The door opened with a creak, and a pair of heavy boots sounded in the hall. Yǔlín's eyes met with Su Shu's. Without any notice, he took a step, trapping her to the cold stone wall. One of his hands was by her head, the other cupped over her mouth.
"Shut up," he hissed, his yellow eyes sharp and hard.
Su Shu's heart was beating with such force as the guards passed the door. She could smell the prince's cologne, a cocktail of smoke and bitter herbs. Why would he help me? Who is this guy? She couldn't see his face under the dark mask, but there was no mistaking his aura — cold, strong, dangerously still.
Outside, the guards grumbled, "No sign the intruder. Keep searching." I heard them walk away down the hall.
Yǔlín kept Su Shu for a few long seconds before set her free. Her legs were unsteady from blood loss, and she stumbled forward. But she would not fall, staring up at him. "Why did you help me?"
Yǔlín cocked his head, a smirk hidden in the corner of his mouth under the mask. "Help you? I just wasn't in the mood to clean up a dead body this night."
Su Shu swallowed, her eyes wetting. She couldn't tell if he was toying with her or didn't actually care. Either way, she had to escape. But her legs gave out.
Yǔlín helped her before she landed on the floor. He frowned as he studied her blood-streaked, pale face. "Tch. Weak."
But before he could utter another sound, Su Shu's eyes rolled to the back, and she fell into his arms.
---
Back in the Throne Room...
Queen Lei Feng burst into the hall and the air was full of her black wings. Supreme General Kǒngyún was already present, accompanied by a group of soldiers.
"Kǒngyún," she whispered, fire in her eyes. "Why have you taken arms to assassinate the king?"
The guards stared at each other in disbelief. There was a murmur through the room.
Kǒngyún's jaw tightened. "My queen, what do you mean? I am most loyal to King Moyao." I would never betray him."
Queen Feng's eyes were frigid, but a small, malicious smile danced on her lips. "We shall see."
There was a sense of electricity in the air, the guards stood stock still as they both watched their queen and general spar.