by K R Martin
The door opened, and wind blew into the carriage. Jian jumped out, but reached back to grab her elbow, assisting her down. Her foot almost missed the step, her heart lurching in her chest. His hand clenched her arm tighter, and she managed to land on solid ground. She gulped in air, glad he kept a hold of her arm.
“Captain!” a new voice joined them. “You’ve returned, and you’ve brought a guest?”
“I need to see his lordship immediately,” Jian ordered.
“Oh, yes, I will inform his lordship of your return.” Footsteps scurried off. Jian’s hand once more went to her back, prodding her forward. They moved more sedately, and Ama Lei felt like she was walking to her execution. Which was absurd. If only she could convince her body of that fact. With each step, her body seemed to tremble more. Even seeing the familiar marble beneath her feet didn’t help alleviate the tension. She was home. Fighting the urge to remove her hood and gaze around, she told herself that she’d revel in it once she claimed her throne.
Jian stopped. Once more her nerves threatened to take over. But no, not this time. Her future lay before her. She would take her throne back.
A door opened before her. “He’s ready for you, Captain.”
Somehow, she sensed that Jian nodded before nudging her forward. This was it.
Their footsteps echoed even louder. They had to have stepped into the throne room.
“Ah! Captain Jian, you’ve returned to us.” That voice. So familiar, it had haunted her dreams for years.
“Lord Orbert,” Jian spoke.
“It is good to see you’ve returned. Last I heard, you had been captured.” Accusation rang in his voice.
“Forgive me for that. I took a calculated risk and it failed. However, I bided my time, found an opening, and took it. I was able to gain passage on a merchant ship, and I brought a special guest for you.”
Without warning, the hood was yanked back. The light was almost blinding, but she forced her face forward, focusing on the golden throne, and the man sitting in it. Rage nearly blinded her, but it helped to focus her attention and she held her head even higher. Prouder.
“Well, well, good job Captain Jian,” Orbert said as he stood and strode toward her. “You managed to catch the elusive Captain Phoenix.” He stopped just before her.
Ama Lei kept her voice silent, staring Orbert down. Somehow, her breath slowed, evening out. His eyes roved over her, taking her in.
“I must admit, when I envisioned the bane of my existence, I never imagined she’d be so little, or so young.”
“Don’t underestimate appearances,” she shot back. “The fact that I’ve been such a bane should speak volumes.”
“Oh, it does. You have been quite the thorn in my side. You and that Varda captain.”
“I suppose I could have changed the ship’s name, but it felt too perfect.” She really couldn’t help the jest. His eyes narrowed and she fought the urge to swallow the lump that formed in her throat.
“I wonder just whose face is behind the mask?” Time seemed to slow, but Ama Lei refused to cower. Instead, she kept her head held high as he reached for her mask. The fabric fell from her face, and air caressed her skin. Everyone tensed, their bodies seeming to grow as they stood even straighter. Orbert’s face, now, his shone with surprise, disbelief, and a slowly building fire of fury.
“Princess Ama Lei,” the words flowed as if he tasted each before releasing them. “Or should I say former princess? If I remember correctly, the last time I saw you, I promised that if you ever stepped foot of Jenha’s soil again you would be executed as a traitor.”
“I do remember hearing those words,” she spoke as she stood. Tensions rose as hands flew to swords. “But you seem to have forgotten one crucial thing.”
“What might that be?”
“That day, you saw to the deaths of my father and my older brother. Your actions made me something I never thought I would be.”
“And what is that?”
“Empress. That throne is mine, and I will be taking it back.”
“Oh, really? And with what army are you planning to take it back with?”
“My army.”
Her arms yanked apart, breaking the rope. She kicked, forcing Orbert back. Around her, scrapes echoed as swords were pulled from their sheaths, men moving into readied positions. Even Jian stepped back, his own sword in one hand, hers in the other.
“Captain Jian,” Orbert’s voice rang. “You have permission to take down the traitor.”
