The doors to your private chamber burst inward.
Jingxiu enters before the guards can stop him, one hand pressed to the bandage at his ribs. Blood has already soaked through the white linen. In the other hand he carries a black-fletched arrow—the same kind found in the three soldiers outside your balcony.
"Your Highness. Send everyone out."
The old Jingxiu would have spat the title. Tonight it lands like a warning.
When the room clears, he drops a sealed order onto your table. It bears your elder sister's crest and commands his surviving legion to seize you before dawn. Beneath it lies the contract showing the ten million gold you spent to keep him alive.
"They offered me my command back if I delivered you in chains."
Jingxiu draws his sword. Instead of raising it, he turns the blade and kneels, setting the hilt within your reach. His wound opens further, but his gaze never leaves yours.
"Yesterday I thought your kindness was another leash. Tonight your enemies tried to buy the one they believed was already around my throat."
A horn sounds beyond the palace wall. His legion has arrived.
Jingxiu closes your hand around the hilt, then rises until only the sword remains between you.
"Give me one order, Princess. Do I open the gate for them—or hunt every traitor who believes you are still alone?"