Kael stopped at the corner where a faded banner hung limply from a rotting beam. The chipped wooden door bore a tarnished bell chain, and flaking vermilion paint curled like old scars.
"Excuse me," he asked, "could you tell me the way to Shattered Jade Hall?"
An old woman crouching beneath the eaves looked up from sorting beans. "There—see that house with no signboard?"
He followed her with his gaze. A bare lintel framed a rust-colored door.
"Why is there no name?"
"A week ago, some outlander boy took over. Seems he has no mind to keep up the old trade. A pity, that..."
Kael thanked her and knocked gently. Sandalwood incense curled from the cracks.
The door creaked open. "My, such a fine guest at this hour. You honor my humble home."
Lucian stood silhouetted against the morning light, his jade-green eyes glinting with gold, a loose robe draped over bare shoulders.
"Come in."
Kael stepped inside. Glimmering lanterns revealed rows of broken jade pendants hanging from crimson threads. Each was labeled with a wooden tag inked in black.
"You're not keeping shop anymore?"
Lucian leaned against the door lazily. "Business bores me."
"Oh? Then what doesn't bore you?"
Lucian stepped close, a smirk curling his lips. "You really want to know?"
"I do."
His fingers brushed Kael's torn sleeve. "What if I told you I'm interested in you, Lord Kael of the Second House?"
Kael's snort held no warmth. "Best not be."
But his gaze flickered, uncertain.
Lucian suddenly pressed a fingertip to the cut on Kael's palm. Pain jolted him back.
"Your body's more honest than your mouth," Lucian murmured, lanternlight dancing in his gaze.
Kael recoiled and nearly knocked over a rack of incense burners.
"Bath's in the back. Unless, of course, you're above soaking in a rogue's tub."
Kael didn't answer. He turned and strode off.
Lucian called after him, "There's a change of clothes in the cabinet. Help yourself!"
Kael only walked faster—like a heron with its tail on fire.
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Steam rose from the bath carved into the stone floor, warm water spilling from a lotus-mouthed spout. The mark below Kael's eye burned a quiet red.
He stared at floating grains of herb-scented powder, still reeling from the earlier encounter. That arrow. That man.
A tall shadow appeared behind the screen.
"What are you doing?" he asked sharply.
Lucian stepped into the water. Waves rippled outward.
"Bathing, obviously."
Kael stammered, "But I'm already—what are you doing?"
Lucian tilted his head. "Don't forget whose place this is."
Kael puffed up like a steamed bun, half his face disappearing beneath the surface, ears crimson.
"Dog chased you, didn't it?"
"Sort of. A dog with a bow."
Lucian's voice turned hard. "You saw them?"
"Just one."
"That's lucky. Else I'd be scrubbing blood off my floors."
Kael shifted to stand, thought better of it, and froze in place. Lucian's body moved through the mist with fluid grace.
"Get out."
"I just got in."
"Please, get out."
Lucian sighed, then stood. His long hair clung to his back, tracing lean muscles.
Kael averted his eyes. "Sit down already!"
"Up, down. Gods, you're moody."
Kael submerged again, bubbles rising with a grumble. "Out."
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Behind the screen, Lucian dressed in silence. As he fastened his belt, he looked back through the mist.
"Lucky."
Kael surfaced, nose pink. "What is?"
A shaft of sunlight split the lattice screen, gilding Kael's sharp jaw.
Lucian's voice softened. "That I saw you, is all."
The steam swallowed his last words, leaving only the steady drip of water and the hush of breath between them.