The king and queen sat on a dais at the far end of the hall. A magnificent gold flower with a pearl the size of my palm gleamed from the queen’s hair. The petals fluttered around the pearl, which glowed white one moment, morphing to deepest black the next. A little boy stood beside her, clutching her hand. His head barely came up to the armrest of her throne and his dark eyes were large and solemn. Beside him stood an elegant lady in apricot silk with strands of round pink pearls looped around her neck. Her delicate chin was tilted up as she scrutinized the hall with an expression of regal aloofness.
“Is that His Majesty’s daughter?” I asked Captain Wenzhi, as we went to greet our hosts.
“His Majesty has only two sons—Prince Yanxi whom you’ve met, and Prince Yanming.” Following my gaze, he added, “The lady standing with Prince Yanming is Lady Anmei, his governess. She’s the daughter of a powerful nobleman and her family holds great influence at this court.”
After we paid our respects to the royal family, an attendant showed us to our table. Captain Wenzhi filled our cups and I took a sip of the wine, the mild sweetness of the fermented grains lingering on my tongue. The silver plates before us were piled with exotic foods, most of which I had never seen before: glossy red crustaceans, golden jellyfish, and black spiked spheres. I thought those looked particularly unappetizing, although the other guests ate it with relish.
Captain Wenzhi took one and sliced it open, passing half to me. I scooped up its flesh and slid it into my mouth, savoring its creamy yet briny taste.
“Is the food to your liking?” Prince Yanxi asked, appearing before us unexpectedly.
I choked on my mouthful, coughing loudly. Grabbing my cup, I took a large gulp of wine before hastily rising to greet him.
He inclined his head in acknowledgment, saying, “Captain Wenzhi, my father wishes to speak with you. He asked if you would join him at his table? I will accompany First Archer Xingyin until your return.”
A frown flitted across Captain Wenzhi’s face, only to vanish in the next instant. He bowed to the prince, before walking toward the dais. I could not help noticing how Lady Anmei brightened when he took the empty seat at their table.
Prince Yanxi lowered himself onto the chair as he looked intently at me. For some reason, I did not find his interest offensive. Perhaps it was the open curiosity in his expression or the humor as I boldly returned his stare, determined not to be the first to break the silence.
“First Archer, where did you learn your skills?” The candid way he spoke reminded me of General Jianyun.
“I trained alongside Prince Liwei when I was his companion.” I responded in a similar vein, hoping he did not catch the quiver in my voice.
Recognition dawned. “Of course. I remember you from the banquet. You played the flute well. Do you still?”
“No.” I looked away from him. I had not played since that night.
Perhaps sensing my unease, he asked, “Why did you join the Celestial Army? Was this your family’s wish?”
“The general who mentored my early training offered me a position.”
His fingertips played with the rim of his cup. “Surely there must have been many other opportunities available to one who had served the Crown Prince?”
“Not where I would have the freedom to make my own way. I have no family to advance me and only my skills to depend on.” I lifted the cup to my mouth and took a long drink. “But this is my choice, I would not seek another,” I added, thinking of the Crimson Lion Talisman.
A smile played upon his lips, his eyes crinkling. They were not black as I had imagined, but the deep, opaque blue of uncut sapphires. He picked up the porcelain jug to refill my cup. “Your candor is refreshing.”
The wine was going to my head, loosening my tongue. “Why does Your Highness have so many questions for someone like me?”
“Because there aren’t many like you. Captain Wenzhi holds you in high esteem. You must be exceptionally skilled to be ranked the First Archer. Yet you look like no warrior I’ve ever encountered.”
I returned his smile. “As there are no women in your army, I’m not surprised.”
He threw back his head and laughed. “I apologize. I’m not usually so inept in my compliments.”
Had I heard him correctly? Growing aware of the sudden lull in conversation, I glanced around the hall. Many of the Eastern Sea Immortals were staring at us, whispering among themselves.
“Your presence with me is causing quite a stir. Perhaps Your Highness should attend to your other guests,” I suggested, belatedly realizing one does not dismiss a prince of the realm.