"How can I be sure... That you will not betray Jin Tang?" My father-in-law's voice was barely above a whisper.
The hope that sparked in me was not small. But I held my breath, raising my head to look at the Emperor.
He was looking down at his son, a myriad of emotions on his face. I spoke, choosing my words carefully.
"Your servant's family... Is dead and gone. The only person who can be used against her has taken over her family's branch house. Emperor Lang would not shoot an arrow into his own foot. There is no path back to Yin Shang plausible for your servant to return on..."
I lowered my head. Telling him about being once married, though unconsummated, to Emperor Lang felt like a horrible idea.
"And... Your servant really loves Sire. If... If Your Majesty does not trust your servant, she can leave -"
"Xin Yu!" Zheng interrupted, covering my mouth and glaring at me. I shot him a look back.
The Emperor let out a long, long sigh.
