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The Empress stood back and steeled her jaw, knowing in her heart that Tianlong had long experienced more feast than famine; and also knowing that one of her greatest roles in this life was redistributing such wealth, for the betterment of all. Even the realization that there were two other adults in the group – faceless, without introduction – could not sway her.

Still, the Empress needed to craft accountability out of humility, and symbiosis out of generosity.

Yue inhaled, deep into her belly. "Are you willing to be their representative, and substitute your honor for theirs, in all areas that honor would be concerned?" She hoped that she was being clear, for the Dynasty did not oft extend pardon to mere represented factions, but she felt as though she could muster the most threadbare confidence in the company that Lady Kaede kept.

If the companions needed to be ousted, then they would.

"Please, fetch your party and find comfort within our walls tonight," the orchid bade the gentlewoman welcome with the wave of a pale banner, secretly thrilled at the prospect of having more children within the dynasty. Perhaps Yue too might ripen, simply from the nearness of it.

"Beginning at daybreak, it is imperative you present yourselves to the Emperor and the Empress."

Yue found that she grasped others so much more deeply as Yue, than she ever did as Heaven’s Mercy. For a moment, she regretted having to let such closeness with the Lady go.

Tomorrow.

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