Chapter 145

Her gaze fell on a design in his booklet, a delicate necklace with intertwining vines and tiny blossoms. “This is beautiful,” she murmured, tracing the pattern with her finger.

“I only designed it,” he said, his tone wistful. “Never got around to carving it.”

Ayleen’s eyes lit up. “Then let’s do it now!”

“This one is quite difficult, begum, we will start with something basic!” He handed her a chisel and a block of jade. “Don’t blame me if you break a nail.”

She huffed, determined to prove herself. “I’ll manage.”

As he guided her hands, his breath fanned her neck, making her pulse quicken. Despite her best efforts, the stone slipped from her grip, and she let out a frustrated groan.

“This is harder than stitching wounds,” she grumbled.

Murat chuckled, steadying her hands. “It’s all about patience.”

Out of nowhere, a question ring in her head. “Who taught you this?” she asked, trying to carve out the stone.

The question hung in the