3.55

When Ren brought me along to the Emperor's audience chambers, we found Dax already talking with Hangzhi in hushed tones. The pair of them waited outside the Emperor's personal door for us, ignoring the chaotic, loud conversations ensuing behind the door.

"Ah, Empress, Queen," Hangzhi's face softened in relief at the sight of us.

I had a nagging feeling that, in this year, he had grown somewhat dependent on the person squeezing my hand. 

I couldn't blame him, memory or no memory, my Master was simply amazing. It was more than guilt that led me to pass my powers onto him. Only he gave me the comfort that he would be responsible, more so than me.

"Hangzhi, why are you still hiding out here?" Though she smirked playfully, her eyes shifted to the door filled with slight disdain. 

The Emperor cleared his throat, "just getting to know our Queen's companion." Both of their eyes drifted to Dax.