The intensity of his tone caught at me. Despite his assurances, a part of me had wondered if this had been his plan. He always played to win, bending the rules in his favor … however, this was no act.

“Don’t deny that you want her.” The king’s words slithered around us like the coils of a snake. “This is how you hold a throne; this is how you seize what you want. I thought you understood, which is why I named you heir. I forgave you for losing the dragons’ pearls, but do not disappoint me again.” Menace coated his tone as he added, “Don’t forget, I have another son.”

“Never,” I spat, my stomach lurching at the thought.

The king leaned back against his throne, his eyes glinting like shards of ice. “There are ways to secure your cooperation.”

I recoiled at the reminder of what he had done to me a moment earlier. Wenzhi had promised to never use such magic on me, but his father possessed no such scruples.

Wenzhi’s eyes widened with a silent plea for my trust before he bowed to the throne. “Father, thank you for your wisdom. We accept your decision.”

I did not wholly trust him, yet there was no choice. If I refused, the king would either cast his lot in with Wugang or force me into marriage with Prince Wenshuang—a fate worse than death.

Victory in his grasp, King Wenming accepted a cup of wine from the Virtuous Consort, lifting it in a toast. “The wedding will be in three days.”

“No.” I grasped wildly for a way out. “We must move on Wugang now. The wedding can be held after.”

“You do not get to decide this. Learn your place if you wish my favor. Be careful,” the king added, “lest three days become one.”

I held my tongue, inclining my head in seeming acquiescence—even as despair flooded me like I had been swept into waters too deep, and could no longer feel the ground with my feet.

Chapter 30

I will not do it,” I told Wenzhi, the moment we entered my room. Fortunately, it was not the same chamber I had been locked in before, this one furnished in mahogany and rose brocade, with ink washed paintings of mountains hanging from the walls.

Wenzhi shut the door behind him. “Xingyin, I know you do not want to marry me. Despite my feelings, I have enough pride that I won’t force you into a union.” A wry smile broke across his lips. “I’m certain you would make my life an unpleasant hell if I did.”