He did not sound like an eager bridegroom. Nor did I understand the delay when the exchange of gifts was a commitment as binding as the signing of the betrothal contract. Who would dare come between an alliance of the two most powerful families in the realm? I had asked the question, invited the pain, peeling away the last stubborn shred of hope from my heart. Yet how sharp the regret which stabbed me now, the claws of jealousy which raked me.
Someone rapped on my door. Was it Shuxiao, calling me for the evening meal? I would be glad for any distraction. Striding to the doors, I wrenched them apart, a welcoming smile on my lips—
It was Captain Wenzhi who stood in the entrance, out of his armor and in a black robe. “The healer said she was sent away before she could attend to you.” At the sight of Liwei, he stiffened before bowing in greeting. “Your Highness, I did not expect to find you in the soldiers’ quarters.”
Liwei’s expression turned cool, sliding into the imperial mask he wore so easily. “Captain Wenzhi, you are most solicitous of your soldiers. Even visiting them at this late hour.”
“Indeed I am, Your Highness. Particularly of those injured.” He stalked into the room, unflustered by Liwei’s hostility.
As they stared at each other, their gazes flat and unblinking, my head began to throb.
Finally, Liwei turned to me. “I am at ease knowing you’ve returned.” He nodded tersely to Captain Wenzhi, who responded with another short bow. From the set of his shoulders, I knew he was displeased as he left.
“Why should your return weigh on Prince Liwei’s mind?” Captain Wenzhi asked, taking the stool newly vacated. With a surge of his magic, he heated the water in the pot, brewing a fresh pot of jasmine tea and pouring me a cup.
I took a sip, relishing its delicate fragrance and soothing warmth. “We’re friends. We studied together.”
“He didn’t seem friendly. Neither did you.”
I kept my face blank, setting the cup back down. “Captain Wenzhi, did you come for a particular reason or just to stir up trouble where there is none?”
“I came to check on your injuries. How are they?”
“Healed.” I stretched out my arms to show him the renewed skin, relieved to find his wounds had vanished, too.
A strange expression crossed his face. “You’re fortunate to have been attended to so well.”
I snatched my arms back. He knew the healer had not attended to me. “How was your audience with His Celestial Majesty?” A clumsy attempt to divert his attention.
“The emperor was pleased. You would be in line for a promotion should you decide to make this a career.” His tone lifted like he was asking a question.
I cared not for that, yet this was a promising start to the journey I hoped would bring me home. “I’m not going anywhere. If they want to give me a new title, though, I wouldn’t mind yours,” I told him lightly.
“I’ll be sure to inform Their Celestial Majesties of your wish.” He added, almost as an afterthought, “The Jade Dragon Bow—did you keep it someplace safe?”
I nodded, thinking of the box tucked beneath my bed, an enchantment woven to conceal it from prying eyes.
“I’ll be leaving soon to one of the Sea Kingdoms. If you join us, we might find some information on the bow there. However, it could be dangerous. It’s no small matter for their king to request our aid and no favor from the Celestial Emperor comes without a price.”
Something flickered across his face. Was it distaste? Or concern for the perils ahead? “I’ll consider it,” I said slowly.
He rose to his feet then. “I’ll see you at training tomorrow. At dawn.”
I resisted the urge to protest. It would do no good.
He almost collided into Shuxiao at the doorway. Trying to balance the unwieldly tray in her grasp, she bowed to him awkwardly. He gave her a curt nod in return, his expression aloof as he left.
Shuxiao set the tray on the table. “Your dinner. I heard you were hurt.”
“Thank you.” I was glad for her company. Her room was close to mine and we ate together whenever we could. As I glanced at the braised pork, stir-fried green beans, and ripe loquats—my stomach growled, reminding me that I had not eaten anything all day. Lifting the lid off the bamboo steamer, I took a soft pillow of bread, tucking slices of the tender meat within its folds.
“Have you seen a healer?” she asked.
“Yes.” I was reluctant to elaborate.
She slanted her head back to stare at me. “You look well. Glowing, almost. Maybe you should have brought me my dinner instead.” Pushing back her stool, she lifted the hem of her robe, displaying two rows of red indents pressed into her calf.