Morning sunlight crept gently across the carved screen, filling the Empress's chamber with pale warmth. The incense had burned low overnight, leaving only a faint trace of sandalwood in the air.
On the bed, Lian An lay still, her lashes casting shadows against her cheeks. For the first time in days, she was asleep without pain flickering through her face. The room was quiet — even her ghostly companions had tiptoed into hiding, fearful that the smallest noise might wake her from her hard-earned rest.
Her maid, Yun'er, slipped inside with careful grace, holding a small lacquered box. She placed it on the table beside the bed and whispered to another maid, "This came from the Emperor's personal envoy. He said it's to be applied twice daily."
The other girl nodded, curiosity lighting her eyes. "What is it?"
