Butterfly Swords

by Jeannie Lin

  Ailey detected a hint of longing in the lady’s voice.

  She turned to them. ‘I thought we would enjoy the evening outdoors. And I can become acquainted with your lovely companion.’

  ‘She is not—’

  ‘We are not—’

  They both started to protest. Lady Ling cast them a pointed look before beckoning them to sit.

  The servants flowed around them as they moved to take their places at the low table. Ling knelt on the pillows, arranging her robe around her while Ryam took much longer trying to fold his long legs beside the table. Uncertain of where to go, Ailey took her place at the corner beside him. Social etiquette had no provision for dining with a man who wasn’t your husband and a former concubine while hiding your true status.

  Ling turned her attention to Ailey. ‘So your family lives in Changan?’

  ‘Yes, my father is a tea merchant.’ She glanced over at Ryam, who stayed silent.

  ‘I was not aware there were tea plantations in that area.’

  The consort’s tone remained pleasant, but Ailey had the impression she was being prodded for the lady’s amusement. An object of curiosity. Ailey kept silent, using decorum to her advantage, as the servants poured the wine and brought out the first dishes of the evening meal. Out of the corner of her eye, she noticed Ryam slide the cup of wine away with a finger.

  ‘Our business is nothing to boast about. There is nothing to interest the lady,’ Ailey said.

  ‘Oh, nonsense. Every little detail interests me.’ Ling folded her hands in front of her expectantly.

  The gap of silence that followed was nothing if not purposeful. Father had warned of the slippery ways of the court long before they moved to the capital. Every word has two meanings, he would say. Other than Mother, their family had no way with words. They were people of action. Navigating the political landscape left them flat-footed on lower ground.

  ‘This insignificant girl is curious as to how the Emperor’s consort befriended a foreigner,’ Ailey replied.

  Ryam cut in. ‘I visited the palace once.’

  ‘He was quite the diplomat.’

  ‘Lady Ling—’

  His warning tone was unmistakable, but the lady continued, amused by his discomfort.

  ‘So humble. Your swordsman is a hero,’ Ling said. ‘I am surprised you do not know of it.’

  Ailey didn’t understand why, but the woman was taunting her. She found herself inching closer to Ryam for reassurance.

  ‘After the death of the August Emperor, there was a palace rebellion.’

  ‘I’ve heard of this story,’ Ailey replied coolly. ‘But my family was not in Changan at the time.’

  Ryam cleared his throat and grabbed a set of ivory chopsticks, positioning them between his fingers. ‘See? I know how to use these now.’

  ‘The barbarian legion marched on Changan to rescue our princess,’ Ling continued.

  ‘Shen An Lu was the one that rescued the princess.’

  The words were out of her mouth before she could stop them.

  Lady Ling smiled at her. ‘Emperor Shen,’ she corrected.

  Ailey could feel her face growing hot. No one spoke the Emperor’s given name out loud.

  ‘Of course, not everyone considers saving the princess an act of heroism,’ Ling said to Ryam. ‘In Changan they call her “the Pretender”, while many in the empire consider her the rightful heir.’

  Ailey tapped her chopsticks gently against the tabletop to straighten them, using the gesture to gain some pause for reflection. She wanted to simply demand of Lady Ling where her loyalties lay. It was too confusing, this twisted knot of allies and enemies.

  ‘This looks good,’ Ryam interrupted, poking at a plate of pickled radishes and quail eggs. ‘Eat before it gets cold.’

  ‘It’s already cold,’ Ailey replied.

  Ling hid her laughter behind her wine cup. Ryam squeezed Ailey’s hand in warning beneath the table, but she shook free of his hold. The gesture was too personal and she was certain Ling caught a hint of it.

  ‘I no longer follow the politics of Changan,’ Ling said dismissively. ‘Instead, I spend my days here, free from the cares of the world.’

  The courtesan knew intimate details about the imperial capital. Ailey couldn’t risk slipping and revealing something dangerous. And she certainly couldn’t risk Lady Ling detaining them until Li Tao arrived.

