His scent swamped her, washing across her skin like a fire that was about to rage out of control. Swallowing down the lump in her throat, Mulan sucked in a breath. “Who said I would permit you to take me?”
Urgent fingers cupped her chin, twisting her head slightly so they locked gazes. Dark eyes stared at her with an intensity that sent a shiver down her spine. “What makes you think you could deny me?” he asked, before slamming his mouth upon hers with such force it stole her breath.
His kiss seared Mulan’s mind. Heat slammed across every inch of her being, consuming every coherent thought, any notion of common sense. They stood in the middle of a training hall, where anyone could see them, but Mulan didn’t give a damn. Twisting in his arms, she dropped the rag, wrapping her arms around his broad shoulders and held on tight.
When he finally broke away, the heat smouldering within his dark eyes, Mulan found it impossible to breathe. “Tell me you don’t want me, and I’ll never touch you again.”
Mulan opened her mouth, but nothing came out except a groan. Her core burned with need. But before she could say anything, they heard the soft sound of footsteps approaching.
The hunger in Prince Kang’s eyes transformed into panic. “We can’t be seen together. Li will extend the punishment.”
Mulan glanced around the room. There was only one way out; the same way someone was coming in.
Her eyes glanced to the cabinet. “Get in,” she told him, clutching at his tunic and pushing him inside before climbing in herself. Not knowing why she’d followed, she shut the doors softly behind her.
It’s a good thing I’m not claustrophobic, Mulan thought. The warmth of Prince Kang’s body pressed against hers encased her, and she forced herself not to reach out for him in the complete darkness.
The footsteps grew louder until they heard the door open.
“Where has that soldier gone?” a male voice asked.
“He should be here, cleaning. I don’t want to do it.”
“Maybe he’s gone to get new rags. It’s been a nice break. Hopefully someone else in Prince Kang’s army will insult General Li.”
Laughter rippled out. “What army? It’s dead.”
“But not as dead as Prince Jizi wanted his brother to be,” the first voice giggled. “I’ve heard that he was pissed when news came that Prince Kang survived the attack.”
“What do you expect. He hates him. Always has. He says the only difference between him and the Rouran is that one stays on the ground and the other flies.”
The need to smack someone arose within Mulan’s guts, but she knew she couldn’t risk anyone finding Prince Kang. She forced the irritation down.
The second man began to speak again. “Did you hear about the emperor? He had a messenger visit him late last night.”
“Someone is always visiting him.” Mulan could hear his eyes roll from his tone. “That’s not news.”
“But what is news is that they came into the palace via a secret tunnel that runs alongside the underground river. Whatever happened in that meeting, it set him off into one of his moods. He ordered several slaves to be killed. A dozen more are to be whipped this evening.”
“I swear there’s something wrong with that man,” the first replied, his voice tight. “Where have they hid the bodies this time?”
“In the foundations of the new temple constructed in the north-east of the city.”
“Remind me not to go there after dark.”
The other man snorted. “We’re slaves. We go wherever we’re told, whenever we’re told.”
“Thanks for reminding me.”
As the slaves continued to gossip about court life, Mulan used over their words. She’d never heard about an underground river in Pingcheng before, nor secret tunnels. She made a mental note to ask Prince Kang about them.
More footsteps echoed from the corridor, sending the slaves into silence. A few seconds later, the sound of the door opening flooded the room. “Get out,” a deep voice ordered.
“Yes, sir,” the slaves said in unison, rushing out.
Who is this? Mulan wondered, her brow creasing. She wished there was enough light so that she could see Prince Kang beside her, but the darkness enveloped them completely. If it wasn’t for the sound of his breathing, she could’ve been there alone.
Another set of footsteps hurried from outside the room, before the door closed again. “Sorry I’m late, but the prince has kept me busy all day,” came a wheezing voice, as if out of breath.
“I’ve only just got here myself. Did anyone see you?”
“No, I was careful.”
“Good, but we shouldn’t linger. Did you get it done?”
“Yes. Getting the message to Tuhezhen was tough, but I managed it. They’re close to finding both things.”
Tuhezhen? Wasn’t that the name of the emperor’s nephew? The Rouran khan’s son?
“Good. Prince Jizi has a new job for you and your master.”
“What do you need me to do?”
“Get rid of Prince Kang and anyone loyal to him. Since those damn worms were unable to do the job, it’s your master’s turn.”
“It will be. I need to go.”
“Go, but tell your master he’d better not back out of his agreement. Prince Jizi will not be pleased otherwise.”
Within seconds, the door opened and shut again, his footsteps fading into nothing. The sound of a harsh sigh reverberated from beyond the confines of the weapons cabinet, followed by silence.
Come on, leave! Mulan silently urged whoever the man was. Being trapped inside what was essentially a large wooden box with someone was not something she wanted to do for the rest of the day.
After several minutes of waiting, the sound of footsteps cut through the silence. Mulan breathed a sigh of relief as the door opened. He was going.
Unable to remain still any longer, Mulan shuffled her feet slightly. Her shoulder brushed against something metal, creating a faint noise.
