The healer bowed once more and stepped out of the chamber, his footsteps echoing softly down the corridor. The Emperor followed, stopping just outside the Empress's courtyard. For a moment, he stood there, gaze fixed on the closed doors behind him, as if confirming for himself that what he had heard was real.
She survived.
No—more than that. She was safe.
He exhaled slowly, a breath he felt he had been holding fake plague for fourteen long days.
Turning sharply, he looked at his chief eunuch, who had been waiting with head lowered, nerves stretched tight these past weeks.
"Make an announcement," the Emperor said, voice firm, carrying authority that brooked no delay.
The eunuch straightened instantly. "Yes, Your Majesty."
The Emperor continued, each word deliberate. "Announce to the entire palace that the Empress has recovered. She is out of danger as of today. The plague has passed."
The eunuch's eyes widened with relief before he quickly bowed again. "This servant obeys."
