I didn’t want it. Didn’t deserve it.

I slithered through the small opening behind a panel in the throne room, still lightheaded. A shi’chen’s worth of time with nothing but steamy wisps for company had thrown a blanket over my mind. At least, I still had the foresight not to return to my chambers, which had likely been turned upside down during Yun Wu’s search for the missing Empress.

I would have thought he’d swarm the throne room with guards, stationing them every few ......