And blessed it.
Chapter 44
Poppy woke to sunlight and the faint scent of plum blossoms drifting through the open lattice window. For a moment she didn’t move, letting the memory of last night wash over her in pieces. The feast, the laughter, the glow she couldn’t hide, Mingxi’s hands steadying her, his breath against her temple, the words he hadn’t meant to let slip.
Her cheeks heated instantly.
She pressed a hand to her eyes and groaned softly into her pillow.
A soft knock sounded on the door.
“Lady Penelope?” Yunlian’s voice, warm and composed. “Breakfast is waiting whenever you’re ready.”
Poppy sat up too quickly. “I’ll… I’ll be right there!”
She heard a quiet smile in Yunlian’s reply. “Of course, dear.”
Poppy dressed quickly, trying to tame her hair and failing. The shawl from last night still carried the scent of foxfire and moonlight. She folded it neatly, though her fingers lingered longer than necessary.
Stepping into the hall, she immediately froze.
Two fox kits stared at her and then shrieked in delight.
“Moon Lady! Moon Lady!”
“She’s still glowing a little!”
“Is she? I think she is!”
They barreled straight into her legs until she staggered backward, laughing despite herself. One clung to her robe; another shoved a flower crown at her knees.
“I see the children found you,” Yunlian said from the end of the hall, hands folded in polite serenity that didn’t match the amusement in her eyes.
Poppy tried—and failed—to hand the flower crown back. The smallest kit simply plopped it onto her head and trotted away, satisfied.
“They’re very… enthusiastic,” Poppy said.
“They like good omens,” Yunlian replied. “And you are one.”
Poppy flushed so hard she thought steam might rise from her skin. “I-I don’t think that’s—”
“Oh, but it is,” Yunlian said gently. “You lit up half the courtyard last night, dear. They’re still talking about it.”
Poppy’s stomach tightened. “Is that… bad?”
Yunlian blinked, surprised. “Bad? My dear girl, the clan practically considers it a blessing. Some of the elders were arguing over whether your glow was a sign of rising moonwell favor or a familial omen.” She leaned in, voice lowering conspiratorially. “One suggested you single-handedly improved the clan’s luck by a full cycle.”
Poppy sputtered. “I didn’t do anything!”
“Sometimes doing nothing is exactly what makes people adore you,” Yunlian said lightly. “Now come. Breakfast.”
Poppy followed her into the inner hall and immediately wished she could turn around. Every head turned toward her. Every single one. Smiles. Curious eyes. Kits waving pieces of bread. An elder nodding approvingly. Mingjun giving her a slow, impressed whistle.
She wanted to melt into the floor.
Then she saw Mingxi. He stood beside his father at the end of the long table, speaking quietly—until he sensed her. His head turned in a way too precise to be accidental. Their eyes met.
It wasn’t dramatic.
