Page 22 of Tears of Gold

He returns to the balcony and rests one hand on the doorframe. “I’m more concerned by news that the being you came into contact with is oceanic.”

An entity capable of single-handedly flattening a military camp is one problem, but being a salty as well waves a lot of warning flags. “Has our emissary spoken to the . . . oceanic council?”

My father nods, turning away from me to watch the fireworks. “Yes, but we’ve received no answer, and we are blind to anything of importance that happens beneath the waves. Things could turn complicated if we end up in a war on two fronts.”

I pull my gloves on, taking my time to smooth the fabric over each finger. “If one of theirs was taken . . . then the salties should have no love for the . . . Davinas.”

“Let us hope so. But enough talk of war. I’m glad to see you are healing, albeit slowly. Your injury was quite the shock to us.”

I bow my head. “Thank you for your concern.”

The ground beneath us trembles, and a moment later, the air convulses as a blast wave hits the palace. Qi shields around the room dampen the pressure, resulting in little more than a breeze that tickles my hair. Vanrey leaps to my side, activating additional shields.

My stomach cramps, and I step forward. “No!” I gasp as the city erupts with mushrooming explosions of fire. Ava is out there!

The emperor snaps into action, rattling commands to his aide. “Deploy the guard, and lock down the city. Bring General Yukisay to the council room.”

Forgetting myself, I turn for the door.

“Where do you think you’re going?” my father snaps, his cold voice stinging my raw nerves.

“I can help—”

His eyes narrow. “You will do no such thing. The entire Royal Guard is on alert tonight. There are enough workers for the task.”

My stomach drops through my toes. “You . . . suspected? Please, Father!” I made a monumental mistake bringing Ava and the others to the capital! I must

He straightens. “I forbid you to leave this palace. Defy me in this, and I will confine you here for the next five years. I must consult with my generals.”

Instead of dismissing me, he strides for the door and leaves. I clench my hands to stop the trembling, but the tremors spread to the rest of me. Ava is out there somewhere amid the fires and panic. Were they near the blast?

My throat clogs up. “Vanrey.”

“Don’t even suggest it, my lord.” There’s a hardness in his voice I’ve never heard before.

It’s one thing when Ava is strolling through a peaceful plaza, but chaos and madness will reign in the streets now. What if she was caught in the blast? Terror claws up my throat.

I turn to him, channeling all my fears into a glare. “Suggest? Vanrey Hiro, I order you to return to the plaza and secure Ava!”

He shakes his head and looks at me with wide eyes. “I beg you, my lord, don’t send me from your side. I cannot leave you unattended here, in this place.”

I stare at him. How much does he know to be this unwilling to leave me alone? Still, it doesn’t matter what happens to me when Ava is in danger. “My mother will be here any . . . moment, and I’m surrounded . . . by guards. There is no safer place for me.”

He says nothing, but his beseeching look betrays that he knows the truth—this place is not safe for me at all.

I grip his shoulder. “There is noth . . . ing you can do for me here. My reason for living is in tremendous danger out on those streets right now. Every second you waste courts disaster!”

His lips tighten. “I understand, Your Highness. Please be on your guard.” He turns and runs from the room.

I suck in a shaky breath, my legs feeling weak and my chest wound aching. I just hope I don’t run into Anik.

I cross the room and help myself to the rice cakes topped with saffron eel on the sideboard. The chef has artfully crafted the pieces into the shape of a crown, and while delicious, it sits heavy in my stomach as I watch the billowing pillars of fire spread through the district where I left my girlfriend.

The door squeaks, and I turn. Sudden nausea rises, choking around the mouthful I hastily swallow.

“Well, if it isn’t the beloved baby prince, finally come home.” The sarcastic voice echoes none of his endearments. The room suddenly feels half its previous size, and my pulse pounds in my ears.

My brother has arrived.