In Darkness

Behind You

AN: Can anyone begin to see the point where BQ begins to not be able to bear killing MY? Because it's happening even though BQ doesn't realize it is. The first banquet is meant to be uneventful for a reason -- BQ is still following QC's orders and needs to get MY to lower his guard (a near impossible feat IMO).

"Gugu!" Shao Xing beams when she returns to her room, "The dress you requested is ready."

Bai Qian nods quietly, taking off her earrings and setting them down in the box. There's something that will come later tonight if she stays, and she's dreading the cold that will follow.

By not taking her chance, she's sinned against her people, and the thought leaves her wary. She may be the queen, but she's always made a note to follow the laws as her people did; she wouldn't be exempt from her own choices.

"Li Jing is here with Princess Yan Zhi, did you hear?"

"I did," Bai Qian speaks quietly as she takes off her outer robes and gown, casting a spell to leave them folded neatly on her bed before walking over to the small hanging rack that held her outfit for the night. Putting on the gown first, she accepts Xing'er's help, "I also heard that we had a different visitor..."

"Don't be worried, Gugu, I've already instructed for her to be as out of sight as possible. Her brother will be dining with Yan Zhi, though."

Nodding, she pulls on the robes that go over the gown carefully, straightening out the belt when Shao Xing ties it over her waist. Reaching for her cloak to keep her warm, she hesitates.

"What's the matter?" Shao Xing's voice is as soft as it had always been.

Shaking her head, Bai Qian shudders softly before returning to the small box that held her jewelry, "They'll be there tonight... on top of that, we'll be using the everlasting ice later on."

Shao Xing stops, looking up at her in recognition as a silent beat passes them both. Moving quietly, she kneels down at her side before bowing, catching Bai Qian by surprise.

"Get up, Xing'er," Bai Qian's voice is wary as she attempts to guide her with her hand only for her arm to remain stubbornly on the floor.

"Gugu, the old phoenix warned you of the cold after Susu's fall from the terrace. Please, you have to ask Xuan Nu for mercy on behalf of your family lineage."

"I've already given birth to a son." Bai Qian straightens, putting on a mask of calm collectedness, "Xuan Nu is merciless, but this also can't be overlooked."

Shao Xing sinks deeper into the floor, "Gugu, I'm sure she can come up with a better option if you jus-"

"-Enough." Returning to the small box, she pulls out a familiar fox-shaped headpiece before handing it to Xing'er in an attempted distraction, "Come, help me get ready."

"Yes, Gugu..."

o~O~o

Bai Qian stops in her tracks when she realizes Xuan Nu is using the spell to mimick her face. She's late, but the help is appreciated. Glancing towards the main gates, she lets out a sigh of relief when she recognizes the Lord of Stags cultivation before tsking and grabbing his attention. Arms folded, she gestures with her head for him to follow her to one of the empty, secluded hallways away from the main hall where the banquet was being held. Once he catches up to her, she offers him a small smile, "You, too?"

"The Ghost Lord Li Jing and the Wolf Queen are both trying to get the warhorses you requested."

"If the Wolf Queen gets them, we'll have too much trouble on our hands..." She already knew about Li Jing receiving the small territory that bordered Qing Qiu. It was a good move on Qing Cang's part, as he'll probably be too busy drowning himself in his harem and ruling over the lands he has now to compete for the rest of the Ghost Realm. Although Li Jing wasn't his favorite child by any means, at least there probably wouldn't be a fight for the leading position.