The prince lifted his head from the table and looked at Princess Yingyue. Her face was serious. Even her tone suggested that she was not riding some joke bus. "You know that it's not wise to make accusations like that."
"It's not an accusation—"
"It is. You're basically saying that someone in the palace is out there to kill you. We may not know who it was yet but that's an accusation already—well, it is since you're inside the palace."
She shook her head as if she was trying to get rid of some thought. Her eyes were inquiring when she looked at the prince. "Is there someone in the palace who would benefit if I die?"
"Not that I know of," Prince Qui admitted. "All these years we've been protecting you, trying to keep you alive." Princess Yingyue opened her mouth so he quickly followed, "And yes, you were a hostage here. I just don't see how someone would want you dead. We all want you alive."
