Everyone in the room quickly stood and bowed toward the entrance with expressions of shock on their faces. The only exception was Yuelan. She’d been informed beforehand that the emperor would be coming to help her celebrate her birthday.

“You may all rise,” the emperor declared as he walked toward Yuelan, who was still seated. He gave her a slight bow. “I am here today to help celebrate the birthday of the dragon priestess. It would not be so much of a joyous occasion if everyone spent their time paying respects to me.”

Yuelan smiled and nodded her head. “Welcome, Your Majesty. Thank you for coming.”

“I would not miss it, Priestess. I hope you have had an enjoyable birthday so far.” The emperor gestured and a eunuch came forward holding a pillow with a delicate, jeweled box placed on it. “I, too, have brought you a gift to celebrate. Though I suppose in this case it is more an act of returning something to its owner. This was discovered in my treasury. I understand it belonged to the first priestess.”

The eunuch stepped forward, bowed, and offered the gift to Yuelan, who gestured for Camphor to step up and receive it and bring it to her.

“I have had an enjoyable birthday. And Prince Guangfeng gave the gift with the most value to me.” Yuelan looked over at the third prince with a gentle expression before turning her attention back to the box and studying it. The box was beautiful, but had no obvious lock or way to open it. A puzzle box. She smiled.

“And what was that?” Longuo’s emperor looked over at his son with an approving gaze.

“A letter from my father. This is the first time I have ever celebrated my birthday without his presence, so it made me very happy to have some piece of him after all.” Yuelan turned the puzzle box around, gliding her fingers along its surface as she searched for the way to open it. “Is this box the gift itself? Or is there something in it as well?”

The emperor chuckled. “I honestly do not know. Nobody has been able to figure out how to open it since it was found.”

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Yuelan’s smile grew. “So the box is the gift. That’s alright. I enjoy puzzles. Thank you, your majesty.”

“I’m glad you like it.” The emperor’s eyes took on a teasing glint to them. “Since Guangfeng pleased you so much with his gift, I don’t suppose you would consider moving the wedding date forward?”

“No, I won’t. I still have one more year before I come of age and my father has the same amount of time before his term as prime minister is up. I don’t wish to get married without my father present.”

The emperor sighed and nodded. “I understand. I shall just have to be patient then.”

Yuelan nodded too. “Thank you for your understanding, Your Majesty.”

“I will not stay. I have delivered my gift to you and will leave to allow your guests to relax and enjoy your banquet.” The emperor nodded his head to her and headed out of the hall.

“Be well, Your Majesty.” Yuelan leaned back in her chair and watched the emperor leave.

Once the emperor had gone the hall grew quite loud exclaiming over the fact that he had been present. Everyone was surprised and there were quick discussions about how to treat Yuelan in the future.

Guangfeng stepped back to Yuelan’s side and smiled at her. “Did you know he was coming?”

She nodded. “Of course. I was informed two days ago that he intended to attend.”

“It’s quite an honor for the emperor to leave the palace to attend your birthday. Everyone is probably re-evaluating you right now.”

Yuelan smiled. “Probably. I’m sure he did it for that reason. And to let everyone know that I have been recognized as the dragon priestess.”

Guangfeng nodded his head. “Most likely.”

Yuelan lifted a hand and covered a yawn with her sleeve. “I need to rest. Would you mind seeing to my guests?”

“Of course not. As your fiancee it is my duty and my privilege.”

“Thank you, Guangfeng.” Yuelan stood and, carrying the puzzle box from the emperor and the letter from her father that Guangfeng had brought to her, left the hall and headed for her courtyard.

The guests were surprised to see that Yuelan left not long after the emperor, but when Guangfeng stepped forward and explained that she was tired and still recovering from her most recent journey they all understood. Most of them stayed for just a few minutes before leaving while a few left immediately after hearing the news.