Chapter 14 - A Sip of Too Many
"Some silences are worth a thousand cries.
Some eyes... burn more than fire. "
The city was still drunk with the party.
In the large house of Liyan, the lanterns danced on the walls.
The Emperor was enthroned, a glass of alcohol in his hand.
On his right, Liyan.
Behind him, as always: Ken.
On the left, towards the dim light, Xiyue gently poured another
Cut.
Behind her, in the shadows, stood Jinlian. Cold. Hard.
Silent.
There were only them in this room.
The Emperor laughed with his brother.
- "You haven't changed, Liyan. Always so discreet. "
Liyan smiled.
But Ken, behind him, remained frozen.
His gaze slid for a moment towards Xiyue.
She saw it.
Looked at him.
And he looked away.
She smiles... to herself.
"You also want me. "
"You can run away from your eyes, Ken... but not your heart. "
A strange beat settled in his chest. Jinlian felt it.
She touched her discreetly. A silent reminder: You are the Emperor's wife.
She herself glared at Ken.
But Ken didn't answer anything. He was a wall. An impassive spectre.
The minutes passed. Wine too.
The Emperor, suddenly, said:
- "Leave me alone with my brother."
Everyone got up and bowed.
Ken turned his heels to get out.
But barely in the corridor, a voice rose, icy:
— "Why are you looking at her like that? "
It was Jinlian.
She had approached, straight as an arrow.
- "You must never forget your place, Ken. You're just a servant.
Even if you are my uncle's favourite. "
Ken didn't answer anything.
She raised her hand, ready to slap him.
But a voice, calmer, stopped him:
- "Sough."
Xiyue
- "You're going too far. He understood. That's enough. "
A silence. Then:
- "Come. I have to get ready for the Emperor tonight. "
She turned her heels. Jinlian hesitated... then followed her.
Ken was alone in the corridor for a moment.
His black eyes showed nothing. But in his heart, a thread had just been stretched.
And he didn't tremble.
End of Chapter 14