Bad News

The Empress was not surprised. She didn't even blink at the confession. She maintained her current posture and expression.

"Lady Ge, you are no longer a child. You can't expect to get everything that you desire at your whim and fancy," the Empress softly said. She reached a hand out and clasped it over Lady Ge Beining's hands.

The Empress's heart stung when she saw the tears in Lady Ge Beining's gaze. The lady-in-waiting rarely cried, and if she did, it was for an exceptional cause. "You can't have him, child."

Lady Ge Beining rapidly shook her head. She rose to her feet, her lips trembling like her watery eyes. "I'm so sorry, Your Grace," she whispered as she approached the Empress.

Not a second later, Lady Ge Beining dropped to her knees as she clasped her hands over the Empress in a desperate plea. "This heart of mine beats for no one but the Crown Prince, Your Grace! I do not want anyone but him—"