Kapitel 11: 11.

Qi Yun's mind drifted between wakefulness and unconsciousness. The scent of incense lingered in the air, and the softness beneath his head felt oddly comfortable.

He slowly opened his eyes and saw white walls.

The temple.

Then, as his vision cleared, he realized there was a head above him—one with piercing golden eyes staring down at him with unreadable intensity.

Grand Duke Aldric.

Qi Yun blinked sluggishly before he processed another very important detail.

He was lying on Aldric's lap.

Before he could move, a large, warm hand gently covered his eyes.

"Rest," Aldric's low, magnetic voice commanded.

Qi Yun, still dazed, actually closed his eyes again. His body was still exhausted from overusing his Qi, and strangely enough, the warmth of Aldric's hand was comforting. He wasn't used to someone taking care of him, and his mind, still half-foggy, couldn't bring itself to protest.