The star pirates were all arrested, and tranquility returned to the villa. The nobles cautiously came out from their hiding spots, and even the eldest princess breathed a sigh of relief.
Only Princess Anna seemed unfazed, like she had known it would turn out this way all along. She appeared calm, unaware that the outcome wasn’t some prearranged plan by Wilson but rather a twist of fate orchestrated by Chu Wenyu.
After everything settled, when she saw Chu Wenyu leisurely heading towards Jiang Ling’s room, Princess Anna still felt a bit uneasy, hiding behind her mother. She believed, at least, that Chu Wenyu wouldn’t dare disrespect her mother.
The eldest princess assumed Anna was just scared and, with a touch of distress, ruffled her hair. Frustrated about the ruined birthday celebration, she intended to drag Anna to the King and demand severe punishment for the pirates. However, the guards by the King intercepted them.
“Eldest princess, please take us to inspect the security devices immediately,” the guard, aware of the urgency, didn’t waste time explaining and directed the princess to lead the way.
Finally in the hidden room, the adept guards swiftly dismantled the timed explosive device in no time. The eldest princess watched their series of actions, somewhat dazed and bewildered, unsure of what these guards had just taken apart.
The leading guard, however, took a moment to explain, “Your Majesty, the King would like you to explain why such a dangerous item as an explosive device was found in your villa.”
The princess had no idea what he was talking about, but as she realized everyone’s lives were endangered because of that thing, she couldn’t help feeling a bit terrified.
Meanwhile, Princess Anna, standing nearby, was taken aback upon hearing the guard’s words. She knew well that all the security and personnel facilities in the villa were under Wilson’s responsibility. Initially meant to facilitate Jiang Ling’s escape, she never thought Wilson would resort to such actions.
Suddenly, a thought struck her. Wilson had not returned from escorting Jiang Ling, and her heart sank with worry about Jiang Ling’s safety.
She had no time to dwell on it, as the guard spoke, inviting both of them to meet the King.
At the same time, Chu Wenyu remained motionless in Jiang Ling’s room. He still wore the disheveled clothes, appearing quite disheveled. Despite the lack of awareness, the bloodstains on his lips had yet to dry. His eyes stared blankly at a particular spot, fingers tightly gripping the towel used to wipe away the blood, mechanically rubbing it against his cheek.
The towel still carried the distinct scent of alpha hair, cool against his face, creating an illusion that Jiang Ling was still by his side.
However, the knock on the door finally brought him back to reality.
Chu Wenyu paid no mind to how others might find him peculiar, continuing to rub the towel against his face. He let the person knocking enter.
The eldest princess had figured it out on the way. If she didn’t explain herself, she would be accused of plotting against the monarch. So, as she pushed the door open, she approached Chu Wenyu in mourning steps, crying, “Your Majesty, you must believe me. I am your sister; how could I ever plot against you?”
Chu Wenyu, however, showed no trace of his former consideration for her feelings. The thought that Jiang Ling might vanish from his sight forever fueled a destructive and ruthless emotion within him.
Ignoring the eldest princess’s words, he fixed his gaze on Princess Anna, the icy undertones sending a shiver down the spine.
“What do you have to explain? I’m giving you a chance,” Chu Wenyu directed the question at Anna.
Perhaps driven by selfish motives or a genuine desire to help Jiang Ling, Princess Anna’s only intention was to facilitate his escape. She could never have imagined that Wilson would dare to harm the King. Unaware that Jiang Ling’s escape triggered Chu Wenyu’s explosion.
“Your Majesty, what are you saying? Anna is scared; she knows nothing,” the eldest princess instinctively shielded her daughter, oblivious to the intricacies.
Seeing Anna trembling in silence, Chu Wenyu sneered, subtly signaling to the guard, then headed back to the palace.
At this moment, his resolve was even stronger than the initial melancholy and sadness.
Even if Jiang Ling truly escaped, that person could never slip through his grasp.
The guard remained behind, wrapping things up, saying, “Princess Anna, please come with me for a moment.”
The eldest princess attempted to inquire further but was coldly intercepted by other guards, showing no respect for the King’s own sister. They knew that in the vast realm of Burke Star, there was only one person in power, and he was a ruthless character with no familial attachments.
Anna was forcibly escorted back to the palace, regret already clouding her thoughts. The memory of Chu Wenyu’s gaze haunted her, treating her as the most loathsome enemy.
With little contemplation, Chu Wenyu knew Anna was scheming to get Jiang Ling out of Burke Star. His first command upon returning to the palace was to determine the location of Jiang Ling’s last contact with him.
The steward was summoned, and on the way, he quickly learned of Prince Jiang Ling’s escape during Princess Anna’s birthday banquet, feeling a surge of anxiety. Ever since he roughly guessed the connection between their monarch and the Prince, the steward understood how deeply Chu Wenyu cared for the Prince. He not only kept a close watch on Jiang Ling’s life but almost never allowed him to step out. Now, with the Prince gone, even he could imagine how the King would react.
