After Li'ren is taken away by her mother, Kri'a goes to have a meeting with her own mother, the Empress. There she receives an unwelcome shock, and has to face her share of royal anger. Settling in to her life in the palace, Li'ren is introduced to her duties as her mother's assistant, while trying to balance it with the rigors of intense study. Another chance meeting between her and the princess presents itself, and Li'ren learns something surprising about her.

So sorry this took so long. I've been moving so writing has been very slow lately. >.<