Sparks of something new.

The festival lights flickered back to life, casting a warm glow over the crowd. But the usual joy and laughter were replaced with an eerie quiet, as if the darkness had left a lingering shadow. Someone, perhaps trying to break the tension, shot off a firework, and the burst of color and sound momentarily lifted the mood. Yet, the unease persisted. People murmured among themselves, attributing the sudden blackout to burnt-out candles or a stray gust of wind. But the explanation didn't quite sit right. Something felt off, like a discordant note in a familiar melody. Rose, still on edge, felt a sudden jolt of surprise as she found herself being held close by none other than Lei. The Empress's embrace was warm and comforting, but it only added to the confusion. Why was Lei holding her so tightly?

As Rose looked up at Lei's face, she saw a mixture of concern and determination etched on her features. Lei's eyes seemed to bore into hers, as if searching for something. The Empress's grip was firm, yet gentle, and Rose felt a strange sense of security in her arms. "What's going on, Lei?" Rose asked, her voice barely above a whisper. Lei's response was a soft whisper in her ear, "I'm not entirely sure. But I think we're in for a long night." As Lei spoke, the fireworks continued to burst in the sky, casting a kaleidoscope of colors over the crowd.

But the joy and laughter were forced, and the silence between the explosions seemed to grow thicker, like a fog that refused to lift.

As the night wore on, the tension slowly eased, and the festival returned to its vibrant self. The music resumed, and the crowd laughed and danced once more. But Rose's eyes kept drifting back to the food stall, where she could have sworn she saw a dark shadow lurking. At first, she thought it was just her imagination playing tricks on her, but as she glanced again, she was certain - someone was standing there, staring creepily at the Empress.

Rose's heart skipped a beat as she shifted closer to Lei, her voice barely audible over the music. "Lei, I think someone's watching you," she whispered, her eyes fixed on the shadowy figure. Lei's gaze flickered uneasily towards the food stall, but she quickly regained her composure, a serene mask slipping back into place. "likely just a curious onlooker, Rose," she replied, her voice calm and steady.

"Let us not worry about it." But Rose noticed Lei's grip on her arm tightened ever so slightly, and her eyes kept darting back to the shadow, her expression a mixture of concern and calculation. The Empress was hiding something, and Rose was determined to find out what.

As the festival drew to a close, the crowd began to disperse, and Lei led Rose back to their carriage. The Empress's demeanor had shifted, her usual stern expression softening into a warm smile. She made jokes and chatted with Rose as if they were old friends, her voice tinged with a gentle humor. As they reached the carriage, Lei turned to Rose, her eyes sparkling with a hint of mischief. She looked Rose up and down, her gaze lingering on her face, and grinned shyly.

"Rose, I must say, you look lovely tonight. The moonlight suits you." Rose's cheeks flushed, surprised by the compliment. "Thank you, Lei," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. Lei's smile grew wider, and she asked, almost hesitantly, "Would you like to stay the night...again? I promise it will be more enjoyable this time." The way Lei phrased it, almost as if Rose had a choice, sent a shiver down her spine.

It was as if the Empress was trying to make amends, to show a more vulnerable side. Rose hesitated, unsure of what to make of this new, softer Lei. "I...I suppose so," Rose replied, her voice cautious. Lei's face lit up, and she nodded, her eyes sparkling with a hint of excitement. "Excellent! I promise you, Rose, tonight will be different. We will talk, and laugh, and perhaps...who knows?" The Empress's words trailed off, leaving Rose wondering what lay ahead, but one thing was certain - this night would be unlike any other.

As they settled back into the palace, Rose braced herself for Lei's usual advances, expecting the Empress to become sensual and eager to bed her. But instead, Lei surprised her by pouring a glass of wine for them both, her movements graceful and relaxed. They undressed into comfortable clothes, and Lei gestured for Rose to join her on the bed.

As they sat down together, Lei's expression transformed, her face radiating a warmth and happiness Rose had never seen before. "You know, Rose," Lei began, her voice gentle and sweet, "I've been thinking. We've been at odds for so long, and I realize now that it was foolish of me to try to control you." Rose's eyes widened in surprise, her mind racing with the implications. "I want us to be friends, Rose," Lei continued, her eyes sparkling with sincerity. "I know it may seem strange, given our past, but I truly believe we could find common ground."

As they sipped their wine, Lei regaled Rose with stories of her childhood, of her parents and her siblings, of the struggles she faced growing up as the future Empress. Rose listened, entranced, feeling a connection to Lei she never thought possible. For the first time, Rose saw Lei as more than just a ruler or a lover - she saw a complex, vulnerable woman, full of hopes and fears. And as they talked long into the night, Rose realized that maybe, just maybe, this unexpected friendship was what she had been searching for all along.

Rose woke up to a gentle warmth, finding herself curled in the Empress's arms. Memories of the previous night flooded her mind, but to her surprise, they were not the usual tumultuous ones. Lei had been gentle, considerate, and caring, asking if she was okay and if there was anything she didn't like. Rose's heart swelled with a newfound appreciation for the Empress.

As she glanced up at the sleeping woman, she couldn't resist laying a gentle kiss on her neck. Lei stirred, her eyes fluttering open, and for a moment, she stared at Rose as if she didn't remember her being there before. Then, recognition dawned, and a soft smile spread across her face. "How did you sleep, Rose?" Lei asked, her voice husky from slumber. Rose smiled, feeling a sense of tranquility wash over her. "I slept the best I ever have, thank you for asking." Lei's eyes crinkled at the corners as she smiled, her gaze lingering on Rose's face.

"I'm glad to hear that. You deserve a good night's rest." As they lay there, wrapped in each other's arms, Rose realized that maybe, just maybe, this newfound connection with Lei was the start of something beautiful. Something that went beyond the usual power struggles and desires. Something that could potentially change the course of their lives forever.

As she gazed into Lei's eyes, Rose's mind suddenly jolted back to Wren. She remembered the young woman she had left behind, the one she had promised to return to. A pang of guilt struck her, followed by confusion. How could she have forgotten Wren, even for a moment? What was happening to her? She felt torn between her loyalty to Wren and this newfound connection with Lei. Rose's thoughts swirled, her emotions in turmoil. She gently extricated herself from Lei's embrace, trying to process her feelings.

"Lei, I...I need some time to think," she stammered, her voice barely above a whisper. Lei's expression turned concerned, but she nodded understandingly. "Of course, Rose. Take all the time you need." Rose nodded, her mind racing with questions. What did this mean for her and Wren? And what did she truly feel for Lei? She needed to find answers, and fast.

Rose hastily dressed and made her way to the women's house, her heart heavy with guilt and confusion. She needed to find Wren, to explain and apologize for her absence. But as she entered the familiar rooms, she was met with an unsettling silence. Wren was nowhere to be found. The matron, who was busy with her needlework, looked up as Rose approached. "Rose, dear, I haven't seen you since last night before we all went to the festival. Where have you been?" Rose's face grew hot with shame.

"I...I stayed with the Empress," she admitted, her voice barely above a whisper. The matron's expression turned concerned. "And Wren? Have you seen her?" Rose shook her head, feeling a sense of dread. "No, that's why I'm here. I can't find her anywhere." The matron's face furrowed with worry. "I haven't seen her since last night either. She was supposed to return with the others, but...I don't know, dear. Maybe she's out for a walk or something." But Rose knew Wren wouldn't just disappear without a word. Something was wrong, and she needed to find her.