The palace sent someone.
Imperial Father had summoned Xiao Limo. I gasped for air, panic seizing my throat. "Limo, don't go. Let's run."
His smile vanished. His face went sharp and focused. "All under heaven is the Emperor's land. We cannot run forever."
I seized his wrist. "If you go, I go with you."
He rested his chin against my forehead. "Don't be afraid."
* * *
Four red walls. The crippling weight of imperial authority. The Palace of Heavenly Purity was unlit. The dragon throne gleamed faintly in the gloom. Imperial Father sat upon it, his face unreadable in the shadows.
Xiao Limo and I knelt together.
"Your servant, Xiao Limo."
"This commoner, Hua Li Zhi."
"Greets His Majesty."
Imperial Father walked down the steps, one by one, stopping before us. A long time passed before he spoke. "My dear Minister Xiao. You have deceived me for a very long time."
My head snapped up. "Your Majesty. The Xiao family has served with absolute loyalty for generations. Limo had no other choice."
"Oh? Who forced his hand? Are you saying I did?"
Xiao Limo's expression was glacial as he looked up at the Emperor. "Your Majesty. This matter has nothing to do with Princess Hua Shu. Your servant willingly accepts punishment."
Imperial Father threw his head back and laughed. He looked at me as if I were a stranger. "Hua Shu has been dead for half a year. What princess is here?"
My heart seized. I smiled, the expression ghastly and white. "Yes. Hua Shu died a long time ago."
He could not bear to look at me then. His brow furrowed. "Guards. Take her away."
Where? I won't go.
I caught the hem of his dragon robe. My voice broke on a sob. "Father. Xiao Limo just won a war for you in the north. Father, please let him go. I will take him away from Luoyang and we will never come back."
His eyes narrowed. "Hua Shu. You made me that promise once before. Guards! Take her away!"
Xiao Limo looked at me. His smile was as pure as the first day I had met him. "Trust me."
I trust you. But I do not trust my father.
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