The banquet hall fell silent as Jiang Xiao Shuai strode through the doors, his black cloak billowing behind him like smoke. Conversations died mid-sentence, goblets paused halfway to lips. He didn't belong here - a Caliron in Alvier territory - yet here he was, moving with predatory grace toward the high table where she sat.

Her head turned at the disturbance, elegant features hardening when she recognized him. He watched her throat work as she swallowed, her composed mask faltering for just a heartbeat before she schooled her expression back to icy indifference. That tiny crack in her armor made his blood sing.

Xiao Shuai bypassed the empty seats reserved for lesser nobility, his boots clicking against marble with deliberate slowness until he stood directly behind her chair. He leaned down, his mouth inches from her ear, ignoring the gasps from nearby courtiers.

"You smell like jasmine," he breathed, his voice low enough only for her to hear. "Not what I expected from an Alvier bitch."

She stiffened, her hand tightening around her goblet until her knuckles whitened. "Remove yourself, Caliron, before I have you thrown out."

He laughed, the sound rough and mocking. "Do it. I'd enjoy watching your guards try to drag me away." His fingers brushed the back of her neck, featherlight yet possessive, feeling her shiver despite her efforts to remain still.

"Touch me again and I'll slit your throat," she whispered, her threat lacking conviction when her pulse raced beneath his fingers.

"Promises, promises," he murmured, squeezing gently before straightening. "I'll be seeing you tonight. In your chambers. Don't bother locking the door." With that, he turned and walked away, leaving her trembling with rage - or something else entirely - while the court erupted in scandalized whispers.