Something hardened inside me, a voice rising from my throat to say, “I’ll guard Prince Yanming.”
All heads swung toward me then, their surprise and skepticism marked clear upon their faces. I was in disbelief myself; until this moment, this had not been my intent.
Only Captain Wenzhi smiled. “She will be the perfect guard to watch over His Highness. I will protect him, too. We can’t surround him with more guards than usual, not without arousing suspicion.”
I slumped against my chair, relieved to no longer be the center of attention. Or was it because of his offer to stand watch with me?
A little of the ice thawed in Prince Yanxi’s expression as he sat down again.
Captain Wenzhi plunged ahead, always quick to sense an opening. “This plan will work. After last night’s attack, Governor Renyu must realize it would be near impossible to take the prince from here. We could spread the news that Prince Yanming will be leaving soon for the Celestial Kingdom for his safety. All we need is for him to appear on the beach, to convince the governor of his presence. First Archer Xingyin and I will be with him at every moment. If this doesn’t draw out Governor Renyu, nothing will.”
A stout general with light brown hair frowned. “His Highness has just his governess and one guard with him at all times. Moreover”—he reddened as he shot me a furtive look—“there are no women in our army. Would not the First Archer’s presence make the enemy suspicious?”
Silence greeted his astute observation.
Captain Wenzhi tucked his chin between his fingers as his gaze slid over me. “First Archer Xingyin can disguise as Lady Anmei, the prince’s governess.”
I froze, quelling an instinctive protest. How could I delude anyone into thinking I was the elegant lady from the banquet? My opinion was apparently shared by many as the generals exchanged incredulous glances, though they seemed too polite to voice their reservations aloud.
Captain Wenzhi had no such scruples. “I know she looks nothing like Lady Anmei, but with the right clothes and accessories, some face paint—”
“Captain Wenzhi, thank you for your confidence in me,” I interjected, fighting down a flash of irritation at his callous remarks.
Prince Yanxi’s expression was still grim. “My brother will be taken away before the battle begins.” It was a demand, not a question.
Captain Wenzhi inclined his head. “Of course.”
The prince spoke to me now. “This would be even more perilous than last night. Governor Renyu is dangerous and unpredictable. You would be the target of our enemy’s attacks and to avoid raising their suspicions, you can’t carry a weapon or use your magic—at least not until the trap is sprung. While I’m confident we can defeat them, no one knows the outcome of any confrontation. I fear for your safety should they reach you and find my brother not in your care.”
His candor and concern touched me. “Your Highness, I will take care of your brother and myself,” I assured him.
He nodded then, glancing around at the room. “Very well, we will proceed. Though we need some time to make our preparations and plant the information with the right sources. It would be prudent if you could spend some time with my brother over the next few days. If our plan is to succeed, he needs to be at ease with you.”
Something turned over in my stomach. While I recognized the good sense in his suggestion, I had not spent much time with children.
After the meeting, Captain Wenzhi and I followed the prince to his brother’s quarters. At the sight of us, Lady Anmei rose and bowed, her green brocade skirt grazing the floor. Up close, she was even more striking than I remembered. Her cheeks were stained pink when she saw Captain Wenzhi, but it was his courtly bow to her which made me gnaw the underside of my lip for some inexplicable reason.
Prince Yanming came forward then, executing a flawless bow to his brother. When he was introduced to me, he showed no recognition from last night. Prince Yanxi wasted no time in drawing Lady Anmei aside and speaking to her in hushed tones. Without another word, they left the room with Captain Wenzhi.
“Where did Lady Anmei go? Who are you?” Prince Yanming demanded. His cheeks were soft and round, even as his chin jutted out defiantly.
I crouched down to look into his eyes, the same blue as his brother’s. “Lady Anmei had to leave for a short while, but she’ll be back soon. I will stay with you for now.”
His mouth pressed into a straight line. “Do you know any games?”
“How about weiqi?” I offered, already searching his room for the board with its smooth black and white stones.