Nourishment

Lu Zhen observed for a while, then entered the study.

When Qin Xiao saw him, a sudden light flashed in her cool eyes.

She hurriedly waved a hand. "All of you, leave us."

The female soldiers and officials exchanged glances, lowered their heads, and withdrew.

The door closed.

The dignified authority on Qin Xiao's face vanished without a trace.

She rose, quickly rounded the broad sandalwood desk, and walked up to Lu Zhen.

Her body softened, and she pressed herself against him.

"General... why were you away so long?" There was a trace of reproach in her voice.

Lu Zhen looked down at her and shook his head with a smile. "You don't have to do this. You've managed Feng City well these past few days."

He knew what she was thinking.

Qin Xiao heard him, but she did not step back.

She raised her face, her breath fragrant as orchids. "Everything I have came from you, General. Easing your burdens is my duty."

She even shifted against him, whether deliberately or not.

Lu Zhen had spent the past few days sparring with Leng Qiu in the underground training ground, and she had already stirred his blood.

Now Qin Xiao provoked him again.

Heat surged through him at once.

Lu Zhen shot out a hand, caught the long hair pinned at the back of Qin Xiao's head, and pulled her close.

Night deepened.

The rear quarters of the City Lord's Residence were still and silent.

On the bed, Qin Xiao breathed evenly, deep in sleep. The lofty lady of the city lord's household from earlier that day now resembled a docile cat, curled beneath the brocade quilt, a lingering trace of passion at the corners of her eyes.

Lu Zhen threw on a light robe and sat cross-legged on