Secret rendezvous

After dinner, Yetsune sneaks out of the Moon Palace with Nalan. They went through the palace gates using Nalan's token with the excuse that the Noble Consort sent them both on an urgent errand. 

The soldiers at the gate were sceptical but Nalan threatened them with the Emperor's punishment if they cause a delay on the Noble Consort's errand so they finally let them out.

Callan had explained in the letter that his father has found out about their relationship and he had no choice but to avoid her for the time being to protect her. Then he asked that they meet outside the palace in secret.

"I will wait here for you, be quick," Nalan says to Yetsune just before they reach the forest path leading to the creek and hands her a lantern.

She hurries to the secluded creek, lantern raised, its dim glow barely enough to reveal the path. The rustling trees make her jump, the wind's low moan setting her nerves on edge.

"Callan?" she hisses into the dark, uneasy.