"Excuse me?" Cixi's voice came out sharper than she intended. "Who are you? And What are you doing here?"
The girl walked toward Cixi, her gaze moving from the scarf draped around Cixi's neck to her pregnant belly. The stranger's eyes had a captivating blue-green eyes which were bright and open, radiating warmth that contrasted sharply with the cold elegance of the Palace. Her face was striking, with soft features, pale skin, and full lips pressed together in surprise.
"I could ask you the same question," the girl replied, her voice calm but her chin lifted with the poise of someone accustomed to holding their ground in unfamiliar spaces.
"This is Cassian's private floor," Cixi stated, stepping further inside. "You are not supposed to be here. Didn't you see the warning sign?" She didn't understand why she felt so territorial about this place. It wasn't hers.... it belonged to Cassian.
