The white cat

Yetsune sits in the moonlit courtyard while Erya's asleep in her room. The recent events weigh heavily on her mind—Lord Azryn, hurt by her deceit, and the Noble Consort, anxious for her son. Her thoughts drift to the consequences of her deception being exposed. 

Will the Noble Consort who has shown her maternal affection turn her away? What of Cirdan, who now sees her as a sister? The thought of losing his friendship saddens her. Even Nalan and Attendant Nan, who already consider her and Erya part of the Moon Palace family? 

She closes her eyes, recalling the hurt in Lord Azryn's eyes when she fell silent at his question. The memory sends a pang of guilt through her heart

A soft meow interrupts her brooding. She looks around, searching for the source of the sound. The meowing continues, drawing her gaze to a cluster of small plants near the courtyard entrance.