"Where did you get that rabbit hairpin?" asked the Emperor with narrowed eyes.
She reached up and felt the dangling bunny and he watched her eyes soften.
"Commander Bai gifted it to me this evening as a farewell present."
"Did he now?"
The Emperor's mind was ticking. The young man was definitely in deep over Meili. Whether it was deep enough for what he had planned for him, only time would tell.
"May I join the farewell parade tomorrow, My Lord?"
"It depends how well you play Tiger Roaring & Dragon Howling for me tonight. And I want you to make me some pineapple cakes tomorrow."
"I would do both of those things to the very best of my abilities for you anyway, Lord, but thank you," she looked down at her wrist that he still held firmly, looking back into his eyes in question.
What he saw there were only two deep pools of gentle care and admiration for him, without a hint of flirtation or desire to attract him.
He dropped her wrist with annoyance, his ego smarting.
