Night descended over the Demon Realm like a dark mantle. Torches flickered in the throne hall, their shadows like writhing serpents on the obsidian floor. Commander Xiéyàn stood at the foot of the throne, head bowed in the deep habit of respect.
Speak," commanded King Lei Moyao.
Xiéyàn raised his head. "During the final sweep the guard noticed pale blood leading into Prince Lei Yǔlín's personal quarters."
The King straightened. "Why wasn't it reported at once?"
There was no proof at the time," Xiéyàn said. "But I've gathered suspicious signs since then. The prince was having the maids bring in the apparel for the ladies. On several occasions. Things no servant would need—hair oil, silk, and such. Food and personal items were said to be brought and given, too, though no official guest was invited."
The eyebrows of the king furrowed. "A woman, in his quarters?"
I believe he is hiding someone," Xiéyàn said cautiously. "Someone who has reason for staying in the background. Someone perhaps connected with the assassination." So you're staying the the first assassin was a woman ? -king moyao
Xiéyàn replied yes your Highness, her moves weren't as sharp as it should be
Moyao's face turned serious. "You believe he is hiding the killer
Xiéyàn bent his head once again. "It could be worse still. What if he helped her?"
There was an oppressive, endless silence between them.
The King then thundered, "Bear in mind whether my very own son planned against me."
"I wish it were not the case," Xiéyàn replied sombrely. "But we cannot turn our backs on reality."
Moyao rose up, his countenance an uncontrollable storm.
Arrest them. Both of them, alive. If my son is not guilty, he will account for what he has done. If he is, however."
Su Shu sat beside the window, moonlight reflecting its silvery gleam on her face. Her disguise as the palace-maid still clung, albeit the agitated posture betrayed the workings of mind into it.
Yǔlín leaned against the far wall, folding his arms. His golden eyes had gazed at the moon for no more than an hour.
She replied finally, "You've been quiet."
He would not look at her. "There is something in the air. Something rotting beneath perfumes."
She rose, walking towards his direction. "Are we still safe?"
"No," was his blunt response. "Someone is coming."
Bivariate
The door slammed open. Guards stormed in. Steel flashed in torchlight. Behind them, Commander Xiéyàn stepped forward, narrowing his eyes.
"Prince Lei Yǔlín," he declaimed, "you stand accused of concealment of crime and conspiracy to commit treason against the Demon Throne."
The hand of Su Shu went towards a hidden dagger, however, Yǔlín intercepted it before it could be lifted.
"Not here, not now," he whispered.
Xiéyàn turned his attention towards Su Shu. "And so is she."
Yǔlín gazed back at her, unwavering. "You're going to have to try harder than that to call me treasonous."
Xiéyàn's tone turned icy. "His Majesty himself gave the order."
The shackles were sophisticated. Yǔlín stretched out his wrists willingly. Su Shu hesitated—but the circle of knives left her no choice.
Whispers dogged them like ghosts as they were tied and dragged away into the palace.
The prince—under
The assassin was within the palace the whole time?
What is currently happening in the Demon Realm?
Above, above the curving screen of wood, Queen Lei Feng sat still, expression blank. Her motion was merely the slight movement of her fan, hiding even the merest glint of sadness
Elsewhere, in an old, forgotten hallway
A lone maid stood motionlessly, gazing back as she witnessed the prince being arrested. She turned, hurrying along, and disappeared in an enclosed passage.
She never ceased until she reached an unlit room—a place where there was a hooded figure near the hearth.
"They have been arrested," she whispered.
The figure nodded purposefully. "Excellent. The noose grows tighter."
At its very core, the figure in the mask was on its knee in front of a throne draped in silk and shadows.
Both the prince and the girl were arrested, and Xiéyàn is positive he uncovered it on his own… just as we wanted him to believe it was his own doing.
A still moment.
A soft, genderless tone then responded, speaking from beyond the veil. Great. At last, the mask begins to crack—and with it, the Demon Realm trembles.