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The Fragrant Coral Palace gleamed like a blushing pearl in its shell. Today, the ever-changing waters were a brilliant azure, the waves cresting with white foam. As we walked over the crystalline bridge, something caught at my heart, unwelcome memories flooding me from when I was last here.

The palace guards bowed to Liwei, recognizing him at once. While they knew me, too, his presence helped us obtain a swift audience, despite our lack of civility in appearing unannounced. We were ushered into a spacious room, as an attendant left in search of Prince Yanxi.

Liwei stared through the clear wall at a magnificent coral reef, glowing in jeweled tones. Bright-colored fish darted through it, wary of the larger shadows which passed above—the hunters in search of prey. His expression was somber, perhaps contemplating the impossible situation I had dragged him into.

“I know this is not what you want. But thank you, for coming with me,” I told him.

“Many will disagree with what you’re planning.” His gaze shifted to me, as opaque as the waters beyond. “But you’ll always have my support.”

Simple words spoken in his quiet manner, yet how they affected me.

The doors slid open as Prince Yanxi entered. His pearl-gray brocade robe was shot through with gold, a belt of lapis lazuli fastened around his waist. I surreptitiously pressed my palms against my skirt in a futile attempt to smooth out the creases. At least the dark color hid the smears of dirt, sweat, and blood.

He greeted Liwei before turning to me with a smile. “First Archer, have you decided to leave the cold Celestial Kingdom for our warm shores?”

I shook my head ruefully. “Unfortunately, we’re here under less desirable circumstances, Your Highness.”

The urgency in my tone banished his mirth. “If there is anything you need, you have only to ask,” he assured me, sitting down and gesturing for me to do the same.

I remained standing, my fingers already untying the strings of my pouch and tipping the pearls into my palm. Tingling against my skin and pulsing with inner fire.

Prince Yanxi leaned closer to inspect them, his head jerking up. “Are these the pearls of the Venerable Dragons?”

“Yes.”

“How did you get them?” he asked in wonder.

“They were given to me.” The words stumbled out, halting and uncertain. I was unused to unveiling my secrets so easily. Even now, a part of me feared that I had made a mistake in coming here, that Prince Yanxi would be obligated to surrender us to the Celestial Kingdom.

Perhaps sensing my unease, he stiffened, drawing away. “Who gave them to you? Who has the right to do so?”

“The dragons themselves,” I replied, a little stung by his doubt. But I recalled how greatly he cared for the dragons. And I, myself, was still in disbelief to be entrusted with their pearls.

“My father tasked Xingyin to gather the dragons’ pearls for him. They were released from the Mortal Realm using his seal,” Liwei explained.

Prince Yanxi leapt to his feet, his face aglow. “The dragons are freed! I must inform my father.”

I moved in front of him. “Your Highness, your father will know in good time. For now, there is a more urgent matter we need your help on.”

“Urgent?”

“I must ask you something about these pearls.”

His gaze probed me, guarded once more as he sat back down. “I cannot help but wonder, why does the Celestial Emperor desire the pearls now? And why would the dragons relinquish them?”

“I can’t speak for His Celestial Majesty’s intentions. When I agreed, I did not realize what the pearls meant to the dragons. Rest assured, I have promised to protect their freedom.”

He did not reply, his head tilted to one side as though he had not yet decided whether to trust us.

Inhaling deeply, I plunged ahead. “The enchantment which binds the dragons’ spiritual essence to the pearls . . . can it be undone?” My heart thudded as I awaited his answer.

“Why?” He looked at me like I was a puzzle he was trying to figure out.

“I want to restore the dragons’ essence to them. They will never be beholden to another again.”

“Why do you want to do this? Why not just return the pearls to the dragons?” he probed, ever perceptive.