“Perhaps we should—”
“No.” Ren’s voice resounded clearly, firmly, across the courtyard. He tossed aside the dagger, his eyes never leaving Liqin’s. Even the blade’s noisy fall didn’t make him flinch. “I won’t be like you. I’ve seen firsthand the pain you’ve caused, the livesyou’ve ruined. I’ve hurt others too, through my ignorance and fear. But the bloodshed ends now. What our state needs is change—in the way we govern, in the laws we make, in the care we show. It needs a king who will listen, who doesn’t draw strength from domineering everyone else. Regrettably, that king can’t be you.”
“But it can beyou?” Liqin’s tone dripped with disdain. “You don’t know the first thing about ruling.”
Ren smiled, with no hint of malice. Just genuine, hopeful warmth.
“Perhaps,” he said, “but I’m willing to learn and willing to try. Besides, my weaknesses can be strengthened by the guidance and aid of many good people.” His gaze flicked to me, the look in his eyes almost reverent. “Including the people of this kingdom.”
“You’re soft, Ren.” Liqin pushed himself onto his elbows. “And that’s a weakness that can never be overcome.”
“No,” Ren disagreed. “It is precisely softness that this nation needs to grow stronger.”
Liqin scoffed. “Naive as always.”
Without warning, he grabbed the nearest weapon, a single-edged sword, and slashed it at the younger prince.
But Ren moved swiftly, kicking the hilt from his brother’s hand, then kneeing him in the head. The older prince fell backward, groaning. At Ren’s nod, the guards snapped out of their daze and rushed forward to restrain Liqin.
I closed my eyes and breathed. It was finally over.
As a crowd gathered, I grabbed Ren’s arm and tugged him away. I looked him over for signs of further injury. “I thought you couldn’t fight.”
“I said I was a terrible soldier.” He grimaced as I touched the wound on his back. “I never said I couldn’t fight. I’m just… ah, clumsy sometimes.”
“Clumsy enough to be killed?”
“That was one time.” He paused, thinking. “Well, maybe twice. But I didn’t diethistime. You must give me credit for that.”
I sighed. “Will you please see a physician now?”
He held my face in his hands, glancing at the blood in my hair. “Why don’t we find the royal physician together? We must ensure you haven’t lost any of your wits.”
“Ha ha. Clearly, you’ve already lost yours, joking at a time like this.”
“Well, you know—”
His words cut off as Anshi materialized beside us, her expression stern. Despite the scratches and bruises on her face and the dirt on her tunic, she stood as straight as ever. Even her ponytail remained resilient, spilling neatly down her back.
I bowed my head at the governor’s assistant. “Thank you for your help.”
“You asked for a favor,” Anshi replied. “Now you must return it.”
“Ah, of course.” Ren limped over to the guards carrying Liqin out. He exchanged a brief word with the supervising official, then hurried back, the seal in hand. He placed it delicately in Anshi’s outstretched palm. “One royal seal, as promised.”
I stared at the jade dragon, our nation’s symbol of power and authority. How much pain it had inspired. How easily Ren gave it away now, confident in the need for new beginnings.
Anshi met his friendly smile with narrowed eyes. “You’veindeed kept your promise. But do you truly intend to take the throne regardless of whether you have the seal or not?”
Ren’s smile faltered, and he nodded more seriously. “Yes, I do. I know you have no reason to trust me, but I plan to change things—for Sian and Wen both. Keep the seal as a token of peace, Miss Anshi, and make your report to your governor. I hope to discuss the future of our states with him soon.”
“The governor has tried to open dialogue before,” said Anshi, eyeing Ren with visible doubt. “Sian never listened. What makes this time any different?”
“Because instead of sending biased ambassadors or angry letters, I’ll personally visit your governor and speak to him face-to-face.”
Anshi arched an eyebrow. “You’d risk your safety by traveling to Wen?”
“I trust the kindness of your people. Which is why I want to give the same in return.”
