Rong Yue blinked in surprise, his blue feline eyes widening slightly. He studied Ningyan carefully, waiting to see if he would take the question back.
He didn't.
Ningyan simply watched him, calm and expectant, clearly waiting for an answer.
Rong Yue's thoughts drifted, unbidden, to the night before. Even from his own chamber, the pleasure filled sounds had carried through the halls, soft and unrestrained, impossible to ignore.
"I…"
Ningyan suddenly turned his face away, leaning back against the balcony, a smile tugging at his lips.
"You were actually going to answer that," he said, amusement clear in his tone.
Rong Yue scoffed under his breath. "Well, you asked."
Ningyan shot him a sidelong glance. "So? Are you staying or leaving?"
Rong Yue exhaled softly. "I would have liked to stay, but I need to return to my clan. There are matters I can't afford to miss."
Ningyan nodded slowly, his expression turning thoughtful. "…Rong Chao. Is he doing well?"
