Back in the throne room, Seishan took a step forward and stood in the spot where Cassie had previously kneeled. She did not lower herself, though, remaining upright as she looked up at her mother.
The Queen regarded her with a distant expression. After a while, she sighed.
"I think you have an idea of what has to be done now."
Seishan nodded curtly.
"I do, mother."
Ki Song looked at her and smiled wryly.
"Don't try to fool me with that refined expression, girl. You have not changed at all since you were little like a mouse… come, out with it. I can see that you have questions. Was what I said so surprising?"
Seishan hesitated for a few moments, then bowed slightly and said in a reserved tone:
"Then, I will ask. I do have questions… two of them, to be precise."
The Queen just waited silently. Seishan raised her head and looked at her mother with a hint of a somber emotion in her eyes.
