Are You Afraid of Needles

"If you weren't there, what would be the point of me staying in that palace of yours?" Han Sen asked distractedly as he turned the needle over in his hands.

"That is my business, just do as you're told," Yisha said.

Han Sen smiled at Yisha. "I must apologize, my Queen. I am a guy who would rather have his freedom and be able to relax as he chooses. I'm not a fan of staying put and looking after something. You should really go and take care of your own palace."

Yisha returned his smile with a wry one of her own. "If I could return, I wouldn't be talking to you right now, would I?"

She started to say something more, but suddenly, Han Sen froze. He was staring at the ghost statue, and with a flick of his wrist, he tossed the needle toward it.