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 The curfew remained in effect, and street inspections were strict, but all patrols and armored vehicles had been replaced by Tanaka family personnel.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."

the heavy night towards the entrance of East

already there to

please," he

title change surprised Joyce

Tadasuke to

as she remembered,

of bamboo still stood in its place, its vibrant green

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

before her

of candles were lit on the

surrounding an empty space in the

setup looked like it was meant for some kind of

for a

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

time 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

wandered around the main hall

behind her and turned to

and having

moment. He wore a loose navy blue kimono with a belt embroidered with chrysanthemums around

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

Joyce frowned slightly.

if she didn't want to

"emperor" still suited Clint

walked past Joyce without looking at

candles and sat down on the ground. Joyce avoided the flames and followed him inside, sitting down as well. The empty space was large enough for both of them to lie

with a golden cauldron between

did she notice how luxurious and unique it

to break this dark magic? Can we

cross-legged on the ground; his wide robe

off your clothes," he said

Joyce froze and instinctively

asked me to spend a night with you just for this purpose? You never intended to help me break