The sun goes down, but I have the warmth of the fire. I’m also in pants. I was lucky to be the same size as the mannequin, so I could buy the slacks ready-made from the dress house. It feels strange to wear the same thing as a man. Some peasants in Yusan will wear rough spun pants regardless of gender, but never like this, fine and lined with soft fur.
Royo serves us dinner. He made a pot of rice and threw in some dried sausage, dried mushrooms, and seaweed. I’m skeptical, but I take a bite and it’s actually quite good. He must’ve tossed in a seasoning sachet as well. Who knew he could cook?
He sits next to me on a log we cleared off earlier. We eat, almost touching, slurping our rice stew from two wooden bowls.
It’s one of the best meals I’ve ever had, safe here next to him.
We are almost finished when the sky lights up. Both of us tip our heads back. It’s not snowing at the moment. Instead, magnificent swirls of greens and purples trace through the dark sky, constantly moving. The stars are illuminated behind the waves of color, creating an enchanting scene.
Royo stares with wonder in his eyes and a boyish expression. “What is that?”
“In Khitan, they call them the Lights of the Sky King,” I say. “I read about it. If you follow the lights to their end, they’re supposed to lead to the Kingdom of Heavens, realm of the Sky King and celestial deities. We can’t see it this well in Yusan, but on clear nights sometimes they’re visible in Pyong. We call them the Night Rays of the Sun King.”
He glances at me. “You think that’s true? That the lights lead to the Heavens?”
“I think it sounds nice.” I look at the sky again. “But either way, they’re the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen.”
I lean my head back again to watch the lights dance.
“Not me,” he mutters.
“Of course not,” I sigh.
Royo is so guilty about whatever happened with his girlfriend that he thinks not enjoying life will somehow absolve him. But it doesn’t work that way. Atonement is for the Ten Hells. Life is for living, for making mistakes and wringing the most out of good moments because the bad will always be there.
I feel him looking at me.
“You’re better than the lights,” he says.
I stare into his eyes. I’ve never been struck by lightning, but this has to be the same feeling—lit up and shocked all at once.
Royo leans forward, and then his mouth is on mine. My eyes open as wide as they can go, and then they drift closed as my lips soften against his. He kisses me, slowly at first and then faster. Sparks fly in my chest and at the base of my spine. I drop my bowl to the ground and wrap my arms around his neck as he pulls me against him. I don’t know what happened—what put him under this spell. I don’t know how long this will last. But I’ll live in this moment before the enchantment breaks.
Chapter Thirty-Seven
Tiyung
Idle Prison
This cell isn’t so bad—as sunless dungeons go. I have a lantern and a small supply of oil, thanks to Hana. She also brought me plenty of food; more than I need, really. Every time she comes in, she tells me the day and bell. These are little luxuries I never would’ve noticed before. She even gave me a notepad and ink to write down my thoughts and keep my mind busy.
Hana confirmed that the guards patrol and bring food randomly to disorient prisoners. It prevents escape attempts and aids in breaking the minds of prisoners when they need information.
I asked if they drain the lake every time she comes and goes. She shook her head and said there’s another entrance. I wonder where it is and how she gets here, but I haven’t asked. There are limits to the trust we are building.
My breakfast of stale bread and water arrives. I eat it with some meat and cheese as I wait for Hana. Even though I take my time, I finish without seeing her. I thought this was when she usually arrives, but then again, the meal could’ve been random.
I begin my exercise regime—Hana said it would help my mind to keep my body active. I run in place and do push-ups, sit-ups, and lunges until I’m exhausted. But still, there’s no sign of her.
The guards arrive, but they silently push another meal through the slot. As they walk away, worry begins to set in. Where is Hana? Is she not coming anymore? Have the guards stopped letting her see me? Will I die soon?
I breathe hard, my thoughts turning to my impending death. I’ve tried to make peace with the inevitable. Every person dies. The difference is in how they live. Still, I can’t seem to accept my execution. I keep believing something, anything, will save me. I can’t let go of the hope that Sora and the others will make it back. I still hope that Hana is lying, although she has no reason to.
Half a day passes, and I remain alone in my cell. Suddenly, there’s the sound of footsteps in the hall. I stand, ready to see her, but guards just push a third tray through my meal slot and leave.
I pace. I wait. I eat again. And then I sit down.
She’s not coming.
