Her cheeks flushed unnaturally, water droplets clinging to her long lashes, yet her eyes remained clear.
“Thank you for your concern, Your Highness,” she spoke softly, her voice carrying just the right amount of fluster and gratitude. “I am fine. It’s just…”
She bit her lip, lashes quivering slightly. “That incense just now… seemed strange. I feel… a little dizzy.”
As she spoke, her body wavered, as if she could barely stay upright.
Xiao Chenyuan’s brows knitted.
He had also noticed the unusual scent—the combination of warming incense and the hidden aphrodisiac was potent…
Quickly, he strode to the incense burner, swishing his sleeve, snuffing out the flame instantly.
“Ling Feng, open the window.”
“Yes, Your Highness!”
The night breeze rushed in, dispersing the lingering sweet scent.
Su Yaoyao leaned against the screen, watching Xiao Chenyuan handle everything with swift precision, a smile flickering in her eyes.
So he had come.
She had known it—her letter from the Taifu residence had not been wasted.
Her grandfather had described her as “timid and easily bullied,” pleading that the Crown Prince watch over her.
And with Xiao Chenyuan’s respectful and dutiful nature, once he promised, he would not ignore it.
Moreover… just now outside, he had warned her about the warming incense.
It proved he had been watching over her all along.
That was why she dared to gamble—dared to bet he would come, dared to bet he would act.
However…
Su Yaoyao lowered her gaze, looking at her soaked, nearly transparent undergarments.
This “care” was… unexpectedly direct.
“Miss Su,” Xiao Chenyuan finished extinguishing the incense and turned to her.
“This place is not safe to stay in. I’ll have the palace maid bring new clothes for you…”
He paused mid-sentence.
Because Su Yaoyao suddenly looked up at him.
Her eyes shimmered with moisture, whether from the mist or the drug, it was unclear.
The corners of her eyes were slightly reddened, her gaze both vulnerable and enthralling.
“Cousin…”
She spoke softly, voice as delicate as a feather brushing the heart. “I… can’t stand.”
And with that, her body relaxed, actually collapsing forward.
Xiao Chenyuan instinctively caught her.
Warm, soft, delicate.
Her body was light, yet unbelievably supple.
Through the wet clothing, he could feel the subtle curves and warmth against his chest, mingled with the faint scent of a woman and lingering wine.
His body stiffened. He was the Empress’s adopted son; calling him “cousin” was beyond reproach, yet…
He wanted to push her away—but her hands gripped his sleeve tightly.
“Cousin…”
She tilted her face up at him, eyes full of trust and helplessness. “Is… anyone outside? I’m afraid…”
Her voice trembled.
And it was no act.
The drug’s effect was mild, but combined with the warming incense and now Xiao Chenyuan’s cold sandalwood scent, the heat within her flared again.
He lowered his gaze, staring at her flushed cheeks and hazy eyes, brows tightening.
“No one,” he said, his voice unusually softened. “I am here; no one dares harm you.”
He tried to guide her to the couch.
But Su Yaoyao seemed to ignore him, shrinking further into his embrace.
The soaked undergarments brushed against his chest, leaving a dark mark.
Xiao Chenyuan’s breath hitched.
Years of cultivation and self-restraint could not prepare him for this—the warmth, the fragrance, her unconscious closeness…
It felt like a silent test.
“Miss Su,” he said, voice deepening. “Sit first. I’ll fetch the palace maid.”
“No…”
Su Yaoyao shook her head, tightening her fingers on his sleeve. “Don’t go…”
She looked up, eyes hazy, and suddenly asked softly:
“Your Highness… where is your bracelet?”
He froze.
She reached to touch his wrist. “Why aren’t you wearing it?”
Her fingertips brushed his skin, cool against him. Xiao Chenyuan jerked back suddenly, causing her to stumble—but he caught her instinctively.
This back-and-forth brought them even closer.
Close enough to see the tiny droplets on her lashes, to feel her warm breath grazing his neck.
Su Yaoyao leaned into him, smiling.
That smile, born from the drug’s effects, was seductive, yet her eyes briefly cleared.
“Your Highness… your heart is beating so fast.”
Xiao Chenyuan’s gaze darkened.
He no longer hesitated, releasing her, and fetched the new garments from the couch, placing them in her arms.
“Put these on.”
His tone returned to its usual cold calm, though a subtle tension lingered.
Su Yaoyao held the robe, still warm with his scent, and noticed his rare fluster. Her smile deepened.
But she knew when to stop.
“Well…” she bit her lip, looking innocent.
“Cousin… could you… turn around?”
Xiao Chenyuan glanced at her and silently obeyed.
Behind him came the rustle of cloth.
The soft friction of fabric against her skin, occasionally punctuated by restrained sighs—her movements slightly hindered by the lingering effects of the drug.
Each sound made him twitch his fingers faster.
After a long while, her hesitant voice came:
“Cousin…”
“Yes?”
“Well…” she lowered her voice, embarrassed.
“They… didn’t bring me undergarments…”
Xiao Chenyuan’s hands froze.
Silence fell over the room.
Only the candle flames crackled softly.
After a moment, he spoke, emotion unreadable:
“I’ll have the palace maid—”
“But if I call someone now…” Su Yaoyao interrupted, voice tiny, “and they see Your Highness here… my reputation…”
She didn’t finish, but the meaning was clear.
A man and woman alone at night—if anyone entered, her reputation would be ruined.
Xiao Chenyuan remained silent.
He knew she was right.
But…
“So, Miss Su’s suggestion?”
Su Yaoyao peeked from behind the screen.
She had donned the outer robe, the moon-white gown accentuating her skin.
Yet the neckline was slightly open, hinting at emptiness beneath.
Long wet hair draped over her shoulders, droplets sliding into her robe.
Her cheeks still flushed, eyes clearer, gazing at him with innocent pleading:
“Your Highness… may I…”
She hesitated, as if summoning courage, then whispered:
“Borrow… a piece of clothing.”
In the candlelight, her gaze was pure, her tone innocent.
Yet Xiao Chenyuan caught the fleeting, cunning glint in her eyes—like a little fox who had succeeded in her scheme.
He watched her quietly for a moment.
Then, slowly, he undid his outer robe.
The moon-white robe slid off, revealing his simple inner garment.
He handed her the robe, voice calm:
“Wear this.”
Su Yaoyao took the robe, still warm with his scent, blinking.
“Then… Your Highness…”
“I have business.” Xiao Chenyuan interrupted, heading to the door.
“In a quarter hour, Ling Feng will bring a palace maid. Once done, return to the banquet.”
With that, he pushed the door open and left.
The night wind rushed in, fluttering his thin inner garment.
Su Yaoyao held the robe, scented with sandalwood, watching his cold, solitary figure vanish into the night, a slow smile tugging at her lips.
She buried her face in the soft fabric, inhaling deeply.
The sandalwood was crisp, tinged with the unmistakable essence of him.
“Gone so fast…” she whispered, eyes sparkling.
“But…”
“There’s plenty of time, Your Highness.”
Cold, restrained… hmm.
She was determined to see just how this iceberg would melt.