Chapter 5: An Inadequate Excuse

Yunting wore the ankle band to the winter garden gathering.

Shuqiao knew because the general bent to retrieve a fallen glove.

The edge of blue padding showed above his soft boot.

Shuqiao forgot the insult he'd been preparing for the host.

The host had separated their seats to make room for a more important visitor.

Now Yunting returned the glove and moved his chair beside Shuqiao anyway.

"There isn't a cushion," Shuqiao said.

"I can survive."

"You say that because you haven't met this bench."

The general sat and immediately examined a splinter on his palm.

Shuqiao took his hand.

It was an entirely practical action.

He announced that fact to nobody, since nobody had asked.

Yunting let him examine the small sliver.

His palm was warm, his fingers roughened across their bases.

Shuqiao found it difficult to remember the purpose of the inspection.

"I'll fetch a needle," he said.

"Mingzhong took it out already."

Shuqiao looked up.

The steward stood nearby holding the offending splinter in a clean cloth.

"While you were checking," Mingzhong said.

Yunting's hand remained in Shuqiao's.

The host called for guests to admire his prize narcissus.

Shuqiao got up with sufficient speed to carry his husband halfway off the bench.

"You should release me first," Yunting said.

Shuqiao released him.

The general retrieved the cushion from their original seat and followed.

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