  She set her chopsticks down. ‘This girl must apologise. She is too tired from her travels to be good company.’

  ‘I will send a tray to your room then. You must keep up your strength, for it is a long way from home.’

  Lady Ling looked at her so intently that she feared the woman did recognise her. But it was impossible. The consort could not have had more than a glimpse of her in the imperial palace, perhaps on one of her father’s visits to the August Emperor. She would have been an insignificant child at the time.

  She bowed. ‘The lady is very kind.’

  When she stood to go, Ryam rose to accompany her, only to be summoned.

  ‘Let her rest,’ Ling chided. ‘We have much to talk about. I have not seen a familiar face in a long time.’

  He gave the lady a brief excuse and rose to walk part of the way with her into the house.

  ‘Ailey, what’s wrong?’

  The brush of his fingers against her wrist sent a shiver up her arm. He had a way of angling himself towards her, shielding her with his broad frame whenever he stood close, as if he would never let anything touch her. Even his use of her name, spoken with that odd accent of his, beckoned to some corner deep within her heart.

  She wanted to demand that they leave this place and this woman with all of her questions. They should return to the river where there was no one but the two of them, but Ailey had no claim to him.

  ‘Stay,’ she said, backing away. ‘You two seem to have much to talk about.’

  ‘I won’t be long.’

  It wasn’t the answer she was hoping for. He left her without another word. When she looked back, he was seated beside Lady Ling, one elbow propped on the table. They were absorbed in conversation. The sound of their laughter echoed in her ears as she retreated into the house.

  ‘She is very beautiful.’ Ling watched him through her lashes as she sipped her wine. ‘I can see that you are in trouble.’

  In lieu of answering, he plucked a dumpling from a plate and stuffed it into his mouth. The servants brought out more plates to set in front of them, roasted duck and sesame greens and more delicacies he didn’t have words for.

  ‘How long have you known her?’

  He concentrated on handling the chopsticks. ‘If you keep on asking questions, I’ll think you’re jealous.’

  She laughed. ‘Anyone can see you’re already taken with her.’

  He remembered how the consort would take hold of a conversation and twist it off centre to keep the advantage. It was just her way.

  ‘I’m taken with all women.’

  ‘She is quite spirited. I would have guessed a woman like that would catch your interest.’

  Either the former courtesan was probing for information because it might be useful to her, or she was simply starved for intrigue out here in the woods.

  ‘You sound like an old matchmaker, my lady,’ he said around a mouthful of rice. ‘All I want is to get her home.’

  ‘Very noble of you.’

  He laid his chopsticks across the bowl. ‘What is it you’re prying at?’

  ‘She is no merchant’s daughter—you must know that already. It is apparent in her manners, how she speaks, how high she holds her head.’

  He exhaled slowly. Despite all of Ling’s plays for power, he trusted her judgement. She had a talent for gauging people and he was going to have to confide in her for what he wanted to do. ‘Her father is an official in Changan.’

  She nodded as if expecting it. ‘There are a number of minor officials by the name of Chang.’

  ‘Lady Ling, swear to me
you are not involved with anything. Any schemes against the throne.’

  ‘Of course not.’ She tapped her fingers against the table in agitation. ‘I spoke truthfully when I said I no longer cared for politics.’

  ‘I know little about her family, but I know they’re loyal to Emperor Shen,’ he said.

  ‘And so am I,’ she insisted.

  He looked over at his cup of wine. Picking it up, he tossed it down, relishing the familiar burn as the alcohol slid down his throat. He was going to need much more to relax the tension twisting his stomach.

  ‘With all the talk of unrest and rebellion, Changan has become a dangerous place for barbarians like me,’ he explained.

  ‘Dangerous for everyone.’

  She leaned forwards, her perpetually serene expression replaced with a shrewd look. He decided not to tell her of the smuggled weapons and his confrontation in the southern province. It was best to keep Ailey and Lady Ling as far away from that as possible.

