After the rites, the funeral guests dispersed slowly, filtering out of the Hall of Eternal Rest like ghosts returning to the world of the living. King Qin Tiānyuán remained behind with his closest advisors and Prince Zhao Yifeng, their voices low.
Soyeon and Lady Xia moved with the crowd, heads bowed, blending into the sea of white-robed mourners. They had almost reached the courtyard when a palace servant appeared at Soyeon's elbow.
"Lady Su Yan," he murmured, his voice barely audible. "General Wei requests your presence. Urgently."
Soyeon's heart skipped. She glanced at Lady Xia, who gave her a barely perceptible nod.
"Go," Lady Xia whispered. "I'll cover for you if anyone asks."
The servant led Soyeon through a maze of corridors and gardens, away from the main palace buildings. They moved quickly, avoiding the well-lit paths, sticking to shadows and servant passages. Finally, they reached a small, abandoned storage building near the western wall.
