He spoke the truth, yet the thought of battle turned my stomach. “That would be prudent. It would also distract Wugang and divide his forces, to keep his mind occupied so he doesn’t question or examine anything too closely. He will be impatient to harvest the seeds to seal his victory, and therein lies his weakness.” I frowned as another worry struck me. “How will you withstand his army? You will need allies.”

“We will send word to the other kingdoms. However, we have been isolated for so long, I doubt any will heed our call.”

“A common enemy turns adversaries into allies.” Just as I was protecting the same soldiers I had fought against before.

Who else might we count on? The dragons were no tools of war yet could be invaluable for defense. Their support might swing the Eastern Sea to our side, though their court was deep in mourning. The Southern Sea had declared their allegiance when they attempted to capture us to win Wugang’s favor. We had no contact with the Western and Northern Sea, and there was no time to cultivate relations with them. The Phoenix Kingdom had always been a firm ally of the Celestial Kingdom—yet it remained to be seen if their loyalty lay with the ruling family or the kingdom itself. If they joined Wugang, it would be a grave blow.

“I will send word to Prince Yanxi, and Liwei to his mother. Perhaps she can sway Queen Fengjin,” I said.

He rose to his feet and inclined his head. “Thank you. I apologize for disturbing your rest. Let me bring you back.” As his gaze met mine, a sigh slid from him. “I promised myself I would say nothing; you have made your choice. But I will never be free of you. Perhaps that is my penance.”

“I do not wish that.” I pushed myself up to stand beside him, ignoring the pulse of hurt within me. “We are friends, after all. Those who want the best for each other.”

“Friends?” he repeated, after a moment’s pause. “Yes, I would welcome your friendship. I would welcome any part of yourself that you choose to give me.”

Before I could respond, he drew me into his arms—his skin, usually so cool, burning me. I did not protest, closing my eyes, inhaling the crisp scent that rolled off his skin. And when his arms loosened, there was a prickling in my eyes which I blinked away, a part of me mourning the end of something precious … that never truly had a chance to begin.

Chapter 34