by JC Kang
Thank the Heavens. Kaiya nodded to the doctor in thanks and stuck out her tongue.
“I see.” Doctor Wu’s lips pursed. She spent the next several minutes poking and prodding at her, while soldiers jogged around the temple walls and nervous priests shuffled at a respectful distance. How mortifying, to have so much attention for all the wrong reasons.
Just when Kaiya’s heart was about to stop, a middle-aged man slunk through the wall of imperial guards. The white-and-red symbols stitched into his blue robes marked him as a member of the Ministry of Household Affairs. “Dian-xia, the Tianzi commands you to present yourself before him.”
Heavens, no. Kaiya resigned to humiliating herself in front of all the hereditary lords. The Tianzi—Father—had no choice but to pass harsh judgment.
Doctor Wu’s hand squeezed hers, sending a reassuring warmth coursing through her body. “Don’t worry, Dian-xia. I will accompany you.”
For whatever good that would do. No matter Father’s respect for the doctor, he couldn’t afford to appear weak and overlook a capital offense. Not when the North was unsettled. Not when she couldn’t prove her budding skill at Dragon Songs. Hopefully, when meting out punishment, he would take into account that she had never done anything wrong in the past.
Doctor Wu helped her to her shaky feet. The men around her all bowed. Imperial guards formed up behind her. The Minister of Household Affairs led her from the Temple of Heaven’s front gates to where a palanquin and a several dozen imperial guards awaited.
Kaiya peered at the palanquin, all vibrations of power from the lute melting away from her core. She gritted her teeth and ducked into its narrow confines. It rose off the ground and lurched into a steady pace. Outside, the imperial guards marched in tight formation.
How foolish she’d been, believing Prince Hardeep wanted to help her. An accomplished musician himself, he’d probably taken the lute. He might have already chartered a ship back to Ankiras, where he would scatter the Maduran armies with the instrument’s fell magic.
Leaving her here, on her way to a possible death sentence. The palanquin walls seemed to close in around her. Memories of being locked in an armoire sent her pulse skittering. Kaiya took a deep breath of the hot, stuffy air in hopes it would calm her. She should be grateful for the privacy. Now hidden from prying eyes, salty-hot tears trickled unchecked down her cheeks.
An eternity in the bobbing coffin dragged on until the procession finally ground to a halt. Kaiya dried the tears with her sleeve. Her eyelids felt heavy and swollen. Herald calls and the swoosh of opening gates indicated their arrival at Sun-Moon Palace.
“Dian-xia,” Chen Xin said from outside, reassuring her with a familiar voice. “We have passed the front gates of Sun-Moon Palace. Would you like to alight?”
The guards and servants knew her habits well, predicting she would want to walk the rest of the way to the castle. Not tonight. The Iridescent Moon neared full, ready to shine light on her shame. Her voice caught and she cleared her throat. “Take me to the Jade Gate. Take your time.”
Kaiya shuddered, worried her cracking voice had revealed weakness. Nonetheless, the ride from the palace’s main gate to the Imperial Family’s residence would afford her just enough time to regain her composure. If she were to present herself before Father, she would hold her head high when accepting his judgment.
To calm herself, she envisioned her ride as a walk. Past the Hall of Supreme Harmony. To the Dragon Bridge between the palace grounds and the castle. Through the winding alleys of the inner castle compound.
The palanquin came to a gentle stop, and the porters lowered it to the ground. The doors slid open and a hand, smooth as phoenix feathers, took hers to help her out.
Her legs quavered. The imperial guards by the gatehouse dropped to one knee, fist to the ground.
Doctor Wu released her hand.
The palace chamberlain shuffled forward and bowed. “Dian-xia. The Tianzi summons you to his quarters immediately.”
Kaiya nodded. She forced herself to achieve a semblance of grace as she crossed the covered stone bridge from the keep to the Imperial Family’s walled-off, hilltop residence. Moonlight sparkled off the gold leaf of the one-story pavilion’s tiled eaves. Surrounded by moats, the building was further protected from magical intrusion by an ancient ward.
Her personal retinue of handmaidens and guards stopped and knelt as she approached the gatehouse connecting the family’s restricted bedrooms to the rest of the residence. There, eight imperial guard sentries stepped aside while the gatekeeper—an old nun from Praise Spring Temple—held up a light bauble lamp to Kaiya’s face.
