AT THE SAME TIME
EMPEROR LIANWEI'S POINT OF VIEW:
Suen stayed close to Huan for the rest of the afternoon, her small hand clutching the edge of his tunic as if afraid he might vanish if she let go. They chased each other through the flower beds, giggling so loud even Bella turned her head to look, a curious frown creasing her tiny brows.
I thought it was sweet and innocent, but then the air shifted. A ripple of murmurs passed through the guests as another figure stepped into the courtyard. A girl, maybe Huan's age or a little older, dressed in soft jade green silk, her dark hair pinned neatly with tiny silver charms that chimed as she walked. She moved with the kind of elegance children usually don't have unless they've been taught since they could crawl. And the way her sharp eyes flicked to Suen? That was unmistakable.
She didn't smile, didn't greet anyone at first, she looked straight at Huan.
