They all rose early whilst darkness still blanketed them to raise candles for the dead, and the able retrieved anything useful from the bodies. When the sun peeked over the horizon, the encampment was packed and ready to go. Liqin rode at the front, the imperial flag bearers behind her. She missed Jin's solid presence at her back; he currently rode at the back with the rest of the soldiers.

     The sun traveled languidly across the sky, and Liqin's legs and backside ached more and more. The hot rays beat down on the army. Sweat soaked Liqin's clothes beneath her armor, and her lips were parched. She reached to the side and drunk greedily from her water skin.

     "General." Commander Xifang approached Liqin's horse. His usually ruddy face was redder than ever from the heat. "We approach Hu'an. Perhaps another hour or so. Would you like us to stop to rest or continue forward?"

     Liqin glanced backward at her weary men. A few of the younger ones looked like they were about to slide out of their saddles. "We'll stop," she said, pulling the reins. "Please spread the word. We will rest for ten minutes and continue on our way."

     Xifang nodded and began shouting orders. Liqin slid off her steed, giving him an affectionate ruffle of the mane as she led him to a nearby tree and secured him to a low branch. After leaving a few apples for him, Liqin sat against the tree's trunk, enjoying the shade of the leaves. She munched peacefully on an apple.

     An acorn fell and hit her nose. "Jin, come down. You're so heavy, you'll snap whatever branch you're on."

     A curtain of dark locks dropped from above as Jin swung upside-down, hanging only by the backs of his knees. Liqin wrinkled her nose. "Gross, your hair is getting in the dirt."

     "Were you insinuating I'm fat, princess?"

     "Yes, I was!" she stated haughtily, tilting her chin upward. "You're acting too much like a monkey. Come down before people start making fun of you."

     "But as long as you don't think I'm a monkey, I can keep dropping acorns on you, right?"

     Liqin, frustrated, chucked the half-eaten apple at his head. It made a satisfying bonk, and startled, Jin lost his focus and crashed into the ground. Liqin picked up the apple and gave it to her horse.

     "What was that for?" Jin scowled. "I almost broke my spine. Then there wouldn't be anyone for you to tease."

     Liqin nonchalantly brushed off her hands. "Good riddance, I suppose." She stifled her laughter, but she stopped abruptly when Jin rose to his feet. To look at him, she needed to crane her head back quite a bit.

     Flames burned in his irises. "Good riddance, hm?" His voice was low and dangerous. Liqin swallowed. Since when did he get so much taller?

     "You're not as short as you used to be," she said weakly.

     "You're damn right. Now, about hitting me in the head –"

     Liqin was saved when Xifang called, "Troops, move out!" She childishly stuck out her tongue at Jin and raced to undo the ropes tying her warhorse to the tree. "Sucker. Catch you later!"

     He growled playfully but straightened and readjusted the straps of his armor. Jin disappeared into the throng of bustling soldiers. Liqin vaulted onto her saddles, gathering the reins in one hand and hooking her feet into the stirrups. There was clamorous ringing of armor as the soldiers settled.

     "To home!" Liqin bellowed and nudged the sides of her horse.

     The moment the gates of Hu'an were opened, the Kou army was met with thunderous cheering. They entered the city at a moderate pace, Liqin at the head. The roars began to crescendo, and everyone sat up a little straighter. The flagbearers proudly waved the empire colors, the red and black silk shimmering in the sunlight.

     Her people threw up vibrant pieces of confetti that rained down upon them. Liqin laughed as she plucked a bright green piece from her midnight tresses. The crowd chanted, "Li-qin! Li-qin!" She swelled with pride and joy, and she resisted the urge to shout along with them. 

     By the time they reached the heart of the city, only Liqin and Jin remained, the others having left to reunite with their loved ones. Liqin slid out of her saddle and handed the reins to a stable boy. Jin followed suit, always keeping a few steps behind her as she trekked up the palace steps.

     She turned to glance at him. "You don't have to come," she said. Jin shook his head.

     "It's my duty, princess." They shared a quick smile.

     Emperor Kou was seated upon his throne when they reached the throne room. There were dancers dressed in swirling turquoise fabric dancing to some exotic music in the background. A line of musicians playing the drums and zither were to the side.

     Liqin's muddy boots left painfully obvious prints in the pristine carpet. At the foot of the steps leading to the throne's dais, she and her companion knelt, arms folded in front with respect.

     "General Liqin greets Emperor!" she declared. "Honorable Father, we have returned victorious from the battle with Liang."

     The Emperor held up one hand, silencing the music. "You may leave," he stated.

     "Yes," the entertainment chorused as they backed out while bowing. Emperor Kou stroked his grizzled beard.

     "Very good, General. That's another merit to tuck under your belt. Rise, daughter."

     "Thank you, Honorable Father." Liqin rose, her heart aching for Jin who remained in an uncomfortable kneeling position. His head remained down, but she saw the fist in his palm tighten in annoyance.

     "Liqin, since you've done well, what reward would you like? Gold, jewels, pearls, coral, anything you'd like." His voice was cold and apathetic, like he just wanted to appease her to get her out of his way.

     Liqin desperately wanted to say she wanted to hold a spot in his heart, to be showered with fatherly affection. But of course, she wouldn't receive anything of the like. She considered carefully. It wouldn't be in her favor to ask for something too large.

     "I wish to see Honorable Mother," she blurted. The Emperor frowned.

     "I'm afraid that is not possible. The Empress wishes to remain spend some time in solitude."  

     "Dare I ask why, sire? She's been sick for months. Last time I saw her was in April before I left for war. She should have recovered by now. I miss her greatly."

     Again, he shook his head. "That's not possible. You should ask for another favor."

     "But why? If there's such a serious illness ailing her, I should go fetch the Imperial Physician –"

     "I said no!" Emperor Kou half rose from his throne, his expression livid. "Forget it. Leave before I throw you into Xiayu prison!"

     Liqin internally recoiled, anger coloring her cheeks. But she bowed again. "Thank you, Honorable Father."

     She motioned for Jin to rise before turning her back and storming out of the hall before the Emperor could see her tears.

so, in case you were wondering, everything is super formal for a reason. Liqin keeps saying "Honorable Father" as a term of respect. It's the only thing she calls Emperor Kou. I hope in this chapter I've given more insight into what kind of relationships Liqin has with the other characters.

I may have also forgotten to put how to say Jin, so here it is: Jin= jeen

I'm appalled at how excited you guys are for this story, thank you for your love and support <3