The crowd rippled with murmurs, and soon people were clapping in celeberation of Liang Jian, the great Second Prince that had done his best to protect the empire.
Liang Jian rolled his eyes and scoffed, only keeping his face in a pleasant smile to not draw his grandmother's attention to him and Su Yan's plans.
The Empress Dowager glided toward the exit, her robes following behind, and Soyeon had no choice but to follow her. As they passed through the doorway, Soyeon glanced back one last time.
Liang Jian was standing now, and their eyes met across the crowded hall.
In that moment, she saw it. The fear. The helplessness. The desperate, wordless warning.
Then they turned a corner, and he was gone from her sight.
Soyeon swallowed, steeling herself.
The Empress Dowager led her through winding corridors, moving deeper into the palace, away from the noise and light of the feast. Away from potential witnesses. Wait...
