Killer Queen + 18

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In the end, the Crown Prince still decided to let Mo Lan stay.

Just like Huangfu Haotian said—yes, Mo Lan was indeed his biological daughter. And it was exactly because of that, he had to be extra cautious. Only that way could he keep her safe from the hidden dangers posed by Mo Ming.

He had already lost Youlan. Even though he still carried the title of Crown Prince, no one knew better than him that all that remained of him was just a shell.

He wished from the bottom of his heart that he could always be with his daughter. But the truth was, he no longer had the strength to protect her. It sounded cruel, but after living thirty years in the dark and twisted inner palace, he understood deeply—nightmares could become reality at any moment.

As they were about to set off, the Crown Prince's eyes weren't filled with tears, only sorrow and helpless compassion.

He didn't know when he'd see his daughter again, but he hoped it wouldn't take too long.

"Let's go," Huangfu Haotian said softly as he patted the Crown Prince's shoulder. "You've been away from the palace for a day and a night already. If you don't return tonight, we might alert the Emperor. And if that happens... things could get very complicated."

The Crown Prince looked up at the sky, understanding full well that his fourth brother was right. He sighed quietly. "You're right. Let's go."

The return trip was very different from when they came. They hadn't had time to prepare a proper, comfortable carriage earlier. But now, Haotian had already given orders for two carriages to be readied—one for the Crown Prince, and the other for Xiao Li.

With help from both Huangfu Haotian and Xiao Li, the Crown Prince got into the carriage and sat down. Then he looked up at them, a tired smile on his face.

"Fourth brother, I'm feeling pretty overwhelmed right now. I'd like some time alone to clear my head. Would you mind riding in the other carriage with Miss Xiao instead?"

Xiao Li suddenly felt a little awkward. She couldn't quite explain it, but the request made her uneasy. Still, this wasn't the moment to go against the Crown Prince's wishes.

Haotian remained calm, unfazed. He leaned in and adjusted the Crown Prince's seat to make him more comfortable, then smiled. "If that's what you want, then rest well, Brother. Don't worry too much about anything. Once we return to the capital, we'll sort everything out together."

The Crown Prince shut his tired eyes in pain and nodded slightly. Haotian then reached for Xiao Li's hand, and the two of them stepped out and made their way to the second carriage.

By now, night had fallen. It was the 16th night of the eighth lunar month—one of the brightest full moons, even more brilliant than the night before.

Inside the carriage, Xiao Li and Huangfu Haotian sat side by side. Even though there was space for two, the air between them felt strangely tense and quiet.

She didn't know how to describe what she was feeling.

Earlier that day, she had let him hold her hand without hesitation, even finding comfort and safety in his touch.

But now, in the stillness of the moonlit night—where only hoofbeats and the wheels creaked softly—she was suddenly nervous again.

Sitting there, Xiao Li tried to regulate her breathing, doing her best to seem relaxed.

Suddenly, a large, slender hand reached for her left hand, resting quietly in her lap.

"It's been a long day. You must be exhausted," Haotian said. Under the moonlight, his eyes were dim, and there was no hiding the tiredness behind them.

Xiao Li knew it was because he hadn't slept for two days and nights straight.

Thinking of that, she felt something in her chest soften. Her voice turned unexpectedly gentle. "I'm fine. But you, Your Highness... you must be completely worn out."

Haotian smiled at her, eyes filled with warmth.

"A'li…" he called her name after looking at her for a long while. "Do you know something? When I was at Sister Youlan's grave earlier, I'm really glad you were there with me."

Her heart gave a sudden jolt. She looked up into his eyes.

"Do you really mean that?" So he had been feeling the same way all along?

Haotian gave her a firm nod, and suddenly her mind was in chaos. She had thought she was just being overly emotional today. But now, hearing him say that… how could she possibly stay calm?

Then he gently patted her hand twice. "Thank you, A'li. Thank you for following me here, for staying by my side this whole time."

After those words, his expression shifted, a trace of weariness clouding his face again.

"I'm really tired now. Do you mind... if I rest a while in your arms?"

Before she could even answer, he slowly lowered his head into her lap, letting his cool face press gently against her soft hands.

Xiao Li sighed inwardly. She couldn't think of a single reason to turn him away.

She slowly slid her hands out and, without even realizing it, reached up and stroked his temple. Her slender fingers gently massaged the tight skin around his brow until his furrowed brows finally eased.

"A'li, thank you," he murmured again, his voice low.

Under the soft glow of the moonlight, Xiao Li looked down and saw that he had already fallen asleep.