“Yes, I do.” The movements blurred as Jian tossed her sword, turning to point his weapon at Orbert. Ama Lei caught her sword, sweeping it to point at Orbert as well.
“What is the meaning of this, Captain?” Orbert didn’t bother to try to hide his rage.
“When I agreed to help make the coup a success, I did it for two reasons. One, the emperor and his son really were monsters, and needed to be stopped. But more importantly, I did it to protect the princesses. They were innocent and didn’t deserve death. Besides,” he turned his adoring gaze to Ama Lei, “I just knew she was meant to sit on that throne. So yes, sir,” he turned back to Orbert. “I believe I will be taking down the traitor, and seeing the rightful ruler restored.”
“You really should think this through, Jian. There are far more of us.”
“You would think that,” a new voice called, loud and clear. Ama Lei watched as Deshi emerged from the shadows. “But you are wrong.” More figures emerged, men from her ship, from Luca’s ship, including Nya, and soldiers bearing Jenha’s colors.
“Warriors of Jenha,” Jian called all eyes back towards him. “You followed me into treachery to remove a monster. I ask that you follow me once more and restore the rightful empress to her throne!”
“Attack the traitor!” Orbert shouted.
Shuffling surrounded them, and she watched as Jenhan soldiers turned on each other. Well, only a few men of Jenha fought each other, most fought men obviously brought from Retanny. Ama Lei smirked triumphantly at Orbert, reveling in his fury. The man growled and lunged at her, their swords meeting with a clash that rang loud in the room.
Jian jolted towards her but stopped himself. She nodded her thanks; this fight was all hers. Shoving, she forced Orbert back, immediately leaping for a new attack. Her swords took on a life of its own, flowing through the air. The energy hummed through her limbs, forcing her legs to constantly move.
She ducked beneath a swipe, using the momentum to kick at his back. He stumbled forward, but caught himself and spun, swinging once more. Her sword caught his, and she returned the blow. His eyes darted to her side, a triumphant gleam shining from them.
Ringing hit her ears, and she leapt to the side, noticing Jian’s sword caught with another. The coward had no qualms with allowing another person his kill. Oh, that was not how this would be. Orbert had gotten over his shock and rushed her. She slipped to the side, spinning to attack. His sword caught hers, shoving her back. Refusing to lose any ground, she shot at him, her sword swinging. It caught his, constantly bouncing off, swirling back for attack after attack. The battle raged around her, but she ignored it, only focusing on the monster before her.
He murdered her father and brother, and shattered her sister’s innocence and sense of security. For years, he’d been terrorizing her people, destroying all she loved. No longer.
Jian’s figure entered her vision as he fought off any who dared interfere. He’d keep her safe, be her support. But right now, she was the empress, and she had a throne to regain. Her eyes and ears tuned out the world around her, every sense narrowing on her target.
He moved slower, and her own heart seemed to slow its pace. Her body relaxed, moved as if filled with the seaHer sword moved like fire, darting out to lash at him, and while his weapon deflected every blow, she moved with the wind, constantly shifting, constantly striking. She could feel the flames burst from her heart, filling her limbs.
Somehow, her feet moved swifter, her arms swinging with more ferv
or. Was it her imagination or did flames leap from her sword with every clash? She allowed it to take hold, surrendering to the wind, the feeling of flight. She flew around him, leaping in, striking, dancing just out of his reach.
The rage consumed him, making his movements clunky, and sloppy, but his strikes even stronger. It took all her focus to keep up with him. She had to find an opening; she had to take him down.
Pain filled her arm as his sword sliced by hers. Her jaw clenched, and she gritted her teeth against the pain. It blurred her vision, but she fought the buzzing, the dulling. No, she would not let him win.
“Surrender, and I will make your death swift.” Orbert pointed his sword at her.
“I will not be the one dead today.”
She swung, knocking his weapon aside. She lunged forward, her palm pushing him back. He skidded on the floor, and she rushed into the opening, swinging with all her might. A howl escaped his lips as he clutched at the red line slashed across his chest. She spun her sword in her hands, thrusting behind her.
