It was strange. Yenni had always thought of herself as independent. She’d resented Weysh’s making plans for her, but Diedre was right. She was living her life for others, following obediently along the inevitable road of propriety. Why? Was she truly afraid of war, especially now that her father was well? Or was her fear something deeper, older?

And then the thought of Dragon—of Weysh, injured and mourning, bothered her deeply, no matter how she tried to ignore it. Oh sweet Mother Shu, when did I come to care for him so?

“Say something, mams.”

“I miss him,” Yenni admitted.

“Then go to him!”

“And tell him what?”

“Whatever you like. Whatever you feel.”

Yenni stopped. At the very least she should apologize for calling him nobody. And in truth, she wanted to see him, to know he was well and to know if he still felt the same way about her.

“I will,” she whispered.

“What’s that?”

“I will see him.” She hugged her friend. “Thank you, Deedee!”

“My pleasure, Your Highness,” Diedre said and bowed before Yenni. And the gesture was so strange, as if one of her sisters was teasing her, that Yenni burst into giggles. Her heart pounded with nervous excitement, and she felt as if a heaviness had at last been lifted from her chest and shoulders. For something that would most definitely bring trouble, it certainly felt like the right decision. She would be meeting Zui that evening for a final study session before exams, so she would decide when and where to meet, and have Zui get the message to Weysh. She just prayed that he would agree.

“Oh, but the same goes for you as well!” Yenni told Diedre

“What’s that?”

“The man who has your heart. You should try for him too!”

“Oh, oh yes. I will. Hey, look! How pretty!” said Diedre, pointing. A group of delicate yellow butterflies flitted across the path, five in total. Yenni grinned. Mother Shu’s number was five, and her color gold.

Guide me.

Yenni found Zui leaning back against the railing outside the library. She faced away from Yenni, toward the building, and her straight, pale-blue hair trailed over one shoulder. She already wore the summer uniform: no tunic but instead a flowing green dress cinched by a large belt with the school’s crest. And no leggings, only short and sturdy brown boots. Against the backdrop of the setting sun, she looked as pretty as a painting. “Zoo-ee!”

Yenni met her at the top of the steps and they touched palms. It was clear that Zui had something on her mind, but Yenni spoke before Zui could get in a word.

“I want to see Weh-sheh.”