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The lady, shrouded in mystery, wished for a place amongst the dynasty – furthermore, she wished for a place amongst the court. Yue then allowed her gaze to tighten an imperceptible amount, suddenly becoming shrewd in the way she observed. Who was this woman, who wished not just for information, but food and protection?

She was quiet, seemingly melancholy. Perhaps she was as discerning as the group of Egyptians had been, but more realistic in her approach – to not be combative, but to assimilate. After all, she knew nothing of these people, but sought aegis amongst them. She was a beautiful, gilded statue – soft spoken and withholding.

"May I assume you have served on a court, gentle lady?" the empress sought more information, but did not immediately dismiss the possibility.

"You understand the ways of a harem?"

She, too, sought allies. Yue’s own retinue was bare, despite how Shenlei’s flourished. Even the mighty Emperor had welcomed in a once-enemy as wive, giving her an esteemed place in the harem.

If this was the land of possibility, then Yue greatly desired a soft place to land.

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