3.22

The pink jade token in my hand was so dainty and intricately carved with a dragon. This was one given to the female servants of concubines since the concubines themselves were not allowed out of the palace grounds. 

I stared up at the big, red gates of the Li Clan. The two guards looked at me apprehensively, likely due to the fact I'd been dressed up as a female maid and they were used to me dressed as a young boy.

Taking a deep breath, I took a step forward to introduce myself. Before I could speak, the door flung open and Helios jumped into my unprepared arms. He almost made me fall as I adjusted myself to hold his sudden weight.

"Where were you, mommy?" He sobbed hysterically in my arms. My heart panged hearing him call me that.

The prime minister stood flustered, his robe askew, at the entrance. 

"Well come in," he huffed, waving his arms and stepping back, ignoring the curious side glances from the guards.