“Mostly?” Poppy squeaked.
Minghua ran past them, shouting, “The foxfire brushes tickle but only sometimes burn a little.”
“Burn?” Poppy yelped.
Mingxi glared at Minghua. “Ignore her.”
Minghua stuck her tongue out and sprinted into a tree.
Later, while Minghua lay moaning about her collision and Mingjun pretended not to know her, Xu Yunlian guided Poppy down a quieter path.
“May I speak plainly?” she asked.
Poppy nodded.
“You saved my son,” Xu Yunlian said softly. “Twice.”
Poppy blinked. “He’s the one who—”
“No.” Xu Yunlian held her gaze. “I see him. I see his heart. His worries. His devotion. His longing to be enough.”
Poppy’s breath caught.
“I see,” the woman continued gently, “how he looks at you.”
Poppy flushed.
“You don’t need to feel pressure,” Xu Yunlian assured her. “This is not about marriage. This is about safety. You are under our protection. Whatever you choose—however your life unfolds—you will not face this threat alone.”
Poppy’s throat tightened. No one had ever said that to her. Not truly.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Xu Yunlian squeezed her hand. “Always.”
Mingxi was waiting inside, leaning against one of the carved fox pillars. His posture was relaxed, but his eyes flicked immediately to Poppy.
“You’re pale,” he murmured.
“You’re bossy,” she countered.
He exhaled, relieved. “Good. You’re still yourself.”
She smiled faintly.
Lysandra lounged across a chaise like a cat who’d taken five edibles. “I foresaw this moment,” she declared.
Poppy blinked. “Us… walking back in?”
“Yes. And also me getting snacks.”
Caelan isn’t even here to stop her, Poppy thought.
Minghua popped out from behind a curtain. “Guess what!”
“No,” Mingxi said immediately.
“Yes,” she insisted, grabbing Poppy’s hands. “Integration ceremony is tomorrow!”
