We sat by the table, crafted with flat pieces of mother-of-pearl layered together like the scales of a fish. Small plates of food were laid out: tarts brimming with yellow custard, pastries of crushed almond and honey, glistening discs of sweetmeats. Though I had not eaten all day, their rich scents turned my stomach.

As my mother lifted the teapot, her hands trembled, the amber liquid spilling.

“Let me, Mother.” I took it gently from her, filling our cups. My training had taught me to feign strength when there was none, and to strike with a steady hand even when fractured within.

Someone knocked, sliding the doors apart. Shuxiao entered, Wenzhi following her, as he stooped to avoid colliding with the beads.

“What are you doing here?” His presence startled me, though I should have grown accustomed to him appearing when I least expected him to.

“He came looking for you and found me instead,” Shuxiao said with a smirk. “A careless mistake.”

His lips formed a sardonic smile. “I asked the attendant for the room of the fierce one, the one who looked ready to attack upon the slightest provocation.”

“Only those who deserve it.” I glared at him, even as a part of me was relieved to feel anything other than this hollow ache. “How did you get here?”

Wenzhi lifted an ornament by his waist, a black pearl adorned with an amethyst silk tassel. “A gift from Queen Suihe so our messengers could enter her domain. When we challenged the Celestial Kingdom, we rose in her esteem. Since then, she has cultivated cordial relations with us.”

“Are they your allies?” I asked, surprised.

“The Southern Sea has no formal alliance with us, nor with any kingdom in the Immortal Realm. While they did not come to our aid in the war, neither did they rise against us. Queen Suihe has kept the Southern Sea free of many a battle. Yet while they have few enemies, they have fewer friends.”

“Which are you at the moment?” I asked.

He shrugged. “Neither. Both. Queen Suihe is a consummate diplomat, something my father appreciates. She switches directions as ruthlessly as the wind, with a keen sense for the winning side.”

My gut churned. Such shifting loyalties gave me little comfort.

My mother fixed Wenzhi with a cold stare. “I thank you for your aid. However, you have much to answer for in your treatment of my daughter.”

“It is my greatest regret,” he said gravely.

A tense silence fell over us, but I would not let myself dwell on his words. “Do you have news?” I asked him.