In the earlier years of their monarch’s youth, he was known for his ruthless and sinister demeanor. With Jiang Ling’s presence, he had mellowed considerably, as long as they didn’t touch on that sensitive topic. However, this time, Prince Jiang Ling has run away. Even if Jiang Ling is found again, His Majesty might not dote on him like before. After all, Chu Wenyu detested betrayal the most.
Anticipating the scene he would face, the steward felt a headache coming on.
The entire palace exuded a gloomy atmosphere. Despite sunlight streaming in, it failed to bring any brightness or warmth due to the unstable mood of its occupant.
The steward approached Chu Wenyu with the reports, recounting the information about Jiang Ling’s last known location. Chu Wenyu listened impassively.
“Your Majesty, shall I send the guards to that location to search for the Prince?” the steward cautiously inquired, avoiding any disrespect towards Jiang Ling. Even after so many years by Chu Wenyu’s side, he couldn’t fully fathom the monarch’s thoughts and dared not underestimate Jiang Ling.
“Do you genuinely believe he would still be there?” Chu Wenyu responded emotionlessly.
The steward immediately realized his mistake and fell silent. He had no idea where the Prince could have gone; where should they begin searching?
Chu Wenyu lifted his eyelids and spoke slowly, “Spread the news of my serious injury and ensure everyone knows the culprit will be found. If the culprit surrenders, we may show leniency… for everyone to see.”
His eyes held a deep darkness, but ultimately, he relented. If that person could realize his mistake and return in time, he could still pretend nothing had happened. However, future requests might not be as easily granted, a lesson learned from this incident.
“Yes,” the steward promptly acknowledged the command.
Chu Wenyu pushed the wheelchair into his and Jiang Ling’s bedroom. It was a place marked by the other person’s presence, with even the air carrying his scent.
He could vividly recall the moments of the past few months.
From the initial restrained cold glares to the later gentle gazes, even the animated expressions when he got jealous. Why would the young man want to escape? Had he treated him poorly?
Chu Wenyu wasn’t in a rush to immediately find the person. He wanted to see if that person would turn around. If he persisted, Chu Wenyu was confident he could bring him back. He never considered it a problem.
Soon, a palace servant quietly informed Princess Anna’s arrival outside.
Chu Wenyu collected his thoughts and stepped out of the room. This was a place for him and the alpha alone; no one else was allowed in.
The ruthless monarch reluctantly granted his runaway lover a chance for remorse, but he wouldn’t be so merciful to the instigator of it all.
Anna returned to the room where she had been taken for a conversation with Chu Wenyu the last time. Trembling with fear, she awaited his arrival. When Chu Wenyu entered and fixed his gaze on her, she felt a chill, more terrifying than the last time. This time, there was no one with Chu Wenyu, not even a guard.
Realizing her mother couldn’t protect her, Anna regretted her decisions, especially trusting Wilson’s words.
“Y-Your Majesty…” Anna inclined herself, seeking permission.
Chu Wenyu looked at Anna’s delicate face, and all he could think of was the moment she had lifted her head to kiss the alpha. This person, who shared the same blood in their veins, seemed to have similar preferences. Unfortunately, his power allowed him to keep his beloved close without restraint, while Anna lacked the strength and foolishly attempted to challenge him.
“Anna, are you afraid?” Chu Wenyu leaned in closer. Now, he wasn’t acting as an elder but as a rival, no longer hiding his intentions.
“Your Majesty, what are you talking about?” Anna felt suffocated under the pressure of his spiritual energy, taking a few steps back.
“No need to pretend in front of me. You know very well about the relationship between me and Jiang Ling,” Chu Wenyu pinched her chin, forcing her to meet his gaze.
Anna felt her jaw almost being crushed, tears shimmering in her eyes, unsure of what Chu Wenyu might do.
At that moment, the legendary image of Chu Wenyu came to life before her eyes. He had even held her when she was very young. Now, she has become his enemy because of an alpha, though she admitted she was wrong initially.
“Do you know what I thought when you shamelessly went to kiss him? I wanted to rip these lips off and feed them to the dogs…” Chu Wenyu’s black pupils were like blades, seemingly unaware of how terrifying his words were, fixated on Anna’s rosy lips.
Anna was genuinely frightened and began to cry, hastily pleading, “Uncle, I won’t dare anymore. Please spare me…” She was truly afraid that Chu Wenyu might carry out such a horrifying act, resembling a heartless mad dog.
Chu Wenyu snorted coldly, releasing her with a hint of disgust.
“Why should I spare you? Because of this useless blood relation? Anna, you should know, in Burke Star, I can turn a dog into a noble anytime, or banish everyone from the royal family. Your mother is obedient enough, but how did she give birth to such a foolish daughter like you?” Chu Wenyu glanced at her with disdain.
Anna, devoid of her princess’s glory at this moment, realized everything was granted by Chu Wenyu. Furthermore, this man cared little for the reputation of being cold-blooded among his own kind; after all, he was a cold-blooded creature.
Hello, everyone ヾ(＾∇＾). I hope you enjoyed the story! If you’re feeling generous, please buy me a coffee, share/comment on my translated works! Check out the link below for early chapters. (๑>ᴗ<๑)