The woman spoke in the Imperial Family’s secret language, her voice hoarse as she asked one of the hundreds of questions needed to validate Kaiya’s identity. “What land did the Founder and his consort come from?”
“Great Peace Island,” Kaiya answered, using the secret language’s name for Jade Island.
“How many patron saints watch over Hua from Jade Island?”
“Eight,” Kaiya said, “though some include The Dwarf as the Ninth.”
“What are their names?”
“The Water Saint, The Metal Saint, The World Saint, The Fire Saint, The Wood Saint, The Earth Saint, The Heavenly King, and The Sea King. The Dwarf is King of the Underworld.”
Without looking back, the gatekeeper rapped a code—changed hourly—on the heavy ironwood doors. They slid open, revealing the shaved pates of nine bowing nuns, armed only with the empty-handed Yongchun fighting style.
The Founder had established these security protocols, after having barely survived his most trusted vassal’s surprise attack, just before he came to post-Hellstorm Hua. In his time, the nuns had used daggers. Later, his consort taught them her own unarmed combat skills.
Kaiya walked to the Tianzi’s quarters, surrounded by an escort of nuns and with Doctor Wu one step behind.
Her brothers and Xiulan, all kneeling on cushions, turned their heads toward her as she stepped into the bedroom antechamber. From where he sat on a cushioned bloodwood chair, Father fixed her with a severe gaze.
Belly tight, Kaiya dropped to her knees and pressed her forehead to the ground.
“Rise,” Father said.
Straightening, she looked up to focus on something else. The ceiling was coffered, with jade insets carved to depict scenes from the Wang Dynasty’s glorious history. Lacquered wooden panels with mother-of-pearl inlay adorned the red walls. Lanterns with bloodwood frames around paper-thin white jade and dangling red silk tassels hung from the ceiling, providing a soft light from the Aksumi baubles.
His dignified tone remained the same as if addressing dinner plans or a devastating flood. “I am told that you left the palace without permission, unprotected, and went to the Temple of Heaven.”
Kaiya bowed her head. There was no point in denying what everyone knew. However, beyond that, she had to protect Hardeep, Kai-Long, and all the servants, even if it meant bending the truth. “Yes. Please, I acted on my own accord. I tricked the servants and imperial guards. I was selfish and foolish.”
His eyes narrowed for a split second. “Did you enter the stupa?”
She shook her head.
He let out a long breath, so uncharacteristic of him, and then looked from Eldest Brother to Second Brother. “It seemed everyone in the city was drawn to the unique song emanating from the Temple of Heaven, like moths to a light bauble. With your ear for music and perceptive hearing, you must have gone first. Yes, you are undoubtedly the victim of evil magic. Luckily, you did not enter the grounds.”
Kaiya tilted her head a fraction. He was fabricating an excuse to protect her, glossing over the fact that she did enter the compound. But apparently, no one considered that she could have created that music. And as much as she should have told the whole truth, including the attacks on her and Hardeep, it would risk too many people.
“Doctor,” Father said, “perhaps with your broad understanding of the world, you c
ould tell us what kind of instrument makes that sound?”
“I am not entirely sure.” The doctor shifted on her feet, lips pursed. “Magic and music are Lord Xu’s expertise.”
Father turned back to Kaiya. “Now, I have heard some disturbing news about your actions from earlier in the day.”
From earlier in the day? Was the issue with the Temple of Heaven resolved so easily? Something was wrong. “Yes.” Kaiya pressed her forehead to the dark wood tiles. “I—”
Doctor Wu held up a silencing hand. “If I may, Huang-Shang, I have more pressing news. Good news.”
More pressing than her directly disobeying his order and nearly damaging a priceless artifact? More important than the capital offense of breaking into the Temple of Heaven, even if Father glossed over it? Kaiya fidgeted on her knees.
Father’s eyes shifted from Kaiya to the doctor. “Speak.”
“I have felt the princess’ pulse and peered at her tongue. She is about to blossom with Heaven’s Dew. I would guess in a few days, on the new White Moon.”
