Zouichi stood immediately at the first sign of his mistress's discomfort, kneeling attentively at her side. "Lady Anwei," he murmured softly, hands hovering just the barest distance from the hand she'd placed over the luxuriant ruffles of her chest.

"Forgive me for my impudence, but you seem ill at ease. If there is anything I can do to ease your discomfort, please, allow me to do so."