She tried to ignore the feel of metal slicing through flesh and the gurgling sounds. Whipping her sword before her, she fought the urge to stare at the red inferno coating the blade, but instead, her body turned, slowly.
Orbert knelt before her, shock filling his eyes. They slowly lifted to meet hers, unable to understand how he lost. His body finally collapsed, his eyes now lifeless as he lay still on the floor.
The sounds around her ceased. All she could think was she had taken a life. Not that he hadn't deserved it, but still.
A hand rested on her shoulder, bringing her gaze up to Jian. “It is done.” he said softly. Ama Lei drew a deep breath into her lungs, forcing all dark thoughts to be released as she released the air. Nodding, he took her sword, wiping the blood away. When he returned it, it gleamed victoriously.
“Your majesty,” Deshi called, sending shocks through her. “Your throne awaits.”
Ama Lei found her gaze drawn to the large throne. It gleamed, beckoning her towards it, drawing her feet closer. She could see the dragons etched around the bottom, gazing up at the one sitting there. Symbols of power, guidance, and blessings were hidden in the ornate scroll work around the arm rests. The back rose almost like a sun, or a burst of the bird’s wings. Startled, she saw a Phoenix cleverly disguised, its wings spread in flight, its benevolent gaze looking down on the monarch.
A second throne sat beside it, on its right, the images echoed almost identical. She stepped on the first dais, the one bearing the second throne. One more dais stood before her, far too large for the one throne. A smile hit her face at the thought of changing that. She took the last step. Turning, she gazed over the room as she lowered herself into the chair. It felt natural, comfortable, and welcoming, as if it had been waiting for her.
Around the room, wide eyes gazing at her. Foreigners, and some from Jenha, had been corralled and forced on their knees, their bodies registering defeat. But her men, those from the Crimson Thorne and those bearing Jenhan uniforms who’d remained loyal, they all gazed with awe and hope.
Deshi stood near, pride shining in his eyes, as did Luca. Nya stood at his side, her arms loosely draped over her long staff and a massive grin on her face. Even Taras stood nearby, pleased things went so well.
But Jian, dear Jian, stood in the center, adoration mixed with his pride. He was the first to step before her, falling to one knee, his head bowed. “Your imperial majesty,” his voice carried in the silence, the hushed anticipation. “As your guard, I failed you. I allowed, even led, this coup, and caused your exile. But I kneel here, pledging you, and only you, my undying fealty and devotion.” he looked up at her then, his eyes shimmering. “My life is yours to command, and I will accept my punishment for my role in causing you harm.”
Gasps cut through the room, and she could almost hear the non-voiced cries to spare his life.
“My dear Captain,” she couldn’t help but allow a little of her annoyance to fill her tone. “I did not return to punish, or seek vengeance for an act done with good intentions. I came to remove those wishing harm to my people, and to heal the wounds caused by selfish desires. I will not begin my reign by flooding the streets with blood. I bring a new era of peace, an era, I hope, that will bring joy and prosperity to those I have been given reign over.
“And as for you, the man who is trusted and revered by many, the man who had become my trusted confidant as princess: I do not wish for, nor do I require, a servant to bow before me. What I need is a partner, one to sit as my equal and assist my rule.” His lips quirked at that declaration. “Now, husband,” she reached for him, deliberately showcasing the ring that verified her claim. “Take your rightful place at my side, and become the Dragon Emperor.”
Applause rang around them, as Jian strode to her. He took her hand the moment he could, pressing his lips to the skin in a caress filled with love. She couldn’t help but smile as he took a seat on the second throne. First chance she got, that throne would be placed beside hers.
“People of Jenha!” Deshi called, his voice ringing loudly in the vaulted ceilings. “Bear witness, for today marks the beginning of a new era, a new reign. I present the Phoenix Empress Ama Lei, and her consort, the Dragon Emperor Jian!”
