Wheeling Gull Isle A ghost beneath the tower.

Nuka fell into submission which stunned Huā, in spite of her rank, but pleased her all the same that her companion might be so well behaved. She looked down upon them as they pressed to the sand with a warm gaze, and to the fish at her dark paws.

They seemed so genuine in their regret... and their seeking of a husband was relatable, reminding her of home. Nukilik themselves reminded Huā of home- a dramatic submission to the huángdì, gifts brought when visiting friends and the goal of marriage for any young female. Huā could see Nuka was already past their first child-having year, thus marriage was all the more desperate of a search for them, as it was for the poor empress- and knowing that perhaps Nukilik saw it in the same way Huā would, she felt ashamed that she might have to reveal her litter of bastard children.

Still, she would never deny Nuka a place here, not while their mere presence stirred butterflies in Huā's stomach for reasons she could not explain. Do not apologize any more, Huā commanded as she leaned down to nudge the wolf's shoulder, encouraging them upward from their submissive stance. I am just joyful to see you here again- perhaps in the spring, if you want, I can find you a husband here... do you wish to stay? And it felt so strange to offer Nuka an arrangement... but this was one of the emperess' duties, when necessary, putting two wolves together for the growth of the empire and proper utilization of the girls' wombs.