"I see you have gotten quite close to the Emperor's daughter." Song Qian said while stirring the tea leaves in her cup.

We retired to my chambers to catch up some, if you will, after dealing a rather massive shock to Soojung that Song Qian was actually my mother. Letting the information sink in, Soojung just nodded absentmindedly and said she would head back to her chamber. I could tell she was still in a bit of a daze from the news and I offered to walk her back, but I was waved off quickly saying I should spend a bit of time with my mother since it had been a while since I had seen her. I reluctantly obliged even though I told Soojung that it was alright and I could walk her back to her quarters before returning to mine; we were only separated by a hallway.

So here I was, sitting with my mother sipping herbal tea that she brought and gazing out at the moon from the opened window of my room.

"Yes." I answered. "It was not easy at first, but I think she warmed up to me eventually."

"I can see that." Mother smiled. "You have also warmed up to her."

"Hmm." I hummed in agreement. "She is an acquired taste. A bit of a princess, but then again she is one."

"Oh, you both more than just warmed up to each other. In fact, I dare say you two are more than just friends." She said with mischievous mirth. "Have you slept with her yet?"

I spat out my tea.

"Mother!" I nearly yelled.

"What? It is a valid question." She said innocently.

I walked to my drawer to retrieve a cloth to wipe the mess I had on the table when my mother so graciously asked me point blank that question.

"No I have not. And I never will." I blatantly answered.

"What? Why not?" Song Qian probed.

"Mother, think about it. I am a monster, and she has no idea my real gender. Do you think that would be a great idea to spring on to her with right before we consummate?"

"Wait, you haven't told her anything yet?" My mother asked, shocked.

"Nope."

"But...you two seemed so close and intimate; I thought you would have told her already."

"No I haven't. Remember, monster here. Not to mention you are here to help catch a rogue monster. Does that no scream 'danger alert, don't say a word about who you are?'"

Song Qian tapped her finger on her chin in a thinking manner. "Well, that is true. But! You should tell her soon. It is not good to keep secrets especially to the woman you love."

For the second time that night I spat out my drink.

"Mother!" I groaned.

"I am just giving you some motherly advice. And don't you dare deny that you love the princess. It is written all over your face and hers. I have never seen you care so much about someone or liked at someone like that ever. And I am talking about love of a significant other, not love of a family member like myself, or that of a friend."

I sighed. She was right, but I was not going to say so outright. I guess it was true, a mother can read her children like an open book.

"I am more afraid of the backlash I would get if I told her more than anything. What if she hates me then? What if she spills my secret and gets me, I don't know - killed? There are too many scenarios of things going wrong and against me than going right."

Song Qian walked around the table to where I was seated and wrapped her arms around me, cradling me to her warmth.

"Yiyun, you will never know until you act.