Lucian, still unwilling to relent, whispered close to Ethan’s ear with a mischievous smile:“You are very beautiful, Ethan. I like you a lot.”His breath brushed against Ethan’s ear, sending an involuntary shiver down Ethan's spine, a feeling of repulsion rising within him.After saying this, Lucian stood upright and leisurely moved to his seat on the left, right next to Ethan.Valerius Evander entered the hall, resplendent in a golden royal robe adorned with dragons and phoenixes, exuding the authority and majesty of a sovereign. His radiant presence and sharp eyes scanned the hall.Standing at the highest step, Valerius spoke with a commanding voice that echoed throughout the hall:“Today is a day of great celebration for the court. We gather to rejoice in Helios’s glorious victory over the foreign nations. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the civil and military officials. You have united as one, contributing to our grand cause. Tonight's banquet especially honors the four great g
When she met Ethan's gentle eyes, she quickly looked down, her face flushing with shyness. She was seated on his right, indicating her high status, likely a princess of Helios.She was Juliana Evander, the thirteenth princess and the youngest sister of Valerius Evander, who dearly cherished and pampered her. Throughout the banquet, she had frequently glanced at Ethan, her eyes brimming with admiration, although he had been too preoccupied to notice.As the banquet was drawing to a close, Dorian Ashcroft stepped forward and announced:"It is time for the lantern release ceremony, to pray for the peace and prosperity of Helios. His Majesty invites the court officials to join the ceremony at Moonwater Lake."As the officials and royal family members made their way to the large lotus lake, Ethan also stood up to follow, but was unexpectedly held back by a firm hand, followed by a deep voice: "Your Highness, let me guide you."Ethan Caelan turned around, his eyes brightening upon seeing Ha
In the dark, amidst the noisy chatter, no one noticed someone had fallen into the water. There were only a few people on the boat, aside from Valerius, Lucian, Dorian, and a guard rowing the boat. Everyone was stunned, and Valerius called out: “Ethan! Ethan!” The surface of the water was entirely still. In his previous life, Julian Pierce was an excellent swimmer, but in Ethan’s body, falling into the cold water, his entire body felt frozen. Despite trying to swim to the surface, his limbs were stiff, unable to move. As the boat drifted further away, Ethan lost consciousness, his body gradually sinking into the icy water.Each passing moment was heavy with tension. Valerius Evander anxiously watched the still surface of the lake, searching for any sign of Ethan Caelan emerging. Unable to wait any longer and convinced that something terrible had happened, Valerius prepared to jump into the lake but was stopped by Lucian Evander."Brother, be careful! This could be a trap. A prince wh
Ethan's exquisite beauty and noble aura blended seamlessly with the opulence of the attire, as if it were designed solely for him. Valerius's heart swelled with a strange pride, a sense of possession and admiration he had never felt before."It suits you perfectly, Ethan..." Valerius murmured, his voice a soft caress, almost as if he were speaking to himself.Dorian Ashcroft's voice echoed from outside the door. "Your Majesty, the medicine is ready.""Bring it in," Valerius responded, his eyes still fixed on Ethan, unable to tear himself away from the mesmerizing sight.A group of maidservants respectfully brought the medicine to the bedside. Valerius took the bowl, his voice turning icy: "Leave us."The maidservants bowed and quickly retreated. Valerius gently held the bowl, carefully spooning the liquid into Ethan's mouth. Each drop was an act of devotion, a silent plea for Ethan's recovery.However, the medicine kept spilling out, trickling down Ethan's pale lips. Valerius hurriedl
Valerius Evander gently ran his hand over the delicate, exquisite features of Ethan Caelan’s face. Though still pale, there was an enchanting allure that made him linger.Valerius Evander stood there, dazed for a moment, then muttered to himself, “I must leave now. If I stay any longer, who knows what more outrageous things I might do?”With that, Valerius decisively stood up and quickly left the room. Meanwhile, Ethan remained completely unaware of everything that had just transpired.That evening, Valerius, burdened by a tumultuous heart, sought solace in the Lunar Pavilion, the residence of his favored consort, Livia Dawnfire, hoping to forget the stirrings caused by Ethan.Consort Livia Dawnfire came from a prestigious lineage. Her father was Duke Alder Dawnfire, and her brother, “Wind and Cloud General” Elias Dawnfire, along with other family members, held key positions in the court. The grandeur of her family reflected in her confident demeanor and the way she carried herself wi
At the Jade Heart Palace, the gentle morning sunlight delicately seeped into every corner of the room, casting golden hues on the intricately carved wooden walls. The wide-open windows offered a view of the garden, filled with the fragrance of blooming flowers and the melodious chirping of birds. On the bed, Ethan Caelan lay quietly, his face as beautiful as a carved jade, with each delicate feature highlighted under the golden light. His long eyelashes quivered slightly as he slowly opened his eyes, feeling his body achingly weak and his throat parched. Reed Jace and Leo Grant, standing nearby, rushed to his bedside the moment they saw him awake.“Your Highness! You’re awake!” Reed Jace exclaimed, his voice overflowing with joy.Leo Grant asked anxiously, “Your Highness, how do you feel?”Ethan turned his weary, languid gaze towards them.“Your Highness, please eat something to regain your strength,”Reed Jace quickly brought a bowl of steaming hot bird’s nest porridge that had been
The food was swiftly removed. When Reed Jace returned, he carried a bowl of freshly brewed medicine, the rising steam filling the room with the pungent aroma of medicinal herbs."Your Highness, it's time for your medicine," Reed Jace said respectfully, his voice filled with concern as he approached Ethan Caelan.Ethan glanced at the bowl, attempting to lift his hand, but his strength had waned, and his hand trembled slightly. Seeing this, Harrison Ryder quickly stepped in, his voice firm, "Let me handle it."Reed hesitated momentarily before handing the bowl to Harrison. "Your Highness, the medicine is still hot. Let me cool it for you," Harrison said, his eyes focused, as he scooped a spoonful and gently blew on it, his demeanor both tender and attentive. Harrison's evident care for Ethan surprised Reed and Leo Grant. They exchanged meaningful looks, silently wondering when the general and the fourth prince had become so close.Suddenly, the voice of Cyril Stone, the eunuch, broke th
Harrison Ryder turned around, his eyes wide with shock as he saw the stern face of Valerius Evander glaring at him as if he wanted to devour him whole. Inwardly, he screamed:"Why is His Majesty here without any notice, and at this exact moment?"He hurriedly knelt down to pay his respects, his voice filled with reverence yet betraying a hint of fear: "Your servant greets Your Majesty."Ethan Caelan was about to bow as well, but Valerius Evander raised his hand to stop him, his deep voice authoritative, "Ethan, there is no need."Valerius Evander's gaze shifted to Harrison Ryder, sharp as a blade, his voice cold: "Harrison, why are you here idle instead of attending to your duties in training the soldiers?"Harrison Ryder bowed his head, his voice trembling but striving to remain calm: "Your Majesty, I heard that the Fourth Prince was ill and came to visit him."Valerius Evander scrutinized Harrison Ryder, his words cutting like a knife: "Just a visit, and you need to lay hands on