Mo Tian, it turned out, was everywhere.
At breakfast, he sat near Zhao Lingxi and offered her first pick of the steamed buns. At lectures, he saved her a seat by the window where the light was best. At training, he lingered afterward to discuss technique with her, standing just close enough that their shoulders almost touched.
And every single time, he was perfectly polite to Lan Yue.
That was the worst part.
He wasn't rude. He wasn't dismissive. He didn't ignore her or treat her like a servant. He treated her with this calm, measured respect that somehow made everything ten times more infuriating.
"Good morning, Lan Yue," he said on Monday, nodding as she poured Zhao Lingxi's tea.
"Good morning, Your Highness," she replied through a smile that could have cracked glass.
"You look well. Have you been training? Your posture has improved."
"Thank you for noticing."
"Of course. Someone who protects Zhao Lingxi should be in top condition."
