He found her later in the east garden.
The Lin clan's gardens were quieter than most other parts of the compound. This one held a small pavilion beside a curved stone bridge, with a pond choked with lilies beneath. The air was cooler here, the noise of training grounds and inner halls muted.
Bai Xueya sat alone at the stone table inside the pavilion.
A teapot and two cups had been arranged neatly before her. Only one of them had been used. Steam had long since stopped rising from the spout.
She looked up when his steps touched the edge of the pavilion.
Some of the composed Ice Fairy exterior had returned. Her posture straight, hands folded lightly in her lap, expression calm. But her eyes softened when they met his, the way they hadn't softened for anyone else.
"Finished being examined?" Lin Tian asked gently, stopping just outside the pavilion.
Her lips twitched. "Elder Mei is very thorough," she said. "She has every right to be."
