The Queen looked at Xuanzang.
"Forget all this talk of propriety."
"I came out of the palace myself today to welcome you, Imperial Brother."
She glanced back at the twin-phoenix carriage behind her.
"If you won't board the carriage, Imperial Brother, what pleasure would there be in riding alone?"
Xuanzang looked at the Queen without answering.
The Queen waited a while, and her smile faded a little.
"Very well."
She gathered her sleeves and turned, her scarlet phoenix robe sweeping past her feet.
"Since you refuse to board the carriage, Imperial Brother."
"Then I shall walk back with you."
"Your Majesty!"
The Grand Tutor abruptly raised her head.
Her cry came far too suddenly.
The two white horses up ahead startled, their Golden Bridles striking each other with a sharp clatter.
The Queen paused.
She turned her face toward her.
The smile she had worn while facing Xuanzang had vanished.
"What is it now, my minister?"
The Grand Tutor opened her mouth.
But no sound emerged from her throat.
The Queen stared at her. "Am I incapable of walking?"
The Grand Tutor stood where she was, the palace lanterns on either side illuminating her face.
Her eyes went blank for a moment, then she slowly bent at the waist.
"Of course you may walk."
Her voice regained its composure.
"Entering the palace side by side with His Lordship the Imperial Younger Brother will show all the more closeness."
Only then did the Queen's expression soften.
"Since I may walk, say no more and hurry with the preparations."
The Grand Tutor kept her head lowered and paused for a moment.
When she raised her face again, the corners of her mouth, which had fallen a moment ago, were lifted once more.
The smile had returned to her face.
It was scarcely