Spinster

When Xueyue was just a few steps away from her tent, she was forced to halt again. Her eyes were trained on the collar of a broad chest. His well-fitted clothes did nothing to conceal the contours of his rippled muscles when he crossed his arms.

"I apologize. I wasn't able to intervene in time."

"I'm not a damsel in distress. I don't need saving." Xueyue raised a brow and added, "Besides, Commander, it's not like you've sworn to protect me."

Commander Wen Jinkai's eyes widened a small fraction at her daring words. He had expected her to be shaken up from her encounter with the Fourth Prince, but to his surprise, she was fine and dandy. Not a single hair was out of place, except for the absence of a hairpin.

"Indeed, but it's a gentleman's duty to help—"

"I didn't need help, but I appreciate the thought." Xueyue smiled. "I can handle myself perfectly well, Commander."

Wen Jinkai's frigid eyes softened at her words. "I have no doubt of your capabilities."