Liwei's birthday banquet was grand. Every important person in their country such as Ministers and Generals, were in attendance as well as their wives and children.
Noble Consort Ran Mao as well as the King's Concubines were present as well.
When the head eunuch announced the arrival of Liwei and Iwa, the hall quieted down to witness two absolutely gorgeous persons walk into the room, hand in hand.
One is their one and only King and the other is the Queen every King could dream of having.
The King wore a maroon robe with gold on each sides and on its ends, while the Queen wore a dress in plum purple but also with gold streaks. The image they portrayed was one of a powerful and unified monarchy.
Everyone present in the room bowed in respect of their Royalty, while some secretly glanced in awe as the King blatantly treated the Queen with favor.
Helping her each step of the way, even up the stairs and unto their seats. He made sure to take care of her.
The King dismissed them from standing and bowing after which he gestured with his hand, indicating them to take their seats. While they were seated, some of the important guests looked at the direction of the Laoyue family with utter envy.
Not only were the Laoyue Clan known for producing scholars and ministers, they were also capable of producing strong and courageous men in the military. And now, their daughter has also become a favored Queen. The Laoyue Clan would definitely rule over everyone else for generations to come.
After the guests were situated and everyone was made sure to be comfortable in their arrangements, Music began playing and dancers came out to entertain. While wine was poured freely and the food came out endlessly.
Liwei had a huge smile on his face the whole time, as he was constantly flattered by guests. They were looking over to his seat while they boisterously talk amongst themselves. Some even toasted at him by raising their cups in his direction.
When the time for giving gifts came, all his guests gave him priceless gifts. Even Iwa's family gave him a one-of-a-kind brush set from his favorite poet, and it was rumored that the brush set was very hard to get.
Liwei's smile widen even more and he didn't even attempt to hide it, as he accepted his gifts and toasted everyone back as well.
As the grand banquet near it's end, Liwei and Iwa was standing on their seats giving a speech of appreciation for the people who came when suddenly, the entrance door burst open.
A dozen masked men came rushing in and went straight to Liwei's direction. They were obviously here to kill the King. Luckily, Liwei's hidden guards reacted quickly and subdued the masked men. However amidst the chaos, He and Iwa ended up in the middle of the hall completely surrounded by their guests.
Iwa tightly held onto Liwei's hand as she couldn't help and cry out in fear and surprise with the suddenness of it all.
Much to Liwei's surprise, he saw a dagger appear out of nowhere and flew in his direction to stab him. Yet despite seeing it, he was frozen still on his spot.
However, Iwa noticed it too and she reacted quickly by grabbing Liwei to her as she hugged his front tightly. Completely shielding him with her body from the dagger and stabbing her instead.
The dagger pierced Quirra through her shoulder from the back, causing her to cry out in agonizing pain.
Liwei was woken up by her cry from his stupor and immediately called out orders.
"GUARDS! GET US OUT OF HERE!!"
The guards immediately lead them out of the crowded hall. All the while Liwei carried Iwa into his arms as they ran towards his chambers. The whole time, his eyes were glued on to his Queen wife who bravely protected him. He didn't even notice Chonglin running after him while constantly calling out his name. He just brushed her off along with everything else. And everything was forgotten by him amongst the chaos left in the hall. He was solely focused on his Queen Wife and all he could think of amidst his panicking is her well being.
"GO FIND AN IMPERIAL DOCTOR AND FETCH HIM!! BRING HIM TO ME! FAST!!!" Liwei barked orders the moment they reached her bedroom. He quickly yet slowly put the lower part of Iwa's body, down on his bed while positioning himself beside her so he can support the top half of her body.
They were in a seating position on the bed with Iwa leaning by her side on his front and Liwei holding her, making sure she stay elevated while avoiding the dagger still burried at the back of her shoulders.
Iwa's lips and face were getting pale by the minute and her breathing slowly began to feel faint.
"GO FETCH ME WARM WATER AND MEDICAL SUPPLIES!" Liwei yelled another order to his attending servants nearby, as he ripped the top of her dress to see the wound. The dagger was buried deep in her back and blood was gushing out from the wound. He tried pressing down around the wound with a clean towel and attempted to pull out the dagger but quickly stopped as Iwa yelled out in pain.
"YAAAAAAAGH!! NO! DONT TOUCH IT! NNG!"
"Stay with me my Queen!" He told her as he bent down to look at her face. Her eyes fluttered lightly before opening them widely. He could see the fear and pain she felt behind her tears.
"Stay with me." he ordered her.
Q: "A-are you hurt?" she asked despite the excruciating pain she felt from her wound.
L: "No. I am fine."
Q: "That's good to hear. As long as you're fine." she whispered softly as her eyes began to close.
L: "No! Do not fall asleep! Not yet. Look at me. Iwa!" Liwei pleaded. "Iwa! Look at me! Stay with me! Please!"