Chapter 164 - Traitor

I walk outside and stop short when I see a light layer of white snow on the ground. That's right! It snowed!! I quickly walk over and smile as I lean down to touch the snow. When I ran for my life five years ago, I moved to the south and haven't seen snow since. 

Snow always has a magical feel to it... I grab a small handful and feel my childhood come rushing back. I didn't always have the greatest childhood but it was simple and pure. Just like snow. 

Ren watches Nova from behind with curiosity. She seems so happy over just a little snow... but it was cute! He's always viewed her in a negative light so he never got to see this side of her before. Was she always like this? His eyes watch her every move as she starts making little round balls. 

After making three small snowballs, I stack them up and giggle. It was a miniature snowman! I don't have any rocks or anything so I take my nail and poke small holes for its eyes and mouth. I give him a large smile before standing up and brushing my hands off.

I'd make him bigger if I had more snow... Satisfied, I leave the courtyard with a large smile. Ren walks over and tilts his head to the side as he looks at the strange little thing Nova made. 'What is it?' he leans down and looks it over with a smile. 'It's cute...' 

I quickly make my way over to Lady Xue's courtyard and come to a screeching halt when I see the two of them together.

Little Bun sits on Lady Xue's shoulder and rubs on her cheek as she hands him a small cookie. The little traitor!! But... they both looked so cute and happy together... I sigh and walk over. Lady Xue looks up in surprise before giving me a large smile saying "You're up? How are you feeling? Would you like to join us for snacks?"

My heart warms at her kindness as I sit down next to them saying "No, I'm not hungry but thank you. I was worried about little Bun but he seems just fine." Little Bun jumps over to me and snuggles up against my neck as he says "I'm so happy Master is awake!"

My lip twitches as I say "Really? I couldn't tell..." Little Bun misses the sarcasm as he says "It's true! I couldn't stay with you because of the scary man..." I frown at his words and pull him into my hands as I ask "What scary man?" 

Little Bun frowns at me as he says "The man you're always with... the one with red eyes!" I smirk at him and ask "What's so scary about Bai Lei?" Little Bun pouts as he says "That man is scary and strong. Really strong... he hides... and he's only nice to Master!"  

Hides? I frown at his words as Lady Xue chuckles while saying "He's not so bad little Bun. I promise." Little Bun jumps back up to my shoulder as Lady Xue chuckles again. After talking with Bai Lei's mother for a few hours, I quickly walk back to Bai Lei's courtyard. 

I need to cultivate before anything else happens. As I come back to the courtyard, I look around for Ren but I don't see him. Little Bun watches me and asks "Who are you looking for?" I walk over to a large tree as I say "I was looking for Ren but I guess...." 

Suddenly, Ren appears before me, making me jump. Ren bows and says "I apologize for startling you. You were looking for me?" Was he watching me? I shake my head and say "I need an herb called Cradle's grave. Does the palace have any?"  

Ren frowns at me and says "I'm not sure, I can go see. Are you sick or in pain?" I give him a small smile and shake my head as I say "No, nothing like that. I'm fine but I do need the herb." Ren looks at me with worry before nodding his head and disappearing.

I walk over to the tree and clear the snow off the ground before sitting down. The Cradle's grave is an herb that can cause miscarriages but it can also prevent pregnancy. As much as I love Bai Lei and all... I'm not ready to be a parent. Especially right now. 

After waiting for a few minutes, Ren comes back and hands me the small white flowers. I smile and give him my thanks and place the extra flowers in my space. I only needed one, well less than one really. 

I pull a small white flower petal off and place it on my tongue. I put the rest of the flower in my space and close my eyes to cultivate. As the flower petal begins to break down and dissolve, a sweet minty flavor coats my mouth. I should be good for a month... I clear my head and begin pulling energy to me.  

Ren watches Nova begin to cultivate before quickly taking off. Was Nova sick or injured!? She always keeps things to herself! He needs to let Master know immediately! 

When he does find his Master, he has to wait until he's done with the meeting before approaching him. "Nova asked for a herb called Cradle's grave... I'm worried about her. She says she's not hurt or sick but she likes to hide things." He says looking at his Master.

Bai Lei frowns at Ren as his mind starts racing. Cradle's grave is known for causing miscarriages, he only knows this because of his mother but why would Nova need it? Was... was she pregnant!? His heart turns cold at the thought.

He and Nova slept together two days ago... there's no way she'd be pregnant with his child. So who's child was she carrying? Instantly, his brother's face comes to mind causing the whole room to grow cold. Ren becomes nervous as he asks "Is she okay?" Bai Lei's cold eyes look to Ren before he instantly disappears.

He reappears in the courtyard and instantly sees Nova sitting under a tree, cultivating with her beautiful eyes closed. Was he pissed? Hell, yeah but... he clenches his fists when he thinks back to the circumstances surrounding the whole thing. 

Had he forced her? Or had something else happened? He takes a deep breath and walks over to her. Whatever it is... he's not going to love her any less but he wants to make sure she's okay. Causing a miscarriage will cause a lot of bleeding and can be dangerous for the woman.