"Eat," I tell him, sliding the bowl closer before he can think of saying no.
Lin Wei's fingers don't leave Yizhen's robe. They never did. But one hand loosened just enough for him to take the spoon. He watched it like it might turn into a knife, then lifted it in small, jerky motion and swallowed down the first bite.
Good. I counted that as a victory. No matter how small it was.
"Second bite," I said, already angling the bowl so he didn't have to reach.
Across from us, Deming put a plate of fruit by my elbow. He didn't make a speech about my appetite; he just nudged the plate an inch closer, just like I was doing for Lin Wei.
After last night, Deming was certainly making his presence known around the palace… and around me.
"You're feeding me like one of your recruits," I smirked without looking away from Lin Wei.
"If you don't want it, leave it," he replied with a shrug. "But you aren't eating enough. And until you do, I'll keep putting it there."
