Chapter 16: The Door Between

Wanning did not look at Chengxiao when she walked past him to the stairs.

She went back down the stairs alone and sat with her father for an hour.

He held her hand and did not ask her for anything.

When she came up again, a eunuch in the Emperor's grey was waiting in the front hall.

His Majesty wished to see the Prince and the Princess in the inner study, at once.

She sat on the far side of the carriage and watched the street.

Chengxiao sat opposite with his hand on his knee, and did not try to touch her.

"If you mean to be angry all day," he said at last, "I would sooner you shouted."

"I'm busy being angry."

"I see."

"I'm coming because he sent for both of us. Not for you."

"Understood."

"And my father stays where he is."

"Shi An has doubled the guard."

"Good."

She turned back to the window.

The Emperor's study was small and warm, and smelled of medicine.

He sat in a deep chair with a rug over his knees.

The Empress stood at his shoulder in pale blue, with her hand on the chair back.

The Crown Prince was not there.

That should have comforted her, and it did not.

"Brother," said the Emperor. "Daughter. Sit."

They sat.

He coughed into a cloth, and it took a long moment.

"I will say this plainly, because I have not long to say it," he said. "My physicians give me a year. Perhaps less."

Nobody spoke.

"My son is clever, and he is my son."

"But he has made enemies of half the court, and I have begun to wonder why."

The Empress's hand tightened on the chair, and she did not look at anyone.