Heat rose to Kaiya’s head as she sucked in a breath. Such a private consideration, at least for most girls, was now dragged out for her brothers to hear Not like they wouldn’t know soon, anyway. They’d likely been privy to this particular topic of speculation among the servants—and through their loose lips, among the hereditary lords and ministers as well. Curse her good ears for overhearing the furtive whispers.
Xiulan leaned past Eldest Brother Kai-Guo and winked. As usual, Kai-Wu showed little interest in state affairs, which apparently included her soon-to-start monthly rhythms.
At least it was finally coming. Most of the palace girls her age had already taken that step into womanhood. Even her spunky cousin Lin Ziqiu, two years younger, had already started. Kaiya dared a quick glance up.
A rare smile flitted across Father’s face before his expressionless demeanor returned. “This is most welcome news. A marriage might help pacify Lord Tong’s rebellion in the North.”
Kaiya twirled a lock of hair. Just this morning, the North had been merely unsettled. Now it was a rebellion? And if what Doctor Wu said was true—and she was never wrong in matters of health—Kaiya would be eligible to marry in less than a week.
“Yes, this is fortuitous,” Father continued. “Especially with Kai-Wu’s wedding so close. I hope to see grandchildren before I join your mother, and the realm will certainly be reassured by the birth of heirs to the Mandate of Heaven.” He looked to Kai-Guo and Xiulan.
Xiulan averted her gaze while Kai-Guo fidgeted. A year into the marriage and the Crown Princess’ private considerations were under even more public scrutiny than Kaiya’s. And with their quarters right next door, she knew their lack of success had little to do with a lack of trying.
Kaiya bit her bottom lip. She might be jealous of Xiulan’s peerless handwriting, perfect posture, impeccable manners, pearly complexion, doe eyes, and hair where no strand ever fell out of place; but Kaiya didn’t envy the pressure to conceive an heir. Her own future sons would be far down the line, after her brothers’ sons, after Father’s younger brother and his sons. Poor Xiulan withered under Father’s stare.
Clearing her throat, Kaiya pressed her forehead to the floor. “Father, I apologize for the trouble and embarrassment I have caused. I should not have accompanied Prince Hardeep to the Hall of Pure Melody and nearly ruined Yanyan’s pipa.” Or violated the sanctity of the Temple of Heaven, but if he had forgotten about it, there was no need to provide a reminder.
Doctor Wu clucked. Yes, her earlier deflection had gone to waste, but someone had to rescue Xiulan from her awkward position. At least nobody’s monthly cycles were under scrutiny for the moment.
The weight of Father’s stare pressed her into a deeper bow. “Rise,” he said.
Kaiya sat up. In the corner of her eye, Xiulan mouthed, Thank you.
The Tianzi said, “My daughter, it is good you recognize your mistakes and have made yourself accountable. However, as I rule by the Mandate of Heaven, if I were to show leniency, it would be perceived by the palace staff, officials, and hereditary lords as preferential treatment. Do you understand?”
“Yes, Huang-Shang.” Kaiya bowed her head.
Jawline set, he nodded. “In four days’ time, the day after Kai-Wu’s wedding, you shall present yourself before me with the hereditary lords in attendance. Until then, you shall be confined to the castle with limited visitation. I am assigning Secretary Hong to vet all who call on you.”
Bowing again in acknowledgement, Kaiya suppressed a sigh. That list of visitors would certainly not include Prince Hardeep, if he even turned up. He probably wouldn’t, since she was of no use to him anymore.
Kai-Guo said, “Father, perhaps you should assign a Moquan adept to follow Kaiya.”
As if at sixteen years old, she still believed in the boogeymen that stole unruly children from their beds and forced them into a life of thievery. Kaiya would have rolled her eyes if Father weren’t there to see it.
Father waved off Kai-Guo’s empty threat. A smile formed on his face. “People in and around the Hall of Pure Melody report that your music this morning bordered on the divine.” What would they say about her song in the Temple of Heaven, if they knew?
Doctor Wu snorted. “If I may, Huang-Shang, she played with forces she did not understand or know how to control. It has thrown her energy out of balance, perhaps beyond the ability of the palace physicians to treat. She is fortunate that I came from Haikou to deliver herbal medicines to your family.”
