He had no answer for her. In truth, he had been wondering the same thing. Before meeting her, the idea of seducing a virgin–much less a potential imperial concubine–held no appeal whatsoever. But this was different. Chen Ji Yue was very different indeed.
Without a way to answer her, he dodged the question. “Many girls have asked for baths after their examination,” he said. “I can take you to the bathing chambers now so that you can wash in private. I must see to the removal of the girls dismissed at lunch. You will have as much privacy as can befound in the Forbidden City.”
Did she notice he’d avoided an answer? Of course, she did, but there was nothing she could do to force him when even he didn’t know his motivations. In the end, she nodded her acceptance.
“That would be acceptable.”
She even sounded like an Empress, which was an impressive feat given what she’d just endured. He knew of no other virgin who had been so composed after the examination. Or one who would dare to hit him with a plate.
He smiled at that, taking a moment to wipe the last of the blood from his face before he escorted her to the bathing area. She walked meekly behind him, but he was attuned to every sound in the Forbidden City. He knew she followed him though her steps were nearly silent. And he guessed she was memorizing where they went, moving quickly through the less travelled paths.
When they arrived at the bathing area, he ordered fine linens for her use and special foods for her lunch. And then in an act of supreme self-sacrifice, he left her alone. For now...
