Rui sat before the vanity, her reflection staring back with calculating eyes.
The black gown she'd chosen pooled around her like ink, its high collar accentuating her elegant neck while silver embroidery caught the light with every breath.
Between her fingers, she turned two pairs of earrings.
A pair of sapphires that gleamed like captured midnight and a pair of jade carved into delicate teardrops.
"The jade would complement your skin," Suki offered, arranging Rui's hair into an elaborate style adorned with silver pins.
"But the sapphires are more bold."
Kee Kee lounged on a cushion, watching the preparations with feigned disinterest.
"Just pick one already. They're both shiny rocks."
"They are not just shiny rocks; they reflect my presence," Rui murmured, still weighing her options.
The door opened, and Zou entered, resplendent in his formal attire.
His black and silver robes mirrored Rui's gown in subtle ways, marking them as a pair.
