"When the Emperor asked, why didn't you tell the truth?"
"A daughter's reputation is the most important. If word gets out, Ayu will have no way to live. Dead either way, I could only take a gamble. Besides, no one else saw." Fengyu's expression faltered, hesitation crossing her face, as though she'd seen something yet feared it. "But..."
"But what?" The Third Prince asked urgently.
"Ayu's parents are stationed at the frontier, and by rights, I didn't qualify to attend the banquet at the palace. But the Crown Princess Consort singled me out by name to invite me. I don't even know her. That day, after I jumped out of the window, my mind was in disarray, and Ayu... may have seen the Crown Prince outside the hall..." Fengyu raised her eyes just slightly, glancing at the Third Prince's face and, startled, covered her mouth as if frightened.
"What did you say? Brother was outside the hall?" The Third Prince narrowed his eyes. "Are you certain?"
