231 Heartfelt Connection (2/2)

She jerked her gaze away and busied herself with her bread. Her cheeks felt hot, and her skin prickled. The smell of his sweat was an earthy contrast to the sweet fragrance of the fresh fruits on the table. She guessed he was practicing his sword skills in the palace training grounds.

Hearing him sit down on the bench beside her, Rin felt his stare leave her to look elsewhere. Her chewing slowed down as she inwardly breathed a sigh of relief. Although his presence was impossible to ignore. Which she noticed from the many eyes on their table.

”Did you sleep well?” His deep voice reeled her back.

Slightly surprised, Rin still took upon herself to respond. ”Yes…And you?”

”Good.” An Sun hummed.

”How is Sir Manchu doing? Are his wounds healing?” Rin felt the need to keep the conversation going. It wasn't often for them to engage in such small talk.

”The physician said he couldn't get out of bed for the next few days. Other than that, he's fine.” He explained calmly.

”I see...I'm glad.”

An Sun nodded and took a bite of his apple.

Rin watched as the perfectly ripe juices slipped from his teeth and dripped. He licked his wet lips to collect the brimming juices. As if feeling her gaze, An Sun's eyes flickered toward her, and his lips quirked up.

”What?” A strand of hair fell over his dark eyes.

Rin shook her head, her throat too dry for words. She took another sip of her milk and then chewed on bread. Hearing voices beside her, she shifted her gaze to see two men sitting beside An Sun at their table. It was Yin Changpu and Fan Mingli.

”Good morning,” Fan Mingli lowered his head politely toward An Sun and even Rin.

”Morning Captain!” Yin Changpu flashed a broad grin and began reaching for the food on the table.

An Sun grunted in response and took another bite of his apple. Yin Changpu shrugged his shoulders and bit into a piece of bread. The slightest crease appeared between his eyes. Reaching over, he slathered fresh honey on top.

”So, what are our next plans?” Yin Changpu asked between chews.

”What plans?” An Sun's right eyebrow raised.

”To defeat the An Clan.” Yin Changpu replied.

”…Ah, right.” An Sun's voice was cool, but Rin saw his jaw tighten, just a little.

Before Yin Changpu could say anything further on the matter, a clear, sharp voice interrupted him.

”Such important matters shouldn't be discussed here,” Rin said before biting into her bread.

She felt all three men's eyes turn toward her. Meeting their gazes, she maintained a calm expression.

”If we're to talk about how we'll get rid of them, then we'll discuss it in a more appropriate environment.” Her voice was patient. ”You never know who could be listening.”

”R-Right,” Yin Changpu laughed awkwardly.

Ignoring them, Rin turned back to her food. Truth be told, she didn't want them to discuss such matters because…Her eyes hesitantly glanced at An Sun, who, from the beginning was watching her. His face was serious, the gray of his eyes steady as he regarded her.

She held her breath and continued to stare back at him. She watched his expression change from firmness to ease. This brought her great relief.

Out of this entire battle, she only wished to shield An Sun a moment longer from the pain that was soon to come.

As if he heard her thoughts, he smiled, his face like the sun.