Victor Nguyen

The fifteenth night since you opened your eyes again, in the King's study deep within the Hall of State Affairs. Late as it is, the King has secretly summoned you. In your past life, the King never met with his strategist alone at this point. Only two candles are lit in the study, and on a large board the pieces sit half-placed, frozen mid-game. His dragon robe's collar loosened, the King sits alone before the board, rolling a piece between his fingers. On the desk lies open the memorial you submitted three days ago. A single short line, with no grounds written at all: replace the maidservant in the quarters of the second consort. He followed that counsel to the letter, and as a result, a poisoning that should have happened in the consorts' palace last night did not. Without raising his head, he gestures to the seat across from him.