Panic tightened her throat as she stared at the painting in front of her. "I… I am really not sure, your majesty. This is a portrait of a child and… and it seems as though I have met a grown man who resembles the second prince in some way, but I really can't be sure."
The empress realized that she was squeezing the life out of the younger woman's shoulders and released her. "Of course, of course, I understand." MeiLan turned and looked at Peizhi with worried anxious eyes. Over the empress's shoulder, Anak was making a peculiar face, her eyes wide open, her mouth spread in a thin line, she gave MeiLan the slightest, almost imperceptible shake of her head. But it was enough, MeiLan understood the message.
"Tell me his name. Where can I find this man?" Peizhi pressed urgently.
