Chapter 43

• Forest's pov
• The Empress’s quarters were quiet at this hour, cloaked in the scent of camellias and a hush that seemed to scold even the wind outside. A maid bowed deeply, slipping away as soon as I crossed the threshold.
• She was alone, exactly how she preferred to deal with me. Her back was straight despite the years behind it, her hair pinned flawlessly in the style she had worn even when I was a boy clutching at her sleeve.