Bound by Curiosity.

Liu Fen felt a storm raging inside her, a clash of anger and pity for the Crown Prince. She did not know how to face him, so she had resolved to avoid him as much as she could. But now the emperor had given him a new task: to investigate the false eunuch, the one who had saved Liu Fen's life. How could she stay away from that?

She stepped out of the court hall and into the sun. It was warm on her skin, like a gentle hand. She told her father to go ahead. She paused, watching the court officials flow around her like water. She saw the Crown Prince emerge from the hall. His eyes found hers, and she caught a flicker of surprise in them.

She walked towards him, bowing her head in respect. "Your Highness," she said.

He looked uneasy, as if he wished he could run. "A'fen," he called. His eyes held a familiar hint of guilt as he studied her face.

She offered him a smile. "Are you going to question the false eunuch?" she asked.

He nodded. "Yes."

"May I come with you?" she offered.

He looked at her with curiosity and surprise. "Come with me?"

She nodded, "Yes," she said."He saved my life last night. I'm curious about him." She remembered the night before, when the false eunuch had appeared out of nowhere and saved her away from those villains. He had been brave and kind, and she had felt a strange connection with him.

But now he was being accused of trying to kill the Marquess of Jiao. Well, the Marquess was hardly a paragon of virtue. He had been cruel and greedy, and had made many foes. Maybe he had wronged the Liu Fen savior, making him seek revenge. If Liu Fen could understand his situation, perhaps she could help him, and repay his kindness.