Li Lanru pressed her lips together and stood where she was, showing no intention of leaving.
Clutching the hem of her clothes, she looked up at Xiao Yu. "I-I'm not leaving. You're the only person I can trust now!"
Her royal brother had said that only the man before her could save her. There was no way she would leave his side.
How could her reputation matter more than her life?
Xiao Yu froze at her words.
Then the corner of his mouth twitched.
Wait.
She'd made her dislike of me perfectly clear this morning. What was this supposed to be?
His lips parted, and he said coolly, "I believe we only met once this morning, Princess... we hardly know each other."
"Please leave as soon as possible, Princess. If His Majesty sees you here, it won't-"
"What would This King see? What is it that This King must not see?" Dantai Yunheng approached with a thunderous expression.
Xiao Yu stiffened slightly at the sight of Dantai Yunheng.
His gaze flickered. "A-Heng... what brings you here so late?"
"What, is This King not allowed to come?"
Dantai Yunheng shot the woman beside him a sharp sidelong glance, his voice thick with jealousy. "Has This King come at a bad time? Am I interrupting you two?"
Xiao Yu was speechless. There's no need to be so sarcastic...
There was nothing between him and her to begin with.
Li Lanru involuntarily shuddered under his piercing gaze, remembering his threat that morning to cut off her head.
She hurried to explain, "Your Majesty, the Queen and I have done nothing improper!"
She quietly retreated to a corner, covering her eyes. "Don't worry, I won't disturb you. I'll just stand here. I-I'll keep watch for you tonight. You needn't mind me."
The corner of