By the time Ananya returned to Phoenix Hall, the winter sun had climbed high enough to throw pale light across the courtyard. The maids scurried ahead of her, whispering nervously, though they fell silent whenever she drew close.
The moment she stepped into her chamber, the screen doors slid closed, sealing away the outside world.
And the ghosts appeared.
"Ha!" Fen Yu bounced across the room, her outline flickering like a lantern flame. "Did you see Lady Zhen's face when you told her the Emperor should never be left lonely? Priceless!"
Wei Rong barked a laugh. "I nearly howled right there in the hall. You should've said more—maybe offered her a pillow, since she's so proud of warming his bed."
Li Shen smoothed an invisible sleeve. "It was well-handled. Restraint is worth more than mockery in front of so many eyes."
Ananya exhaled, lowering herself onto the cushioned seat by the window. "It felt like walking on a blade's edge."
Fen Yu dropped beside her, though her weight never bent the cushion. "You didn't slip! You didn't even blink! Honestly, you looked scarier than Lady Zhen in all her jewels."
Ananya chuckled softly. "I wasn't trying to be frightening."
"You succeeded anyway," Wei Rong said with a grin. "She's rattled. That's a victory."
---
Su Mei entered quietly, bringing a tray of tea and candied plums. She set it down, stole a nervous glance at Ananya, and withdrew without a word.
The moment the door closed, Fen Yu darted forward, sticking her hand straight through the tray. "Ugh! Still no taste!"
She flopped dramatically onto her back, her outline flickering. "Life is so unfair. Even in death, I can't enjoy plums."
Wei Rong leaned over, pretending to sniff. "Then I'll take your share."
Fen Yu shot upright, outraged. "You can't eat either!"
"True," Wei Rong said, smirking. "But it's the principle of the thing."
Li Shen shook his head, though his mouth curved faintly. "Children."
---
Ananya sipped her tea, letting their bickering wash over her like a balm. Strange as it was, their presence made the palace less lonely.
But she couldn't ignore reality.
Her hand drifted to her sleeve, the embroidery of phoenix feathers smooth beneath her fingers. This is the body of the Queen Consort. The Emperor's lawful wife. Yet I am already despised. The court expects me to fail.
Fen Yu flopped beside her again, propping her chin on her hands. "You're thinking too hard. Stop it."
Ananya blinked. "Stop what?"
"Looking like you're planning to fight battles with logic," Fen Yu declared. "That works for Li Shen. You need something else."
Wei Rong snorted. "She needs a weapon. A sword."
Ananya smiled faintly. "I can cook better than I can wield a sword."
Fen Yu's eyes lit up. "Then cook! Imagine—everyone drooling at the scent, Lady Zhen fainting from jealousy because all His Majesty eats is your food—"
"Fen Yu," Li Shen interrupted dryly. "Food will not protect her from the harem's teeth."
"It makes life sweeter," Ananya countered gently.
The three fell silent. Then, surprisingly, Wei Rong chuckled. "Fair point."
---
The quiet stretched, broken only by the rustle of wind against the shutters. Ananya's gaze drifted outward, to the pale courtyard where frost clung to the stones.
"I was a daughter in my world," she murmured, almost to herself. "A cook, a sister, a friend. Here… I'm a stranger in someone else's skin."
Li Shen's voice was softer than usual. "Then make it your own skin."
Wei Rong nodded once. "And your own battlefield."
Fen Yu leaned close, smiling. "And your own kitchen. Don't forget that part."
Ananya laughed despite herself. "You three are impossible."
"Correct," all three said in unison.
And for the first time since waking in silk, Ananya's smile was not just for composure—it was real.