Chapter 38
“All the arrangements are in place.” The Jenhan soldier spoke as he stood with Ama Lei and Jian. There was still a bit of a flurry in the palace, but the bodies had been removed, and those still loyal to Retanny now resided in the dungeons. “No word will get out, and everything will continue as it had until your return. I’ve seen enough to keep things running smoothly, and the throne will be waiting for your return.”
“Thank you, my friend,” Jian told the man. “I know you’ll see everything well taken care of.”
“Thank you, Captain.” The man beamed beneath the praise.
“Ama Lei!” The bubbly voice brought a smile to Ama Lei’s face. She turned just in time to catch Mei as she bounded into her sister’s arms. The sisters hugged each other tightly, and Ama Lei couldn’t help but feel a bit of relief. “You did it!” Mei bounced back, grinning widely. “My sister, the empress.”
Ama Lei chuckled at her sister’s infectious joy. “And you are once again her royal highness, Princess Mei.”
“Hm. Princess.” Mei seemed to taste the word.
“It suits you,” Little Wolf said as he joined them.
“Thank you,” Mei told him. “I mean, I did live here, and have always been around royalty, but I don’t know if I really could be a princess.”
“There is no one way to be a princess,” Nya said as she and Luca joined.
“Exactly,” Ama Lei said. “You are a princess, always have been. And the people will absolutely love you. Besides, I don’t think any current monarchs are what you could consider traditional.”
Everyone joined her in laughter at that thought.
“I can show you some tricks to being proper when needed,” Nya said as she looped her arm through Mei’s. “Trust me, there are times when peaceful and sweat do wonders, but you can still be you.”
“Thank you, Nya.” Mei smiled.
“The ships could use another day to truly replenish the supplies,” Luca said.
“Then another day it is.” Ama Lei told him. “Perhaps someone could assist me in remembering the layout and put plans in place to have it prepared for when we return.”
“I believe I know just the person to help,” Jian said as he offered his arm.
Mei and Nya joined as they made their way to the royal quarters. Almost immediately, they ran into a sort of housekeeper who came along, taking notes as they went. Ama Lei decided against the almost quarantined women’s quarters. Instead, they would turn it into the private family quarters. The royal suite sat at the end of the royal wing of the main palatial building, and she did enjoy that the back entrance led into the family building and gardens.
The royal suite would have some major changes. The Retanny idiots had re
placed all the furniture and decorations, and she wanted a completely clean slate. By the time she returned, the rooms would be simple, yet opulent, and would combine Jian’s heritage with her own. She could already see the new symbol, the new flag, she planned to commission, beginning the new reign. The flame dragon of her ancestors would lie at the bottom, surrounded by flames, while rising above it would be her own phoenix, wings bursting forth, ready to fly, and above would float Jian’s dragon of wind, showering cherry blossoms onto the Phoenix. It would represent everything she was, and everything she wanted to be.
Thankfully, the women’s quarters remained untouched, aside from being lovingly cared for. Mei vowed her mother’s suite perfect, and Ama Lei enjoyed bestowing it. Being in her old home brought so many memories, and somehow, she and Jian wandered apart from the others.
“I never thought I’d feel so happy to be home,” Ama Lei said as they stepped into the sunshine. “There are so many bad memories, and yet, being here didn’t bring them to mind. Instead, all I can see is my mother reading to Mei and me, or us chasing each other through the halls. I can hear all the missed notes as I learned each instrument, can see Mother’s smile as I danced for her. I know the negatives are there, but it seems that they’ve disappeared into the shadows, remaining in the past.”
“I know how you feel,” Jian added. “With you gone, this place was a prison. But now, with you at my side, it’s home. While you see memories of your mother, all I can see is a little raven-haired girl chasing after a little boy, wooden swords in hand. I see us sitting on that bench, reading together. All I see is a future, and a family, with you at my side.”
“I look forward to seeing that myself.” And now, even she could see little ones running around; she could hear their laughter and felt that yearning to see that future come to pass.