Xiao Zai climbed off Chu Yun with bitter reluctance, extending him a hand to help him to his feet.
The two of them righted their robes in silent frustration, but at least for Xiao Zai that hid some very real anxiety.
What now?
They'd just navigated a craggy shore with Chu Yun's father, the last thing they needed was for the King of Xin to show up.
Hua Nanyi was waiting for them outside, her expression unreadable. Chu Yun asked her if his uncle had brought anyone else along.
She nodded. "First Prince Chu Ming is with him."
Xiao Zai didn't know much about the Xin royal family, on account of being purposefully kept away from all political matters by his father, but judging by Chu Yun's face he wasn't on good terms with his cousin.
"Oh, the dumbest of the three," he said, through gritted teeth.
