The voice was calm and cold yet it carried power.
Every sound in the camp seemed to pause.
Lin Xu felt it before she saw him.
Footsteps approached from behind her, slow and steady.
She turned.
The Crown Prince stood there.
He was dressed in dark hunting robes, simple but sharp. A jade clasp rested at his waist, and his presence alone made the air feel heavier. Guards followed a few steps behind him, heads lowered.
His eyes moved over the crowd once.
Then they settled on Lin Xu.
"Oh?" he said lightly. "Why she was brought?"
A faint smile touched his lips.
"Because I brought her."
Shock rippled through the crowd.
Mo Lan's face went pale. "C–Crown Prince…"
Grandmother Mo stiffened. Uncle Mo and Madame Mo quickly bowed.
Mo Ying's body tensed.
San Na's breath caught.
Chu Ming stared openly, unable to hide her surprise.
The Crown Prince walked closer until he stood beside Lin Xu.
Not behind her.
Beside her.
"As my guest," he continued calmly. "Is there a problem?"
