When Kianna's breathing became steady, Lucas made sure she was asleep. Then he pulled her into his arms and whispered softly, as if speaking to himself or to her, "I hope you will always be like today, even if it means lying to me."
At five in the morning, Kianna opened her eyes.
Her breath caught. Wow! That face is too much. I can't even breathe. Look at those long eyelashes, that high nose bridge, those fox-like eyes. This is pure cold and noble beauty!
What was the original owner thinking, abandoning such a stunning man and choosing James instead?
"Host… host, calm down. You still have to give him children. Don't tell me you only care about looks?"
Um… but I do! I feel like my nose is about to bleed. If it weren't for…
The system noticed her mood sinking and quickly said, "Host, I'll give you the Invincible Beauty Pill now. Don't forget to take it."
The Crown Prince Lucas sensed that the restless woman in his arms was about to wake up. He closed his eyes, curious what she would do. But her hand wasn't behaving, and she even giggled foolishly. Luckily, he had trained his body well.
Unable to hold back anymore, the prince opened his eyes and said in a deep voice, "Yu'er, stop touching me."
"Husband, I'm hungry," Kianna said without shame, leaning even closer to him.
The Crown Prince wrapped an arm around her slender waist. Looking at the lovely girl in his arms, he laughed softly and said in his low voice, "Husband will take Yu'er to eat right away."
The steward rushed over and whispered in the prince's ear, "According to Dark Seven's report, James will come to see the princess today."
The Crown Prince stayed calm, looked at the charming woman, and said, "I have government affairs to handle. I'll leave first."
"Husband, come back early. I'll wait for you tonight." The words were bold and teasing, and combined with her soft, lovely expression, they almost made Lucas stumble.
System, what's wrong with him? He's acting strange. By the way, when does your Invincible Beauty Pill start working?
"Host, don't you remember? You agreed to meet James today. It's been about a month, so the pill's effect has completely set in by now."
The Crown Prince went to his study, radiating an aura that warned people to stay away, and started working on documents. The steward didn't dare breathe loudly, wanting to speak but hesitating. He exchanged glances with Xuros nearby.
Xuros gave him a sly look. "I think the steward also has something to say."
The Crown Prince, holding back his anger, snapped, "If you have something to say, then say it."
The steward trembled and stepped forward. "If the princess goes out today, should we let her… or not?"
"Do I really need to answer that? Just follow her. If there's any physical contact with someone else, bring her back immediately!"
"Xiaochun, do you have any picture books?" Kianna asked her maid.
"I'll bring them right away." Xiaochun looked at her young lady lying on the bed, alluring and radiant, and felt emotional. Now that she was in the prince's mansion, she wasn't scared anymore—she was even acting a little lazy.
Soon Xiaochun returned, arms full of books. "Princess, these are the popular picture books from recent years. Before you met James, you always liked reading them, so I kept collecting them for you. The prince even built a swing in the back garden just because you saw one in a book."
"Take me to the back garden, Xiaochun," Kianna said as she picked up a book, listening absentmindedly while Xiaochun kept muttering about how well the prince treated her over the years.
"I'll take you to the Crown Princess now," Assistant Chun said excitedly, leading the way.
System: You said so much effort was put into the backyard. Why wasn't the original owner impressed? Next time, don't make me go fix something the original owner already cared about.
Host: Maybe at that time, the original owner was hurt by the Crown Prince's men because of James.
System: Alright, next time, nothing like that will happen.
System: I have to say, the garden is nice. The spiritual energy is so weak, yet it's being used to protect all these flowers. How sentimental.
Host: Actually, the Crown Prince doesn't like the original owner yet. He is under a spell and sees her through a special filter. Don't fall for anyone here.
Looking at the cute little dog shaking its head, Kianna couldn't help but pet it.
"The Crown Princess, we've arrived," Assistant Chun said with sparkling eyes.
Kianna floated over to the swing and lay down. Sunlight shone through the water, highlighting her curves, making her look dangerously beautiful. She felt confident, eating grapes while looking at her sketchbook.
Even women would admire her, not to mention men.
