28
Jian
Leaving Hua felt wrong, like he was letting her down.
But he wasn’t the only person scared for her. His footsteps echoed off the low stone ceiling as he thundered up the stairs.
The guard led him to the palace grand entry where a number of people hovered near the ornate gold-framed doors. Empress Yanyu was the first to see him. Just what Jian needed. He’d avoided being in her scathing presence since coming to the palace in search of Hua, but she had to know he was there.
A flash of distaste crossed the old empress’ face as she rushed toward him. “Jian Li,” she barked. “This palace is sacred ground in Piao. We cannot allow just any farmer to walk through the doors searching for a consort’s bastard.”
Ah, yes. Their time apart hadn’t improved their relationship. But Jian had no
