Yu Xi accepted the box politely, his tone measured. "Let His Majesty know that I am grateful for the gift."
The attendant smiled, then turned to Jian Ci. "Your Highness." He bowed deeply before leaving.
The two walked in silence, the weight of the moment pressing down on them.
Once inside the hovercar, the city lights flashing past, Jian Ci finally spoke. "Do you want it?"
Yu Xi shook his head. "No."
Jian Ci's restraint shattered. "Good." His voice was sharp, his rage unmasked. He snatched the box and hurled it out the window. The powerful wind caught it, tearing it away before it was smashed by a passing hovercar.
Jian Ci tapped the panel, the window sliding shut. The cabin fell into silence, heavy and suffocating.
After a long pause, Jian Ci's voice broke through, low and raw. "Is it true?"
Yu Xi turned his head, his eyes narrowing. "What is true?"
