Rain still fell in a steady rustle, shrouding the palaces near and far in a murky haze. Farther away, the sounds of fighting still drifted faintly through.
Incense curled through the palace chambers, its fragrance pleasant.
Wearing soft, flat-soled shoes, Zhaoxia moved lightly. She glanced at the couch and lowered the hanging curtain a little.
"Your Majesty, Your Highness, the imperial meal has arrived."
A soft voice came from outside the door. The empress stirred awake in a daze and looked around.
Latticed windows stood half-hidden, secluded rooms and winding chambers enclosed on every side. Everything was familiar, yet for some reason it seemed dark and still, veiled in gloom.
The emperor watched her straighten her appearance without rising himself. He merely chuckled. "My empress is exceptionally beautiful just now."
The empress cast him a sidelong glance from her lovely eyes and pressed her brow. An inexplicable sorrow welled up within her, leaving her somewhat bewildered. Suppressing her emotions, she called out, "Bring the meal in. I shall dine with His Majesty."
"Yes, Your Highness."
The meal was soon laid out on the table.
"You may all withdraw! I shall dine with the empress. We need no attendants."
Looking at the food on the table, the emperor turned and gave the order to the palace maids and eunuchs.
"Yes. We take our leave." The maids and eunuchs bowed and slowly withdrew, closing the door behind them.
"Come, my empress, feed me," the emperor said, behaving like a child. Faced with his shameless manner, the empress could do nothing about him. She slowly sat down beside him, her cheeks burning crimson and her eyes glistening, and fed him spoonful after spoonful.
A sharp pain pierced her heart. Sorrowful, the empress suddenly stopped her hand.
"Are you tired? Go and rest