"A pack of useless fools! You couldn't even abduct one person-what use are you? A little princess without the strength to truss a chicken, and you lost everyone there?"
King of Yue berated them, his expression dark. He kicked the guard in the middle, sending him flying several yards. The guard spat out a mouthful of blood and collapsed, unable to rise.
They seemed never to have seen their prince like this before. They knelt on the ground, trembling.
In their eyes, Prince Yue had always been refined and gracious. He had never acted this way or spoken such words.
"Your Highness, the little princess had eight shadow guards with her, all among His Majesty's most capable men. There was also a young man with exceptional martial skills beside her. He should be the enemy kingdom's crown prince. His martial prowess is remarkable for his age."
"Just those few people? I gave you a full two hundred men, and you couldn't even capture one little princess?"
"Your Highness, what happened? Why are you suddenly so angry? What little princess?"
A gentle voice rang out, and everyone breathed a sigh of relief. The princess consort had arrived. Surely she could stop the prince's anger; she was the one he doted on most.
"Meimei, why are you here?"
The Princess Consort of Yue's expression shifted slightly. Though she wore a smile, it did not reach her eyes. "Why were you in such a temper just now, Your Highness?"
Prince Yue's voice was cold. "Nothing. They merely made a small mistake. Each of you, go receive fifty strokes of the rod."
"Yes, Your Highness."
They all nodded and withdrew. Was the prince truly furious? Why would he no longer listen even to the princess consort?
Once they had left, the smile vanished from