Chapter 20. A needed escape
AT THE SAME TIME
EMPEROR LIANWEI POINT OF VIEW:
I stood there, the weight of the room pressing down on me as I bent to gather my few belongings. But then a cold thought sliced through the haze of my emotions — what if she isn’t her? The one I’ve been searching for all these years?
My fingers froze over the worn cloak in my hands. I looked up at Mei Shen, her gentle face filled with concern and something tender I wasn’t sure I deserved anymore. I swallowed hard, the truth twisting inside me.
"I need to say something before I go." I started, voice low and rough. "I’m not sure... if you’re the one I’ve been looking for."
Her eyes widened just a fraction, but she said nothing, waiting.
"It’s not that I don’t trust you. You’ve saved me when no one else would. But after everything... I can’t let myself believe it, not yet."I said.
I bent back down and stuffed the last things into my bag, my hands shaking just a little.
"I have to keep searching. Even if it means facing the bitter truth alone. You look like her, but I can’t hurt you Mei Sheng."I said softly.
I stood up fully, shoulders heavy but resolve burning inside me. Then, from the corner, I heard a small voice.
"Huan?"I asked.
I turned slowly to see the boy watching me, eyes filled with worry.