AT THE SAME TIME
EMPEROR LIANWEI POINT OF VIEW:
Soon healer brought me the needed tonic.
"Careful now." The healer murmured, holding out the small ceramic cup of steaming tonic. "She's too weak to drink on her own. You'll have to help her."
I took it without hesitation. Mei Shen's hand felt like porcelain in mine, too thin, too fragile, her skin still clammy despite the blankets tucked around her. She shifted weakly, her lashes fluttering as I slid an arm behind her shoulders and lifted her gently.
"Mei Shen." I whispered, bending close. "It's bitter, but you have to drink. Just a little."
Her glazed eyes flicked toward me, recognition sparking faintly in their depths. She looked so small in my arms, nothing like the stubborn, fiery woman who had once defied an emperor.
"I can't… tired…"She murmured, her voice breaking down.
