A while later, the two of them walked side by side along the frost-paved paths that led back toward the Ice Palace.
Neither of them spoke at first, the silence stretching comfortably rather than awkwardly.
Zetian was the one who eventually broke it.
"May I ask you something?" he said, his tone careful.
Shang Jiao glanced at him briefly and nodded. "Go ahead."
He hesitated, choosing his words. "Why the change in attitude?"
He let out a small, self-conscious breath. "For the past few days, whenever I tried to talk to you, you either brushed me off or gave short answers. And now…" He gestured vaguely between them. "Now you're talking to me like a friend. I don't dislike it, of course, but I'm curious."
He looked at her more directly. "Is it because you felt pity for me? Because of my bloodline?"
His voice softened. "I've seen those reactions before. Once people learn the truth, it's usually one of three things. Pity. Respect. Or scorn."
