“Your majesty.”

“What is it eunuch Van?”

“The…Princess Rowena has entered the palace.” I didn’t answer. What was it to do with me? I hadn’t given my consent one-way or the other, could never bring myself to say the words.

“There’s something else. She’s requested to stay in the Orchid Palace until the nuptials.” I tore out of my chair and ran from the throne room where I’d been sitting in contemplation. I hadn’t been kidding when I told my ...