Page 67
“The people desired Queen Chunlei to ascend the throne. They were on the verge of rebellion after your merciless taxation. I must follow the will of the people and of our true ruler. I also wonder at your presence here, at the court of the Pearl Ocean. Her Majesty would be keen to learn more.”
A cunning move, attempting to weaken the prince’s standing in the Pearl Ocean—yet he’s misjudged Lady Shufang. She won’t be swayed by his opinion, her relationship with the prince stronger than an alliance of paper and ink.
“While we value our friendship with the Iron Mountains, our kingdom does not answer to yours,” Lady Shufang replies.
Chief Advisor Mai bows to her. “Your Ladyship, you should reconsider your stance. You keep dangerous company. Queen Chunlei is patient and magnanimous, but she will not tolerate treachery in the Three Kingdoms.”
“Who defines what treachery is?” Lady Shufang scoffs.
“The one who prevails.” A thinly veiled threat lurks in the chief advisor’s tone.
Lady Shufang’s eyes blaze. Flattery and persuasion would work better on her, especially given her history with Queen Chunlei. Moreover, the Pearl Ocean is stronger than they appear.
“Accept the gift, Chief Advisor,” she commands him. “If you and your queen do not improve your dispositions, this may be the last one you ever receive from us.”
He takes the pearl, his bow stiff as he leaves, followed by the soldiers. Only then do I release a sigh of relief.
Prince Zixin turns to Lady Shufang, his voice dropping until only those close can hear. “Why did you not tell me of this visit?”
“Their arrival was unexpected—”
“You would have learned of their presence in your vicinity, just as you knew of mine.” His tone is cool, his face inscrutable. “Am I to be offered as your tribute to my sister? The price of the peace you seek for your kingdom?”
Lady Shufang’s face is contrite as she grasps his hand. “Never, Zixin,” she says with emotion. “No one will harm you here, I swear. I will keep you safe—always.”
Her promise stirs a sliver of foreboding, of the prince offering the same to me once. His protection only extended as far as my obedience. But Prince Zixin will accept her terms; he will trade himself for his kingdom. I never imagined it possible that I am more fortunate than the Prince of the Iron Mountains… that I can afford to choose differently.
He looks at me then, my chest twisting at the silent demand in his gaze. Prince Zixin suspects we found what we sought from the visit he’d arranged. Tonight, he will summon me. And though I could refuse, though he cannot force me here—I incline my head in acceptance. I pay my debts, and once more the Prince of the Iron Mountains possesses something that I need.
CHAPTER THIRTY-FOUR
BACK IN MY ROOM, JIN AND I SIT BY THE TABLE. HE IS watching me, unsure of my silence since leaving Lady Shufang’s throne room. “Tomorrow night, once we find the waterfall—are you worried about surrendering the dragon’s magic?”
Old doubts stir, not of him but myself—of yielding the magic that has kept me safe all this while. I’m not one for sacrifices. “Are you worried?” I smile, without the suspicion I once harbored.
He doesn’t laugh, his manner solemn. “I’m grateful that you used it to help my people.”
Guilt pierces me. I want to help Jin more, his kingdom still in peril. What if surrendering this magic means I can no longer protect the Ancient Grove, a place I’ve come to care for? I have no other magic, still untrained.
“Once, I envisioned a future where you and I ruled Thorn Valley, when Mist Island had no hold over us because you pried us free of their grasp.” As a hateful flicker of doubt flashes through me, he takes my hand, weaving our fingers together. “But I know what it costs you to wield this magic, the danger you face. And I don’t want that for you.”
“I thought you’d say something else,” I admit without thinking. “That you’d want me to keep it—” I silence myself, afraid he’d be angry.
He smiles at me, not with amusement but an intensity that makes my heart race. “I’m glad you told me, that you didn’t hide it. No more lies between us; no more masks. You and I—we don’t shy from the darkest parts of each other, we look them in the face and make our choice, each time.”
Warmth suffuses me, as I blink to clear my vision. “What is your choice?”
His palm cradles my cheek. “You. Each and every time.”
“As you are mine, Lord Jin-Yong.” I press his hand to me, leaning into his touch. This feeling is new and unfamiliar—to give of myself freely, without doubt or uncertainty. Being with Jin this way is as effortless as breathing, as light as air.
Someone knocks on the door, insistent and hard. As Jin and I rise, his expression is guarded. “I believe it’s a messenger from Prince Zixin,” I say heavily. “He is summoning me tonight.”
Shadows creep across his face. “His Highness does not waste time.”
One night, from dusk till sunrise. Outside the window, the skies are darkening, the stars flickering to life. Though I’d expected this, a shiver curls down my spine.
“He wants what I promised him,” I tell Jin. “But I’m going there to get what we need.”