Father tilted his head a fraction, the appropriate recognition for a Tianzi to show someone as respected as Doctor Wu. “You shall be her first visitor then.” He turned to Kaiya. “Now, off to bed.”
Jie watched from the shadows as Princess Kaiya rose. Without a doubt, the magic bauble image was much prettier than the real deal, which cast Tian’s taste further into question. Crown Princess Xiulan stood as well, and both ladies and the mysterious old woman bowed and shuffled out of the Tianzi’s room. At the last second, Doctor Wu made direct eye contact.
Holding her breath, Jie froze in place. The old woman, with undoubtedly equally old eyes had picked her out of the shadows. Or had she? Without any sign of acknowledgement, Doctor Wu followed the princesses out.
The Tianzi cleared his throat. “Continue.”
Master Yan melted out of the shadows and beckoned Jie to join him behind Prince Kai-Guo and Prince Kai-Wu. “Tell the Tianzi what you have seen.”
The whole story? She’d already briefed Master Yan on the attackers’ Moquan weapons, and he insisted the Black Lotus only served the Son of Heaven. Now, he nodded, answering her unasked question.
She turned to the Tianzi and pressed her forehead to the ground. Was that the right protocol? She’d never reported directly to the throne before. “Huang-Shang, the attackers were all large young men. They used Moquan tools but were not Black Lotus adepts. One was Hua, but another had blond hair and fair skin.”
“The answer appears clear to me,” the Tianzi said. “One of your own has trained others in your ways.”
Master Yan shook his head. “Impossible. All masters, past and present, living and dead, are accounted for.” Such audacity to be so direct!
The Tianzi just chuckled. “My old friend, perhaps it wasn’t a master. In any case, I am more concerned about who they work for.”
An enigma, to be sure. Jie let her lower lip smack as she released it. “With the rebellion in the North, I thought they might be hired by Lord Tong. But—”
Crown Prince Kai-Guo raised a hand. “But why would Lord Tong have the Ankiran refugees slaughtered?”
Jie said, “Guests of Young Lord Peng Kai-Long.”
The Tianzi sighed. “Maybe they are sending a message to Young Kai-Long.”
“Perhaps Cousin Kai-Long made enemies when he worked as a diplomat,” Crown Prince Kai-Guo said. “Madurans?”
Master Yan raised a hand. “Remember, they targeted the princess, too
. Until we gather more evidence, we cannot rule out anyone.”
The Crown Prince nodded. “In the meantime, we must address Lord Tong’s rebellion. Kaiya will flower soon. If she marries General Lu, that would send a message.”
Master Yan shook his head. “General Lu was offended by the princess. He has already departed for the North.”
“Lord Tong himself, then,” the Crown Prince said. “Offer her as a bride, and in return, have his son brought to court as a hostage. That should secure his loyalty.”
Jie searched the prince’s expression. Marriages were preemptive, and Lord Tong looked to have already made his move. “Huang-Shang, if I may, Lord Tong has, shall I say, male tastes with a sharp edge. I am not sure you would want to expose your own daughter to such humiliation.”
The Tianzi’s face might have been chiseled out of stone for all the emotion he showed. Though there it was, the vein in his temple bulging. “We will consider other options first. In any case, the hereditary lords will see her value as a bride as a good reason not to execute her.”
Perhaps death would be better than marriage to Lord Tong. Jie sucked on her lower lip. No telling how Tian would act if the princess married such a degenerate. She composed her expression when the Tianzi settled his gaze on her.
“You will shadow her,” he said.
If Jie’s stomach could sink any more, she’d have to pick it off the floor. Babysitting would be such a waste of her skills. There had to be a way out— Right. “Huang-Shang, today I was hired as a guide and translator for the Tarkothi prince, Aryn. I must return to his ship in Jiangkou by dawn.” Her butt ached at the thought of the horse ride back, and then having to wear that outrageous dress, though even that would be better than having to keep an eye on a stubborn girl.
The Tianzi’s eyes shifted to Master Yan, who nodded. He turned back to Jie. “I find it quite the coincidence that a blond Moquan appears the same day a Tarkothi ship arrives. Look into it.”
Crown Prince Kai-Guo nodded. “Also, a prince from Tarkoth’s rival, Serikoth, will be arriving to negotiate trade. He will be attending Kai-Wu’s wedding, as well.”