Chapter 209 - - Butterflies begin to circle Jin Li (2/2)

”That coach?  The one we used to make a trip into town?” The first girl questioned, before turning to Sun with a faux embarrassed expression.  ”Is that so, Elara.  Oh, big brother Sun, do forgive us!  We were in a rush and didn't question it!”

Leon shuddered, as first impressions went, there really wasn't anything to say.  There were three girls in front of them and that was if a person didn't count their entourage.  All three girls had varying shades of brown hair, partially pinned into elaborate styles.  Powder decorated their faces and the sweet scent of perfume drifted into the air from their bodies, which were wrapped in bright silks and finished with gold jewellery.  The first girl had a round face and large brown eyes, the second was taller with high cheekbones and plush lips and the last girl, who had not spoken so far, was most abundant in feminine blossoms and her sultry eyes held a hint of dark intent that made Leon's blood run cold.

Mond frowned, he had wondered why Sun had appeared in a plain, travellers coach rather than one of their own.  His countenance turned cold and unforgiving.

There were many little misses in their family and only a couple of Mond could consider virtuous and obedient, both happened to be shu born girls.  And there was Dia, but that girl was a law on to herself; running away and joining the army.  She had always been more interested in Martial Arts than make up and Grandfather had indulged her so...  these girl-cousins before him, Mond had no time for at all.

”What are you girls doing here,” he said, coldly.  These unmarried girls all resided in other parts of the palace and in inner residences.  There was no reason for them to be walking through the Second Family's gardens.

The girl who called herself Hime piped up; ”Ah, we had just met with Second Aunty.”

”That's right,” the second girl, Elara, confirmed, ”Fifth sister came to visit.”  Fifth sister happened to be one of Sun's older sisters of which there were three, one di and two shu.  Fifth Sister, Lunisa, had been married out two years ago to a man, who was a cousin to one of the Eastern Kings.  Despite his family being of a distant branch, Lunisa was surrounded by a wealth of things and often brought jewellery and valuables back with her when she came to visit.  So really it was no surprise that the girls rushed over once they had heard she was in residence.

”Then you should quickly return,” Mond insisted and indicated to Sun that they should also move on.

It was then the silent girl chose to speak.  ”Are you not going to introduce us?” Her voice was like liquid velvet, seductive and warm, but her eyes were like arrows focused upon their target, unwavering and filled with interest.  Without waiting for Sun's answer she stepped forward and introduced herself; ”My name is Carmen and you are?”

The tall, striking man before her glanced down, his dark eyes were like two jet black gems frozen in ice and she shivered involuntarily, but if anything, it reinforced her resolve.  The man sneered and looked towards Sun.  ”This place is so noisy,” he complained.

Sun grinned and replied; ”Yes, it can be at times.  Let's go to my courtyard, it'll be quieter there.”  He did not hide the obvious smirk upon his face as he gauged his cousin's reactions.

”Lead the way,” Jin Li demanded and gave Leon no time to hesitate, pushing him that he should follow Sun.  He knew that his lover was likely already worrying over their rude actions towards Sun's kin.

Mond also gave his cousins no face.  His family was not one to hide their daughters from the world nor suppress their ability to learn and think, but there were still rules of etiquette to be followed and he felt that these girls had broken one too many too many times.  He walked in the direction of his own courtyard and decided to have a servant inform his grandmother about their behaviour later, less ill rumours begin to stir and do his little brother and his friends harm.