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“It would be an honor if we could see where they are cultivated,” Jin adds.
The Lady of the Pearl Ocean shakes her head. “Outsiders are not permitted there.”
Prince Zixin studies us, a glint in his hooded gaze. He could have helped us secure permission, but chose not to—instead leading Lady Shufang away from us, into the hall. We follow them inside to find Shenming and General Suilan sitting just below the dais, already in deep conversation.
Jin and I find a table by the entrance, concealed by a pillar. It is dim here, away from the lamps. No one pays us any attention, the indifference of strangers a gift. The hall is connected to the garden through several doorways. Here, the fragrance of flowers drifts through, allowing glimpses of the radiant orbs beyond. Pearls are strung around the pillars, each the size of my thumbnail, easily slipped into my pouch—
“What are you thinking about?” Jin asks, pouring me a cup of green liquid.
“How much these pearls are worth, how I might steal them.” I am careless in my honesty, curious at his response. “Would you stop me?”
“I’d help you—if there was a reason beyond the need for coin.”
“Money is a compelling reason.” I bring the cup to my lips, the taste light with an herbal tinge. “It buys food, medicine. Another day of life.”
“I know,” he says. “But I have more than enough for us. Steal, if you want—but not because you have to.”
I stifle a laugh at how he doesn’t try to change these parts of me that would repel another—nor would I want him to be anyone other than himself. He serves me a little of each dish: prawns fried in a salted egg batter, steamed fish with ginger, noodles tossed with crab roe. Everything smells delicious and I clear my plate quickly.
A hush settles over the crowd as four men enter, wearing sleeveless vests tucks into fitted pants. Arms ripple with muscles, their darkly lined eyes lending them a fierce appearance. They begin dancing, moving with predatory grace, occasionally clasping hands with their partners to lift them in a show of raw strength. Curved blades like sickles are strapped to their sides, which they occasionally hurl into the air, gleaming like arched moons, the audience clapping enthusiastically.
I study them, transfixed. “You told me once, the men here dance remarkably well. Do you enjoy watching them?”
“I enjoy watching you more.” When he tilts his head, the light from the nearby lamp falls across his face. “Though I resent it when your attention strays.”
I nod toward the performers. “Then learn to dance.”
Jin takes my hand beneath the table, his fingers sliding between mine with slow deliberation. Warmth chases my blood like a fever, pulsing, insistent, and strong.
“Once you are mine, there is nothing I wouldn’t do.”
I cannot look away, riveted by his gaze. My confession from earlier resonates through me; I sense Jin is thinking of it too, that he wants to say more. But the Prince of the Iron Mountains is striding purposefully toward us, all eyes following his every move.
CHAPTER THIRTY-ONE
JIN’S EXPRESSION HARDENS AT THE SIGHT OF THE PRINCE. “What does he want?”
“We need his help to gain Lady Shufang’s permission,” I remind him. “I will ask.”
“I don’t want you beholden to him—”
“If you ask, he’ll refuse out of spite.”
“He will demand the antidote,” Jin warns. “Don’t relinquish it yet.”
“Prince Zixin did bring us here safely.”
“We’re not out of danger; he could still betray us. Leaving doubt to fester will make him more likely to help us.” Jin sighs. “We cannot trust in his sense of honor. If you hold to principles against those without, you’ll lose every time.”
“He won’t betray us; he values his life too much.” A corner of my mouth lifts. “And I’ve dealt with more conniving negotiators.”
As Prince Zixin reaches our table, an attendant brings him another chair. He settles into it, looking at Jin and me through narrowed eyes. “What were you discussing so intently?”
“The past,” Jin says without pause. “We have much to reminisce about—”
“I’ve been remembering the past with Yining too.” Prince Zixin rubs his lower lip in a way that makes my stomach clench.
“Which part?” Jin’s voice is low and wrathful. “When you imprisoned her? Or when you almost killed her sister?”
