He knew his father was planning this banquet.
He knew the Emperor's edict would legally bind her to walk directly into the heart of his palace.
The staycation was officially canceled, and the rest was an illusion.
"Ji'an! Did you hear?" General Lin turned to her, his face radiant with joy. "Your brother is coming home! The Emperor himself is throwing us a feast!"
Ji'an stared at her father.
She looked down at her right hand, her fingers twitching instinctively, aching for the cold, heavy, comforting grip of her Black Iron Spatula.
"Father," Ji'an said, her voice entirely flat, a thousand-yard stare locked onto the estate gates. "I need you to tell me exactly how many layers of security the Imperial Palace has."
"What?" General Lin blinked, confused by the question. "The Palace is an impenetrable fortress, Ji'an. There are skilled guards at every door. Why do you ask?"
