When she woke, the sun was high overhead.
Soyeon sat up groggily, her eyes swollen, her head pounding. The servants had left food, rice porridge, pickled vegetables, tea, but it had gone cold. She had slept through breakfast, through the morning entirely.
She forced herself to eat something, then allowed the servants to help her dress. More silk robes, these ones in soft lavender, her hair arranged simply with jade pins.
She had just finished when one of the servants announced: "His Highness the Crown Prince requests an audience."
Soyeon's heart sank. She wasn't ready for this. Wasn't ready for his charm and his questions and his knowing eyes.
But you didn't refuse the Crown Prince.
"Show him in," she said quietly.
Prince Zhao Yifeng entered like sunlight, dressed in gold and red robes, his hair adorned with an elaborate crown. He smiled when he saw her, warm and genuine, like last night had never happened.
"Su Yan. How are you feeling?"
"I'm well, Your Highness. Thank you for your concern."
"You look exhausted." He studied her face, taking in the shadows under her eyes, the pallor of her skin. "Did you sleep at all?"
"Some."
"Hmm." He sat without invitation, gesturing for her to join him. "I wanted to check on you personally. Last night was..." He paused. "Traumatic. For anyone."
"I'm fine," Soyeon lied.
"Are you?" His eyes were too knowing. "You witnessed violence. Men trying to hurt you. That's not something one simply recovers from overnight."
Soyeon looked down at her hands. "I'm managing, Your Highness."
"Of course you are. You're remarkably strong." He poured tea for both of them, the gesture incongruously domestic. "By the way, the Second Prince has already departed."
Her head snapped up. "What?"
"He left at dawn to secure the northern territories. Apparently the attack last night revealed security weaknesses that need immediate attention." Prince Zhao Yifeng's voice was emotionless. "He'll be gone for several days at least."
Soyeon swallowed hard. "Oh. I see."
Prince Zhao Yifeng watched her reaction with sharp eyes. "Does my brother interest you, Su Yan?"
"What? No!" The denial came too quickly, too forcefully. "No, of course not, Your Highness. I'm just—I'm his physician. I was concerned for his wellbeing after last night's battle—"
"Mm." He didn't look convinced. "How refreshing. My brother has never had anyone worry about him before. Aside from General Wei, of course."
"I worry about all my patients equally, Your Highness."
"Is that so?" His smile was enigmatic. He sipped his tea. "Well, regardless. Since my brother has abandoned you so callously, perhaps you'll allow me to distract you today. I thought we might go somewhere peaceful. Somewhere beautiful. To help clear your mind after last night's horrors."
Soyeon hesitated. Every instinct told her to refuse. But she also knew she couldn't hide in her chambers forever. And maybe getting out would be good. Maybe it would help her stop thinking about blood and death and the way Prince Liang Jian had held her on the horse, so careful, so protective…..
Stop it.
"That's very kind, Your Highness."
"Excellent!" He stood, offering his hand. "Come then. I promise you'll enjoy this."