The entire room erupted in whispers.
Prince Liang Jian's head snapped up. "Father Emperor, I must protest—"
"Your wound was treated by questionable methods," the Emperor said firmly. "You refuse to see the Imperial Physicians. Therefore, the woman who saved you will monitor your recovery. She will reside in the Cold Moon Palace and attend to your medical needs. This is my decree."
"Your Majesty—" Prince Zhao Yifeng stood. "Surely it would be more appropriate for Lady Su to remain in the Jade Phoenix Palace—"
"The matter is settled." The Emperor's tone allowed no argument. "Second Prince, you will accept this arrangement. Crown Prince, you have your own concerns to attend to." His eyes swept the room. "This court is dismissed."
"But Father Emperor—"
"Dismissed."
~
The walk to the Cold Moon Palace was silent and awkward.
Prince Liang Jian walked three steps ahead, his back rigid, radiating displeasure. General Wei and several guards flanked them. Servants carried Soyeon's meager belongings (the blood-stained robes from yesterday, basically).
Nobody spoke.
Soyeon's mind was racing. She was going to live with the cold, suspicious prince who definitely didn't trust her. Who looked at her with dark, intense eyes that seemed to see right through her. Who had gotten so close last night that she had felt the heat of his body….
Stop it, she told herself firmly. He's not interested. He thinks you're a spy. This is a nightmare.
They reached the Cold Moon Palace. Prince Liang Jian finally spoke, his voice ice.
"You'll have chambers in the east wing. Away from my private quarters. General Wei will assign guards to watch you at all times." He still hadn't turned to look at her. "You'll attend to my wound care twice daily. Morning and evening. You will not wander the palace grounds without escort. You will not meet with anyone without my permission. Is that clear?"
"Yes, Your Highness."
"Good."
He started to leave.
"Your Highness," Soyeon called before she could stop herself.
He paused, glancing back. Their eyes met.
God, he was handsome. Even with the scar, maybe because of it. Sharp cheekbones, strong jaw, those intense dark eyes framed by long lashes. His lips were pressed in a thin line, but they were full, well-shaped…
Stop looking at his lips, oh my God.
"Thank you," she said quickly. "For.…not leaving me in the forest. For bringing me here. Even though you don't trust me."
An unidentified emotion flickered in his expression.
"Don't thank me yet," he said quietly. "If you're truly a spy, I'll be the one to execute you."
"And if I'm not?"
His eyes held hers. "Then perhaps.…we'll see."
He left, his black robes flowing behind him.
Soyeon stood alone in the courtyard, her heart doing very stupid things in her chest.
~
Liang Jian closed the door to his study harder than necessary.
Personal physician. Father Emperor had assigned her as his personal physician.
He poured himself wine, too early in the day, but he didn't care, and drank deeply.
The woman was infuriating. Mysterious. Difficult to read.
Everything about her was strange, not the norm. Her accent. Her mannerisms. The way she looked at him without fear, without calculation. Like he was a person, not a prince. Not a bastard.
When was the last time someone other than his close people had looked at him like that?
Never.
And she was beautiful. Unfairly so. Not like the court ladies with their painted faces and practiced smiles. Something natural, uncontrived. Her eyes were honest. Her smile, the few times he had seen it, was real.
He thought about last night. The way she had looked in those rose-colored robes, smelling of lilies, her hair arranged elegantly. The way she had talked back to him without hesitation.
Bold words for someone under suspicion of espionage.
I saved your life. You're welcome, by the way.
He had wanted to smile. He, of all people.
Dangerous. She was dangerous.
Not because she might be a spy, though that was possible. But because she made him feel things. Things he had locked away years ago after learning that feeling was a liability.
He had stood too close last night. Let his eyes linger on her face, her lips. Those full, soft lips that had parted slightly when he stepped into her space…..
Liang Jian set down his cup with a sharp click.
Mind yourself, he thought coldly. You don't know her. You don't trust her. And you certainly don't—
A knock interrupted his thoughts.
"Enter."
General Wei stepped in, his weathered face concerned. "Your Highness. About the woman..."
"I know."
"She could be dangerous."
"I know."
"But you're not sending her away."
Liang Jian was silent for a long moment. Then: "No. I'm not."
"May I ask why?"
Because she saved his life when she could have let him bleed. Because she was the most intriguing, infuriating, confusing woman he had ever met.
"Because Father Emperor ordered it," he said instead.
General Wei didn't believe him. But he bowed anyway. "As you say, Your Highness."
When the old man left, Liang Jian returned to the window. From here, he could see the east wing where Su Yan would be staying.
Su Yan. Even her name felt like a lie.
But he would find the truth. One way or another.
And if she was innocent... if she was truly who she claimed to be...
His hand touched his side, where her makeshift bandage had saved his life.
Mind yourself, he thought again. You can have her killed if necessary.
But even as he thought it, he knew he was lying to himself.
He most likely wouldn't kill her.
Even if he should.
~
Later in the day, Soyeon was examining the medicinal herb garden, because of course the Cold Moon Palace had one, when she overheard the servants talking.
"—the northern tribes are advancing again—"
"They say the Crown Prince will lead another campaign—"
"But what about the succession? If something happens to him—"
"Hush! You'll get us all killed talking like that—"
Soyeon's ears perked up. War. There was a war happening?
She kept that information away. If she was going to survive here, she needed to understand the political situation.
And she needed to find that damn wardrobe.