The Regent's palace was not a place for laughter or song. Its halls were cold and expansive, lined with silver wolves embroidered on black banners. There were guards at each pillar, like statues, their armor shining in the light of the torches.
Seated at the heart of this fortress was Yan Xi, the Regent who was dreaded by all corners of the empire.
He leaned back in a high chair, wearing dark robes, his long fingers following the edge of a wine cup. His face was striking—acutely defined lines, deep, predatory eyes, bearing the weight of power and the stench of blood.
At his feet kneeled the scarred officer who had come to the Ling estate. His forehead against the chill floor, sweat on his brow.
"Your Highness," he began, voice low. "The Ling family could not provide tribute of grain or silver. But…"
Yan Xi's gaze flicked toward him, cool and dangerous. "But?"
The officer swallowed hard. "The discarded daughter of the house—Ling Yue—claimed she could offer medicine of… extraordinary kind. She dared say she could heal where others could not."
The Regent's cup froze in his fingers. For an instant, there was absolute silence, interrupted only by the snapping of torches.
Then he placed the cup down gently. "A ruin's useless daughter? And yet she has the audacity to make such an assertion."
The officer hesitated, then added, "There are also… whispers, Your Highness. Today in the marketplace, a boy collapsed of the northern fever. The crowd swears a veiled woman cured him with no mortal means. Many believe it was the same girl."
A faint smile ghosted across Yan Xi's lips, though it was far from gentle. His eyes gleamed like a wolf scenting prey.
"Interesting."
He stood up, the rustle of his robes resonating down the hall. "A foolish girl gains a temerity to speak boldly in my name, and already the city shakes with rumor. Either she is a fool who invites death… or something more."
The officer pushed his forehead lower. "Shall I have her taken, Your Highness?"
Yan Xi's voice was smooth, low, and perilous. "No. A bird caught in a trap only sings out in fear. I want to see just how high it will fly."
His eyes went out to the far city beyond the palace walls.
"Send for the Ling estate. Bring this Ling Yue before me. If she speaks truth, I shall employ her. If she is a liar…" His lips curled, cold and mirthful. "…then I shall have fun shattering her."