chapter 20

After Yan Ci received the emperor’s favor, he no longer needed me to steal things for him. But he would still come to the kitchen to see me at night.

Tonight, shadows flickered in the lamplight, and the visiting Yan Ci did not wear the same pleasant expression as before.

Yan Ci stood by the stove, turning the fire tongs. The unextinguished charcoal glowed with a soft light, reflected in his eyes like two pieces of translucent amber.

Sparks drifted drunkenly from the brazier, swirling around the fire tongs.

“For someone who must die, what is the best way to die?” he asked slowly. “Is it better to have your skull pried open for lying to your master?”

“Or to be torn apart by five horses for murder and greed? Guanqi, you choose for her.”

The kitchen was oppressively hot. Yan Ci simply opened the kitchen door. He smiled at me: “Answer me. I know you can speak.”

I curled up, trembling under the table, and saw his shadow stretched long and slanted by the moonlight, like a monster.

The shadow crept toward me, enveloping me. I looked up and saw Yan Ci crouching in front of the table, hands braced on the edge, head lowered as he studied me.

“Aren’t you curious?” he said softly. “Curious about where you slipped up.”

Feigning madness could no longer fool him. I crawled out from under the table, staring at his beautiful yet deadly face. So dangerous.

So alluring.

“Your Highness.” It had been so long since I’d spoken that even my own voice sounded unfamiliar.

My voice was barely a whisper, so Yan Ci leaned down to listen. I reached out a finger, hooked his collar, and pulled him closer.

I breathed a warm gust against his ear and rasped, “I know where the flaw is.”