Chancellor Lasson heard the voice calling after him, but he pretended not to. His pace quickened as he turned the corner, heading straight for the staff-only area. He thought he could slip away unnoticed, but he underestimated Jian Ci.
The young prince sprinted forward, ignoring the weight of his title, and caught the chancellor just as he was about to disappear through the door. "Uncle, are you avoiding me?" Jian Ci demanded, pulling him back.
Chancellor Lasson gritted his teeth, his patience thinning. "You brat, have you forgotten I am your elder?"
"How could I forget, uncle?" Jian Ci replied smoothly, releasing him. "I respect my elder—especially the elderly ones."
The words struck a nerve. Sensitive about his age, Chancellor Lasson snapped, "You!"
But Jian Ci only smiled, so brightly and innocently that no one would have guessed he had just poked the man's sore spot.
"Let's talk in my office," Lasson muttered, resigned.
