“This is contemptible, even for you. How dare you do such a thing?” Wenzhi’s knuckles were white around his sword.

Prince Wenshuang threw his head back and laughed. “Oh, I would dare much more, Brother. Across the generations, many a long-lived king has been hastened to his death by an impatient heir. The one who sits on the throne dictates the past and shapes the future, and I will no longer stand on the sidelines.”

“You forget one thing. You are no longer the heir.” Wenzhi’s tone was calmer, though his eyes were shards of ice.

Prince Wenshuang flicked his hand in a dismissive gesture. “A small matter, which will be swiftly remedied.”

“Challenge me if you dare, fight me without hiding behind your soldiers. Show them who is fit to rule. Otherwise, who will support you? Who will respect you? A son without honor, who murdered his father. Who cannot even wield his own blade.”

Wenzhi’s words were carefully chosen to stir his brother to rashness. For the days were long past that Prince Wenshuang could have bested him, and outnumbered as we were, single combat was our best chance of remaining alive.

The guests murmured, the braver ones nodding in agreement. Still, Prince Wenshuang displayed not a glimmer of concern. “Don’t play your tricks on me; I’ve seen them all before. I don’t need to prove myself to you or anyone. Those who do not obey do so at their own peril. Since Father rejected the Celestial Emperor’s offer, he was pleased to accept mine.” His mouth curled into a smirk. “My throne for the Moon Goddess. More than a fair exchange. The emperor even gave me this.” He kicked the bloodied spear shaft to the side.

“You have grossly miscalculated,” I told him with a smile. “My mother is not here.”

“You are here, her beloved daughter. She will come. I just have to wait.”

Guards encircled us, my spirits sinking to find their weapons pointed our way. Grasping my power, I held it at the ready, magic flickering at my fingertips.

“My parents have returned to the Mortal Realm. They will not come here again. What do you think Wugang will do to you for failing to honor your promise?” Never had a lie brought me more satisfaction as rage mottled Prince Wenshuang’s face.

“If that is true,” he ground out, “there is no reason to keep you alive after all.”

Prince Wenshuang lunged at me, his sword thrust forward, scarlet flames rippling across its surface. Cursing my heavy garments, I darted aside, casting a shield over myself. He was indeed a coward, attacking one who was weaponless. Wenzhi called to me as he grabbed a sword from a nearby soldier, tossing it to me from across the pavilion. Catching it deftly, I tore its scabbard away, swinging around to catch Prince Wenshuang’s blow.