By the time we returned to my courtyard, the sky had already begun to pale—just enough to remind me that even shadows couldn't last forever. Dawn was coming, and I wasn't ready for the new day.
I kicked off my shoes before stepping up into the covered platform, ignoring the guards stationed at the gate and the maid who tried to offer tea. My fingers itched to pry open the red envelope tucked into my sleeve, but not in front of strangers. Not yet.
Shi Yaozu followed like smoke behind flame—silent, watchful, close. His crisp voice dismissed everyone and they didn't argue. Honestly, I figured they wanted whatever excuse they could come up with to not have to be in my room right now.
He fell into step beside me, and it wasn't until we were past the inner screen, inside my chamber, that he finally spoke. "Well?" he asked. His voice was quiet, but never soft. "What are your impressions? Do you trust him?"
