The doors of the Dowager Empress's palace hall slowly closed behind them.
The warm laughter from inside faded away, replaced once again by the cold silence of the imperial palace corridors.
The atmosphere changed almost instantly.
Gone was the warmth of old memories.
Gone was the brief feeling of family.
Now—
Only unease remained.
—
The Emperor walked slowly through the stone corridor, his hands clasped behind his back.
Beside him walked Prince Liang, unusually quiet for once.
The palace lanterns flickered softly against the night wind.
Long shadows stretched across the marble floor.
Neither brother spoke immediately.
Because both of them understood the same thing.
The peace they just experienced—
Would not last.
Not with everything happening inside the kingdom.
Not with the strange incidents surrounding the palace.
Finally—
Prince Liang broke the silence.
"…Things are getting worse."
The Emperor's expression darkened slightly.
"Yes."
His voice was calm.
