Prince Yanxi leapt to his feet, his face aglow. “The dragons are freed! I must inform my father.”
I moved in front of him. “Your Highness, your father will know in good time. For now, there is a more urgent matter we need your help on.”
“Urgent?”
“I must ask you something about these pearls.”
His gaze probed me, guarded once more as he sat back down. “I cannot help but wonder, why does the Celestial Emperor desire the pearls now? And why would the dragons relinquish them?”
“I can’t speak for His Celestial Majesty’s intentions. When I agreed, I did not realize what the pearls meant to the dragons. Rest assured, I have promised to protect their freedom.”
He did not reply, his head tilted to one side as though he had not yet decided whether to trust us.
Inhaling deeply, I plunged ahead. “The enchantment which binds the dragons’ spiritual essence to the pearls . . . can it be undone?” My heart thudded as I awaited his answer.
“Why?” He looked at me like I was a puzzle he was trying to figure out.
“I want to restore the dragons’ essence to them. They will never be beholden to another again.”
“Why do you want to do this? Why not just return the pearls to the dragons?” he probed, ever perceptive.
I thought of my mother, whom Prince Yanxi might still be ignorant of. “In truth, I am being selfish, too. If I give the pearls back to the dragons, I will have failed in my task. I do not want that. The emperor has promised me something which I want very much.”
He arched an eyebrow. “It must be something important, First Archer.”
“Nothing is more important than family,” I said in a low voice. “As you yourself know, Your Highness.”
Prince Yanxi’s expression softened as he leaned back against his chair. Was he thinking of his brother? His parents? “This enchantment you speak of is a powerful one.” He rubbed his chin pensively, “The seal was formed through blood and magic, and through those it can be broken. But only with that of the rightful owner of the pearls.”
It was possible. There was still a chance. Every enchantment required magic, though I could not help quailing at the mention of blood.
He hesitated, glancing at Liwei.
“Speak freely, Your Highness. You’re among friends, none who will take offense,” said Liwei.
Prince Yanxi laced his fingers together, his elbows resting on the table. “First Archer Xingyin, was it to you alone that the dragons offered their pearls?”
When I nodded, his frown deepened. “Not much is known of their ruler, the warrior who saved them. Some believe he was a relation of the Celestial Emperor. If so, why would the dragons not offer their allegiance to you or your father?” he asked Liwei.
The gold sculptures on the rooftop of the Jade Palace, the embroidery on the imperial robes . . . was the rumor true or were these merely symbols to perpetuate a powerful myth? Had the emperor coveted the might of the dragons, all this time? Had their punishment been rooted in their refusal to bow to him?
“In the Celestial Kingdom, we don’t have much information on the dragons. All I know is they have no wish to serve my father. They made that clear when they were freed.” Liwei paused. “Why do you ask?”
Prince Yanxi sighed. “Releasing the dragons’ essence is no simple matter. It requires a great sacrifice, one which the warrior paid to bind their essence to the pearls. Half of one’s lifeforce to complete the enchantment.” He leaned across the table toward me, “The dragons yielded their pearls to you, which means they acknowledge you as their true owner. Therefore, it is you, alone, who must pay this price.”
His words pounded into my mind. Half my lifeforce? Unlike my energy, which could be recovered through recuperation, it might take decades to regain my lifeforce. Centuries, perhaps. I would be weakened, immensely so. Drawing the Jade Dragon Bow would be a challenge. How could I protect those I loved? How could I defend myself?
Liwei seized my hand, holding it tight. “Xingyin, don’t do this. There must be another way.”
I pulled free from his grasp, conscious of Prince Yanxi’s penetrating stare. It would be so easy to walk away, to let fate take its course. To have the decision made for me instead of grappling with it. But I had come so close to losing the pearls before, I dared not risk it again. I did not know how much longer I had. Even now, Wenzhi’s troops might be closing in on us. And the emperor must be growing impatient at my absence.
I bit the inside of my lip, biting down harder until the soft flesh gave way, stinging, as the warm tang of blood filled my mouth. If Prince Yanxi was wrong, or if the enchantment failed—I would have weakened myself for nothing. And if I did not surrender the pearls to the Celestial Emperor then, I would earn his eternal enmity. Would he honor the promise not to harm my mother? As for myself . . .