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Captain Wenzhi inclined his head. “Of course.”

The prince spoke to me now. “This would be even more perilous than last night. Governor Renyu is dangerous and unpredictable. You would be the target of our enemy’s attacks and to avoid raising their suspicions, you can’t carry a weapon or use your magic—at least not until the trap is sprung. While I’m confident we can defeat them, no one knows the outcome of any confrontation. I fear for your safety should they reach you and find my brother not in your care.”

His candor and concern touched me. “Your Highness, I will take care of your brother and myself,” I assured him.

He nodded then, glancing around at the room. “Very well, we will proceed. Though we need some time to make our preparations and plant the information with the right sources. It would be prudent if you could spend some time with my brother over the next few days. If our plan is to succeed, he needs to be at ease with you.”

Something turned over in my stomach. While I recognized the good sense in his suggestion, I had not spent much time with children.

After the meeting, Captain Wenzhi and I followed the prince to his brother’s quarters. At the sight of us, Lady Anmei rose and bowed, her green brocade skirt grazing the floor. Up close, she was even more striking than I remembered. Her cheeks were stained pink when she saw Captain Wenzhi, but it was his courtly bow to her which made me gnaw the underside of my lip for some inexplicable reason.

Prince Yanming came forward then, executing a flawless bow to his brother. When he was introduced to me, he showed no recognition from last night. Prince Yanxi wasted no time in drawing Lady Anmei aside and speaking to her in hushed tones. Without another word, they left the room with Captain Wenzhi.

“Where did Lady Anmei go? Who are you?” Prince Yanming demanded. His cheeks were soft and round, even as his chin jutted out defiantly.

I crouched down to look into his eyes, the same blue as his brother’s. “Lady Anmei had to leave for a short while, but she’ll be back soon. I will stay with you for now.”

His mouth pressed into a straight line. “Do you know any games?”

“How about weiqi?” I offered, already searching his room for the board with its smooth black and white stones.

He shuddered. “Can you sing? Draw? Craft animals from paper?” he rattled off.

I shook my head, my spirits sinking.

“You’re the worst governess I’ve ever met.” He crossed his arms mutinously in front of him.

I scowled at him, irked by his words. “Well, I’m not your governess and you’re being very rude. Maybe if you were a little more polite, I would teach you some of the exciting things I do know.”

His eyes squeezed tighter, his mouth pursing like a wrinkled grape. I braced myself for his tantrum and tears, thinking Shuxiao with her effortless charm would have been far better equipped for this challenge. But then he drew himself up straight and with remarkable poise, asked, “Well, what can you do?”

I racked my mind for something to say to capture his interest, something to live up to my rash boast. “I can play the flute,” I offered, with more than a little pride.

He huffed impatiently, rolling his eyes—utterly unimpressed by one of my greatest skills.

“I’ve read a lot of books,” I added quickly. “I can tell you stories!”

A sudden interest sparked in his face. “About the dragons?”

“The Four Dragons, when they bring rain to the Mortal Realm.” I was relieved to have finally caught his attention. It had been one of my favorite tales as a child, and one with more truth to it than I had suspected.

“The one where the dragons get punished by the stuffy Celestial Emperor? That’s the worst of them all!”

Before I could stop myself, a snort of laughter burst from me at his irreverent description of the most powerful immortal in the realm.

The corners of his lips curved up ever so slightly. “What else can you do?” The animosity had vanished from his tone.

I returned his smile. “Shoot arrows. And fight with a sword.”

He lit up as he grabbed my arm and dragged me toward a large chest crammed with wooden swords and shields.

“Eldest Brother says I’m too young to learn. But you’ll show me, won’t you?” he asked eagerly.

Helpless before such enthusiasm, I nodded weakly, hoping Prince Yanxi would forgive my transgression.

When Lady Anmei and Captain Wenzhi finally returned, we were engaged in a mock battle, leaping over the coral in the garden, our wooden swords thudding against each other. At the sight of them, I hastily dropped the sword, smoothing back my disheveled hair.

“Your Highness, it’s your bedtime,” Lady Anmei said in a firm tone.