Almost in His Arms

"Sophie Shang... Brave and decisive, she'll be a wise and capable partner for Evan." said the Celestial Empress. "But this Miss Grace..."

As she spoke, the Celestial Empress's eyes lit up. "Vivian! Now that you mention it, I really think—if this child ascends to immortality, giving her to your brother would be wonderful. Having a divine healer like her by Evan's side would put my mind at ease!"

Vivian Xiao regretted asking such a question.

She quickly changed the topic: "Mother, has my brother's wedding date with Sophie been set yet?"

"Not yet," the Celestial Empress said helplessly, shaking her head. "Your brother says the omens only mention the Heavenly Emperor granting the marriage, not that they should actually get married. He claims marrying might mess up the omens!"

Vivian Xiao frowned, saying nothing.

...

As soon as Grace stepped outside, she saw Evan Xiao waiting for her.

She was just about to call out to him, but Evan Xiao suddenly covered her mouth and dragged her away.

"What are you doing?" Grace asked as they stepped outside the palace.

"I just didn't want to disturb Mother," Evan Xiao said.

"You didn't want to disturb the Celestial Empress, yet you went to see her... So, Your Highness, did you come to pick me up?" Grace's eyes sparkled.

Evan Xiao: "...I came to keep an eye on you."

"Oh... But you didn't have to drag me out of the palace so suddenly, did you? My Redcrest is still on the Celestial Empress's rooftop! Could you call him over for me?"

"Redcrest?"

"Yep! The Dragon Steward Chief lent us two Red-crested Golden Eagles. He said they're about to transform, so we started calling them 'Redcrest.'"

But Evan Xiao suddenly said, "You're not allowed to use it anymore."

"Huh? Why?" Grace looked confused.

"If I say no, then it's a no!"

Grace: "...Can you be reasonable? This Celestial Palace—none of the halls are connected! And the lands outside are all separated by water. If you won't let me borrow Redcrest, how am I supposed to treat the Celestial Empress? I can't fly!"

Grace rattled off her complaints, but Evan Xiao stayed silent.

"I'm asking you!" Grace poked him in the chest.

Evan Xiao's throat bobbed, and the spot where she poked him felt numb and soft.

"Say something! You can't expect me to swim all the way across the water, can you?"

Evan Xiao finally said, "To keep you from causing trouble, I'll personally escort you back and forth."

Personally? Escort?

Grace grinned. "...If you don't mind the hassle, suit yourself! So, may I ask the Crown Prince to 'escort' me back now?"

Evan Xiao stared at her but didn't move.

Last night, he kissed her.

In Prince Drake's memory, that was the first time he'd ever touched a woman.

That feeling... He'd been itching all day.

"What's wrong!" Grace asked. "Let's go!"

Evan Xiao grabbed her hand and pulled her close—so close she nearly bumped into his arms.

Grace stared wide-eyed at him. "What are you doing!"

"Escorting you back! What did you think I was doing?" Evan Xiao held her hand and took her back to the First Spirit Tree.

...

Leon Zane went looking for Ian Zhu, but that guy was either hiding on purpose or just couldn't be found.

Back home, Leon Zane stared blankly at his own courtyard.

Without Blackie's lively and agile presence, he felt a hollow emptiness inside. He was really sad.

After a long while, he realized all this sadness was because of Rina Chu!

She was just too awful!

She bullied him down below!

She bullied him in Drake Abyss too!

How much more could he stand?!