A Gamble

“But if you go, they might kill you…” Shin said.

“Isn’t there someone who can help me?” I asked as a thought struck me.

“You can’t be seriously thinking about…” Shin muttered as he probably caught on to what I was thinking.

“Please, Shin…please help Ren…please help me…” I begged.

“Shit…this is crazy…” Shin said in pure disbelief.

I watched as Shin sprinted off. After he was gone, my legs lost all its strength and I eased down onto a nearby chair and concentrated on keeping my breathing calm. I placed a hand on my tummy as I prayed that all three of us would be safe.

…

**Back to the present**

Everyone looked towards the entrance of the hall, where a frail old woman walked in slowly with her most trusted eunuch supporting her arms on both sides. Despite her age and her weakened body, the Dowager Empress walked with a straight back full of pride.

In unison as if they had practiced it beforehand, everyone stood up from their seat and bowed. Ren and I did the same.

“Mother…” the em