He shuddered. “Can you sing? Draw? Craft animals from paper?” he rattled off.
I shook my head, my spirits sinking.
“You’re the worst governess I’ve ever met.” He crossed his arms mutinously in front of him.
I scowled at him, irked by his words. “Well, I’m not your governess and you’re being very rude. Maybe if you were a little more polite, I would teach you some of the exciting things I do know.”
His eyes squeezed tighter, his mouth pursing like a wrinkled grape. I braced myself for his tantrum and tears, thinking Shuxiao with her effortless charm would have been far better equipped for this challenge. But then he drew himself up straight and with remarkable poise, asked, “Well, what can you do?”
I racked my mind for something to say to capture his interest, something to live up to my rash boast. “I can play the flute,” I offered, with more than a little pride.
He huffed impatiently, rolling his eyes—utterly unimpressed by one of my greatest skills.
“I’ve read a lot of books,” I added quickly. “I can tell you stories!”
A sudden interest sparked in his face. “About the dragons?”
“The Four Dragons, when they bring rain to the Mortal Realm.” I was relieved to have finally caught his attention. It had been one of my favorite tales as a child, and one with more truth to it than I had suspected.
“The one where the dragons get punished by the stuffy Celestial Emperor? That’s the worst of them all!”
Before I could stop myself, a snort of laughter burst from me at his irreverent description of the most powerful immortal in the realm.
The corners of his lips curved up ever so slightly. “What else can you do?” The animosity had vanished from his tone.
I returned his smile. “Shoot arrows. And fight with a sword.”
He lit up as he grabbed my arm and dragged me toward a large chest crammed with wooden swords and shields.
“Eldest Brother says I’m too young to learn. But you’ll show me, won’t you?” he asked eagerly.
Helpless before such enthusiasm, I nodded weakly, hoping Prince Yanxi would forgive my transgression.
When Lady Anmei and Captain Wenzhi finally returned, we were engaged in a mock battle, leaping over the coral in the garden, our wooden swords thudding against each other. At the sight of them, I hastily dropped the sword, smoothing back my disheveled hair.
“Your Highness, it’s your bedtime,” Lady Anmei said in a firm tone.
Prince Yanming’s shoulders drooped, but he took her outstretched hand. “Will you come again tomorrow?” he asked me.
Something bloomed inside me at the hope in his voice. “Yes. I would like that very much.”
The sky had darkened to twilight by the time we returned to the shore. Instead of joining Captain Wenzhi in his tent, I ate with the other soldiers. For some reason I did not want to be in his company tonight.
I was on edge, wound tight. After the meal I paced along the beach, climbing upon a large rock. It soothed my restlessness to watch the waves hurling themselves against the shore in reckless abandon. The rough stone pressed against my back as I lay down, staring at the sky. When the moon shone as brightly as it did tonight, I knew my mother had lit the thousand lanterns and the perpetual ache in my heart eased a little. As I imagined her arms around me, her cool cheek against mine—a smile spread across my lips.
Footsteps approached, almost drowned by the crashing waves.
“You like to stare at the moon,” Captain Wenzhi said, from behind me.
“It’s a better view than some.” I did not bother to rise. It was rude of me, but I was in no mood for courtesy.
As he climbed up to join me, I jerked up onto my elbows, glaring at him. “Will you leave?” I fought to keep my voice steady.
“No.”
“Then I will.” I pressed my palms against the rock to slide down, but he covered my hand with his. His grip was as unyielding as the stone beneath my skin.
“Why are you angry?” He sounded confused.
I snatched my hand away, wrapping my arms around my knees. In truth, I did not know the cause of this gnawing sensation whenever I looked at him.
“Was it because I suggested you dress as Lady Anmei?” he probed.
The memory of his careless words stung. “You had no concern for me when you said that.”
His brow creased in surprise. “Are you afraid?” he asked, misunderstanding my meaning. “You can take care of the young prince and yourself, even without weapons and magic. And if I had no concern for you, would I stand guard with you?”