Shen Xiu took half a step forward and turned slightly, her voice carrying the warmth peculiar to an elder, though its final notes rose a little. "Ning'er isn't a child anymore. Isn't it time we honored this marriage agreement? Look at how devoted Fei'er has been to you this past year and more, visiting your Winged Dragon Family every few days. Both children are of age now. As their elders, we ought to settle this matter."
Xiao Ning'er's fingers tightened slightly against her knees, then relaxed. She raised her head, her gaze settling first on Shen Xiu's face before shifting to Shen Fei.
Shen Fei stood behind Shen Xiu, half a step to her left, squarely within Xiao Ning'er's line of sight.
He shook his head ever so slightly, the movement so small that only Xiao Ning'er could make it out.
Xiao Ning'er's gaze lingered on his face for less than two breaths before moving away.
Xiao Ning'er withdrew her gaze and spoke evenly, without any hint of emotion. "Of course. When the time comes, the elders in the family can finalize it."
Shen Xiu smiled and nodded at her reply, her tone carrying approval and a satisfaction that bordered on condescension. "Ning'er has become sensible. Fei'er has made no shortage of visits to your Winged Dragon Family this past year. I believe his feelings for you are sincere. A marriage agreement is best settled early, lest a long night bring too many dreams."
Xiao Ning'er said nothing more. She lifted the teacup before her and took a sip, her eyes lowered, as though silently accepting Shen Xiu's words.
Her fingers gripped the teacup a little too tightly, her knuckles faintly white, but her hand was hidden below the edge of the table, out of everyone else's sight.
Standing behind