Now a hush fell over the room as men whispered in disbelief. I indicated to eunuch Van that he should open the doors and let the others waiting there come in.

Prince Javan entered with a figure at his side, shrouded in a shawl that covered her completely. “Your Majesty, your servant has returned from the errand you sent him on.”

He and the figure bowed before me. “Remove the shawl.” There was a loud gasp in the room from both the Grand Empress dowager and Prince Loren ...