I blink at them and belatedly notice the water splashes on their uniforms.
Well, shit.
I should probably say something in my defense. My Yeoiju is usually the explanation for all the weird shit I can do, but that will probably freak them out more. “I d-didn’t mean t-to.”
“She’s my friend—one of the good guys.” Haesan takes a step toward the open gate, and both guards point their spears at us. “Please let us in. She’s a being of Mountains. She won’t survive much longer in the water.”
The guards exchange uneasy glances but don’t budge.
“Let the child through,” a female chides from behind them. “He practically grew up in the Dragon Palace. Do you really want to risk GangSanggung’s ire?”
“But the female—” one guard insists, as the other slowly lowers his spear.
“Is hisfriend.” The female’s voice takes on a steely edge. “Do you want to deal with the diplomatic headache of letting a being of Mountains die from hypothermia?”
“No, JoSanggung.” The guard finally relents and steps back from the doors, but he points a naggy finger at me. “You can come in, but don’t make any sudden moves.”
I gape at the male as I shiver uncontrollably.Do I look like I’m capable of making any sudden moves?
“Hold your breath,” Haesan says close to my ear. “And try not to move.”
I do my best not to shiver too hard as he steps through the gates in slow motion. It literally feels like he’s pushing through a giant blob of Jell-O. But he steps out on the other side to a mild autumn day, and I sag with relief.
Haesan walks past the guards with a glare, then bows to the female who stands across from us. She is wearing a turquoisehanbokchimawith a navy bluedanguion top, the attire of a high-ranking court lady.
“Thank you, JoSanggung,” he says when he straightens.
“I thought you were busy training to become a suhoshin.” She tuts her tongue and waves her hand, whipping the moisture out of our wet clothes. “Does the beauty in your arms have anything to do with you playing hooky?”
The dry clothes feel like heaven. Warmth seeps back into my body, and my teeth quiet down enough for me to think straight.
“Uh.” Haesan shifts on his feet, glancing from the court lady to me, then back. “Actually, yes.”
I squeak in outrage and wriggle in his arms. He sets me gently on the ground, then smiles proudly when I don’t keel over. It’s not easybeing mad at someone so sweet, but I manage to scowl at him. “I amnotthe reason you skipped out on your suhoshin cadet training.”
“But you are, Stormy.” His brows pull low, then after a second, his eyes widen, and he waves his hands frantically at the court lady. “No, no, no. Not in the way you think. She is my friend—a friend that I am a little afraid of. It is not what you think at all.”
“Why are you here, child?” She smiles indulgently at the bright-pinkin’eo.
“We came to speak with my aunt.” His expression sobers, worry replacing embarrassment. “We need an audience with the queen. It is a matter of great urgency. The lives of everyone in the Realm of Four Kingdoms are at stake.”
“Surely you exaggerate.” JoSanggungchuckles uneasily.
“No, my lady.” I shake my head. “He does not.”
She studies my face for a long moment, then she nods as though coming to a decision. “The queen will hold her daily assembly soon. The Dragon Palace is only a short distance away. I will escort you to the royal audience hall.”
The court lady walks exceptionally fast, and we hurry to keep up with her. I turn to Haesan and whisper, “Who exactly is she?”
“JoSanggungis in charge of the royal kitchen,” he answers. “And a good friend of my aunt.”
The palace really is close by, and we’re able to enter through the main gate without a fuss, thanks to JoSanggung. The Dragon Palace resembles the Celestial Palace, with its grandhanokstructures and manicured lawns and gardens—but without the creepy vibe. I glance up at what should be the dark depth of water, but the blue sky and cotton candy clouds greet me.Cool.We’re inside a magical version of a biodome.
My stomach growls as we follow JoSanggungtoward a loominghanokwith a pearlescent tiled roof and shimmering blue wood trimmings. I haven’t eaten since the Hangawi feast with Minju’s parents. That feels likea lifetime ago, but it was only yesterday. They must be worried sick for their daughter.
“We’re here.” JoSanggungstops in front of the stone steps leading up to the audience hall and addresses the two royal guards standing watch. “I must speak with GangSanggung.”
“The assembly is in session,” one guard answers.
