His words stirred a warmth in me, underscored by the urge to disdain his protection. But I kept silent from caution, for this place was no less perilous than the Celestial Court.

“The Virtuous Consort makes a wild accusation. She must be drunk on wine,” Wenzhi’s mother said with a bright smile, as she bowed to the king. “Your Majesty, my son did not attack you. He was merely protecting the girl, his intended.”

The king’s face was taut with displeasure as he faced Wenzhi. “I will forgive you this once, but never raise your hand to me again. Guard your feelings better if you intend to rule.”

As the last of the agony subsided, I was shaking, hunched over from the ordeal. Nauseated, feeling violated from within. But I raised my head to meet the king’s gaze. “Never do that to me again,” I warned him, despite the remnants of fear that scraped me.

The king smiled as though savoring my discomfort. “She is strong,” he mused aloud. “However, no talent in our magic, as you said.”

“Next time, Father, accept my word instead of resorting to this.” Wenzhi’s hands were still clenched by his sides.

“I trust only my own eyes and ears. You should learn to do the same, once you ascend the throne.”

Anger flared, that the king had dared to do this contemptible thing to me, as carelessly as flicking a speck of dirt from his robe. I bit down on my tongue, tempering my rage, relieved to not have yielded my thoughts to him during our brief struggle.

He would not have liked what he saw.

A shudder ran through me to think of Wenzhi’s early years—a brother who would have gladly murdered him, a father who scented treachery everywhere. It was little wonder he had grown into such a ruthless strategist; he had been practicing since he was a child, against his own family, no less.

“Father, have I not proven my loyalty?” Wenzhi demanded. “I wish to rid our kingdom of this threat—a far greater danger than the Celestial Kingdom ever was.”

Silence hung in the air. The king leaned back against the throne, a cunning gleam in his eyes. “This is a great favor you ask. How can I be sure you are no Celestial spy? Did you not serve them before?” The accusation slid out, sudden and swift.

Such winding thoughts from the king … I almost missed the blunt fury of the Celestial Emperor. “Your Majesty, this is no trick. If I lied, would you not have sensed it?” A challenge tossed down so lightly, I hoped he would take the bait.

He shook his head as though to say: Not good enough. Balancing an elbow on the armrest of his throne, he rested his chin upon his fist. The Virtuous Consort offered him a cup of wine, which he refused with an impatient flick of his wrist.