  ‘I need to ask for your help. Ailey needs to get home to her father, but I can’t take her.’

  ‘You want me to go with her to Changan?’

  He passed a hand over his temples. Occasionally his head would ache, the tension centred above the scar from his head wound. He wondered if it was a phantom reminder or was he not yet healed.

  The plan had come to him only hours earlier. Ling could escort Ailey without having to hide in muddy river banks and forest groves. Her escort wouldn’t be accosted by imperial soldiers the moment they reached the capital. She could use whatever contacts she had to get Ailey home.

  And, most importantly, Ailey wouldn’t be shunned when she was seen returning with Lady Ling. He had weighed the strength of his sword against the rest and the answer was easy.

  ‘She will not be happy,’ Ling said quietly.

  ‘I know, but this is the only way.’ His fingers curled into a fist as he said it.

  ‘Where will you go then? Back to Yumen Guan?’

  He nodded.

  Ling folded her hands in front of her, fingers entwined. ‘You surprise me.’

  ‘How so?’

  ‘I did not think you would sacrifice something you wanted so easily.’

  There was an unfamiliar tightening in his chest. ‘It’s not a sacrifice.’

  He had planned to leave Ailey with her family once they reached Changan anyway. What difference did it make if they parted several days earlier? He’d have to tell her when they were alone and make her see that this was the best decision. The only decision.

  Ling’s almond eyes slid over him, urging his secrets to the surface. It was said she could captivate a man with a single look, but the face he kept seeing was Ailey’s.

  ‘There is another reason you are so eager to part with her. You’re afraid.’

  He leaned back, willing to let the lady have her fun.

  ‘Certainly. She has four brothers with swords who would not be too happy to find their youngest sister travelling alone with a barbarian.’

  ‘You were never afraid of men with swords.’ She tapped a nail against the table thoughtfully. ‘She looks at you with such adoration, completely infatuated. What a powerful temptation that must be.’

  ‘Nothing has happened.’

  So he had kissed her twice and nearly lost control both times. Nothing worth dwelling upon.

  Her lips curved. ‘I believe you that nothing has happened. Otherwise, you would not burn for her so. Unrequited love.’ She sighed.

  The thought of having Ailey sent a flood of heat between his legs, but it wouldn’t be enough to fill the even deeper ache within him. And it simply wasn’t going to happen.

  ‘She is a pretty girl,’ he said casually. ‘One of many pretty girls.’

  ‘Yes, I remember. You wreaked havoc among the palace girls.’

  ‘I don’t remember it quite like that.’

  Ling leaned forwards, a tigress on the prowl. She was enjoying herself. ‘You feel guilty being here with me while she’s not here, yet you have not so much as touched my hand. Tell me, do you remember every single time you’ve touched her? Are you thinking of her right now?’

  It was useless to try not to think of Ailey. He conjured up the softness of her skin, her arms wrapped around his neck, even the stubborn tilt of her chin whenever she faced a situation she didn’t like. He was going to see that bit of wilfulness again very soon.

  ‘Why are you so concerned?’

  ‘I was worried you would let a pretty face cloud your judgement, but clearly you have the situation under control.’

  Completely under control. He grabbed his wine and swallowed it down. The servants had been diligent about keeping the cups filled.

  ‘We two are so very similar,’ she said softly. ‘You want women to fall at your feet, but you cannot stand to be at anyone’s mercy.’

  He traced a fingertip over the edge of the table. ‘But I’m completely at your mercy right now.’

  ‘You are not.’ Her eyes sparkled. ‘I would know. You’ve always kept yourself apart, beholden to no one.’

  Maybe everything she said was true. All the more reason to let Ailey go, untouched. ‘Can I trust you to get her home safely?’

  A shadow of sadness crossed her face. It was the only sincere emotion she’d allowed to escape the entire evening. ‘I do owe you a debt. This may be my one chance to repay it.’

  ‘Thank you.’