The servants who usually cleaned the backyard had left a quiet, peaceful space for Kianna.
Meanwhile, James, the fourth prince, slammed things around angrily. "Damn it! She didn't come to meet me. My plan is ruined!"
"Brother James, maybe Sister Kianna was busy and couldn't come. Don't be angry. You still have me, Zhenna. Next time, I'll invite her. Don't get upset and make yourself sick," the gentle Zhenna said, tears in her eyes.
James felt a burning desire. "Alright, Zhenna, I'll listen to you." He hugged Zhenna to the bed. Silk sheets fell as she cried, "No… I don't want this." James showed no gentleness, and the fight lasted till dawn.
"Your Highness, I will report the princess's schedule. The Crown Princess has been in the backyard looking at her sketchbook all day and hasn't seen the fourth prince. If you go to the garden now, you can see her," an aide reported quietly.
The Crown Prince, Lucas, swam gracefully to the backyard. He silenced everyone nearby and scooped Kianna into his arms. The people around him dared not breathe.
Earlier, on the bed, Kianna had turned and fallen into Lucas's embrace. Lucas looked at her tail moving and, helpless, gently held it down as she slept.
In the middle of the night, Kianna struggled to breathe because he was holding her too tightly. She quietly kissed him on the lips.
Lucas cupped her head and deepened the kiss, lasting a minute. When they parted, he pulled back slowly. Kianna teased and snuggled into his arms. Hearing her steady breathing, Lucas's red eyes flashed as he thought, "What should I do with you?"
Kianna reached beside her, but it was already cold. She probably left.
"My mother summoned me. What does she want?"
"The Crown Prince, my Hua'er, the Crown Princess doesn't know her place. I found a few women for you, all daughters of noble families. Any one of them is better than the Crown Princess," the Empress said, worried.
"Mother, I can agree to other things, but not this," Lucas replied.
"You've forgotten your mother after marrying. Fine. Just have me a little royal grandson and then go back," the Empress sighed.
"Then I'll take my leave, Mother. Take care of your health," Lucas said and left.
"Chief Wang, go check who told the Empress about this." The Crown Prince Lucas left Chief Wang sweating and nodded quickly.
In the Fourth Prince's residence, James saw a splash of red on the bed. He gently held Zhenna and kissed her, sincerely promising, "I will take responsibility for you, Zhenna, but first I must complete my great mission."
"Okay," Zhenna said softly and weakly.
Recently it was the Empress Dowager's birthday, and her 500-year limit was approaching. There were changes in court positions. As Crown Prince, Lucas worked from dawn to dusk. They had agreed to sleep together at night. During the day, they were busy with their own things, though only Kianna was looking at picture books.
System, has James done anything recently? Can you give him some trouble?
Host, he's busy being affectionate with Zhenna right now. I can't interfere. You need to handle it yourself; I don't have that function yet.
System, you are supposed to be future tech.
Host, I also need to level up. Work hard to complete your missions. By the way, your good friend Xurana invited you to the teahouse today.
"Husband, I've been at the Crown Prince's residence a lot lately. I'm a bit bored. Can we go out?"
Lucas looked at her with teary eyes and couldn't refuse, "Okay, but you have to take the people I arranged for you."
"Okay, thank you, dear husband."
"Crown Princess, it's daytime. Today, we will protect you from the shadows while you go out."
"Sisters, please help protect the Crown Princess." Assistant Chun hurriedly stepped forward.
"Crown… Princess, why are we wearing men's clothes? Don't we have guards?"
"Guards attract attention. We'll take only a few people."
"Crown… Princess, where are we going?" Assistant Chun nervously looked at the people walking fast ahead.
"We are outside now. Call me Young Master. Of course, we are going to the teahouse."
"Guests, the first floor is full. I will take you to a private room on the second floor," said the waiter politely.
"James, look at this back view. Doesn't it look like sister?" Zhenna said sharply while glaring at the back.
"Guests, this is your place."
"Kianna, you finally left the Crown Prince's residence. I missed you. Recently, the Fourth Prince has been with your sister," Xurana said angrily, looking at her uncooperative friend.
