“The Divine Mirror Scroll is a precious treasure of our realm. It can only be used once. A difficult enchantment to perform, one which comes at great cost to the caster. Are you worthy of it? Can I trust you, an outsider, unbound to us by blood or name?” He spoke slowly, with deliberate measure. “If you were family, that would be a different matter. You know my condition for the scroll.”

“Why do you want this, Your Majesty?” Part of me dreaded his answer.

The king’s laugh was like rocks ground together. “You have no kingdom nor title, though your lineage is strong—as is the power that flows in your veins. I have heard of your accomplishments from my own informants: your standing in the Celestial Army, the dragons, and yes, even your flight from our hospitality.”

As muted laughter rippled through the room, Wenzhi swung around. His glare quelled them as effectively as a drawn blade, yet his face gave no indication of his thoughts.

The king leaned forward, his gaze fixed on mine. “Marry my heir, and the scroll is yours.”

“No.” The refusal sprang to my lips before I could stop it. To hear his demand spoken in such an implacable manner jarred me. But I bit back my harsher words, for I could not risk offending the king. To him, this was not so unreasonable a request. Royal children often married to suit their parents’ preferences—whether to secure an alliance, strengthen ties, or settle old rivalries.

Except I was no royal and I was never one for obeying commands, particularly those issued by overbearing monarchs.

The king’s mouth slanted in a cunning smile as he gestured at Wenzhi. “Come, now. My request is no hardship. My son is not displeasing to look at. Moreover, he is no stranger to you; you liked him well enough in the past.”

I gritted my teeth as Wenzhi shot me a warning look. I did not need his reminder; I would not lash out like some petulant child. “Your Majesty, you honor me.” The words crumbled like stale bread in my mouth. “However, I am promised to another.” I had no compunction about lying to him. Beside me, Wenzhi tensed, his face impassive.

The king shrugged. “Such things change as quickly as kingdoms are lost.”

“Spouses are not as easily traded as heirs.” My furious reply rolled off my tongue.

“Ah, you are wrong, my dear.” The king shifted, resting his palms upon his knees. “The heads of both can be just as easily dispatched.”

The threat plunged into the silence like a brick tossed into a pond. Relief flooded me that Liwei was waiting in the Golden Desert, safe from the king’s ruthless machinations.

“Your Majesty must be mistaken,” I tried again. “I am no matrimonial prize. I can bring you neither power, a kingdom, nor allies.”