Here is the next chapter of Betrayals of the Heart! Always remember to please review people! Anywya this is another dialogue chapter and starts the first major section of the story, which you'll figure out by the end of the chapter. This chapter will also heaily feature Jia Xu.

It won't feature a battle in this chapter, because once again it is a dialogue chapter. It foreshadows events to come as well. Anyway please review and a thanks to those that did.

Assassin master ezio 91: Thanks!

kayladw7: Thanks. I guess but that was part of her developing into the character.


Diao Chan sat in the middle of the throne room, in front of Dong Zhuo's throne and around all of the soldiers watching her intently. Her melody was slow and beautiful, it was also a prayer for those that had lost their lives in the war.

The woman was well aware of the men staring at her chest while she played and she was certain Dong Zhuo was also staring at her butt and admiring her curves. It didn't bother her much though, she had gotten used to it over the years.

The Emperor Xian was also staring at her, though for much different reasons. It was a slient plea, begging her to help him through this turmoil. She was his last and only hope left to free him from this nightmare they were all living in, even if for others it was a dream.

She closed her eyes and suddenly became aware of a new set of eyes on her, they felt different and as she opened her eyes she saw Jia Xu glancing at her. Diao Chan sighed as her perfomance came to an end, she smiled graciously at the applause they gave her. Her performance had been perfect, not a single flaw or error.

Before Dong Zhuo could say anything to her, she left the room putting the erhu away and walked to the gardens. Diao Chan looked behind her and saw Jia Xu following her. They were so alike in many ways, it infuriated her to no end.

"Lady Diao Chan, that was a marvellous perfomance you did back there, care to tell me why you left so quickly?" Jia Xu asked, his tone of voice suggested that he already knew the answer however. "I left because I did not like the stares or he feeling of being so exposed in front of them."

Jia Xu chuckled but then became serious. "Don't lie to me Diao Chan. I know you, I am you. I can tell your little manipulation plan and how you want Dong Zhuo dead." Revealed Jia Xu, Diao Chan glared at him, finally having turned around to face him.

"I am nothing like you Master Jia Xu." Dioa Chan spat with venom before composign herself. "You may be aware of my goals, but don't fprget that you're untrustworthy, Dong Zhuo will never fully trust you nor would he believe if you were the one to reveal my plans."

"I suppose that is true, but the fact that I know your plan will nag at your mind until my death. Even then it may not give your mind a rest." Diao Chan cringed at his words, he had a point. In fact Diao Chan was indeed worrying.

But she hid it well and as she walked past Jia Xu, she whispered into his ear, very quietly but loud enough for him to hear it. "Jia Xu. Let me tell you something, if you get in the away of my Father's ploy, I can guarantee that you'll be burned down with Dong Zhuo. So I advise that you watch your step, I would hate to see something bad happen to you."

And with that she walked away, not caring about Jia Xu's stares. He could do nothing to stop her, even if he wanted to or tried. It was merely going to be hopeless, he knew it, she knew it, they both knew it. Placing a hand to his chin, Jia Xu chuckled, he was intrigued by this scheme and wanted to see just how far it would go.


Diao Chan walked slowly, the incident with Jia Xu still in her mind. She crossed paths with the Emperor, who had managed to seperate himself from Dong Zhuo's guards. He quickly approached Diao Chan, trying to advoid being seen by anyone else.

"Hello, your highness." Bowed Diao Chan respectfully, as the Emperor began to take something out. Diao Chan's eyes widened when she saw what it was, it was the Imperial Seal. It was made out of He Shi Bi jade.

Having possession of the Imperial Seal meant that you had been granted the Mandate of Heaven, a sign of rulership over the Middle Kingdom. It was four inches at the base with an upper ring carved in the likeness of five interlaced dragons.

"Please take it." The Emperor begged forcing it into Diao Chan's hands. She refused however. "My Lord, I can't take this. It belongs to you, for you are the Emperor." The Emperor shook his head.

"I feel safer with you having it, Dong Zhuo is bound to be looking for it and if he finds it, nothing will stop his tyranny. Please take it, you are my only hope left." Stated the Emperor Xian, Diao Chan softened as she accepted it.

"Don't worry my lord. I will keep it safe." Promised Diao Chan as smiled, the Emperor nodded a thanks and he quickly left. Diao Chan waited for a while, she heard the cries of the Emperor as he was dragged away.

She frowned, pitiying the Emperor. He was merely a tool for others to gain what they desired, Diao Chan could not wait until he could be free, she hoped and prayed for that to happen, if only the Heavens weren't so cruel.

Diao Chan hiding the Imperial Seal walked outside, merely to find a place to hide the Seal. As she stepped outside of the Hulao Gate, she shuddered. But she couldn't understand why, after the disastrous battle of Si Shui Gate the Alliance had disbanded, there was no threat of an attack.

But something in her gut was telling her otherwise, as she carefully placed the Imperial Seal in a well, she looked up. The sound of horses charging could now be faintly heard and as she peered into the distance she saw a sea of yellow.

She screamed as loud as she could, attracting the attention of the rest of the army. Her mind screamed at her to move but she couldn't, she was paralysed. Unmoving, her eyes widened with fear. Was this to be her death?


Anyway, that is the chapter. I wonder if anyone can guess the army attacking Dong Zhuo, though it should be very obvious. Hope you all enjpoyed it and please review!