Guangfeng went with Yuelan to the peony palace and sent a servant to go and summon Wei Jun to check her condition. The imperial doctors wouldn’t hurt the emperor, but Guangfeng didn’t trust them with himself or Yuelan. Not yet, at least. He didn’t know which ones had been in the empress’ control and the first prince was still around.

Palace maids took Yuelan, Willow, and Leila to bathe and change into fresh clothing. By the time Yuelan had finished her bath and was resting on a large couch Wei Jun had arrived. He stepped forward to check her pulse, ask her questions, and examine her overall health before bowing politely. “The priestess will be fine with some rest. The effects of the drugs seem to have already faded, but you received quite a shock. Please rest well and calm your heart. Have some tea.”

Yuelan nodded and leaned back against the couch. “Thank you, Doctor Wei.” She let out a sigh, then looked over at Guangfeng. “Will you please ask the Emperor to come here? I want to speak with him about the current situation.”

Guangfeng hesitated, then sighed and nodded. “Since it seems you won’t rest until you have spoken to him, I will go.” He reached out and gently stroked her hair once before turning and walking out of the peony palace.

“Willow, give Dr. Wei his fee and find a eunuch to escort him out of the palace,” Yuelan instructed. Her maid saluted and took the doctor with her as she headed out of the room, leaving only Leila, Byakko, and Yuelan left in the room.

“What shocked you, Priestess?” Leila asked as she sat down. “The situation? Or something else?”

“The empress was beheaded right in front of me.” Yuelan shuddered. She couldn’t stop thinking about that moment. “It was horrible. I’ve never seen someone die before….” Her voice grew quieter until she fell silent and her eyes filled with tears.

Leila moved to sit beside Yuelan and put an arm around her shoulders. “At least she can’t hurt you anymore. Or anyone else. I’ve seen the papers Yun Cai put together to present to the emperor. He’s quite efficient and thorough. That woman did a lot of terrible things.”

Yuelan nodded. “Yes, but that wasn’t something I ever wanted to see.” She leaned against Leila, accepting the comfort of the older woman.

Leila gently patted Yuelan’s back to try and calm her down. “I hope you will not need to get used to such sights, Priestess, but it may be unavoidable. Still, mourning your enemy’s fate like this makes you a better person than many. Enough situations like this and so many people become numb to the deaths occurring around them.”

Willow returned at that moment with a couple of palace maids carrying things for tea. The maid prepared the tea and handed a cup to her mistress before moving to the side.

“Thank you, both of you.” Yuelan took a sip of the tea and let out a sigh. “Rather than getting used to seeing someone killed in front of me, I would prefer to never see it again.”

“The emperor has arrived!” A eunuch proclaimed from the doorway.

Leila stood and bowed and Willow knelt with her head bowed. Yuelan stayed where she was and took another sip of tea.

“Priestess,” the emperor gave her a polite half bow. “My son expressed you wished to see me and you were distressed after what happened with the empress. I apologize. I should have been more considerate of you.”

Yuelan waved a hand. “It’s not just that, Your Majesty. Guangfeng said something about nine generations of her family being killed. So many innocents who had nothing to do with it. And how many of them are only children? I ask that only those actually responsible be held accountable. Don’t murder innocents that had nothing to do with it.”

The emperor studied Yuelan in silence for a moment, then nodded. “Priestess is magnanimous. I will do as you ask. Please feel free to rest here in this palace until you’ve recovered.”

She shook her head. “No. After I finish my tea I’ll return to my own residence to recover. I’m more comfortable there.”

The emperor nodded. “I will have Guangfeng prepare to escort you home and send more hidden guards to protect you. With the former empress gone you could be in danger from those seeking to avenge her.”

Yuelan sighed. “I understand. Thank you, Your Majesty.”

“Please excuse me, Priestess. I have many things to attend to after what happened today.” The emperor bowed and headed out of the peony palace.

Guangfeng had been behind his father and he stepped aside as the emperor left. When it was just them in the room, Guangfeng walked over and bent down to place a light kiss on Yuelan’s cheek. “I’ll take you home. You can just ride on Byakko and take it easy.”

She gave him a tense smile. “Thank you, Guangfeng. I appreciate what you’ve done for me today.”

Guangfeng nodded and held a hand out to help her stand up then supported her over to Byakko and helped her climb up onto the white tiger’s back. “It is both my duty and my pleasure, Yuelan.”