I wondered, why did the emperor not remove Lady Hualing from her duties sooner, when he seemed not to tolerate the slightest disobedience in others? But then all heads swung to the entrance, eager whispers rustling through the crowd. I turned to see two immortals approaching the dais.
“Queen Fengjin and her daughter, Princess Fengmei, from the Phoenix Kingdom,” Captain Wenzhi told me.
Her name hit me like a blow. The princess rumored to have been betrothed to Liwei? Gleaming cloaks of gold feathers were clasped around their shoulders, over their long robes of crimson brocade studded with pearls. A crown of fire rubies glittered on the queen’s hair. When the princess lifted her head, something in my chest contracted. She was the girl I had met in the courtyard earlier, my partner in the inadvertent destruction of Liwei’s painting. The empress greeted them warmly, rising as she gestured to their seats. Something coiled tight around my heart when the princess took the chair beside Liwei, who sat there with a face carved from stone.
I breathed deeply, determined to keep my spirits high. Fortunately, General Jianyun knew plenty of interesting facts about the noble guests and did not hesitate to share them. For the most part, Captain Wenzhi was silent but solicitous of my needs, ensuring my wine cup was always full and placing the choicest delicacies on my plate.
Whenever I looked up, I found Liwei staring at me. As the night progressed, his expression grew darker than a moonless night, more thunderous than a spring storm. At this moment he appeared more fearsome than the Celestial Empress.
Captain Wenzhi leaned toward me. “Why is His Highness glowering at you?”
“You must be mistaken,” I said quickly, trying to conceal my discomfort.
The look he shot me was one of disbelief. But then he shrugged. “In that case, he must be staring at me.”
Perhaps it was the wine loosening my tongue or the informal way he spoke, as I replied, “Do you think your appearance so pleasing? Not everyone is struck with admiration at the sight of you.”
“I would be interested to hear what you think of me.” His brows were arched in a seeming challenge.
“Even if it does not please you?”
“Especially, if so,” he said, his voice deepening.
I laughed, a hollow sound—unable to banish this feeling of unease, that something was not quite right. Why was Liwei glowering at me? There was no other way to describe his clamped lips and his eyes, burning like coals into mine.
Unfortunately, the empress noticed it, too. She crooked her finger at me, the pointed gold sheath glinting in the light. Only now did I realize that these were no mere ornaments, but Phoenix Talons, said to be laced with a potent poison.
Dragging myself to my feet, I walked to the front of the dais and knelt, awaiting her command.
Her piercing gaze reminded me of a hawk swooping down upon its prey. “Your hairpin is lovely, a rare treasure indeed. Where did you obtain it from?” The softness in her tone sheathed the dagger in her words.
Heat rushed into my cheeks as I fumbled for a response. A polite reply, a witty remark, anything but the yawning silence implying guilt where there was none.
Liwei rose and clasped his hands before him, folding over in a bow. “Honorable Mother, it was my gift to her.”
“You’re fortunate that my son is so generous. How do you plan to repay such kindness?” Her red lips parted in a mirthless smile. “Today is my son’s birthday. What gift did you bring him? I can only hope it is one of equal worth.”
Liwei raised his voice. “Honorable Mother, there is no need for this. If this offends you in any way, I ask that you speak to me alone.”
She ignored him, the covers on her nails glinting as she tapped them on the armrest. She meant to humiliate me, announcing to everyone that I did not belong here. But I was not ashamed—I was furious. Not just for myself, but for her threats to my mother, her failed attempt to ruin my father, her selfishness in not reining in the sunbirds until tragedy had struck.
No, I would not flinch from her stare, I would not cower from her condescension. I lifted my head, a bright smile on my face. “I have given His Highness my gift. However, if you wish me to share it, I would be pleased to oblige you.”
She stared at me as though I were the lowliest of insects. With an imperious nod, she gestured for me to proceed.
I drew the flute from my pouch, my fingers as cold as the jade in my hands. My tongue flicked over my dry lips as I stole a glance at the crowd, beginning to regret the reckless words that had gotten me here. Some guests appeared bored, while others glowed in anticipation of my encroaching humiliation. How could I perform before such an audience? I could barely breathe, my ribs clenching as though they were squeezed together. Behind me, footsteps clicked against the floor as someone approached. It was Captain Wenzhi, carrying a stool, which he placed before me.