Zoe Pierce sniffed the air.
She could still smell the scent of bitter orange in the room. It wasn't overpowering, yet it was distinct enough for her to notice.
It silently occupied the room.
She sat back against the clean bed, her gaze flicking toward the door.
'Erin Xavier wouldn't just leave like that.'
Sure enough, a moment later, the door was pushed open by an arm.
It was Erin Xavier.
He had changed into a set of dark green pajamas, the same as Zoe Pierce's—a short-sleeved shirt with knee-length shorts. He slowly closed the door.
Zoe Pierce tensed up instinctively.
Erin Xavier placed a hand on the door, not stepping forward immediately.
Instead, he stood where he was, looking at the woman leaning against the large, soft bed, and said in a low voice, "Zoe, can I stay here tonight?"
Zoe Pierce froze.
"What do you mean?"
Erin Xavier's gaze fell on the Imperial Concubine Couch in the room. "If you're really scared, I'll sleep there."
'I can't stand seeing her cry.'
