“The dragons said it was an enchantment which bound their spiritual essence to the pearls. According to Teacher Daoming, no enchantment is unbreakable. What if this can be undone? I don’t know if it’s possible, but I intend to find out.” I added haltingly, “This way, I will keep my bargain with your father, but just the one I struck with him and no more.”
A faint smile formed on his lips. “Just the pearls and no more, do you mean?”
I nodded, despite the doubt which gnawed at me. The emperor intended to get from me more than what had been agreed. And now, he would get exactly what was promised, which was not what he wanted at all. It might not work; there were too many things that could go wrong. Perhaps the enchantment could not be undone. Perhaps the emperor would not accept the pearls without the essence; he would certainly be furious. But what choice did I have? None that I could stomach making.
As Liwei’s cloud drifted closer, he leapt onto mine, reaching out to clasp my hand. “We don’t have much time.”
At that moment, I breathed easier than I had in years—ever since I left the Courtyard of Tranquility. I was not alone, and despite everything which had happened between us, he was my friend still.
Yet I took no pleasure drawing him into these plans of mine. My schemes would pit Liwei against his father, incurring his displeasure and inciting his wrath. But I would not refuse his help now, not when it was as welcome to me as the rain on parched soil. Not when so much hung in the balance.
“Where are we going?” he asked.
“To where the dragons were born.”
37
The Fragrant Coral Palace gleamed like a blushing pearl in its shell. Today, the ever-changing waters were a brilliant azure, the waves cresting with white foam. As we walked over the crystalline bridge, something caught at my heart, unwelcome memories flooding me from when I was last here.
The palace guards bowed to Liwei, recognizing him at once. While they knew me, too, his presence helped us obtain a swift audience, despite our lack of civility in appearing unannounced. We were ushered into a spacious room, as an attendant left in search of Prince Yanxi.
Liwei stared through the clear wall at a magnificent coral reef, glowing in jeweled tones. Bright-colored fish darted through it, wary of the larger shadows which passed above—the hunters in search of prey. His expression was somber, perhaps contemplating the impossible situation I had dragged him into.
“I know this is not what you want. But thank you, for coming with me,” I told him.
“Many will disagree with what you’re planning.” His gaze shifted to me, as opaque as the waters beyond. “But you’ll always have my support.”
Simple words spoken in his quiet manner, yet how they affected me.
The doors slid open as Prince Yanxi entered. His pearl-gray brocade robe was shot through with gold, a belt of lapis lazuli fastened around his waist. I surreptitiously pressed my palms against my skirt in a futile attempt to smooth out the creases. At least the dark color hid the smears of dirt, sweat, and blood.
He greeted Liwei before turning to me with a smile. “First Archer, have you decided to leave the cold Celestial Kingdom for our warm shores?”
I shook my head ruefully. “Unfortunately, we’re here under less desirable circumstances, Your Highness.”
The urgency in my tone banished his mirth. “If there is anything you need, you have only to ask,” he assured me, sitting down and gesturing for me to do the same.
I remained standing, my fingers already untying the strings of my pouch and tipping the pearls into my palm. Tingling against my skin and pulsing with inner fire.
Prince Yanxi leaned closer to inspect them, his head jerking up. “Are these the pearls of the Venerable Dragons?”
“Yes.”
“How did you get them?” he asked in wonder.
“They were given to me.” The words stumbled out, halting and uncertain. I was unused to unveiling my secrets so easily. Even now, a part of me feared that I had made a mistake in coming here, that Prince Yanxi would be obligated to surrender us to the Celestial Kingdom.
Perhaps sensing my unease, he stiffened, drawing away. “Who gave them to you? Who has the right to do so?”
“The dragons themselves,” I replied, a little stung by his doubt. But I recalled how greatly he cared for the dragons. And I, myself, was still in disbelief to be entrusted with their pearls.
“My father tasked Xingyin to gather the dragons’ pearls for him. They were released from the Mortal Realm using his seal,” Liwei explained.