Strong fingers grasped her wrist, digging tight into the tender flesh and causing her to wince under the pressure.
The footsteps outside faltered before coming to a complete stop. “Who’s there?” the gruff voice called, apprehension lacing his words.
Mulan’s heart thundered in her chest as the footsteps began once more. Although she couldn’t see anything, she could imagine him assessing for the origin of the noise.
Please don’t find us, please don’t find us.
The rapid thump of feet carried to her ears. Whoever it was coming down the corridor, they were in a hurry. “Secretary Fa, Prince Jizi is looking for you. He says its urgent.” A young female voice rang out. From her breathing, it was obvious she’d been running.
A slight pause descended on the room before the man spoke, each second sending a new wave of panic through Mulan’s veins. “Take me to him,” he ordered. The sound of the door closing triggered a surge of relief.
That surge swelled into a tidal wave once Prince Kang gently pushed the cabinet door open a few minutes later. The shock of bright light forced Mulan to squint to adjust. Slowly, they climbed out. Gratitude washed over her. The thought of staying in there any longer made the crick in her neck ache only worse. Heavens only knew what it must have been like for Prince Kang considering their height difference.
Once out, he grabbed her wrist and pulled her towards the corridor without saying a word. Their footsteps echoed down the hallway, passing door after door until he finally led her outside. The warmth of the midday sun spilling over her face was a welcome relief after being cooped up inside for nearly an entire day.
With his hand still firm on her wrist, Prince Kang led her through narrow pathways behind the backs of the buildings, away from prying eyes. After a few minutes, he forced them to a stop. Peeking over his shoulder, Mulan watched as a line of soldiers paraded past, their footsteps echoing through the air.
Unable to remain quiet any longer, Mulan took a deep breath. “Did you know those men?”
His face took on a grim expression and his eyes darkened. “Only one. The one giving orders is my brother’s secretary, Fa Shang. If something dirty needs to be done, it’s Fa he goes to. Don’t ever go near him. He has the ability to find out all your secrets.”
“Noted, but why would your brother want you dead?”
The trail of soldiers disappeared, but their footsteps still echoed loudly. Prince Kang shook his head. “Any number of reasons. I’m still alive would be my first guess.”
“But what are you going -”
In a fluid motion, he silenced her with a hand over her mouth. “Not here,” he whispered. “These walls have ears.” The grim expression turned thoughtful. “We need people we can trust.”
Removing his hand from her mouth, Mulan knew exactly who they needed. “Let’s find Daocheng and the others. You can trust them with your life.”
The echo of marching footsteps finally faded. Nodding, Prince Kang peeked his head around the corner of the building then turned back to her. “Let’s go.”
Nineteen
Several hours later with her friends whisked away from the barracks under the cover of dusk, Mulan, Daocheng, and the others found themselves sitting around a table in Prince Kang’s home. Located a few miles west of the city, it sat beside a long stream with valleys set in the far distance. Beneath the purple hues of night falling, the walled mansion appeared otherworldly, fitting for someone like him.
Mulan raised her cup to her lips and sipped the wine. Sweet, fruity, and rich, she’d never tasted such exquisite flavours before. It went well with the roasted meats and other dishes they’d consumed. After so long without a decent meal, her stomach finally felt full.
“Don’t drink too much,” Daocheng warned, sitting opposite her, his brows raised high. “Getting drunk won’t help anything.”
Mulan sat the cup back down and sighed, knowing he was right. But after everything in the last few weeks, getting drunk sounded just what she wanted.
But maybe not what they needed.
What they needed was to figure out what was going on.
After arriving at the mansion and ordering food and drink to be sent to the main dining hall, Prince Kang had ordered the staff’s dismissal. Once alone, he’d informed her friends about what they’d heard in the training room.
Thankfully, leaving out the kissing part. Her friends didn’t need to know about that.
Zong threw a chicken bone onto his dish and wiped his mouth with a silk napkin. “Would your brother really try to kill you?” he asked, unable to keep the scepticism from lacing his tone.
The prince leaned back on silk cushions, his face edged with exhaustion. “It wouldn’t be the first time he’s tried. I can’t prove it, but he may have been behind a plot on my life when I was thirteen.”
“Wonderful family you have there, Prince Kang,” Huyanti snorted, raising his cup in the air before downing the contents in a single swallow. Fresh clothes, warm water to wash in, and a hearty meal had given them all new life. It was good to see her friends smiling and their stomach’s full.
And, at last, she’d been reunited with her jian. Mulan reached down, feeling the leather sheath within her fingers as it remained strapped to her side. It didn’t feel right to be without it.
“Drop the prince and just call me Kang. I’ve had enough of titles.”
“As you wish,” Huyanti replied, his elbows resting on the table. Cocking his head to the side, his eyes flicked to the prince. “Apart from what you overheard, do you have any other proof?”
Kang reached within his robes and threw something onto the table. Mulan leaned forward, instantly recognising it. In the light from the braziers and candles, the jade gleamed. “This is my brother’s seal. I took it from the body of a Rouran sorcerer during the battle at Tiger’s Claw Pass.” A hush swirled on the air for a moment as they glanced at the object. “It’s proof enough for me to know he’s up to something, but not enough for my father to do anything about it.”
