After dinner, Deng Tianxin called Gu Yuena into his bedroom.
Deng Tianxin took a sip of tea and said, "Nana, you've worked hard these past few years."
Gu Yuena had just closed the door when she heard his words. Her steps paused almost imperceptibly.
Gu Yuena walked before Deng Tianxin and lowered her eyes and head as usual. "Your Highness, what are you saying? This is all what this servant should do."
"I've told you before, you're not a servant." Deng Tianxin set down his teacup and looked up at her.
The candlelight cast shifting shadows across Gu Yuena's face, her silver eyes lowered.
He reached out and gently clasped her wrist, preventing her from backing away again.
"Nana, look at me," Deng Tianxin said.
Gu Yuena fell silent for a moment before slowly raising her eyes. Her gaze remained calm.
Even Gu Yuena, the Silver Dragon King, had a day when she was led along by someone else.
"Actually, you can leave whenever you want." Deng Tianxin looked into her eyes and spoke softly. "You aren't staying by my side because I need someone to serve tea and pour water. You should understand what I mean."
Gu Yuena's lashes trembled faintly. Just as she seemed about to speak, Deng Tianxin suddenly released her wrist and placed his palm against the side of her face, his fingertips brushing lightly over her temple.
"Thank you for always staying by my side," Deng Tianxin said quietly. "Actually, I know your true identity. I know what your purpose is."
Gu Yuena was about to smooth this over in her usual obedient tone, but upon hearing his final sentence, the gentleness on her face finally cracked.
She stared at Deng Tianxin for a long while before asking, "When did you find out?"
"I guessed