Chapter 5. Emperor growing obsession
THE NEXT DAY
EMPEROR LINAWEI FIRST PERSON POV:
I was lounging in the grand sitting room, surrounded by the usual crowd, soft laughter, perfumed whispers, silk brushing against polished floors. The other concubines fluttered around me like moths, their smiles practiced, their eyes hungry for my attention. They wanted me in their bed as having a heir would mean becoming an empress. Strangely, none of them made me desire them like Mei Shen did.
I played the part well enough, sipping my wine, exchanging idle words, but my mind was elsewhere. To last two times when I actually desired a woman. Then a servant appeared at the edge of the room, bowing low.
"Your Majesty, there is news of Lady Mei Shen."He said.
A hush fell over the group. I thought after the stupid attempt, she went back to her room.
"What of her?" I asked, voice calm but the steel beneath it sharpening.
"She has disappeared from the palace." The servant said carefully."No one has seen her since yeasterday night. Only a few of her belongings remain."
A smirk tugged at the corner of my mouth, bitter and sudden.
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"Disappeared, huh? Like she was never mine to begin with."I said.
One of the younger concubines leaned forward, eyes gleaming.
"Isn’t it odd, your majesty? You never seemed to care much for her."She asked.