[Kitsune's POV]
"He looks like a deflated steamed bun."
"Do not insult my physical vessel, human sprout. I am suffering."
I carried a tray of hot tea and rice porridge out onto the veranda of the East Palace. The morning sun was bright, completely contradicting the absolute chaos of the banquet the night before.
Rin was sitting cross-legged on the polished wood, munching happily on a piece of dried melon. Lying completely flat on his stomach next to her, looking absolutely miserable, was Yuki. The twelve-year-old cat-boy hadn't moved since he flipped the Emperor's leylines.
"Eat your porridge, Rin," I said, setting the tray down. "And Yuki, I brought you some clear broth. You need to flush the earth magic out of your system."
"I need a century-long nap and a temple," Yuki grumbled into the floorboards, though he weakly reached out a hand to accept the bowl of broth.