"I don't like the Fourth Prince now. I like my Crown Prince," Kianna replied.
"Good, you finally realized it."
"Someone who has faced death once, how could I not realize?"
"Exactly, that's my good friend."
"Kianna, why didn't you come to the last meeting? Do you know how long I waited for you?"
"Fourth Prince, don't say you waited for me. Aren't you embarrassed? Now everyone knows you and Zhenna are together."
"Huh, they're together?"
"You didn't know? A few days ago, it spread at the Fourth Prince's residence. Look at what Xurana says today."
"Sister, the Fourth Prince and I only act for your benefit. I have nothing with him."
"Ugh, nothing? If my friend wasn't patient, she wouldn't tolerate a little green tea like you."
"I never thought the daughter of Prime Minister Mo would be like this, and she's not even married yet."
"Say things behind her back, not in front of her. Don't you want to die?"
Zhenna shook her head in panic, "No, I didn't. Sister, you have to believe me."
"Kianna, how can you ruin your sister's reputation like this?"
"James, who asked you to shout at your sister-in-law like that?"
"Yes, Your Highness. I shouldn't have shouted at her." James gritted his teeth in anger and left embarrassed.
"I'll go first, Kianna." Xurana smiled warmly.
"Husband, why are you here?"
"I'm afraid someone would bully you."
"I didn't know he would go to the tea house. My sister asked me to go. Let's go home."
Lucas looked at the man she held, shocked. She felt a strange emotion. Could it be that she's starting to accept him as part of her life?
"Chief Wang, make some trouble for the Fourth Prince."
"Wake up, Princess. The Crown Prince has been waiting for you for two hours." Assistant Chun hurriedly helped the princess get up, change clothes, and get ready.
"Your Highness, we found out it was the Fourth Prince. Also, last night he was with Zhenna."
"Such nerve, confirming their relationship during the Empress Dowager's birthday," Lucas thought, finally feeling a weight lifted off her chest.
"What happened, Assistant Chun?" Kianna murmured, finally fully awake.
"Today, Princess, you need to try on some clothes. The Empress Dowager's birthday is coming. Don't worry, the gifts are ready. Let's go."
"Husband, I kept you waiting, didn't I? You didn't know I needed you to wake me up." Kianna's soft lips moved gently.
"Kiana, you don't need to wake up early for me. It's my duty as your husband to take care of you." Lucas smiled softly.
Kianna blushed, looking down shyly, avoiding Lucas's gaze.
"Let's go. You've been upset these days. Let's enjoy the hot springs together."
"Together… really?" Kianna's face turned red, voice soft and trembling.
Seeing his rough hands, calloused from sword training, she found them attractive. She reached out and held his hand, lightly tracing his palm, making him tingle all over.
Lucas carried Kianna into the carriage. They exchanged deep looks, and he shyly lowered his head. The carriage slowly moved along the scenic coastline, eventually arriving near the hot springs.
Hand in hand, they entered a small wooden cabin by the springs. Lucas covered Kianna's eyes with silk and helped her get dressed. The silk made Kianna look breathtakingly beautiful.
On a small platform by the hot springs, Lucas held Kianna, enjoying the closeness. Kianna's small hands touched his chest, causing sparks of excitement.
"Don't touch me like that," he whispered, holding back.
"Are you avoiding me because you hate me?" Tears welled up, making her look even more vulnerable and adorable.
Lucas carried her into the cabin, laying her gently on the bed. He kissed her tears away, holding her close, kissing her ears and neck. Her thoughts became confused, and she cried while resisting. The more she resisted, the more he encouraged her.
Kianna opened her eyes and saw that Lucas hadn't left. They stayed in bed until late morning. She tried to get up but the pain made her collapse back.
Lucas helped rub her waist. "Kianna, stop crying."
"Husband, I don't want to, but it hurts so much." She felt embarrassed thinking about the medicine he applied.
"Husband, I want to visit my mother. I haven't seen her in so long. Can we go, dear husband?" She said softly, teasingly.
"Yes, but I will go too." He paused before moving his hands again.