The Eastern Palace, the Crown Prince's study.
Laquan paused briefly at the entrance of the study and glanced downs at the dragon-crested broad swords in his hand.
He had spent more than half his life holding a sword but for some reason, his heart felt heavy as he held his master's sword.
The more he tried to make sense of his situation the more his chest tightened. He took a deep breath and palmed the sword.
Laquan glanced up at his master who stood by the window in a light blue robe and resumed walking. "Your Royal Highness", he stopped a few steps away from the crown prince and held hus sword in front of him.
Xiang Chao brought down his hand that previously rested on the window frame and turned around. He glanced at his sword and held his hand out.
