Chapter 28. Trip to the capital
AT THE SAME TIME
MEI SHEN’S POINT OF VIEW:
The sound of voices reached me first, soft, low murmurs like water trickling over stones. I could make out Huan’s excited little giggle, Lianwei’s deeper rumble, and... a woman’s voice. My eyes fluttered open, heavy and burning, and I found myself staring at the dim glow of firelight dancing across wooden beams.
"Don’t be scary to Mommy." Huan said.
My stomach twisted. Empress. She was here. I turned my head slightly, wincing at the ache in my neck. There she was, regal even in simple traveling clothes, her sharp eyes fixed on Huan with something I couldn’t read. No disdain. No judgment. Just... thoughtfulness. Lianwei was seated beside the bed, Huan curled in his lap like a little barnacle, his storm-green eyes glittering with curiosity. My chest tightened painfully seeing the three of them together. I tried to speak, but my throat caught. A small, strangled sound escaped instead. Lianwei’s head snapped toward me.
"Mei Shen." Relief softened his features instantly, and before I could gather my bearings, he was leaning forward. "You’re awake. Thank the heavens."
Huan squirmed free of his father’s hold and scrambled to my side.
"Mommy!" He grabbed my hand in both of his, his tiny fingers so warm. "You scared me. Don’t do that again!"
I gave him a weak smile.
"I... I’m sorry, baby." My voice was barely above a whisper. "I’ll try not to."
The healer was already at my side, fussing over me with quick, efficient movements. His brow furrowed as he checked my pulse and touched my clammy forehead.
"She’s awake, but her condition hasn’t improved much." He murmured, more to himself than to us.