37

The door fell open and moonlight poored into the limited opening from a open window.  The scenery outside of it was beautiful, but it was drafty so she closed the shutters.  The door shut behind her and locked itself again.  It was like being inside of a tomb as there was stone on every side of her.  She could hear the echo of her own heart as it beat heavily inside of her.

Yan Sha felt around again and found a soft bed that had been made up for her to sleep so she collapsed and fell into a deep dreamless sleep.

As she closed her eyes she heard a faint clink, like something had opened.  She knew she needed to be alert, but she was just too tired.  The exhaustion more than she'd considered.

=//=

"Your highness what is the meaning of this?  I have spent over fifteen years doing every command at your whim.  My whole life is devoted to you.  Please you cannot do this to the empress.  The harem will not stand i