AT THE SAME TIME
EMPEROR LIANWEI POINT OF VIEW:
At first, it was nothing. A faint crease in her brow, her hand rubbing absently at her temple. But I knew her too well. Mei Shen never winced without reason.
"Mei Shen? Are you okay?" I reached across the little blanket where Huan's toys lay scattered, brushing her fingers with mine.
She gave me a weak smile, the kind that made my chest tighten.
"Just a headache. I'm fine."She said.
But before I could press further, her fingers jerked. Her breath caught. And then her golden eyes, gods above, those eyes rolled back as her body went limp.
"Mei Shen!" I lunged forward, catching her before her head hit the floor. My arms locked around her, but she felt… wrong. Too light. Too still.
"Mei Shen, no, no, no-! My voice broke as I cradled her against my chest. Her skin was clammy. Her lips pale. "Stay with me. You hear me? Stay with me!"
Tiny hands tugged at my sleeve.
"Daddy… what's wrong with mommy?"Huan asked.
