Anning’s pov

By the time I finished washing, my hands were pruned and my back ached slightly. I folded everything neatly, not wanting to give her something to complain about. Then I carried the basket of clothes back to her chambers.

The sun had risen completely now, and the residence was buzzing with activity and people.

When I finally got back to her chambers, I had to push the door open with my hip and just as I was about to do that, someone stepped out of the room at the exact time.

I bumped right into the person, my grip on the basket tightened as I stumbled backwards. I nearly fell, but a pair of strong hands caught me by the waist, steadying me.

I sighed in relief, placing a hand on my chest. If I had fallen, the laundry would be ruined and Wanqing would ask me to start over.

I looked up and offered whoever it was a smile. It was a tall young guard, who had a friendly smile on his face.

Weird...

"Sorry. I wasn’t looking at where I was going." I blurted out quickly, feeling slightly embarrassed.

He smiled, running a hand through his hair. "It’s fine." He said, then his expression shifted into one of recognition. "Wait... It’s you?!"

My stomach did a tiny flip at his words, I recognized him too. He was the same guard I had been rude to when I asked for directions to the servants quarters months back.

I cleared my throat, then asked, "You... Do you still remember me?"

The guard let out a warm, surprisingly genuine chuckle as he said, "Who wouldn’t remember the silver haired beauty that was slightly rude to me after I helped her?"

I stared at him, caught between embarrassment and the sudden urge to laugh at the absurdity of my life.

Of course. Of course this would choose to happen today.

For a moment, I wasn’t sure whether to laugh to ease the awkwardness, apologize or run into the room without saying a word to him.

I was still standing there in the doorway, caught off guard by the guard’s warm laugh and easy compliment, when Wanqing’s voice sliced through the air like ice.

"If you’re both planning to stand there and reunite, why don’t you come inside?"

Whatever awkwardness had been hanging between us disappeared instantly. I shook my head, startled by the cold edge in her voice.

The guard straightened up immediately, flashing me a small smile. I glanced between him and the inside of the chamber then let out a small, defeated groan.

Why does she sound angry? Did I do something again? I literally just bumped into him.

The guard gave me a sympathetic look then muttered, "It seems the young miss heard us."

We stepped back into the room together. I carefully placed the heavy basket of clean laundry in the corner, smoothing down my dress to avoid looking too flustered.

My cheeks still felt warm from the earlier collision and his unexpected friendliness. I wasn’t used to these kinds of things.

I walked toward Wanqing, who was lounging on her bed with one arm tucked beneath her head, looking like what I would call the exact picture of casual elegance.

Wanqing didn’t look at me immediately. Her gaze remained fixed on the ceiling as she asked in a fairly calm voice, "Done with the clothes?"

"Yes, Young Miss." I answered, keeping my tone neutral.

I turned toward the guard, wanting to at least end the interaction between us politely.

"Thank you for earlier. I’ll—"

"See him later?" Wanqing said, cutting me off sharply.

I froze. The guard beside me had a confused look on his face. Wanqing slowly sat up, then turned to stare at both of us with a look in her eyes that I couldn’t quite describe.

"Why should he leave?" She continued. "Whatever you have to say to him can surely be said in front of me."

"Young Miss." I called out softly, not understanding what was going on.

"Or don’t go looking for him later." She said, ignoring my words.

Awkwardness settled over the room like thick fog and it just made me feel even more frustrated. Why does she sound so upset? Me bumping into this guard didn’t exactly concern her, right?

The poor guard looked like he just wanted to leave the room and this whole situation. He ran a hand through his hair, eyes darting between us, clearly regretting every second of this encounter.

Not wanting the situation to get even more uncomfortable, I sighed and turned back to the guard.

"I’m sorry for being rude to you before. I had a long day and just took it out on you. That wasn’t fair." I said.

The guard laughed lightly, rubbing the back of his head as he said, "I’m fine. It’s fine really."

He then turned to Wanqing and bowed respectfully. "Apologies for interrupting your rest, My Lady." Then he smiled at me again. "I will see you around."

The moment those words left his mouth. I caught the subtle change in Wanqing. Although her face remained completely blank, her lips had curled into a small smirk and I could see veins appearing on her neck. A very dangerous sign.

"I’ll probably see you around." I said. I added probably, so the guard wouldn’t get into trouble.

The guard, bless him, noticed nothing. He bowed once more and then quietly left the room. The door sliding shut behind him with a soft click, leaving behind a very uncomfortable silence.

Wanqing slowly adjusted her sitting position, her movements deliberate and graceful.

She stared at the closer door for a long moment, then shifted her gaze to me. Then back to the door. Her expression was unreadable, but I could feel the tension rolling off her in waves.

"You didn’t tell me you had friends in this residence," she said finally, her voice sounding calm but having an edge to it. "When did all that start, tiger?"