Dawn crept across the imperial palace grounds, its light yet to reach Empress Wei's private chambers. She sat motionless at her desk, her hand resting idly against the polished wood. Her anger had calmed down since Yu gave up the Imperial Jade Sword the Emperor had given him. She could see Yu's point about governing without relying on a symbol. In fact, it was what she had done for the Empire.
But now Wei's face twitched with annoyance. For some reason, the ministers had excluded her from getting involved in the planning for the Viper King's ceremony. After years of carefully placed words and strategic favors that kept the imperial coffers full and borders secure, she found herself increasingly pushed aside.
