Zou sauntered to the edge of the training grounds, settling onto a stone bench with casual grace. Kee Kee joined him.
He flicked open his fan, hiding his expression behind its ornate surface while his golden eyes tracked every movement.
"Try not to break her, General," he called out, his light tone belying the sharp glint in his eyes.
Shen ignored him completely, turning to face Rui with a straight back and squared shoulders.
Any trace of the man who had embraced her in the garden had vanished, replaced by the stern general of the Underworld's armies.
"We'll begin with basic stances," he said, his voice clipped and professional.
"Your footwork is inconsistent."
Rui shifted her weight awkwardly, the memory of his arms around her still fresh.
"About what happened in the garden—"
"Focus, Princess." Shen cut her off, adjusting her elbow with clinical precision.
His touch was impersonal, though his fingers lingered a fraction longer than necessary.
