Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 6

spilled before he stopped it and slipped the vial back into his sleeve. He didn't have to turn to feel Minh's approving smile.
    There was another stare on him, however, one with enough intensity to make him feel completely exposed. No one met his eyes though when he made a quick sweep of the lower tables. To his right, Tuan was fully and completely occupied by his food. A glance up to the upper platform reserved for the Empress showed that she was deep in discussion.
    He was being paranoid. The one failing of treason was the fear that everyone was looking for you. Chien stood gracefully to his feet and walked to Tuan's table. Tuan barely acknowledged his presence as he knelt to sit beside him. "Cousin."
    Tuan turned to face him at last, cold indifference upon his face. Unlike his brother, he had never seen the purpose in learning to deal with people. His strength had always scared off those who his position had not managed to. "Go back to your seat, Chien." He growled. Chien knew his mother had ordered them to present a polite image in front of others. Chien had his supporters as well and the belief that the son of the former emperor supported the current Empress kept more rebellions at bay.
    "I have brought you a drink. A wish of good luck for your battle tomorrow."
    Tuan looked sullenly at Minh surrounded by courtiers. "I thought you were in league with my brother."
    "Minh is far too smug. His pride will lead him to a swift defeat."
    "Does he still believe he can defeat me?" Tuan scoffed.
    "He has spoken of nothing but," Chien replied. "He believes you are so slow witted that you will not wake in time for your duel."
    "That fool." Tuan slammed his hand into his table and the wood cracked.
    "I do not believe such things, however." It was pathetic to see how Tuan's eyes lit with hope. "I much prefer to side with strength."
    Tuan took the cup from his hand and stared at it for a long moment. "Why is that, cousin?"
    "When the dragon ascended he mandated that the Throne of a Thousand Swords serve as his claw, delivering justice in his name. The man who sits upon that throne must be strong. Minh is a coward."
    "That he is." Tuan gave him a half smile then threw the drink back with a gulp. "I will show you tomorrow cousin. You have chosen well."
    Chien bowed his head in recognition and stood. "I shall leave you to your meal cousin."
    Tuan did not answer, his attention returned to the bowl that had been set in front of him. Chien returned to his seat. When Minh gave him a questioning look, Chien nodded subtly. Now that one had been taken care of, he would have to deal with the other. Only by taking care of the both of them would the first phase of his revenge against his aunt be complete.
    When the courtiers that had surrounded Minh thinned, Chien stood once more, taking one last drink of his own cup before he travelled to his cousin's table and knelt beside it. "Chien!" Minh scolded, 'You should not be here so openly!"
    "I apologize, cousin. It was simply," he paused and shook his head, "No, perhaps you are right. Tuan's words a moment ago confused me, but you must be right." He made to stand, setting his hand down on the table to steady him.
    Minh's hand slammed over his own just as he had predicted. "No, the mistake has been made. Now what did my brother say to you."
    "That it was just as well that I side with him since you have no chance of victory in your duel."
    Minh tried to laugh it away, but the sound came out bitter, "No chance? The fool. He will certainly see his error in the morning won't he?"
    "I think so too, but what if he does—"
    "He will not win this duel!" Minh interrupted sharply. Chien jumped at his sudden volume and the table shook, Minh's glass tipping over.
    "Chien! You fool!" Servants swarmed in to assist them in cleaning up the mess and a new glass was quickly brought. In the ensuing chaos, Chien got his hand over the opening of the glass.
    Someone grabbed him hard by his arm and the vial slipped from his fingers. There was a surge of panic, of fear, before he watched it roll neatly under the table. Only then did he look up at his captor. Bao did not appear amused. "Your Empress, it appears the prince has overindulged. If you would permit me to escort him to his room?"
    Mai seemed both annoyed and grateful, "If you would please, General." Her expression made it clear that Chien would face the brunt of her anger in the morning when she was not surrounded by courtiers. "I do hope you will reflect