Chapter 29. Back at royal castle
AROUND THE SAME TIME
LIANWEI POINT OF VIEW:
The rhythmic clatter of carriage wheels over uneven stones filled the silence, a lullaby of sorts as the countryside blurred past. I barely heard it. My attention was fixed on her.
Mei Shen lay across the seat opposite me, Huan curled against her side like a tiny, protective shadow. Her hair spilled over her shoulder in a dark curtain, her face pale but peaceful in slumber. She still looked too fragile. Every rise and fall of her chest was counted, each one easing that tight coil of fear inside me, just slightly. She’d fought so hard for others. Now it was my turn to fight for her.
"Still watching her?"Mother asked.
My mother’s voice broke my thoughts. She sat beside me, her posture perfect even in the swaying carriage. I didn’t answer immediately. I couldn’t drag my eyes away from Mei Shen.
"She nearly died." I said finally, my voice lower than I intended. "If I had been a day later..."
"But you weren’t." Mother’s tone was softer than usual. Almost gentle. "You found her. You brought her back."
I shook my head.
"It isn’t enough. Not yet. She still needs treatment. Time. Safety." My jaw tightened. "I couldn’t protect her five years ago. I won’t fail her again."
"You’re determined."She said.
"Always."I said.