Liu Fen sat on the edge of her bed, her hands covering her face. She could not stop the tears from falling, nor the memories from flooding her mind. She heard their foul words, saw their hungry eyes, felt their rough hands on her skin.
She felt her father's presence, looming over her. She knew he was angry at those who had hurt her, and worried about her condition. "Fen'er," he said softly. "Let the physician check you. We need to know if you are injured."
She lifted her head and looked at him, her eyes red and swollen. "I don't need a physician, Father." she said in a shaky voice. "I'm well."
She heard another voice, gentle and familiar. She turned her head and saw the Crown Prince at the door, his face etched with concern. "A'Fen," he called softly. "Let the physician tend to you."
She shrank back, her eyes darting between her father's anguished face and the physician who approached with careful steps. "Miss Liu," he said in a soothing voice. "I need to feel your pulse. I assure you, it won't take long."
She felt Xiao Mei's hand rubbing her back, as the little maid tried to comfort her. "It is alright, Miss," she whispered. "You are safe now."
Liu Fen felt her heart thumping wildly as the physician reached for her wrist. She flinched at his touch, a gasp escaping her lips.
"Be brave, my child," her father said, placing his hand on her shoulder. "I swear I will find out who sent those scoundrels after you and I will make them regret it."
"And I swear it too, General Liu," the Crown Prince said. "I will not rest until I get to the bottom of this. I have already commanded the guards to examine the corpses of the slain assailants for any clues."
The physician brow furrowed in concentration as he checked Liu Fen's pulse. After a moment, he turned to her father, his expression reassuring. "She has suffered from shock and a few minor bruises. I will prepare some medicine to ease her nerves."