The universe seemed to grind to a halt with them.
Mingjun added calmly, “Ah, the romance begins.”
Mingxi clenched his jaw so hard he heard it crack.
He heard Xu Yunlian’s voice, warm but firm. “Minghua, darling, people who suffer nightmares often seek comfort. It is not something to gossip about.”
Minghua: “But they looked cute—”
Mingxi strode into the dining hall. Deadly quiet. Deadly calm. The entire Shen family froze mid-breakfast. Xu Yunlian smiled at Poppy with pure welcome, sliding a bowl of congee toward the empty seat beside hers.
“Good morning, child.”
Poppy bowed faintly, still mortified.
Mingzhao gave her a deep, respectful nod. “We are honored to have you at our table.”
Mingjun smothered a grin behind his teacup.
Minghua waved frantically. “Poppy! Sit next to me! No, sit next to Mingxi! Actually, sit between us so we can—”
“Minghua,” Xu Yunlian said sharply.
Poppy slipped quietly into the seat beside Mingxi out of sheer survival.
Minghua whispered loudly to her brother, “You could have told us you were bringing her breakfast last night.”
“I didn’t,” Mingxi said flatly.
“So what you did was even more romantic?”
Poppy made an audible dying-seal noise.
Xu Yunlian smoothly rescued her. “You must be hungry. Eat, dear.”
Mingxi watched as Poppy forced a spoonful down, cheeks still glowing. Then—unexpectedly—Mingzhao addressed her.
“You handled the Council with exceptional composure,” he said. “Many adults falter under such pressure.”
Poppy blinked. “I… thank you, my lord.”
Minghua leaned over and whispered, “He means he’s impressed.”
Mingzhao added, “You are welcome in our home as long as you need. You are not a burden.”
“Thank you,” Poppy whispered.
Mingxi’s hand twitched beside hers on the table, wanting to reach for her, not daring to. But he noticed that Xu Yunlian saw when she smiled softly.
They barely finished their rice cakes when a council attendant arrived with a bow.
“Shen Gongzi. Lady Penelope. The elders request your presence in the ritual chamber.”
Poppy stiffened.
Xu Yunlian immediately reached across the table and squeezed her hand. “Do not be afraid,” she said softly. “You will not face them alone.”
Mingxi rose before anyone else could stand. “I will accompany her.”
