Undisturbed by past nightmares, I slept through the night until sunlight streamed through my window. The curtains fluttered in the morning breeze, laden with the scent of flowers. There was an unfamiliar lightness in my spirit—the lack of dread, I realized. I had not been aware of the tension coiled within me, until it was gone. Piles of silks and brocade were stacked in the cupboard, and I pulled out a white robe which I fastened around my waist with a length of green satin. Its flowing skirt was embroidered with butterflies and when I ran a knuckle across the smooth stitches of a wing, it fluttered. An enchanted dress. Did this mean my lifeforce was strong? Would I soon learn to use it? My skin tingled at the thought.
Leaving my room, I crossed the courtyard to Prince Liwei’s chambers—the large building across from mine. The wooden doors were lacquered a rich red, latticed with a pattern of circles, interspersed with gilded camelias. Raising my hand, I knocked gently. When there was no response, I rapped harder. After waiting a short while, I slid it open, anxious to not be late. It was dim inside, thick brocade drawn across the windows and around the rosewood bed in the far corner. Prince Liwei must still be asleep. My heart beat quicker as I stepped into the room, a floorboard creaking beneath my feet.
“Your Highness, I was instructed to wake you at this hour.” My voice came out thin and uncertain, his title stiff against my tongue. Recalling the chief attendant’s lecture, I sank to my knees, folding myself over until my forehead thumped clumsily against the hard floor.
Silence greeted me in return. I shifted, wondering how one might “respectfully” awaken a prince. The bed curtains rustled, a moment before they were pulled away. Lifting my head, my eyes locked onto his. Heat rushed into my face when I realized he wore just his white underrobe.
“Tea,” I blurted. “Do you want some tea, Your Highness?”
He propped himself up on one elbow, yawning as his hair fell loosely across his shoulders. “What are you doing on the floor? Rise, there’s no need to kneel. You weren’t nearly as respectful when we first met.”
“Only because I didn’t know who you were. You shouldn’t sneak up on people without warning or a procession, or . . . whatever you usually do. It’s most inconsiderate and unfair of—” Too late, did I shut my mouth. He had a knack for needling me.
He grinned, looking unexpectedly pleased. “I’m glad the person I met by the river is still here. You seemed different a moment ago. So . . . deferential.”
I bared my clenched teeth in more a grimace than a smile. “Tea, Your Highness?”
“Ah. Yes please.” But then a strange expression flitted across his face. “Could you ask someone from the kitchen to prepare it? I’m not sure I could drink your ‘unique’ brew a second time.”
Caught between laughter and mortification, I hurried to the kitchen, retracing my steps from yesterday. A rich and savory aroma wafted from the simmering pots of porridge, the pans sizzling with crescent-shaped dumplings. Distracted, I almost collided into an attendant carrying a steaming bowl of soup. He shot me a fearsome glare, his mouth opening to scold me, but someone grabbed my arm and pulled me away.
It was a girl in the purple robe of a kitchen attendant. Her cheeks had the rounded curves of an apple and her black hair was coiled into a bun.
“Best to stay out of his way. He thinks he’s better than the rest of us because he serves the empress.” Her chestnut brown eyes darted to me. “I’m Minyi. Are you new? What do you do? Whom do you serve?”
I paused, taken aback by her inquisitiveness. But I detected no malice in her, just curiosity and an openness which reminded me of Ping’er. “Prince Liwei,” I replied.
“Ah, so you’re the one who displeased Her Celestial Majesty.”
My mouth went dry, the smell of food now turning my stomach. How quickly the news had spread.
She patted my hand. “Don’t worry. Her Celestial Majesty disapproves of almost everyone. Now, was there something you or His Highness needed?”
“Just breakfast. And tea, for His Highness,” I said, recovering myself.
“Was there anything you wanted?” she asked.
When my gaze strayed to the dumplings, she winked. “I’ll make sure you get an especially large serving this morning.”
“Thank you.” I bowed to her, but she pulled me up.
“No need for that. You’re Prince Liwei’s companion.” She rubbed her chin in contemplation. “Maybe I should bow to you.”