The Empress sat patiently on her bed, staring animatedly at the plate of freshly cut fruits, forgetting to notice the cuts on her fingers. She would have maintained this pose for longer, had the maid she sent to fetch the Emperor not returned.
"Where is he? Is he still not accepting anyone?" The Empress asked, choosing to ignore the regretful expression on the woman's face.
The maid lowered her head, "The Emperor is..."
***********
The atmosphere in the crown prince's quarters turned tense when Prince Caishen stepped out to find Chan Zian, who was sent on an errand long ago. At first, the prince thought he was being defiant and hid himself.
However, after some minutes of thorough searching, the prince started to grow impatient.
"Your highness, there is word that the soldier left through the main gates, and hasn't returned." One of his servants informed him.
The prince narrowed his eyes, "Where did he say he was going?"
