Chapter 27. Empress realization
AT THE SAME TIME
EMPEROR LIANWEI POINT OF VIEW:
Soon healer brought me the needed tonic.
"Careful now." The healer murmured, holding out the small ceramic cup of steaming tonic. "She’s too weak to drink on her own. You’ll have to help her."
I took it without hesitation. Mei Shen’s hand felt like porcelain in mine, too thin, too fragile, her skin still clammy despite the blankets tucked around her. She shifted weakly, her lashes fluttering as I slid an arm behind her shoulders and lifted her gently.
"Mei Shen." I whispered, bending close. "It’s bitter, but you have to drink. Just a little."
Her glazed eyes flicked toward me, recognition sparking faintly in their depths. She looked so small in my arms, nothing like the stubborn, fiery woman who had once defied an emperor.
"I can’t... tired..."She murmured, her voice breaking down.
"You can." My voice cracked despite the steel I tried to force into it. "You’re stronger than this. You’ve always been stronger than me." Carefully, I held the cup to her lips. ’Please, Mei Shen. For Huan. For me."
She made a weak sound of protest but allowed a sip. Her face twisted slightly at the bitter taste, and I hushed her softly.
"That’s it. Just a little more."I whispered.
Behind me, I felt my mother’s eyes burning into my back. Her silence was louder than any scolding she could give, and when she finally spoke, her voice was low and tight.