“It has been a long time since Celestials graced our court. What brings you here, particularly in such … disarray.” Her lips stretched into a smile, jarring against the speculation in her eyes.

I resisted the urge to brush the loose strands from my face, raising my head higher. What was this monarch’s disdain to the Celestial Emperor’s wrath? I would mind my manners as my mother had taught me, but I would not cower.

Before I could speak, my mother stepped forward. Her hair was damp and tangled, her white robe stained, yet she bore herself with as much dignity as the queen. “Your Majesty, we are not from the Celestial Kingdom. I came to bring my friend to her final resting place.”

The queen’s gaze swung to Ping’er’s body. “This grieves me. Her mother is my chief attendant, a loyal servant.” She gestured to a young immortal, who rushed to her side. “Summon the chief attendant.”

She turned back to my mother. “Welcome, Goddess of the Moon. You have traveled far from your home.”

My insides curled, though it was no secret that Ping’er had been my mother’s attendant. It was unlikely the Southern Sea would have learned of the emperor’s attack, yet the fewer who knew of our presence, the safer it would be.

My mother inclined her head. “Thank you, Your Majesty. We are grateful for the kindness of the Southern Sea.”

Queen Suihe smiled warmly. “I congratulate you on your pardon. It was a tale that only recently made its way to our ears, isolated as we are from the rest of the realm.”

“Isolated, Your Majesty?” I tried to conceal the lift in my tone, my surging relief.

“The path here is not easy to traverse, and we have ways of keeping out unwanted guests.” Queen Suihe searched my face as she spoke to me, her curiosity evident. She did not know me; it had been years since Liwei’s banquet, and I would have been beneath her notice.

“This is my daughter, Xingyin, and her friend Shuxiao,” my mother said.

“The Celestial archer.” Recognition thrummed in the queen’s tone. “Prince Yanxi of the Eastern Sea spoke highly of you.”

“His Highness is too kind. I was glad to be of aid.” I breathed a little easier. “I no longer serve the Celestial Army, Your Majesty. I left to return to my mother.” I hoped she would not probe further.

“A dutiful daughter.” She settled back against her throne, satisfied that we were figured out, no longer a riddle where danger might lurk unseen. “The monarchs of the Four Seas are gathering here soon. If you wish, you may remain as our guests until then.”

I was tempted to accept, my exhaustion reaching deep—but I recalled Wenzhi’s warning. “We are honored by your invitation, Your Majesty, but we cannot stay. We do not wish to impose on your generous hospitality and—”