Kai lay sprawled on the mattress, arms folded behind his head, eyes tracing the ceiling's carved patterns.
Knock! Knock!
A sharp knock snapped him from his thoughts.
He sat up slightly.
"Enter."
A maid stepped in, bowing slightly. "Lady Selene requests your presence."
He blinked once, then stood.
"...Alright."
The garden had softened in the twilight glow, shadows stretching long beneath the peach trees.
The scent of jasmine floated lazily on the evening breeze.
Selene sat alone at the marble tea table, her long coat draped over her shoulders like a cloak of authority.
Kai approached silently, then bowed slightly and took the seat across from her.
For a while, neither spoke.
Then Selene's gaze lifted to meet his.
"I heard about the incident," she said.
Kai's brows lifted slightly, but he remained silent.
"Liliana was harassed in the street. And you were there."
He opened his mouth to speak, but she raised one hand.
