Sword Empress's POV
Lovers who'd shared their hearts? Two people who'd given each other their firsts? But…
We agreed to pretend it never happened.
His idea. Since it was for treatment, and firsts mattered, clinging to it without mutual feelings would hurt us both. I'd agreed. So, what were we?
…What are we?
Friends? Companions? Guardian and ward? No word fit perfectly. Pretending it didn't happen didn't erase that day's memory. How did he see it? I didn't know what the Blood Cult had done, but he'd given himself willingly—almost eagerly, chasing pleasure. The next day, he'd asked to forget it, and I was content knowing he didn't hate me after I revealed myself. But that was separate. How did he view that day? It tied to my pride as a woman.
…Maybe this is my chance.
After this tavern, we'd head to Shaanxi, and I wouldn't stay with him much longer. If I got him drunk, I could ask about that day—and maybe…
Flush.
Snap out of it! You're a Taoist!
