“I thought you despised him, that you never wanted to see him again. And now I find you taking a midnight stroll together—”

“It’s not like that,” I said tightly, fighting back the sting of shame. “He wanted to see the laurel. I thought he could help.”

“You told him? You trust him? After everything he did?” His shock rang clear.

I lifted my chin. “I don’t trust him, but he might be able to aid us. He wants to make amends.” How feeble this sounded when spoken aloud; lies told to children to secure their trust.

“All he is doing is playing a different game because the rules have changed, and he still wants to win,” Liwei argued.

“He is not a friend, but he might be an ally. Isolated as we are, I am in no position to turn any away,” I said steadily.

“You have me by your side.” Liwei clasped my hand. “I trust you; it’s him I don’t trust. Promise me you will be careful.”

“I will,” I said gravely.

“Perhaps I should adjust the wards again, to bar certain unwanted intruders.” His voice lightened; gone was the last trace of anger.

I laughed, relieved that the worst had passed. “Perhaps all outsiders should be barred from entry.”

“I hope to not be an outsider for much longer.” His knuckles brushed my cheek, feather-light, gliding down my neck. “Next week is my father’s birthday celebration. Would you accompany me?”

I swallowed hard, biting back my instinctive protest. It felt more like an invitation to an execution than a banquet.

He drew away to stare into my face. “This is a chance to mend bridges and heal old wounds. For them to know you as I do.”

“I will go,” I said, even as my insides curled. I could not insult his parents with my refusal; I could not make Liwei choose between us. By accepting him, I accepted them, and somehow we would have to learn to exist together, no matter our past offenses.

I just hoped they understood that too.

Perhaps at the banquet I might be able to soften the Celestial Emperor’s suspicions, to show him I was no threat—it was easier to malign those unseen and unheard. And if not, I might learn something more of his intentions. Too many things were happening at once: the shift of power in the Celestial Army. The theft of the laurel seeds. The emperor’s interest in my home. The pieces were set on the board, and I only wished I knew what game was being played.

One thing was for certain; I was done being a pawn, and if I moved, it would be of my own volition.

Chapter 5