Chapter 168: Up in his skin

Jasmine surveyed their surroundings again. Besides the two of them, the place was quiet, and it was also a perfect spot to meditate, to get away from the noise of the world. Jasmine could feel it seeping into her aura, opening up the troubled parts of her and cradling her in its overpowering scents of nature.

"There's a lake over there", Jasmine pointed out, lowering herself to the ground next to Neera and crossing her legs.

"It is mostly dry, but with the constant rain, you would never imagine how full it can get. It looks like a large puddle on normal days," Neera said.

Jasmine closed her eyes and took in as much of the pure air as she could. She could feel Neera watching her. When she opened her eyes, the concubine was already on her feet.

"We should get going," Neera said. "Your parents might need you."

"What's it like, living without any parents?" Jasmine asked. The question was so out of the blue that Neera was at loss for words.