Xi Yan sat down by the window, propped her elbows on the table, and cupped her chin in her hands. She gazed into the pitch-black night, listening quietly to the rain pattering against the leaves, lost in thought.
The young palace maid asked, "Are you hungry, Your Highness? Shall I have the kitchen send over a late-night snack?"
"No need, Cai Lan. Pour me a cup of tea."
The young maid nodded. Before long, she brought over the freshly brewed tea. "Your Highness, please have some tea!"
Xi Yan raised the cup to her lips and took a sip. "Excellent tea," she said softly. "Cai Lan, is this One Cloud tea from Western Sichuan?"
Cai Lan smiled, two shallow dimples appearing in her cheeks, making her look utterly adorable. "Your Highness is truly knowledgeable. Yes, it is. The Empress Dowager had it sent over as a gift today."
Xi Yan inhaled the tea's fragrance again, looking somewhat intoxicated by it. Her beautiful eyes flickered. "I'd love to go there and see it!"
"Have you never been to Western Sichuan, Your Highness?"
Xi Yan shook her head. "Never!"
"I've heard the mountains are lovely, the waters clear, and the scenery beautiful," Cai Lan said.
"I imagine so..." Xi Yan swayed. "I'm feeling a little dizzy."
"You're too tired, Your Highness. Let me help you to bed."
"All right!" Xi Yan stood and gave Cai Lan her hand. She took a step, but her footing was noticeably unsteady. Fortunately, Cai Lan caught her, or she would certainly have fallen.
Cai Lan helped her sit on the edge of the bed. Xi Yan said, "I... why is my head spinning? My chest feels so tight... Cai Lan... could I... could I have been poisoned..."
An icy smile appeared on Cai Lan's adorable little