The night had barely surrendered to the morning when a faint rustling sound came from beneath the trees.
The sky was still dark blue, and a thin layer of mist floated above the nearby river. The air was cold enough to make the sleeping travelers pull their blankets closer around themselves. The ashes from the previous night's fires lay scattered across the ground, and the occasional cough or sleepy murmur broke the quiet.
Most of the refugees were still asleep.
Unfortunately, the same could not be said for the Emperor's group.
"Your Majesty."
A soft voice broke the silence.
The Emperor opened his eyes.
Beside the cart, Princess Zhi was sitting upright with her blanket wrapped around her shoulders. Her hair was disheveled, and her expression suggested that she had been awake for quite some time.
"What is it?" he asked quietly.
Princess Zhi looked toward the eastern sky.
"It's almost dawn."
The Emperor glanced at the sky through the branches.
"And?"
