The morning air was crisp, the last threads of mist clinging to mossy stones. From the veranda, Lady Yue's voice drifted across the quiet courtyard.
"Theo, take our guest around the shrine."
"Yes, Lady Yue."
Theo bowed, then turned to Seraphine.
The plain white linen robe the shrine had given her should have dulled her beauty. Instead, it only made her more dangerous. The loose belt let the fabric fall in ways that drew the eye to her hips and the gentle curve of her chest. The neckline dipped just enough to show the slope of her collarbone and a hint of shadow below.
"How do I look?" she asked.
"Beautiful," Theo said honestly.
Her brows lifted, a faint smile curling her lips. "You're very honest."
"I don't lie."
She stepped closer, warmth radiating from her body. "Do you say that to every woman you meet? I feel hurt."
"You're the first person I've seen in a long time, Miss Seraphine."
"Really?"
"I wouldn't lie about something like that."
"Call me Sera. Let's be friends." She smiled brightly and, without asking, slid her arm through his, pressing herself against him as they started walking.
"Do you like that?"
"It's soft," Theo said plainly. "Not very proper, though."
"Don't sweat the small details. Let's have some fun."
They reached the koi pond. The water was still and clear, golden fish drifting lazily beneath the surface. Sera leaned forward, keeping his arm locked in hers, her chest pressing against him.
"They're beautiful," she murmured, voice lower now.
"Miss Sera."
"It's Sera."
"Sera," he repeated.
"What is it, Theo?"
"You're holding me a little too tight."
"Uncomfortable? You said it was soft earlier." She smirked.
"It's not uncomfortable. But I am a man, after all."
"That's good to know. I was starting to lose confidence."
"I'm speechless."
"Let's keep going."
As they crossed the stepping stones, she let her foot slip and clung to him.
"You saved me."
"You did that on purpose."
"I thought you were a proper, dutiful attendant. How can you talk back like this?"
"You're not a proper lady either."
Sera blinked, then laughed loudly.
Near the incense altar, she leaned close, lips brushing his ear. "You're too untouched for your own good." Her teeth grazed his earlobe.
"That tickles," Theo said.
"Do you get it now?" she whispered.
"Why are you whispering?"
"I'm frustrated. You're teasing me on purpose, aren't you?"
"No idea. Let's continue."
At the altar, thin streams of fragrant smoke curled into the air. Theo explained the carvings, but Sera barely looked. Her sleeve brushed his hand whenever he gestured, and she didn't move away.
In the library pavilion, she traced her fingers along sacred texts but kept glancing at him.
"Theo, do you know what it means when a woman throws herself at you like this?"
"Money?"
"Did the shrine rot your brain? I'll have to teach you."
"What will you teach me?"
"About women." She smiled.
Before he could answer, movement caught his eye. Yue stood at the far end of the veranda, a tray of tea in her hands.
"Thank you for guiding our guest," she said warmly. "Come, rest a while."
Sera kept her arm hooked through his as they approached.
"You're getting along well," Yue noted.
"I'm very fond of him," Sera replied.
"Everyone is."
They sat for tea. Theo stepped aside to continue his duties, leaving the two women alone.
"What do you think of the shrine?" Yue asked.
"It's more comfortable than I expected. This is my first time in the Serene Jade Empire. They say Cloudpetal Shrine is the most sacred place in the empire. I thought it would be more solemn."
Yue flicked her fan open, hiding half her face. "Living in solemnity is tiring. Thanks to Theo, the shrine feels lighter now."
"I can feel his care for this place."
"He enjoys your company too."
"I'm not so sure about that."
"If he didn't, he would've pushed you away. He's been here since he was young. Years of solitude have made him quiet. I hope you can help bring some of his spirit back."
"I'll do my best."