  It was done. This was a woman who had survived assassination and rebellion. She would be able to protect Ailey much better than he could. When he’d been given command of that shipment, he had known he wasn’t the right man for the task. He’d gone through with it blindly and lost everything. He’d be damned if he let the same thing happen again. The hollowness he felt inside must have meant he was making the right decision.

  He finished the last of the wine and stood, the emptiness threatening to swallow him. Now he had to go and tell her.

  Chapter Eight

  The sound of movement brought Ryam out to the side of the house. A shadow wove through the peach trees, wielding butterfly swords. Only Ailey would be working through fighting forms late into the night. She broke the pattern as he reached the railing and then continued without glancing his way. Moonlight flashed off the blades as they whirled through the darkness.

  He couldn’t hold back his smile. ‘Were you waiting for me?’

  She stopped and kept her gaze focused ahead, breathing hard from the exercise. ‘I’m training.’

  He braced a hand against the rail and leapt over it, his feet landing solidly on the bare ground.

  ‘It’s late,’ he said.

  ‘Yes. It is.’

  With a flick of her wrists, she lowered the swords and turned to him. Experience told him he wouldn’t be able to leave until Ailey got the confrontation she wanted.

  ‘Did you have a pleasant dinner?’ she asked.

  ‘Yes, I did.’ He folded his arms over his chest to brace himself for battle. ‘You left rather quickly.’

  ‘Is Lady Ling the type of woman you prefer?’

  He’d been thinking quite a bit about what sort of woman it was that he preferred. Ailey argued the same way she fought—with clean, precise cuts. Her skin glistened from the exertion and her hair hung in loose strands that framed her face.

  ‘Lady Ling could tear a man to pieces and he would beg for more.’

  Her mouth drew tight. ‘You like her.’

  ‘When I’m not afraid of her.’

  She swung away to start another drill, her braid whipping over her shoulder. Her movements lacked their usual fluid grace. The flow of energy was disrupted, the Chinese would say. He watched her with perverse pleasure. She wouldn’t have him, but there was hell to pay if any other woman came near. He should have been too jaded to be aroused by jealousy, but from Ailey he loved it.

  ‘Is there something you want to say to me?’ he asked.

  ‘Nothing at all.’

  Her swords cut through empty space. She
was probably imagining him in front of them. Now was definitely not the time to tell her what he and Ling had decided.

  ‘Your swordplay is quite aggressive,’ he said. ‘Surprising, for someone your size.’

  She lifted her eyes to him. ‘It’s the best way against a larger adversary.’

  ‘Interesting.’

  The drill came to a stop as she turned to him, her stance guarded and tense with challenge. He would miss that quiet fire. The journey out of the empire seemed to stretch out an eternity now that he knew he would travel the rest of the way alone.

  He ventured forwards, keeping his attention on the butterfly swords. Ailey had an even temper, but she did have an impulsive streak.

  ‘Show me,’ he said.

  She hesitated, but lowered her weapons. It was good thinking on his part to distract the both of them.

  ‘A large fighter would want to hold his opponent back where he has the advantage. When I move within arm’s reach…’

  She demonstrated by stepping close and the scent of her hair drifted to him, mysterious and feminine. His heartbeat quickened.

  Fellow swordsmen, he’d sworn. Ridiculous. He only had to look at Ailey to want her. Every movement sang of strength and hinted at her passionate spirit.

  ‘It becomes difficult for you to strike,’ she finished absently. When she tilted her chin upwards they were nearly face to face. She was standing closer to him than she needed for this demonstration.

  Not as close as he wanted.

  The corner of his mouth lifted. ‘I could just grab you.’

  ‘That’s why I have these.’ Her blade shot up between them.

  He laughed and she joined in, the sound of it washing warm over him. Between the lanterns and the moonlight, her face radiated confidence and sensuality with a touch of innocence, the same combination that had caught his attention from the first moment at the roadside tavern.

  ‘Here, let me show you,’ she said suddenly.

  She reached down to pull the sash loose from her waist. The sane part of his mind knew she wasn’t undressing for him under the night sky, but the hint of it was enough to make him stiffen.