Night lay gentle over the Inner Palace, silver light spilling across jade roofs and quiet courtyards. The world had settled into sleep — except for the flickering lamps in Princess Zhi's chamber.
Inside, the air was heavy with the sweet scent of medicinal herbs. A small brazier glowed near the couch, and the princess lay half-sitting among embroidered pillows, one hand resting lightly over her rounded stomach.
She slept peacefully — something rare these past months.
Her personal maid, Yun'er, smiled as she quietly arranged the bedding. The bowl of food the Empress had sent earlier — delicate congee infused with fruit and calming herbs — sat empty on the nearby table.
Princess Zhi's cravings and morning sickness had tormented her for weeks, but tonight, for the first time in ages, her body rested easily. Her dreams drifted soft and light, full of laughter and the faint, comforting taste of the meal she'd eaten.
