Tonight, she expected the usual: another wealthy merchant or influential lord seeking an evening of her charm.

The shoji door slid open with a gentle thud, and Aiko’s head tilted gracefully as she prepared her greeting. But the moment her eyes fell upon her client, the words caught in her throat.

It wasn’t a man.

Aiko blinked, her composure momentarily slipping. She quickly regained it, bowing politely.

“I must apologize,” she began delicately, her voice smooth yet tinged with hesitation.

“I wasn’t informed I would be hosting… someone like you tonight.”