Dragon Rock City.
Late autumn sunlight streamed through the lattice windows of the lord's study, casting warm patches of light across the floor. A faint fragrance of tea drifted through the air, accompanied now and then by the shouted commands of guards changing shifts atop the distant walls and the muffled bustle of the streets.
Lin Qin sat at his desk, holding a thin report in his hand, yet he had not turned a page in quite some time.
Footsteps sounded outside the door.
Lin Qin set down the report and looked up.
Aileen pushed the door open and entered.
She wore a light blue gown, her long black hair pinned up with a simple wooden hairpin, revealing her fair, slender neck.
She carried a cup of hot tea in her hands.
Aileen's steps paused slightly before she continued forward. Reaching the desk, she gently set the teacup beside Lin Qin's hand.
"What are you reading?" she asked softly.
Lin Qin looked at her, his gaze lingering on her face for a moment before he said, "Soros's report. Dragon Rock Territory has developed well during the years I was away."
"Mm." Aileen sat down across from him, folding her hands on her lap. "He's very capable. You chose well."
After a moment of silence, he suddenly reached out and took her hand.
Her hand was a little cold.
"I'm back."
Aileen's eyes finally reddened, but she only gave a soft "Mm" as she clasped his hand in return, her fingertips trembling faintly.
After a long while, Aileen suddenly spoke, her voice sounding somewhat strange. "Lin Qin."
"Mm?"
"I—I have something to tell you."
Lin Qin looked at her.
"What is it?"
Aileen took a deep breath, raised her head, and met his eyes.
"I'm pregnant."
Her tone was calm, but