The forest air feels cool against my skin as I walk along the path beside the pool. The sunlight filters through the leaves above, creating dappled patterns on the ground that shift as the breeze moves the branches. I sent my guards away, needing a moment of solitude to think through the latest political developments.

A rustling sound catches my attention, followed by what sounds like fabric tearing. I pause, listening intently. The noise comes again from deeper in the trees. Drawing my sword, I move silently toward the sound, curious who might be lurking in this isolated spot.

I push through some bushes and stop short. There, caught by his sleeve on a branch, stands Zhuge Jin. My breath catches in my throat - I'd thought him dead or fled beyond reach after being injured. He looks thinner than before, paler, but still unmistakably him.

He struggles with the branch, unaware of my presence, his movements revealing the lingering weakness from his wounds. Our eyes meet as he finally frees himself and turns toward the sound of my approach.

Shock registers on his face, followed by a complex mixture of emotions I can't immediately parse - embarrassment, longing, fear, and something deeper that sends a shiver down my spine. For a long moment, neither of us speaks, the forest falling silent around us as we simply look at each other.

Time seems to stand still as I take in his appearance, noting the new red stone bracelet on his wrist and the way his chest rises and falls rapidly with each breath. He reaches up to touch the bracelet self-consciously when he notices my gaze lingering there.

"Your Highness," he finally manages, his voice slightly hoarse as he bows awkwardly, clearly discomfited by being caught in such an undignified position.