Page 63 of Cruel Devotion

In ancient times, this sort of chair had been used to carry royal women of high stature. Due to that, my father always had my mother carried in it for special events.

Currently, my mother’s old chair rested on the ground with the men stationed at its poles.

I turned to my right.

A large group headed our way made up of six men and three women. The men donned embroidered blue robes and the women had on flowing silky blue dresses. They continued, and their animated conversations filled the air, punctuated by bursts of laughter and the occasional light-hearted tease.

It was clear that this event was the highlight of their evening.

At least, my people are getting a much-needed break.

I pursed my lips.

This feast may not be a horrible idea after all.

Another group strolled by.

This time several women turned to look in my direction. Their eyes widened momentarily, then they quickly looked away.

A few of their cheeks tinted.

Others nervously giggled and stole more glances in my direction.

Duck broke his silence. “Seems you’re the belle of the ball tonight, Lei.”

I looked at him.

He smirked. “It’s true. We should have put a little crown on your head.”

My eyes were subconsciously drawn back to the tent, hoping for any sign of Monique.

Yet another group approached. This time, both men and women blatantly stole glances, their steps faltering as if caught off guard by my presence.

Duck chuckled again. “Apparently, it’s not only the ladies you’re impressing tonight.”

Frustration rose within me.

“Can’t say I blame them.” Duck shrugged. “You do have that wholemysterious emperorvibe going on tonight.”

I sighed.

“Tell me this, cousin.” Duck leaned my way. “With all these women looking at you. . .doesn’t that make you hard just a little?”

“Instead of bruising your arm, I should have cracked your jaw.”

“Unfortunatly for you, I can still speak with a cracked jaw.”

“Are you sure?” I eyed him. “Because I’m willing to test it.”

“But we wouldn’t want to get your spiffy new outfit dirty.”

“That’s enough. Lei has already kept Master Wu’s tent busy with Rowe Street Mob’s mangled bodies. We don’t need any more injuries today.” Chen let out an exasperated breath. “Perhaps, I should go check on Monique and see—”

“No.” I gritted my teeth. “You’ve done enough tonight. Give her time.”

Chen frowned. “Ihave done enough?”

Hu stopped fumbling with the ridiculous sword and watched us.

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