The streets of the grand city stretched wide, alive with soft lantern lights and the distant hum of activity. Zhang Se and Bai Ren walked in steady silence, flanked by five guards who guided them through the winding roads. The massive shell of the Shiver Beast loomed over them, its ancient carvings glowing faintly under the moon's watchful gaze.
At last, they arrived before an enormous palace. It stood like a relic from another time, its towering walls adorned with intricate engravings that shimmered under the glow of countless candles. The palace gates, vast and gilded, groaned open at their arrival, revealing a single figure waiting within.
An eunuch, draped in flowing gray robes, stepped forward with measured grace. His sharp eyes assessed Zhang Se before offering a deep bow.
"Your Highness," the eunuch intoned, his voice smooth and precise. "His Majesty is having his evening meal. You are late."
Zhang Se dipped his head slightly. "I apologize for the delay."
The eunuch studied him for a moment before turning on his heel. "Come, His Majesty is expecting you."
The five guards remained at the entrance as Zhang Se and Bai Ren followed the eunuch through dimly lit corridors. The palace was vast, the scent of burning incense and aged parchment lingering in the air. Soon, they stepped onto a stone path leading toward an open pavilion—one that rested atop a tranquil green lake, its reflection rippling beneath the soft candlelight.
As they approached the dining area, the scent of roasted meats and fragrant teas mingled in the cool night air. The pavilion was lined with rows of ministers, each seated upon dark wooden chairs, their gazes shifting toward Zhang Se as he entered. At the head of the grand table sat the King, his posture relaxed, but his presence undeniable.
Zhang Se bowed deeply. "Your Majesty."
The King, a broad-shouldered man with a sharp, knowing gaze, let out a hearty laugh as he stood. He strode toward Zhang Se, patting his back firmly.
"You're late, boy!"
Before Zhang Se could respond, Bai Ren stepped forward with a respectful bow. "Your Majesty, we did not wish to delay our arrival, but we were attacked on our way here."
The room tensed. The King's expression darkened, his sharp eyes scanning Zhang Se in a dramatic fashion, as if searching for hidden wounds.
"Attacked?!" His voice thundered, his fingers gripping Zhang Se's shoulder with concern. "Are you injured?"
Zhang Se shook his head. "I am fine, Your Majesty."
The King exhaled, shaking his head. "Aiyah... those brothers of yours..." He clicked his tongue in disapproval before his expression softened into something unreadable. Then, without warning, he dragged Zhang Se to sit beside him, brushing aside a minister with a casual wave of his hand.
The displaced minister hesitated, his face darkening as he glared at Zhang Se.
The King, however, paid him no mind, his tone turning lighter. "She's been waiting for you," he said, nudging Zhang Se's arm. "I'm sure you'll like her. You two have been friends since childhood."
Zhang Se gave a small, polite smile. "Yh."
The moment of ease was short-lived.
The minister who had lost his seat suddenly rose, his voice cutting through the air. "Your Majesty, I believe the Prince has disrespected both you and the honorable princess by arriving in this... inauspicious attire." His eyes flicked toward Zhang Se's black robes, his tone laced with disapproval. "Surely, he should have worn the customary red instead of a color associated with mourning?"
A sharp silence fell over the gathering.
The King turned his gaze toward the minister, his eyes narrowing dangerously.
Without a word, the minister sat back down.
Zhang Se exhaled softly before speaking, his voice even. "I wore these robes because I am still in mourning. I apologize if it has offended His Majesty or the Princess."
Before the King could respond, a female voice cut through the murmurs.
"Who said that it offends me?"
The room shifted as all eyes turned toward the entrance.
Stepping into the pavilion was the princess—her presence commanding despite the soft sorrow in her expression. She too wore black, the dark silk flowing like midnight waves as she approached.
A ripple of hushed murmurs passed through the ministers.
Zhang Se immediately rose to greet her, lowering his head in respect. "Your Highness. I apologize for my late arrival."
The Princess waved a hand dismissively, her voice quiet yet firm. "It doesn't matter."
Then, her expression shifted, sorrow clouding her gaze as she looked at him.
"I'm sorry," she said softly. "About Mei Lian."
At the mention of his sister's name, Zhang Se felt something tighten in his chest. The ache of grief, raw and lingering. But he did not let it show.
He said nothing.
The King clapped his hands once, breaking the tension. "Enough of this, enough!" he declared. "Everyone, sit down. We eat."
And with that, the dinner resumed, but the air remained heavy with unspoken words and lingering glances.