You Hit My Heart by Kylie Stanford

Chapter 2097: Wrist Cutting

That night.

East Palace.

This was Joyce's second visit to the East Palace, but her mindset was entirely different from the first time.

The palace's internal affairs office sent a car to take them to the entrance of the East Palace.

Reuben went to prepare the escort ship for their departure the next evening and did not accompany them.

Hajime ordered the internal affairs office to draft documents and arrange for the announcement of the succession. By this time, Clint and the palace's troops had driven out all of the Yoshikawa family's guards from Eastern Capital. The curfew remained in effect, and street inspections were strict, but all patrols and armored vehicles had been replaced by Tanaka family personnel.

When Joyce got out of the car, she turned and hugged Luther. "Wait for me here. I'll come out as soon as it's over."

Luther nodded. "Of course, I'll wait for you."

Joyce turned to leave the car.

Suddenly, Luther pulled her back into his arms and kissed her gently.

The kiss was not filled with desire, only reluctance.

Joyce returned his kiss.

The professional agent from the internal affairs office was driving, and Darrin sat in the front passenger seat. He knew what was happening in the back but just looked out the window. He had been in Rohomes for some time and was mentally prepared not to return. But now that he could go back tomorrow, he felt excited. Moreover, Grizela, who had changed her name to Sitou Grizela, would go back with him, making him even more eager.

Luther ended the gentle kiss with another peck on Joyce's lips.

"Remember, nothing and no one can separate us. I will always love you," he said.

Joyce understood and nodded.

As she got out of the car, Darrin solemnly said, "Young Marshal, rest assured, I will protect Mr. Warner."

nodded and walked through the heavy night towards the entrance of East

was already there to

please," he

change surprised Joyce a

Tadasuke to Clint's

just as she remembered,

elegantly. The delicate bonsai of bamboo still stood in its place, its vibrant green color lush and

her shoes at the door; the floor inside was covered with tatami

before her made her

of candles were lit on the

of candles surrounding an empty space in the

was meant for some kind

for a

kind of ritual. That might be why they needed to come to East Palace and Clint's sleeping quarters-maybe it was

she came here was during the day when warm sunlight couldn't penetrate this deep hall. Now it was night, making it feel even colder and more imposing. The candlelight added an eerie

around the main

and turned to see Clint walking

and having lost

this moment. He wore a loose navy

that exuded nobility. His ebony eyes held a cold and sharp light that

Joyce frowned slightly.

if she didn't

word "emperor" still suited Clint

past Joyce without looking at her. "Follow

candles into the empty space surrounded by nine circles of candles and sat down on the ground. Joyce avoided the flames and followed him inside, sitting down as well. The

with a golden cauldron

then did she notice how luxurious and unique

to break this dark

on the ground; his

clothes,"

Joyce froze and instinctively

eyes widened in shock. "Clint, what do you mean? Don't go too far! You asked me to spend a night with you just for this purpose? You never intended to help me break