Spin the Dawn(36)

“Norbu made that fire, you fool,” said Longhai. “And Norbu has played us all.”

“No,” Yindi said. “The shansen is playing us all. There are demon forces behind him. And once he brings them to A’landi, it will be too late.”

“You’ve been listening to too many soldiers talk.”

“Why do you say the shansen has demons?” I asked. “Doesn’t he hate magic, like his daughter?”

“Lies.” Yindi sniffed. “How can he hate what gives him power? Once the shansen places his daughter on the throne, he will have the emperor killed, just as he had his father and brother murdered by demons. Then he will steal his Lord Enchanter for himself. Just you wait and see.”

A chill swept over me, but Longhai dismissed Yindi’s warning.

“Enough of this,” he said. “You are upset. We all are. But the palace has eyes and ears, and you are ranting like a mad fool. Leave now with dignity.”

Yindi glared at him, and at me. “Just you wait and see,” he repeated, directing the warning at me. Then he left without another word.

Longhai lingered, his round, jolly face the gravest I’d ever seen it. “Good luck to you, Master Tamarin. May you have all the prosperity and happiness that you deserve. Look for me if you’re ever in Bansai.”

I bowed my head. Then Longhai, too, was gone.

Turning to the empty hall, I gathered my jacket and what was left of my materials. I had only a few precious hours before Lady Sarnai would appear with Emperor Khanujin to judge our creations.

It had always been Norbu. I saw that now. Norbu who had ruined my shawl, Norbu who’d taken the other tailors out drinking so they couldn’t work as hard, Norbu who had started the fire and locked me in the hall. Norbu who had broken my hand.

If not for Edan’s help, Norbu would have won the trial.

Gods help me, as long as I could sew, that was not going to happen.





CHAPTER THIRTEEN


As soon as I saw Norbu’s jacket, I knew I had no chance.

It was magnificent. Sleeveless and daring. The collar was made of snow-white swan feathers, and the skirt rippled with pearls and ermine trimming fit for an empress.

Even Lady Sarnai was impressed. She showed little sign of emotion at the news that the Hall of Supreme Diligence had burned, forcing two tailors to resign. But when she saw Norbu’s jacket, she actually smiled.

My heart sank. My only ally, Edan, wasn’t here. Only now did I realize how much I had relied on his presence at these challenges.

I’d worked all night after Longhai and Yindi left, but because of my hand I’d had to forgo many of the details to finish in time. I’d planned to add lace to the neckline and sleeves and sew golden buttons to match the gilded leaves I’d painstakingly drawn over the violet paint to make the paper look like brocade. Now, seeing Norbu’s feathers and pearls and fur, I realized my design was far too plain.

Lady Sarnai fluttered her fan, pretending to think. I simmered with agitation as I waited. I already knew whom she would choose, even though I couldn’t bear to hear the words.

“Master Norbu’s jacket is the superior one in this challenge,” she finally said, confirming my fears. Lorsa started for me, but Lady Sarnai raised her fan. “However, given the fire, another challenge may be necessary for me to make a proper decision.”

I stole a glance at Emperor Khanujin, certain he’d be furious with the shansen’s daughter for trying again to postpone the wedding. To my surprise, he nodded. “Very well. There will be one final challenge. But I will deliver it.”

Lady Sarnai’s eyes narrowed. “Your Majesty, you left the selection of the tailor to me, did you not?”

“I did,” replied Emperor Khanujin, “but paper jackets and glass shoes are not indicative of either tailor’s true talent.” He waited, as if daring Lady Sarnai to object. When she didn’t, he addressed Norbu and me: “No rules this time. Simply craft something for Lady Sarnai to the best of your ability. Something meaningful to you, that captures her beauty. Have it ready in a week’s time.”

I bowed. “Yes, Your Majesty.”

Norbu echoed my words, smiling.

For the first time in my life, I wanted to spit at someone. If only the emperor hadn’t been around, I really might have.

“What shall we do with the jackets?” Minister Lorsa asked once Emperor Khanujin had left.

“Ask Master Norbu,” Lady Sarnai said.

Norbu bared his teeth, his smile widening. “It would greatly honor me if mine was burned at the temple.”

“Very well,” Lady Sarnai said. “Since the emperor is so dedicated to visiting the temple and praying to his heavenly ancestors, I’m sure they will welcome the gift.”

Bile rose in my throat. Edan had to be right about Norbu using magic; no tailor in his right mind would offer to destroy such a jacket unless he had something to hide. Much as it pained me, I bowed. “Please burn mine, too, Your Highness.”

My voice nearly came out as a whisper. All my hard work, burned! And to think I’d risked my life to save this jacket from the fire. I couldn’t bear the irony of it.

I watched the servants take away my jacket, and after Lady Sarnai exited the room, Lorsa approached me. His tone was dismissive, as if I’d already lost. “Her Highness wishes you to take her measurements. Meet her in the Orchid Pavilion.”