![]() Hesina’s fingers closed around the glass vial dangling from her silk broad-belt. If he called her “milady” out here, he might as well call her Princess Hesina. Her brother held her back before she could cross. ![]() Some came to the seediest business quarter of the imperial city to buy warmth. When they arrived at the red-light district’s peeling archway, an ember sparked in the girl’s stomach. They emerged from the secret passageways the girl knew well- too well, perhaps, given her identity-and darted between courtyard compounds and walled wards, venturing toward the market sectors. When it descended into the bowels of the palace, so did the girl and her brother. It rolled down the neighboring Shanlong Mountains and embalmed the limestone boulevards. Those who lingered in the city streets kept their eyes trained on the Eastern Gate, where the queen would be making her annual return. The three-day mourning ritual had ended most had gone home to break the fast. ![]() No night was perfect for treason, but this one came close. But in trying times, truth is the first thing we betray. ![]()
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