Jade Fire Gold(96)
I sigh, rolling the pebbles around with my shoe, thinking about how life must’ve been for Leiye as a child. Illegitimate and unwanted, he somehow found friends among the royal children—a family he didn’t have at home. How long did he hide in the shadows, planning and waiting by himself when that family fell apart? What did he sacrifice to get close to my father? What did he have to do to protect his friends?
My duty is also to the prince, he once said to me. Which prince was he referring to?
“Ahn!”
No longer in mourning robes, Tai Shun is dressed in the emperor’s color: yellow gold. Crimson embroidery marks his lapels, matching the red gem in the center of the gilded headband around his forehead. A five-clawed dragon stitched in vivid colors coils around the length of his long ivory-and-gold cloak. The emperor’s symbol. I smile to myself, remembering the same dragon carved into the amulet Altan wears.
“Your Highness,” I say, curtseying.
“I don’t remember you being so formal before,” Tai Shun jokes, but there’s a serious air about him now that wasn’t there before. Maybe he’s finally coming to terms with his responsibilities. Altan may want the throne back, but it’s a family affair I have nothing to do with.
From his corner, Leiye greets Tai Shun with a slight nod before casting his gaze back into the distance. Tai Shun freezes for a moment, staring at the lonely sentinel. Then he turns back to me, forcing a smile that doesn’t reach his eyes.
“I was disappointed you didn’t say farewell before you left. How was your trip west? I hope your relatives are well.”
His manner is open and earnest. He truly doesn’t know who I am or what I can do. Did my father hide the news of the sunk Nandah ships from him? Remembering Leiye’s words, I weave some random tales of my alleged travels and aunts and cousins who don’t exist. In turn, Tai Shun shares updates about the situation with Nandah. His advisors—my father, presumably—are pushing to heighten the Empire’s defenses.
“Nandah is attacking us because their king thinks I’m weak,” says Tai Shun solemnly. “Our recruitment drive for soldiers continues.”
“But winter is coming, surely Nandah can’t get their ships here with all that ice?” And you have me, I think to myself.
“Our intelligence agents believe they may have a weapon that can break the ice. That narrow strip of water that separates Nandah from us won’t hold.”
A weapon that can break the ice. It must be the black powder. Judging from the explosion in the sea when that Nandah warship attacked us, the destruction would be devastating if their bombs hit our cities.
“Do we not have any allies we can call on?” I muse. Or have we made too many enemies?
Tai Shun leans his elbows on the table, tenting his fingers. “I asked your father the same question. His view of the situation is grim. We just ended a war with Honguodi and there’s no reason for them to help us, and it’ll take Mengu forever to get across the mountains to be of any aid. Besides, their people’s memories are long and their queen was a child when our nations last battled. I see no reason for her to want to help us.”
But I could stop Nandah with the dark sword. Maybe I could even prevent them from landing on shore in the first place. So why doesn’t my father tell Tai Shun that?
An attendant shows up with a tray, cheeks pink and bashful. She’s young and looks familiar. I think she’s one of the empress dowager’s maids-in-waiting.
“Compliments from Her Majesty.” The girl lays out the teacups and pours us tea, hand shaking slightly. I try to smile reassuringly at her, wondering if she’s nervous because of Tai Shun or me. She bows low again and leaves.
Tai Shun smiles. “Mother is always so thoughtful.”
“She is,” I agree, sipping my tea.
It isn’t long before another attendant shows up. This time, it’s a message for me.
After parting with Tai Shun, I make my way to my father’s private study, wondering why he has sent for me before dinner. He’s seated in his usual rosewood chair, deep in thought. I throw a quick glance around. I haven’t been back in here since my return to the palace. Everything looks the same.
He beckons me closer, and I’m struck by how tired he looks. An unexpected pang hits my chest. It must be difficult to carry the weight of one’s country on one’s shoulders. Then he shifts, and light reflects off his silver mask, reminding me what kind of man he truly is. I harden my heart. He may think he is serving his nation, but that doesn’t make his actions right.
“You’re here. Good.”
“Is something the matter, Father?”
“I was hoping you could show me how the sword works.”
I expected this request sooner or later, but I pretend to be shocked anyway.
“I don’t mean for you to use it on a person. If you are not ready, we can wait,” he says, a little too hasty. He sighs. “Although I will sleep better if I know for certain we have something that can withstand an assault from Nandah.”
He’s playing the game. This is a test.
“I can try,” I say.
“Are you sure?”
“Yes, I think I’m strong enough. I won’t fail you, Father.”
He returns my smile and pushes the cabinet back. The wall slides open. I don’t feign surprise. He knows I can feel the sword’s call. As the wall slides back into place, I notice that there are six manuscripts bound in red silk in the cabinet. Leiye must’ve returned the one he took before my father noticed it was missing.