The Jade Pavilion, normally reserved for imperial celebrations, was emptied that morning. There would be no music, no speeches, no spectators. Only two figures inside the pavilion: Jin and Suwei.
"It's a dance," said the emperor, tying his combat belt. "But not with the feet. With the soul."
Suwei, dressed in a light linen tunic, observed Jin's movements with attention. He had never seen him so focused... nor so beautiful.
"And what does one dance?" Suwei asked.
Jin Long spun around and raised an arm, simulating the flight of a bird.
"The Dragon and the Crane. An ancient form of martial training... but also a shared meditation. Ancient emperors used it with their consorts to merge the energy of both bodies."
Suwei blushed, but didn't look away.
"And if one doesn't know how to dance?"
Jin Long smiled.
"Then the other guides."
And so it began.
