“Of course, Your Highness.” I forced my own smile. “It’s my honor to do so.”
He nodded and finally released me. I was quick to guide Ren and Anshi around the temple to the western corridor. My thoughts darted between my father, whom I was desperate to see, and the princes demanding my attention. I felt on the verge of shattering.
“You were uncharacteristically formal with my brother,” Ren teased when we were out of view. “He won’t bite, you know. You’re my savior, after all.”
I very much doubted that promise.
“Aren’t you freezing?” I said, changing the subject. “I think my father might have some clothes that will fit you. Anshi, you can borrow mine.”
“Priestess,” Anshi said as we approached the living area, “you two have stalled long enough.”
Ren spoke up. “Siying, why didn’t you tell my brother about Anshi? We can say she has the seal—”
“I already told you I’m not going along with that foolish plan,” she interrupted. “I trust both your father and brother as much as I would a fox in a chicken coop.”
“Now, that’s not—”
“Be quiet, both of you. We can argue after we’re dressed and warm.” I cracked open the doors to the guest room, usually reserved for travelers on pilgrimage, and gently pushed Ren inside. “Wait here. I’ll bring a change of clothes.”
I shut the door on his protest and proceeded toward Baba’s room. When I peeked inside, my heart stumbled at the sight of the empty bed. But that was a good sign, wasn’t it? It meant Baba was well enough to be on his feet.
“Mistress Kang,” Anshi tried again as I searched through my father’s drawers. “Prince Renshu clearly intends to give the seal to his brother. Wen aside, do you genuinely think that’s a good idea? It’s suspicious that he was here waiting for us. I could tell you were on edge when we met him too.”
“It is suspicious,” I admitted, pulling out a pair of trousers. “There are a lot of things about Prince Liqin that don’t feel right.”
Anshi grabbed my shoulder. “Then tell Prince Renshu! Let’s work together to make sure he doesn’t guarantee both Wen’s and Sian’s destruction.”
We want the same thing, Ren had told me. It seemed he was right. But they couldn’t agree on the method, and I wasn’t confident enough to choose either side.
“I’ll talk to him,” I said at last. “But I need to make sure he doesn’t die of pneumonia first.”
Anshi let out a frustrated growl, which I ignored. I had concerns greater than Anshi’s displeasure. After bringing the clothes to Ren, I led Anshi to my own room and offered her one of my ruquns. We’d both just finished changing when someone knocked on the door.
I snatched my staff and flung open the door, startled by my sister’s equally concerned face. Lilan’s complexion appeared paler than usual, her dark hair tied back in a practical bun. She wore an old, stained apron over her cotton dress, looking much older than fifteen since I’d last seen her.
“Lilan!” I said, taking her hand. “Tell me what’s happened.”
“I was about to ask you the same thing.” Lilan shot Anshi a curious glance.
“She’s a friend,” I said, echoing what I’d told the eldest prince. It was simplest for now. “But tell me: What is Prince Liqin doing here?”
“He arrived yesterday,” Lilan said. “He said he was here to meet you and his brother. Did you know that your client was the second prince? No wonder that official offered you so much money.” Her wonderment grew. “But is it true that the prince is alive?”
“Yes.” Anticipating follow-up questions, I quickly said, “Where’s Baba? How is his condition?”
“We just finished dinner,” Lilan said. “Baba was well enough to host Prince Liqin, but I think it tired him. I left him in the kitchen with a pot of tea.”
I nodded. “I’ll go see him.”
“No,” Anshi said, placing a hand on my shoulder. “You must talk to the prince first.”
“Which prince?” Lilan asked. “Oh, jie, you must tell me everything about your trip.”
I grimaced at Lilan’s enthusiasm. I didn’t have time to peel apart each layer of the problem. I didn’t want to make Lilan panic either.
“I’ll tell you everything later,” I said, exhibiting a calm I didn’t feel. “Right now, I need you to go to Baba and stay with him.”
Her face fell. “But—”
