“No,” I cut in, drawing the curious gazes of the officials. Most of them still appeared wary of the priestess who’d stomped into the audience hall with an army of skeletons. I couldn’t blame them. I had my own messes to tend to as well.
“No?” Ren repeated, meeting my eyes.
“The physician first,” I reminded him. “You mustn’t let yourwound get infected. That’d be an incredibly foolish mistake after you’ve already decided to take the throne.”
The official tensed, shocked by my lack of formality.
Ren only rolled his eyes and nodded. “Very well. But you’re coming with me.”
CHAPTER 28
I didn’t stay with Ren for long. Shortly after arriving at the royal physician’s office, I was taken by one of the assistants to be examined in private. By the time my head was properly disinfected and bandaged, and my wrist newly splinted, Ren had already been whisked away by the ministers to deal with his first bout of royal business.
I immediately began preparing for my journey home, despite still feeling tender with injuries. First, I located and reanimated the skeletons spread across my war path, conscious of the nervous eyes that followed my every movement. I understood the palace courtiers’ and staff’s caution. I’d brought havoc through their gates, after all.
To those willing to listen, I bowed my head and expressed my apologies. But I knew it’d take time for their fear to abate.
Focusing on the skeletons I’d also wronged, I mended dislocated bones where needed with bandages provided by the physician’s assistant. I then compelled the corpses to gather in the front courtyard, my peach staff in hand.
Every muscle in my body ached to rest, and all I wanted to do was curl into bed and sleep for a week. But I owed it to the people of Xiatang—both living and dead—to bring these men back to their loved ones. My own exhaustion be damned, I could sleep when I returned home. These former protectors of Xiatang had waited long enough to return to theirs.
Their yearning clung to me like a desperate embrace. Before, I’d been so blinded by my own wrath, I’d failed to notice the sadness beyond their rage.
I gazed upon the battered skeletons, remorseful. This was the last time I’d use my power on them. And this time, rather than for my own selfish purposes, I’d guide them home.
As I chimed my bells, I looked past the rows of skulls at the sweeping halls behind them. Somewhere within that gold-roofed palace was the future heir of Sian, already buried in stacks of paperwork, if not visiting with his father. The polite thing to do would be to say goodbye. But therightthing to do superseded courtesy. We both had responsibilities to shoulder, and I didn’t want to distract either of us. I left a message with a servant and began the journey to Xiatang.
The residents of Master Zhang’s former town were, of course, thrilled at the sight of their lost men returned home. Appearing much livelier than before, they wept and celebrated and passed around cups of wine after properly burying the dead. I stayed long enough to perform the burial rites. Then I bid Feilin and her mother farewell, eager to return home.
Feilin grasped my hand before we separated at the town gate.
“Thank you, Mistress Kang,” she said, her dark eyes glistening. “Thank you for bringing peace back to my town. Andthough it could never be enough, the townsfolk and I gathered together the payment we owe you for your services.”
I looked down at the money purse Feilin set in my palm. I immediately pushed the pouch back.
“No,” I said, for once feeling burdened by the coins in my hands. “You owe me nothing. It’s I who should thank you for your forgiveness despite what I’ve done.”
Feilin smiled kindly, squeezing my fingers. “I understand why you did it. But you brought them all back in the end. That’s what matters. You have a good heart, Mistress Kang. Take the money, please.”
“No,” I repeated, more gently. “Invest it in your town. I’ve a feeling you’ll be seeing more visitors in the future, so you never know when you’ll need the extra help.”
“The prince already sent us payment for the previous damages. It was more than enough.”
Surprised, I insisted she keep the money anyway. I walked home with a pocket as light as my mood. Something like pride warmed my chest. It seemed Ren was already making good on his promises.
When I finally reached Baimu more than a week later, I found Lilan waiting for me on the temple steps. I expected a barrage of screaming and criticism, or even cold silence. Instead, my sister dashed across the courtyard and flung her arms around my waist. As Lilan wept tears of relief into my shoulder, I had the strange realization that she was now as tall as me.
“I thought you were dead, jie!” Lilan’s whole body trembled. “I heard stories of a massacre at the royal palace, and I was sure the officials had beheaded you! What happened? Where are the skeletons? Why are you covered in bandages?”
I patted her back, inhaling her familiar scent of sun-warmed cotton and lemongrass. “I’m so sorry, mei. You were right about everything. I’ve been a terrible sister and priestess.”
“You weren’t… terrible.” Lilan sniffed, pulling back to study me. “All right, you were pretty terrible.”
I grimaced. “Could you ever forgive me?”
Lilan sighed. “Of course I forgive you. We’re family, after all. Will you just promise—promise to try a little more?”
I nodded. “I promise.”
