The Lost Piece.

Liu Fen felt a jolt of shock as they stepped into the room. There, in it center, was a wooden post, and tied to it was the eunuch who had saved her life. His blue robes were stained with blood and dirt, and his head hung low, hiding his face behind a few strands of hair. He clutched something in his hand, something that made her heart leap in her chest. A half lotus pendant, the same as the one she wore. The same as the one A'Xin had.

One of the guards lifted the eunuch's head, revealing a pale and dirty face, with traces of blood on the nose and lips."He has yet to regain his senses, Your Highness," the guard reported to the Crown Prince, who stood beside Liu Fen.

A shrill voice came from behind them. It was Miss Ding, who had followed them into the room. "That's him," she said, pointing a trembling finger at the eunuch. "He's the one who held me hostage me by the river."

The Crown Prince took a step closer to the eunuch, prying the half lotus pendant from his grip. He handed it to Liu Fen, who pressed it against her own. The two halves fit together, forming a perfect lotus flower. "It really is A'Xin's pendant," she said, wonder in her voice.

The Crown Prince looked from the pendant to the eunuch, his brow furrowed. "And why does he have it?" he mused aloud.

Liu Fen looked into the eunuch's closed eyes. "Only he can tell us," she said. "But he needs a physician first. He cannot speak like this."

The Crown Prince nodded and turned to his personal guard. "Fetch a physician," he commanded.

"Yes, Your Highness," the guard bowed, and hurried out of the room.