The Tyrant's Sickly Consort Refuses to Die novel · Chapter 14 of 24

Chapter 14: The First Night

Gao Shun did not take them to the bedchamber.

He led them down a back stair behind Yongxi Hall to a low stone room that smelled of cedar and steam.

A warm spring rose there into a pool the size of a large bed, and the Founder had built it for his sleepless nights.

"The Academy's old physician says heat will draw the last of it out of the muscles," said Gao Shun, to the floor.

He lit two lamps, set a pile of clean linen on a bench, and went away without another word.

The door closed.

Xiao Jue stood in his court robe with his hands at his sides.

He had been very commanding in the corridor, and he was rather less so now.

"You are shaking," said Su Ming.

"I am the Emperor of Daheng."

"You walked thirty paces on legs that were not there, and you are shaking. It is allowed."

"I said I was not asking," said Xiao Jue, stiffly.

"You said it in a hallway. It was the fever."

"It was true, though."

"Then I will not ask either," said Su Ming.

He crossed the room and began to undo the gold clasps of the court robe himself, one after another, with steady fingers.

The heavy black silk slid from the Emperor's shoulders and lay on the stone.

"Su Ming."

"Be quiet. For once you do not lead," said Su Ming.

"You walked into that hall on your own feet. Now I am going to see to the rest of you."

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