Chapter 3

A few days later, Crown Prince Kaelen Serpentis of the Serpent Clan and Prince Jax Lycan of the Lycan Clan arrived together to escort us. Neither had fully transformed yet; their human torsos joined to their beast forms.

Crown Prince Kaelen was tall, his face exquisitely handsome, with the proud aura of a born leader in his eyes. His lower body was a silvery serpent's tail, shimmering with an iridescent sheen like scales, surprisingly beautiful and majestic.

He knew I had chosen him and nodded slightly in my direction. I tucked in my fox tail and dutifully walked to his side. His eyes showed satisfaction, and he even reached out to stroke my fur. His touch was gentle, and suddenly, a pleasant shiver seemed to course through every cell of my body. I instinctively squinted my eyes.

Next to us, Seraphina was excitedly hoisted onto Jax Lycan’s shoulder, who let out a loud howl. In my previous life, his rough demeanor had startled me too, but being naturally compliant, I had surprisingly gained his favor.

Seraphina's face turned pale green, and she nearly cursed out loud, but bit it back, forcing a terribly twisted smile instead.

Jax Lycan carried her onto the carriage just like that, and I couldn't help but chuckle.

Unexpectedly, Kaelen's teasing voice came from above: "Little fox, what are you laughing at? Do you want me to carry you too?"

When he smiled, it was like sunlight melting snow—so warm and captivating that I was stunned.

While I was still dazed, a silver flash suddenly whipped past my eyes, wrapping itself around my waist. With a gentle tug, I was scooped up and delivered right into his arms.

Feeling the icy chill of his embrace and the rapid thump of his heartbeat, I instantly blushed deeply, instinctively burying my face in his chest. His low chuckle rumbled in my ears, his trembling body making my heart pound and my cheeks flush.

My sister in the previous life thought Crown Prince Kaelen was arrogant and rude. Was she insane?

This was clearly my favorite kind of dominant alpha male, and my heart fluttered with a sweet, intoxicating sensation.

In this dazed state, he carried me into the carriage.

The carriage was lined with thick, soft fur blankets. As I lay on them, my fur even seemed to complement the color.

It seemed my husband was quite fond of furry things.

This was a good sign.

Hehe, I started fantasizing about our married life.

After entering the carriage, Kaelen coiled his tail into a neat bundle, resting on the blanket.

He seemed especially sensitive to the cold, his body trembling slightly. Looking at his quiet, handsome face, I felt a pang of tenderness. I slowly moved closer to him, using my fur to warm him.

We, the Spirit Fox Clan, possess an innate healing aura. When other Beastkin spend time with us, their spiritual energy slowly increases, and their minds become exceptionally peaceful.

Kaelen visibly relaxed, spreading himself out. I could feel his entire body nestling under mine. A moment later, he actually drifted into a deep sleep.

Bored, I started counting his serpent scales for fun. Before I knew it, I, too, had fallen asleep.

When I woke up again, I found our bodies intertwined in a remarkably intimate way. Startled, I tried to get up, only to look up and meet Kaelen's deep, piercing eyes.

I flinched in fright, and he took a deep breath before finally pulling away from my body.

"Little fox, you better not tempt me. I don't want to touch you right now."

Hearing that, there was nothing left to misunderstand.

My face instantly turned as red as a ripe apple, and I moved to sit far away from him.

Seeing my pitiful expression, he chuckled softly, then helplessly waved me over.

"Come here. I wasn't scolding you; I was protecting you, silly."

At his words, I looked at him with wide, timid eyes. Steeling my resolve, I moved closer again.

I had heard that shared spiritual practice was very effective for enhancing spiritual energy. Since I had decided to stand by him this lifetime, there was no turning back now.

But to my surprise, he didn't embrace me this time. Instead, he had me lie comfortably across his lap, and his hand gently stroked my fur.

He smoothed my fur, stroke after stroke, like giving me a massage. I unconsciously closed my eyes in comfort.

I heard him murmur beside my ear: "I don't know why, but whenever I groom your fur, I feel more energized, my mind clears. Is it truly your Spirit Fox Clan's healing aura?"

Listening to him, I wondered, could it be that in my previous life, Seraphina didn't help him enhance his spiritual energy, leading to his failed transformation?

If so, it made sense. The Beastkin Federation agreed to end their conflicts through marriage alliances with us because of the unique bloodline of our Spirit Fox Clan.

If Seraphina didn't help Kaelen, he would naturally be too weak to withstand the lightning tribulation.

Just then, the carriage suddenly halted.

The guards and attendants outside reported that it was time for a meal. Only then did I realize I was a little hungry and looked at Kaelen with eager eyes.

He let out a soft scoff, as if finding me utterly undignified, but immediately gave orders. His hand, however, continued to stroke my fur.

"Prepare some of our specialty dishes for the Crown Princess, let her sample them."

The meal was quickly served. In front of me was a clean, roasted rabbit, glistening with oil and emanating an inviting aroma. I couldn't help but take a deep breath, instantly enchanted.

Kaelen watched me, amused, a hint of fondness in his eyes. He leaned forward, picked up a napkin, and gently wiped my furry paws. He even put a pair of hygienic gloves on me.

"Look at you, my greedy little fox. Weren't you fed enough back home?"

He hit the mark. Father King had been starving us lately, only giving us a few wild fruits daily, to ensure we looked our best for Kaelen and Jax Lycan.

I lowered my head, watching my paws being cleaned in his hands, and mumbled a dazed "Mmh." A wave of warmth bloomed in my heart.

A thoughtful and hygienic man, a little dominant, yes, but I absolutely loved it.

Once everything was done, he said gently, "Eat."

I swallowed hard and eagerly began to eat. Having not eaten in ages, I was truly famished and completely forgot my usual etiquette.

Only after I finished did I remember he hadn't eaten yet, so I asked. But he simply said he was feeling unwell and would pass for now.

Remembering how he had curled up earlier, a pang of pity struck me. I moved closer to him, enveloping him in my soft, blanket-like fox fur.

He tensed for a moment, perhaps unsure of my intent.

But moments later, his body relaxed, allowing me to comfortably settle around him.

"You are my husband now. Let me heal you."

My voice, laced with tenderness, whispered in his ear. He remained silent, but I could feel something subtle shifting between us.

And so, I held him, and we both drifted into a comfortable sleep.