Jun Haoxuan hadn't expected that question. Not the words, but the way Ningyan asked it.
There was curiosity there.
But beneath it, a faint edge of jealousy and something else.
Hope. It was subtle, yet unmistakable. And for a brief, unguarded moment, it made him… happy.
The feeling rose too quickly. Too easily.
Jun Haoxuan pushed it down almost immediately. Or tried to.
Instead, he found himself asking, quietly, "…do you want me to?"
Ningyan made a face instantly.
"I know this marriage started because of the crystal inside me," he said, frowning, "but you're still my husband. Why would I want you going to someone else's chamber?"
Jun Haoxuan's composure cracked. A soft laugh slipped out.
He turned his head slightly, trying to suppress it but it lingered in his chest, warm and unrestrained.
Ningyan frowned deeper at him. Though there was a hint of confusion now and reluctant amusement.
