Pluck.
Chew.
Pluck.
Chew.
Li Hua sat on the cushioned window seat of her private chambers, methodically working her way through a bowl of frost-berries. Outside, the Bear King's territory sprawled beneath her, rolling hills, dense forests, the distant glint of the river where she had first seen him.
Where was he?
Ten days. He hd been gone for ten days without a word. No explanation. No note. Nothing.
Pluck.
Chew.
The berries were good. Sweet. Slightly tart. Not as good as the ones from the Eastern peaks, but close enough.
Pluck.
The door slammed open.
Li Hua didn't jump. She had learned long ago never to show surprise. Instead, she slowly lifted her gaze from her berries to the massive figure filling her doorway.
Tiě Xióng.
The Bear King looked like he had been dragged through a swamp and then through a war. His fur was matted. His clothes were torn. There were shadows under his eyes that hadn't been there three days ago.
