing them overnight, so no one had time to prepare food for him either.
"Mm." Another soft reply. Nolan, without a trace, breathed gently against Serena's ear, his warm breath rushing over her neck.
"Uh..." The guard didn't dare respond to that.
A prince bringing his heir to another country wasn't a sightseeing trip—it was running for their lives, looking for political asylum.
Miss Feng, are you sure that's really a friendly offer?
After three days and nights with barely half a night's sleep, Nolan bounced back like nothing had happened—no trace of exhaustion or aftereffects. Serena was insanely jealous.
She'd lived two lifetimes, but never lucked into a body as resilient as Nolan's.
Nolan's clothes were hastily stitched overnight by Summer and Spring, so the seams weren't nearly as neat as usual. He frowned, clearly displeased, and the unfamiliar scent clinging to the fabric only soured his mood further.
"Just make do for today. I'll have them sew you a new set, and once it's washed, you can wear it." His cleanliness obsession was honestly a headache—Serena couldn't help but wonder how he'd survive if he'd been born into a poor family.
"Mm." Nolan answered without a hint of seduction. Hearing it, Serena felt even more certain she'd just been overthinking last night—she missed him so much, even his voice and breath made her hypersensitive.
Nolan's bad mood eased a bit after tasting the millet porridge Serena had simmered all night. Even when Feng Jin spotted him and his little bun face instantly soured, muttering a grudging "Hello, Uncle Nolan," then quietly asking Serena why he was here, Nolan just ignored it all.
"Sis, hug..." The moment Feng Jin saw Nolan, he switched straight into attention-seeking mode, acting cute and clingy—anything to draw Serena's gaze, shame be damned.
"Sis, feed me..." Feng Jin opened his mouth, snuggled in Serena's arms, and kept shooting glances at Nolan, showing off for all he was worth.
Nolan's good mood vanished in an instant.
This brat was just impossible. No wonder Princess Royal Helena couldn't stand him.
Breakfast ended with Feng Jin showing off and Nolan getting increasingly exasperated. When Summer came in to clear the dishes, she tiptoed around, terrified she'd step on a landmine.
After breakfast, Nolan tried to send Feng Jin away so he could talk to Serena alone, but Feng Jin doubled down on his bratty streak, snuggling into Serena's arms and whining nonstop.
There was no helping it—Feng Jin had eaten too much trying to compete with Nolan, and now his stomach was bloated. Serena could only rub his belly for him.
"Feng Jin's been under the weather lately, so he's a little extra clingy." Nolan's bad mood was so obvious, Serena couldn't pretend not to notice—she could only mumble an explanation.
"Mm." Nolan replied coolly, his voice icy enough to cut through the summer heat.
He hadn't rushed here in the dead of night just to stare at Serena across the room—this little brat had zero tact. Zuo An really needed to teach him some manners...
Outside, Zuo An shivered, pulled his coat tighter, and looked up in confusion: With the sun blazing, why did he suddenly feel cold? Was he coming down with something?
He touched his forehead—felt a bit warmer than usual. Yep, he was definitely not feeling well. He'd have to ask Serena for some medicine later.
He had a family to take care of now—being sick wasn't something he could just tough out anymore. He needed treatment!