The carriage jolted along, but inside, bathed in the moonlight, Xiao Li's heart was strangely calm.

Time passed quickly—barely an hour had gone by before they reached Linjiang City.

As the guards came up to verify their identities, Huangfu Haotian opened his eyes.

"So… we're back in the capital, huh?" he murmured, still resting in her arms, breathing in her warmth.

Xiao Li blushed and looked down. "Yeah… we're here. Since you're awake, maybe you should sit up?"

He suddenly wrapped his arms around her waist. "If I'm awake… does that mean I have to let go of you again?"

Her body stiffened at his words. Then she heard his soft chuckle from her lap.

"If that's the case, I wish I never had to wake up."

Her blush deepened. She tried her best to suppress the flutter in her chest.

"Fourth Prince, you're awake now. Please don't say things like that. I… I can't handle it."

Haotian sat up suddenly. His now-clear eyes locked onto hers. "After everything we've been through, do you still not believe me? Or do you just not want to accept me?"

He was so close now, so close that her breath went out of rhythm.

"I… I just…" she began.

His long, elegant finger pressed gently to her lips.

"Shh… Don't talk. I just want to know what you really feel inside."

Those deep eyes of his stared into hers, and before she could react, his lips were suddenly on hers—warm, insistent.

The carriage had already passed through the city gates. On the now-deserted streets of Linjiang, their kiss echoed in the silence.

Xiao Li didn't know how to fight back. But she also didn't want to fall for him again—didn't want to be swept away by his warmth and passion.

The more she struggled, though, the more dominant he became.

His gentle kiss quickly turned into something burning hot—scorching her very soul.

And under the intensity of his kiss, Xiao Li's guarded heart slowly softened, slowly melted.

Her lips parted just slightly—and he immediately took the chance to deepen the kiss.

That fire of his consumed her sweetness. Under the hazy moonlight, Xiao Li completely lost herself. Her heart, too, was no longer hers—it had already been fused with his.

"Your Highness, we're almost at the residence. Should we head back, or escort Miss Xiao home first?" came the voice of a guard from outside, completely unaware of what was happening inside the carriage.

Haotian let out a low groan and furrowed his brows, clearly annoyed by the interruption. Still, he had no choice but to let her go.

"Let's return to the residence first. Make sure His Highness the Crown Prince is settled," he ordered softly. Then he reached out again, pulling Xiao Li into his arms.

But this time, she didn't lose herself.

"Since we're already here," she said calmly, "I can return home on my own."

He frowned again. "I already told you—I don't feel comfortable letting you walk back alone at night. Just wait a bit, okay?"

Xiao Li didn't respond. She just stayed quiet.

Huangfu Haotian's residence was far grander and livelier than the villa beneath Phoenix Mountain. Servants, guards, maids—everything was fully staffed.

But what surprised Xiao Li was that the ones greeting the prince were not a bunch of beautiful women, but only Qingfeng and Mayi.

"You're back, Your Highness," Mayi said. "How's the Crown Prince? Should we escort you both back to the palace right away?"

Haotian nodded. "We'll definitely need to send him back. But I've got something to do first. Let him rest here for now."

Just then, Qingfeng noticed Xiao Li trailing behind him. "Isn't this Miss A'li? Why is she with you tonight?"

Haotian smiled. "Didn't I tell you before? Treat A'li with the utmost respect."

Qingfeng bowed. "Yes, sir."

Then Haotian turned and pulled Xiao Li close. "I'll be sending A'li back to the general's mansion myself. While I'm gone, take good care of my brother."

Qingfeng looked confused and glanced at Xiao Li. "Wait… isn't Miss A'li—?"

But seeing the sharp look Haotian gave him, he stopped mid-sentence.

Haotian didn't explain any further. After giving a few more instructions, he led Xiao Li to say goodbye to the Crown Prince.

"Thank you for everything today," the Crown Prince said, his voice still weak. But this time, Xiao Li saw something else in his eyes—a surprising strength.

She had stumbled into someone else's pain, and now wasn't sure how to comfort him.

After thinking for a while, she finally said, "Your Highness is a man of great fortune and virtue. I believe that with time, your health will improve. And when that happens, your wishes will come true."

The Crown Prince gave her a grateful smile. "Then I'll gladly take your kind words to heart. Let's hope that day comes soon."

Once they left the room, Xiao Li let out a deep sigh.

Since ancient times, noble houses have been like deep oceans.

Even someone as noble as the Crown Prince couldn't control his fate. He could only watch helplessly as the person he loved slipped away, powerless to change a thing.

But what about her…?

"....."