The next day
Sunlight streamed through the window, pale and quiet.
Shen Miao's eyes fluttered open.
For a moment, she didn't know where she was. The ceiling was familiar. The silk curtains were familiar. The faint scent of sandalwood from the incense burner was familiar.
Her room.
She was home.
She lay still for a long moment, letting the memories surface slowly—the corridor, the scent, the bed, the dizziness. Then a hand on her shoulder. A voice calling her name. A sharp-eyed boy and his sister both dressed in pale blue robes.
She let out a slow breath.
It's all just overwhelming.
She sat up slowly. Her head was still heavy, but the dizziness was gone. Her body felt tired, but not weak.
A soft knock at the door.
Bai Yue entered, carrying a basin of warm water. Bai Yin followed with a tray of fresh robes.
"Young Miss, you're awake." Bai Yue said softly, her eyes scanning Shen Miao's face for any sign of illness. "How are you feeling?"
Shen Miao managed a small smile. "Better."
Bai Yin set down the robes and stepped closer, her hand brushing Shen Miao's forehead. "You still look a bit pale. Shall I call for a physician?"
"No," Shen Miao said. "I just need to eat. And to move around a little."
"Staying in one place will make it worse"
The Bai twins exchanged a glance, then nodded.
They helped her dress in silence—soft robes of pale jade, simple but clean. She sat while Bai Yin brushed her hair, the rhythmic motion calming her scattered thoughts.
"Oh, and Miss"
"Young Master Shen was asking about you this morning," Bai Yue said quietly.
Shen Miao's hands stilled. "He was?"
"He came by before dawn. You were still asleep. He stood at the door for a moment, then left after."
"The young master also invited the young miss for breakfast later when you woke up"
Shen Miao felt a warmth spread through her chest.
He came to check on me.
She said nothing, but her fingers curled into her sleeves.
---
The dining hall was quiet when Shen Miao arrived.
A small table had been set near the window, the morning light falling across the porcelain dishes. Steaming congee, pickled vegetables, and a small plate of pastries.
Shen Miao was then informed by a young servant boy that Shen Yao had some things to finish but he would soon join her.
Nodding in understanding
She sat down and picked up her chopsticks.
She had just taken her first bite when she heard footsteps at the doorway.
She looked up.
"Brother..."
Shen Yao stood there in simple robes, his face calm. He looked tired—the same quiet exhaustion she had seen in the carriage last night—but his eyes were steady.
He watched his sister stand to greet him.
Shen Yao frowned and immediately stopped her, telling her she didn't need to be so formal.
But having known her for a while, he knew that she wouldn't listen even if he insisted so he didn't press her to follow his request.
And in the end walked to the table and sat across from her.
Neither spoke for a moment.
Then he said, "How are you feeling?"
"Better," she said.
"Still tired. But better."
He nodded. He didn't reach for food. He just sat there, watching her eat.
She lowered her chopsticks.
"Brother, thank you for—"
"Don't," he said quietly. "You don't need to thank me."
She looked at him. "Then what do I need to do?"
He was silent for a long moment. Then his voice, quieter than before:
"Just get better."
Something in his tone made her chest ache.
She looked down at her bowl and took another bite.
After a few minutes of silence, she spoke again.
"I feel a bit better now," she said carefully.
"Though I think I could use some fresh air. Staying at home feels a bit stuffy"
Shen Yao glanced up.
"I was thinking," she continued, "maybe we could go out to the city today. Just for a short walk. To buy something. Anything."
She wasn't sure why she asked. Maybe she just wanted to feel normal again.
Shen Yao studied her face. Then his expression shifted—just slightly.
"Alright," he said.
Her eyes widened. "Really?"
"After breakfast. I have a few matters to attend to first, but we can go after."
She nodded quickly, a smile spreading across her face despite herself.
He said yes.
She picked up her chopsticks and ate faster.
---
Their meal was interrupted by a servant at the door.
"Young Master Shen, a letter from the palace."
Shen Yao took the letter, read it quickly, then folded it and set it beside his bowl. His expression was unreadable.
"What is it?" Shen Miao asked.
"Nothing urgent," he said. "But I need to attend to it immediately."
He stood. "I'll return soon if nothing urgent happens. Rest until then."
He left without another word.
Shen Miao watched him go, her earlier joy dimming slightly. But she shook it off.
He said he would go with her. He'll keep his promise.
She finished her breakfast in silence.