"Is she always like that?" the child asked, pointing at Bai Li.
Yan Cijin followed the gesture. Bai Li was speaking to one of the market guards, her face composed, her voice low. "Like what?"
"Scary."
Yan Cijin's eyes brightened with mischief. "Only when someone deserves it."
The child considered this, then glanced at the broken sword being carried away. "Did that man deserve it?"
"Yes," Yan Cijin said. "He did."
The answer was so simple that the child seemed satisfied. She went back to her sweet, and Yan Cijin rose to stand beside Bai Li. Her wife had finished giving instructions. When she turned, she found Yan Cijin watching her with an expression that was not quite teasing and not quite admiration. Bai Li knew that look well. It was the one Yan Cijin wore when she was proud of her and intended to make that pride impossible to ignore.
"What?" Bai Li asked.
"Nothing."
"You are looking at me again."
"I am married to you."
"That does not explain why you are looking at me."
