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An idea sparked. One that might offer a veil of protection from further entanglements with the immortal—and as importantly, from my own wavering heart. I cleared my throat, casting a meaningful look at Chengyin. He frowned but nodded, offering his support though he didn’t know what it entailed. A decision he might soon regret.
“Chengyin is my betrothed.” I spoke swiftly, not giving myself time to doubt, dropping my voice so no one else could hear. Chengyin went pale but inclined his head shakily, in acceptance of my claim.
“I ask for your discretion, Lord Zhangwei,” I added. “This news has not been shared yet with the rest of the court—a secret. However, our engagement was planned long ago; Chengyin and I have been close since we were children.”
Lord Zhangwei’s gaze slid to Chengyin, then back to me. “Is this true? You are engaged?”
I braced at his tone, both silken and deadly. “Maybe it’s different in the realm above, but it is a mortal custom to congratulate a betrothed couple.”
“Except you have not been behaving like someone who is betrothed,” he lashed out.
His anger fed my own. “How dare you imply that I’ve done anything inappropriate? What about your behavior? I owe you nothing; you have no claim over me, and I couldn’t care less what you do.”
A deathly silence fell over us. “Congratulations,” the God of War said at last, his eyes ablaze. He leaned forward then, to whisper into my ear, “But I don’t give up that easily.”
I stared ahead like I hadn’t heard him—even as something kindled inside me, something I swiftly smothered.
Chengyin spoke, filling in the silence. “We accept your good wishes,” he said weakly, gesturing for an attendant to pour more wine. I was tempted to ask for a cup, though I tended to abstain from it. In my position, the barest slip of control could have dire consequences.
I’d hoped the immortal would leave after my announcement, but he remained beside me as an attendant hurriedly cleared his table, another bringing fresh food and wine. He lifted the wine cup to his lips and tossed down its contents—then once again, after the attendant refilled it.
Chengyin tugged my sleeve. “Why did you tell the God of War we’re betrothed?” he whispered urgently. “Why does he look like he wants to throttle me?”
I shrugged. “Killing runs in his blood.”
“That’s not funny.” Chengyin scowled. “You’re going to have to find yourself another fiancé. Or rather, another victim.”
“Don’t you dare.” I smiled widely for Lord Zhangwei’s benefit. “I won’t let him hurt you.”
“I’m not sure you can stop him.” Chengyin sighed as he began filling my plate with food: thin slices of beef, tender pea shoots, noodles garnished with shrimp. “Since we’re doing this, let’s make it look good.”
“Thank you,” I said gratefully.
“Our esteemed God of War looked ready to flay someone from the moment you both arrived. What did you do to provoke him?” Chengyin asked.
“Maybe he provoked me?” I retorted.
“Your temper is undoubtedly shorter than usual.”
I let out a drawn breath. “Chengyin, are you on his side or mine?”
“A hard question. Both of you possess the power of removing my head from my neck. I like it where it is.”
“Your Ladyship,” Lord Zhangwei drawled from beside me, the wine cup in his hands. “Perhaps we should begin our negotiations?”
I glanced at the court. Even though it was just the three of us on the dais, all eyes were upon us. “Later. In my chamber,” I said unthinkingly.
“Is that an invitation?” His smile was knife-sharp. “I wouldn’t want to trespass.”
“To talk, nothing more.” I enunciated each word.
“A pity,” he murmured, his gaze pinning mine.
Against my will, a memory surfaced . . . of when he’d placed the comb in my hair, his fingers gliding down the curve of my neck, his breath against my ear. My throat went dry. “Why do you keep playing this game? You know none of it was real,” I said in a low voice.
“What if it was?”
We stared at each other in silence. Was this another trick? Chengyin cleared his throat then, a fortunate distraction. “What brings you to our realm, Honored Immortal?”
