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“We will come shortly. We must change our garments first,” my mother replied, buying us a fragment of time.
“Send word to Shuxiao,” I told Liwei and Wenzhi, after the messenger had gone. “Don’t let anyone see you, and wait for us outside the palace.” I hesitated, thinking this was an undeniably bad idea to leave them together, but my father would prevent any foolishness.
“Xingyin, be careful.” Liwei warned. “Make haste, but do not appear to be in a rush.”
“Queen Suihe is most astute; little escapes her notice. You must give her no reason to suspect you,” Wenzhi cautioned.
I nodded grimly. “We will leave as soon as we can.”
As soon as the queen allows us to, my mind whispered.
We walked toward the throne room, our measured steps masking our trepidation. As a close ally of the Celestial Kingdom, would Prince Yanxi be aware of our situation? Would he be obligated to inform Queen Suihe? I could not refuse the queen’s invitation, though my bow, wrapped discreetly in a piece of silk, was a comforting weight against my back.
The queen’s throne was flanked by brocade-lined chairs and red-lacquered tables. Porcelain tea sets rimmed in gold were laid upon each table, alongside plates of crisp seaweed, glistening walnuts roasted in honey, sesame-encrusted pastries, and almond cakes topped with a flaky crust. The amber pillars shimmered like sunstruck gold and the carpets were newly enchanted, the embroidered silver waves undulating in a soothing rhythm. Crystal vases were filled to the brim with glowing shells, emitting a sweet floral fragrance underlaid with the opulence of musk. A haunting ballad was sung by the performer in a corner of the hall, her painted nails expertly plucking the strings of her pipa, its rippling strains the perfect accompaniment to her pure tones.
Queen Suihe was resplendent in rich folds of amethyst silk, embroidered with orchids in copper thread. The filigree gold and ruby flowers on her headdress quivered as she nodded to us in greeting.
“My honored guests are eager to meet you,” she said in her melodious voice.
Before I could reply, someone hurtled into my side, small arms locking around my waist. Staggering back, I caught my balance. “Prince Yanming!” I bent down to hug him tightly. “You’ve grown taller, Your Highness.”
“Maybe you shrank.” He laughed as he released me. “I hear that happens to the elderly.”
“If I’m elderly, you need to treat me with a lot more respect,” I replied, prodding him lightly in his shoulder.
“Yanming, behave yourself. What would Her Majesty think of you?” Prince Yanxi chided him.
As we both straightened, I cupped my hands to bow to the prince, conscious of Queen Suihe’s watchful stare. “Your Highness, this is a welcome surprise.”
“My father sent me in his stead. I would have left my brother at home, but he begged to come, and I had no peace until I agreed.”
From the corner of my eye, I caught Prince Yanming twisting his lips into a mock scowl, which vanished the moment his brother turned to him.
Prince Yanxi’s face softened as he ruffled his younger brother’s hair. “Yanming, enough. What would Father say?”
I envied them, their unrestrained camaraderie. Their close bond, knitted with affection and the familiarity of a shared past. “I am glad to see you both, though much has changed since our last meeting.” More than they knew, I hoped.
Prince Yanming sighed. “It’s been so dull since you left. No one will spar with me or tell me any good stories. Lady Anmei shrieks whenever I touch a sword, even the wooden ones.”
Prince Yanxi turned to my mother and inclined his head. “Moon Goddess, this is an unexpected honor. I had heard of your release but am surprised to find you here, so far from home.”
The prince was sharp, not easily duped. He had aided me before when I sought to help the dragons, though I suspected that stemmed more from his reverence of them than any desire to foil the Celestial Emperor.
“My mother was attacked, and her attendant killed,” I said carefully, even as my voice hitched over the words. “She was from the Southern Sea, so we brought her home.”
“I am sorry for your loss.” He hesitated, lowering his voice, “I heard news, unconfirmed reports of an attack by—”
“It was unfortunate,” I said quickly, my insides clenching. “Intruders to our home. They attacked us without cause.” I held his gaze, widening my eyes in a silent warning that I hoped he would heed.
“A difficult time for you and your mother. I hope you will find peace, wherever you are.” His words were layered with meaning.
“We intend to seek it, when Her Majesty allows us to depart.” A hint of our peril.
Prince Yanxi nodded gravely. “Her Majesty should have no reason to delay you. She will have other things on her mind, the gathering of royals, for one.”
I breathed easier at his words. Whatever the Eastern Sea prince knew, he would not expose us.
“Your Highness,” Queen Suihe called out. “You seem well acquainted with my guests. Would you share your conversation with the rest of us? It appears most engaging.” A note of impatience rang in her voice. Monarchs were unaccustomed to sharing attention in their throne rooms.
