Who understands? The aloof female ruler always flirts without even realizing it.

After the Locke incident ended, Shen Yan was undoubtedly the one who felt the most relieved.

It wasn't that he had any issues with Locke; on the contrary, he recognized Locke's abilities and was willing to offer help.

But the thought of having outsiders in the house, constantly having to be wary of eavesdroppers, and having to suppress his feelings even when being intimate with his wife made him feel extremely uncomfortable.

That feeling of frustration almost solidified into a tangible reality.

Now, this worry is finally gone.

The moment the heavy gate of the villa closed, before the soft sound of the lock had even completely faded, Shen Yan's aura suddenly changed.

The previous image of a composed and dignified nobleman with just the right distance vanished instantly, replaced by an almost predatory and aggressive gaze.

It firmly locks onto the female lord beside it, who becomes increasingly tender and alluring due to her pregnancy.

Almost immediately, she felt the change in temperature in his gaze. Her icy blue eyes flickered slightly, and before she could say anything, the male picked her up in his arms.

"A mighty ruler!"

The female lord let out a soft cry, her hands instinctively wrapping around Shen Yan's neck, her cheeks uncontrollably flushing a thin layer of red.

Although he was already used to the other person's assertiveness and enthusiasm at times, it still made him feel a little embarrassed to do it like that in broad daylight in the living room.

"Shh..."

The male lowered his head, his nose nuzzling affectionately against his cheek, his voice deep and suggestive:

"Locke is gone, now... he should make it up to me, my wife."

"You promised to compensate me double."

As night deepened outside the window, the villa remained warm and inviting, filled with ultimate intimacy and tranquility.

For Shen Yan, this was the life he had always dreamed of, the life he and his Kalandel should have.

The villa gates were reopened three days later.

Shen Yan looked refreshed and relaxed, his brows furrowed with contentment, like a precious plant that had been carefully watered, swaying and radiant.

Although Calander still looked somewhat languid and tired, he was in excellent health, with a moist glow in his icy blue eyes, and the warm aura of cedar and milk around him was becoming increasingly intense.

However, this tranquility did not last long.

On the afternoon of the same day they readjusted to their daily routine, a dignified and elegant hovercar, escorted by a small squad of solemn female guards dressed in royal guard uniforms, silently pulled up in front of the villa.

The visitor was the emperor's personal guard captain. He stood outside the door, his attitude impeccably respectful, yet the message he conveyed carried an unquestionable air:

"Lord Shen Yan, General Karandal, good day."

"By order of His Majesty, Admiral Calander is requested to come to the Royal Palace for a meeting."

Shen Yan frowned almost instantly and subconsciously pulled Kalandel behind him to protect him.

The Imperial Palace?

That place where you have to be careful at every turn?

Are you kidding me!

His Lanlan is currently pregnant and needs to rest and recuperate at the most. How can she go to such a dangerous place?

We appreciate Your Majesty's kindness.

Shen Yan's voice was cold and distant, carrying a clear sense of rejection.

"However, Lanlan is currently unwell and needs to rest, so it is probably not advisable for her to enter the palace."

The captain of the personal guard seemed to have expected this; his respectful expression remained unchanged, but his tone grew increasingly firm:

"Your Excellency, His Majesty's will is very clear. This concerns the general's lineage. Are you truly going to refuse?"

Shen Yan's face darkened, and a strong sense of displeasure and worry welled up in his heart.

Although they had long realized that Calander's identity might be related to the royal family, now was certainly not a good time.

Sensing the male's tense emotions, the female insect gently squeezed his hand, took half a step forward, and stood side by side with Shen Yan.

His icy blue eyes regained their usual calm and sharpness. He nodded slightly to the captain of the guard, his voice steady:

"I will go with you to see His Majesty."

"Lanlan!"

Shen Yan looked over disapprovingly.

Karandal returned a reassuring look and whispered:

"My lord, there is no escaping His Majesty's summons."

He understood the powerful ruler's protective instincts, but he was also more aware of the rules of the empire.

Openly defying the emperor, even with the status and strength of a male prince, would inevitably bring unnecessary trouble.

Looking into his partner's calm eyes, Shen Yan knew he was telling the truth.

Taking a breath to suppress his agitation and unease, he gripped Kalandel's hand tightly and said coldly to the captain of the guard:

"In that case, I will accompany the Queen."

The other party seemed unsurprised and bowed, saying:

"Please come with me, both of you."

So, despite his reluctance, Shen Yan carefully protected his partner as they boarded the special carriage to the palace.