Xiao Zhi did not understand when the shift began. At first, she told herself it was merely a change in the Khan's political strategy. He had always been unpredictable, a man who appeared without warning and withdrew without explanation. She assumed his sudden attention was a calculated move to secure his throne or perhaps a way to handle the brewing coup by keeping her close.
But as the days bled into a week, that logic began to fail.
Every time he summoned her, the "strategy" felt empty. They didn't discuss the Chancellor's movements or the loyalty of the border lords. Instead, the conversations were filled with random things that had nothing to do with the revolt at all.
He even seemed to prefer just walking with her in the garden, much like they were doing now. It was peaceful, but it was also terrifying.
