Permission Granted      

There was no reason to hide the truth, and Xin didn't want to lie to her, especially considering all that Seraphina and her father had done for him and his family. 

It seemed only fair to be honest with her.

Seraphina's smile faded, and her expression grew a bit serious. "Is that so?"

Xin felt a sudden chill in the air. He understood her potential displeasure; after all, who would want their portrait to be auctioned in front of strangers?

"If you don't want to, it's okay. I can find another subject," Xin offered.

Seraphina's expression darkened even further. "Find another subject?"

Xin was taken aback by her reaction and didn't know how to respond. "I . . . I mean, I'll find another person to paint."

"Another person, like another woman?" Seraphina probed further.

"It doesn't have to be a woman," Xin replied, feeling the need to clarify himself.