Mulan frowned, glancing at him. “But why?”
Kang sighed as he poured more wine into his own cup. “Jizi has always been one of his favourites. They share certain, shall I say, mindsets, when it comes to capital punishment.”
“You mean they’re both sadistic freaks who like to kill people?” Digan asked around a mouthful of meat.
Shrugging, Kang nodded. “In a word, yes.”
“But why would your brother work with the Rouran?” Daocheng asked softly, brushing back a thin braid from his face. “We’re at war with them.”
“That’s never stopped anyone,” Chuo scoffed. He pushed his plate away, finally full. Although it took three helpings to accomplish it. “You always hear of unscrupulous individuals working with shady people on the other side. Cheng Gong and Zhang Miao rebelled against Cao Cao; Gongsun Yuan, King of Yan, declared loyalty to the Cao Wei state but then switched to the Eastern Wu.” A slightly arrogant look spread across his face when he saw them look at him with confused expressions. Which always happened when Chuo talked of history. If it there was a piece of ancient trivia, he’d know it. “It happens throughout history. It’s stupid to think it couldn’t happen here and now.”
Kang pulled a face. “I had hoped it wouldn’t happen to me though.”
Mulan felt her face scrunch up in confusion. “But why you? I mean, if he wants power, why go after you? You’re not the crown prince; Huang is.”
“But Huang is untouchable,” Kang said, shaking his head. “Father has been grooming him to take the throne since he was eight. He’s loved and respected by all.”
“No one is untouchable,” Chuo replied, picking up his cup. “Princes rise, emperors fall, peasants take power, and the gods weep in despair as the cycle repeats itself.”
Mulan sat back and thought. “But Emperor Taiwu didn’t ask Prince Huang to take the mission to find the ancestral cave. He gave that to you.”
A sea of confused faces glanced at her.
“Ancestral cave?” Digan finally asked.
Over the course of the next several minutes, Mulan and Kang recounted their meeting with the emperor. Although this time, Kang did tell them about her stupidity. Daocheng whistled at that particular part.
“I always knew you had no sense, but damn,” Huyanti laughed. “Your mother’s head would’ve exploded if she saw you talking to the emperor like that.”
Mulan released a tired breath on a long exhale. “Don’t remind me. If it wasn’t for Kang, I’d probably be dead right now.”
“Perhaps you’ll stop being so stupid now?” Kang asked.
“Don’t bet on it,” Daocheng snorted. “You’ll just be wasting your money.”
Laughter peeled around the room. The flickering flames sent tongues of contrasting shadows and light along the walls, creating a beautiful kaleidoscope that danced over the murals. Silk curtains fell from high windows, pooling onto the floor. Rich dark furniture pressed against the walls, decorated with beautiful ornaments in an array of jade, crystal, bronze, and gold.
“Would Prince Jizi know about Kang’s mission?”
Everyone turned at Zong’s question. Kang leaned forward, his arms resting against the table, his empty plate inches away. No one had left much food after several days of meagre supplies. A serious look stretched over his features and he creased his brows. “It’s possible,” he said, drawing the words out slowly. “Although Father only gave the order to me yesterday, he’d probably decided on it a while ago.”
Mulan pondered. “Let me get this right. Your brother discovers that your father wants you to find the location of the Tuoba ancestral cave, and plots with Rouran sorcerers to kill you before he can even give you the mission.”
“Then Emperor Taiwu gives Prince Jizi the mission which if he does, gives him great power and prestige,” Digan exclaimed, excitement coating his words.
“And the more power he gains, the likelier his chances are at being emperor,” Kang finished.
“Princ
e Jizi as emperor – I don’t like it,” Huyanti muttered, giving an exaggerated shudder. “Not after the things I’ve heard.”
“What have you heard?” Mulan asked. She raised her cup, her tastebuds exploding in ecstasy as fell onto her tongue. A groan of contentment slipped out of her mouth. Damn the others. She’d earned a few drinks after everything.
A dark look crossed over Huyanti’s eyes as he poured himself another cup. “Last night I couldn’t sleep so I took a walk around the barracks. I know we’re meant to stay inside, but I got restless. Eventually, I ended up near the gatehouse on the southern side. I was just turning back when I heard voices.”
“What did they say?” Kang asked, his tone eager.
“They were discussing Prince Jizi’s meeting the night before.”
The line in Mulan’s brow etched deeper. She wished Huyanti would get to the point quicker. Her bladder was getting full. “So?”
“Three men snuck into his mansion when no one was looking. It was only because one of them was in the room next door that they heard part of the conversation.”
“So, what was the conversation?” Kang asked, his tone impatient.
“Prince Jizi ordered these men to find something – something important. Whatever it was, they didn’t say, but these men claimed it had the power to change the course of history, to reshape the world, with Jizi ruling it from on high. But there are others searching for it as well. According to the voices I overheard, the prince then ordered one of his concubines to his room, whether she wanted to or not. His words, apparently.”
Honour, She Obeys Page 21