Juniper's POV
I found Lord Yin on the terrace, staring out at the gardens with a cup of tea cooling in his hands. He looked exhausted, the weight of the past week clearly taking its toll.
"My lord," I said softly, not wanting to startle him.
He turned, a slight smile crossing his face when he saw me. "Juniper. How is Irene this morning?"
"She's well, my lord," I said carefully. "In fact, she's doing much better than she's letting on."
His brow furrowed as he turned to face me. "What do you mean?"
I took a breath, knowing I was probably overstepping but unable to stay silent. "Lady Irene can walk, my lord. Her leg has healed enough that she doesn't need assistance anymore. But she asked me not to tell you."
Yin was quiet for a long moment, his expression unreadable. Then, surprisingly, he smiled. "I know."
"You... know?" I was taken aback.
