<div align="center">(http://elliquiy.com/elluiki/images/0/04/FengBao.jpg)</div><br/>The sudden appearance of Tai's betrothed did a good a job at banishing thought from his mind as Ethan's tortuous promises. Beyond the surprise at a woman claiming to be Tai's promised, it was the presence of the ruler of the neighbouring empire, arrogantly believing he could travel through Tai's land without repercussions. Foolish, suicidal and insulting. His eyes went to Fang - would he be tried as a traitor? It was obvious he had orchestrated this act of near-treason. Had the man not learnt in five years of prosperity that Tai was a stronger, wiser emperor than his late father had been? And yet the man undermined him.<br/><br/>His hand went to his hip, but the familiar weight of his sword was missing - to come to a private function with a sword was rude - and he hissed in frustration. Feng fisted his hand and forced it down, glaring at the soldiers who had come with the 'visiting' emperor and his daughter. It seemed not only was the other man sickeningly arrogant but also ignorant of the implications of bringing soldiers into a private party where the guests were unarmed.<br/><br/>He was unable to act. And he had no real right staying for this meeting - land-poor, he was not important enough to have a word. He was loathed to bow to that fact, especially when the 'visiting' emperor offered such insults, but he was unable to remain without Tai's expressed desire. "Do you wish me to stay? Feng whispered to his emperor.<br/>