Chapter 11 — Secrets and Alliances

The palace corridors were dim and empty as Commander Wuji rushed along. His thoughts tumbled through his mind as he walked, each step getting him nearer to learning some truth he wasn't certain he was prepared for.

In the corner of Prince Lei Yǔlín's room, Wuji finally caught sight of the prince lost in thought, gazing out at the moonlit courtyard.

"Your Highness," Wuji started out, his eyes narrowed, "I must have a word with you."

Yǔlín swung his head around, his golden eyes narrowed and expressionless. "What?"

Wuji drew nearer, his voice dropping to a whisper. "The woman in your room — Su Shu. I happened to see the blood on the floor upon arrival. And," he paused, his eyes serious, "in the same place where the assassin was wounded she also got a scar. Coincidence?"

Yǔlín's face was still placid, but his jaw clamped.

"I never underestimated you once, Wuji," Yǔlín said, crossing his arms. "You are correct. She was the assassin."

Wuji raised an eyebrow. "And still, you keep her alive. Why?"

Yǔlín relaxed back in his chair, eyes sparkling. "Because it's possible that she is worth more alive."

Wuji smirked but said no more. He drew back, his face expressionless. "Very well, then. But be careful. The queen is becoming impatient. If it gets back to her…"

"I'll take care of it," Yǔlín said sternly.

---

Meanwhile in the main hall, King Lei Moyao was seated with his most trusted advisors. His voice was firm but tinged with tension.

"The assassination attempt was not just an act of desperation," he said. "Forces in the palace itself, in the kingdom itself, are against us. I do not trust some of my commanders."

Murmurs ran through the council. Wuji's eyes flashed momentarily at Xiéyàn, who was outwardly composed.

"Keep on with the military training," said the king. "We have to prepare for anything."

---

In Yǔlín's room, Su Shu and Yǔlín faced each other across the room with an underlying tension.

"So," Yǔlín said coldly. "Wuji nearly caught on. You have to be more careful."

Su Shu clenched her fists, glaring at him. "I don't need your protection."

Yǔlín's golden eyes grew dark. "You require something more. If Wuji joins the lines together, you won't survive the night."

Su Shu's jaw clenched, but she remained silent. Was this prince truly protecting her, or simply using her?

---

In a dark chamber well away from the throne room, Commander Xiéyàn summoned his faithful followers. He spoke in his low, commanding voice.

"The king's suspicion is slight, but increasing. We move quicker now. The North is ours, and before long, much more."

His supporters nodded, their eyes sparkling with ambition.

---

The shadow game had started — and nobody was exempt.