Chapter 97 - Love Potion

Ren has heard of various love potions used to induce sexual desire and yearning in women before, but he has never seen the effect of one in real life. However, from Rin’s reaction to his touches and what he has heard about the potions, he was sure that what he was witnessing was the result of a very strong love potion.

He didn’t have to guess who gave Rin the love potion. This time his younger brother clearly went too far, and he would make sure that his brother received the punishment that he deserved. Using a love potion on another man’s woman is beyond forgivable.

Ren’s face darkened further as he held Rin’s hot hand in his. He doubted that Prince Kin wanted Rin for himself that badly. After all, there were so many other women in Prince Kin’s inner court, and he has never hesitated to give his younger brother any women he wanted from his inner court before either. So why Rin?

The answer was simple, and it came fast to Ren…

“Because she’s mine…” Ren muttered his conclusion to himself.

…

A few soft knocks on the door to Rin’s bedroom snapped him out of his dark thoughts. Ren blinked rapidly to clear his murderous thoughts away; he had to focus on the situation at hand.

“Crown prince, a royal doctor has arrived…” Shin called, his voice loud and clear through the door.

Ren covered Rin’s body with a blanket before heading towards the door. He didn’t think that there was a need for a royal doctor anymore now that he could sort of figure out what potion Rin had been given. There was nothing that the royal doctor could do to cure her or put a stop to her suffering. Unfortunately…this was something that only he could do…

“Crown prince,” the royal doctor said as he bowed low to show his utmost respect.

“Lady White Lotus is fine now and no longer requires your assistance. Thank you for coming all this way. You may leave,” Ren said flatly as he dismissed the doctor.

“With all due respect, crown prince. Should I at least take a look at her?” the old doctor said in a humble voice.

“There’s no need. Thank you for your concern,” Ren denied flatly.

The door slid firmly closed in front of the old doctor’s confused face as Ren returned back inside Rin’s room. The doctor looked at Shin at a loss.

“General Shin, what should I do now? Do I just…head back to the hospital?” the old doctor asked as he knitted his brows together.

“I guess that’s for the best for now…” Shin replied with a comforting smile.

“But is the lady really ok?” the doctor asked with worry.

“If Ren thinks he can handle it, then I’m sure that he can. Please head back, I’ll escort you if you want,” Shin said as he gestured to the exit with his hand.

“I see. If you say so, then…” the old doctor mumbled as he followed Shin towards the exit of the White Lotus Palace.

Shin rode with the old doctor in his carriage all the way from the White Lotus palace back to the hospital. All the while, he was thinking about how to report what he had seen at Prince Kin’s palace to the emperor. Strictly speaking, Ren was right, Prince Kin should be executed for laying his hand on his brother’s woman. That lady being the Lady White Lotus, no less. However, he knew that things wouldn’t be that simple. Prince Kin being the second in line to the throne could change many things regarding his punishment.

…

**Around an hour before**

Ren walked around a warehouse inspecting crops of one of the largest traders in the capital city along with a few of his court members. There were reports of issues with the crop’s quality this year and unfortunately, he had been asked by the emperor to come take a look. Not that Ren was very knowledgeable in agriculture and crops but that was why some other court members who had that knowledge was also present.

As Ren was standing there feeling bored of out his mind, the door to the warehouse slammed opened and a very panicked-looking Shin ran in. Ren’s eyes widened as all men looked at Shin in shock at his unexpected appearance.

“Shin…” Ren said his eyes narrowing at his friend. Some problem must have occurred that Shin couldn’t handle by himself. It was very rare for his friend to be so panicked like this.

“Crown prince, I need a word with you…now,” Shin said. The look in his eyes dead serious.

Ren got the message immediately.

“Can’t you see that we are in the middle of an important meeting, General Shin?” a senior eunuch spoke up. There was a clear disapproving look in his eyes as he stared at Shin.

“We’ll take a break from this topic here. Let’s resume this tomorrow,” Ren said emotionlessly as he turned to walk away, following Shin to the exit of the warehouse.

“But…crown prince…this matter…” another eunuch started to protest.

“I’m sure the combination of all your bright and experienced brain can solve it and submit a report to me by tomorrow morning,” Ren said without turning back.

“Yes…crown prince,” the eunuchs said as they bowed low.

After exiting the warehouse, Ren turned to Shin for an explanation. He was given one without having the ask.

“Ren, Kin has taken Rin to his palace…she’s probably just arrived there right now,” Shin said, without hiding the worry in his tone.

“What?! Why didn’t you stop him!” Ren shouted in shock.

“It’s Kin we’re dealing with. Like it or not, he’s second in line to the throne…” Shin said, his tone seriously distressed.

“And as long as I’m alive, I’ll keep it that way…” Ren muttered as he quickly got on his horse in one swift movement.

The horse was on its way back to the palace before Shin could say anything more. With a frustrating growl, Shin ran his hand through his hair before getting on his horse and began riding after Ren. The palace wasn’t far away, and Shin began praying in earnest that they would make it back in time. Of course, he’s worried about Rin’s safety, but most of all, he was worried about what would happen to Ren if they didn’t make it on time.

--To be continued…