Night always seemed sinister. Once the familiar surroundings grew dim and indistinct, it was as if something dangerous had hidden itself in their shadows. So Shangguan Fei sat at the table, as close to the lamplight as he could get, hoping tomorrow's sun would rise a little earlier.
"I never expected Old Man Mu to think so highly of you," Madam Meng said. She sat on the edge of the bed, much calmer than her son. Aunt Tong and another young maid were helping her arrange her hair and remove her many ornaments. If Shangguan Fei hadn't been there, she would have retired long ago.
"He doesn't think highly of me at all." Shangguan Fei looked somewhat agitated. "This is clearly an attempt to drive a wedge between us and make the Dragon King lose faith in me."
"Foolish child." Madam Meng turned her head slightly, her face full of affection. "Do you really think the Dragon King trusts you?"
Shangguan Fei glanced uncertainly at Aunt Tong and the maid, then stammered, "Of course. The Dragon King is fair and impartial, and doesn't hold the past against people, even if they used to be enemies..."
"Enough. If you suspect those two, you might as well stop trusting me, too."
Shangguan Fei gave an embarrassed smile. "Of course I trust Aunt Tong. It's just... Ahem, I understand why the Dragon King has kept me around. He wants to show the people in Stone Fortress that he won't wipe them out, so he can encourage the Shangguan Family to betray the King Lord... Still, I think the Dragon King is sincere. He shouldn't turn on us after we've served his purpose."
"That would be wonderful," Madam Meng replied perfunctorily, nodding. Aunt Tong and the maid obediently withdrew. They had been granted trust,