Chu Yun held his ground as Xiao Ziyi approached them. At his side, Tan Ruo went a little straighter, her fan held protectively in front of her face.

Xiao Ziyi came to a stop in front of the two of them, she was almost as tall as Xiao Zai, and just as imposing. She reminded Chu Yun of the first snow of winter, beautiful at first, but if you touched her you’d only feel cold.

A lot of the Zui wolves were like that, he wondered it if had anything to do with the colder climate, or if it was exclusive to them.

Tan Ruo was far more agreeable, and her disposition was more cheerful — but then again, Chu Yun couldn’t be sure she was a wolf at all.

Like in Xin, there were other species living in Zui, despite the wolves being in power for centuries, similarly to the Xin foxes. Only a matter of numbers decided who held power, no king would be foolish enough to alienate an entire group of citizens and risk having a revolt on their hands.

Chu Yun had long wondered if “public order” was the real reason behind the longstanding taboo on showing animal traits in public. Walking down a busy street, filled with the smells of dozens of people, it would be almost impossible to identify someone’s species by scent alone — and even then, other than noticing the “difference” in their scent, no other information could be gleamed from it. Everything was much more peaceful if everyone believed they were surrounded by equals.

Chu Yun now knew that wolf alphas had an unusual alcoholic scent, faintly sweet at times, but none sweeter than Xiao Zai’s wolfberry wine fragrance. Which was a disconcerting thought to have, but that Chu Yun was growing steadily accustomed with.

He was also aware that omegas in Zui usually smelled like flowers, something they had in common with some alphas from Xin — an endless source of vexation for Chu Yun, but that he tried to see past.

He could tell that the First Princess was scenting the air around them, trying to take their measure. It was a futile effort, the hall was too crowded for her to get any useful information.

“I’m here to formally introduce myself to his Grace,” she said, bowing her head minutely. “Congratulations on your wedding to my brother, I wish the two of you a thousand years of happiness.”

She was using all the right words, but it was obvious she wasn’t being sincere.

Chu Yun kept his smile in place, all the same. “It’s a pleasure to finally meet her Highness, your presence would have made the joyous occasion of our wedding even more so.” He grinned. “But it’s great that Her Highness can be here for his First Highness’ engagement ceremony.”

Tan Ruo cleared her throat, from the corner of his eyes Chu Yun could see her eyes widen in shock.

It almost sounded as if he was admonishing the Princess for not showing up for his and Xiao Zai’s wedding — almost, but not quite.

Xiao Ziyi was looking at him as if she couldn’t decide whether he was really stupid or really bold.

“Well, military matters often take precedent over court functions.” Her gaze sharpened. “Actually, at that time me and my people were tied up in a skirmish with Xin bandits.”

If she expected to leave Chu Yun unsettled with that, she would have to try harder.

“Oh, how dreadful,” he shook his head. “Her Highness should pay me and her brother a visit, and we can discuss how to best address this matter with my uncle.”

Her lips flattened into a line. “It’s hard to know when I’ll have the time.”

That might as well be true, but it wasn’t the reason why she didn’t want to go. Chu Yun would find a way to get to the bottom of her animosity with Xiao Zai — whether he had their cooperation or not.

Before either of them could utter another word, there was a loud commotion from the other side of the room. The First Prince was apparently drunk, clinging to a beautiful man, who looked to be around his age, wearing fine servant’s robes.

“It should have been you,” Xiao Yun was saying, cupping the man’s jaw fiercely.

The man stood absolutely still, with his head lowered, his curling lashes hiding his dark eyes. “Your Highness…”

From the Prince’s other side, his bride-to-be took offence at the display, and tried to pull him away from the servant, “Dear…”

Xiao Yuan swatted her away like a fly. “Who’s your dear? Just be glad that you’re marrying me and shut up.”

The young woman fell immediately silent, retracting her hand as if scalded. The First Prince became aware of all the gazes on him, and got up with some effort. The servant rose with him, supporting his weight. Xiao Yuan took it as his opportunity to drag the man away.

“Oh, my,” Tan Ruo said, fanning herself.

Xiao Ziyi’s hands tightened into fists. “If you’ll excuse me, your Grace, Lady Tan…”

She didn’t wait to actually be excused to leave them. Chu Yun watched silently as she walked up to the king.

“What was all that about?” Chu Yun asked Tan Ruo, masking his excitement at having witnessed such a scene with a concerned frown.

Tan Ruo raised her fan, exchanging a look with Chu Yun. “Oh, it’s a very poorly kept secret among the court,” she cleared her throat pointedly. “Did brother Chu notice anything about that manservant?”

Chu Yun frowned. “He looked to be around the First Prince’s age?” He really couldn’t recall if there was anything special about the servant. His skin was fair, his hair and eyes dark from what Chu Yun had seen, but that described nearly half the people in the hall.

Tan Ruo giggled. “Oh that’s the least relevant thing about him.”

Chu Yun’s frown deepened, he didn’t enjoy these guessing games. “The First Prince seemed unusually attached to him?” he tried, some of his impatience showing on his tone.

Tan Ruo took him by the shoulder and spun him around, making him face a particular table.

Chu Yun started, and then kept staring, and then let out a whispered, “Fuck,” once the resemblance finally hit him.