Page 17
“Does my home displease you?”
I swept the frown from my face. “It’s not as splendid as I thought a god’s home might be,” I lied, to annoy him. “The stone is a little dull, the wood too dark, the carvings lacking in originality.”
“The Lady of Tianxia has discerning taste.” His tone was glacial. “Perhaps you might invite me to visit your home, to show me what impresses you.”
“Of course.” I was fenced into a corner of my own making, provoked into a reckless invitation. My home might be a shadow of his, but I loved it regardless—each worn tile and faded painting. “When we return to my kingdom, you must be my guest.”
“I look forward to it.”
“But only if you have the time,” I hedged.
“I will make the time.”
His lips curved into a smile that I returned in force. This was courting danger but I wouldn’t back down, a current sparked in my veins.
“What would you change about my home?” he asked.
I didn’t answer right away, caught unaware by the question. “It’s beautiful,” I admitted grudgingly. “Yet if beauty is so common, what is rare?”
“There is beauty everywhere if one looks hard enough.”
His gaze was piercing, almost unnerving. I looked away, studying the guards in black-and-gold armor, attired differently from the queen’s soldiers. They bowed as we approached, opening the doors that led into a wide courtyard. Camphor trees flanked the pathway, red silk lanterns hanging from their gnarled branches. A thick hedge of jasmine ran along the walls, the sweetness of its fragrance reminding me of home. The God of War strode toward a large hall flanked by teak pillars. Large porcelain jars filled with water lined the stairs, lotuses blooming upon the surface. As we entered, two immortals hurried toward us, clasping their hands as they bowed formally to the god.
“Rise,” he told them. “There’s no need for such ceremony.”
“But we have a guest,” the taller one said by way of explanation.
As they straightened, their wide eyes remained on me. Their fair skin was the delicate shade of magnolias, their black hair held up with tortoiseshell sticks. They were beautiful, their movements graceful. Were they his wives? Concubines? The God of War was believed to be unattached, though the lavishness of this place made it clear he indulged his desires. I found myself wondering where his preferences lay: did he treasure beauty more, or intelligence or temperament? Almost at once, I cast the thought aside, a needless distraction.
“Lord Zhangwei, your bath has been prepared. Would you like to eat here or in your room?” the tall one asked.
“My room,” he replied. “The mortal may—”
“My name is Liyen,” I said pointedly. “Not ‘the mortal.’”
“Liyen.” He uttered it softly, drawing out each syllable. I flushed, realizing I’d inadvertently given him leave to call me by name.
“You may call me Zhangwei,” he told me.
“Lord Zhangwei,” I said carefully, preferring the formality of his title. It made him feel more distant, less real—easier to scheme against. As he frowned, I turned to the others. “May I know how to address you?”
“I am Ningxi, the head attendant here,” the taller one said, then gestured to the other. “Weina will attend to your needs while you are here.”
“Lord Zhangwei, the real question is who is she?” Weina asked, her cheeks dimpling. “You’ve never brought anyone—”
As Ningxi nudged her sharply, Weina closed her mouth. I wanted to ask what she meant—surely the God of War must have countless visitors, those eager for his favor, the relationships he needed to cultivate to safeguard his position. One could not exist alone at court. There were rivals or allies, and those without either were of no importance or would be soon forgotten.
“Her Majesty commanded that the Lady of Tianxia is our guest, for now. Inform the household, and prepare a room for her in the West Courtyard. She is to be provided with anything she needs.”
“What of her meals, Lord Zhangwei? Will she have them in the dining hall?” Ningxi asked.
“Have them sent to her room.”
Ningxi nodded at several attendants who rushed away to do his bidding. I called after him, “What if I want to eat here?” He might be used to ordering his attendants around, but I wouldn’t let him dictate to me.
“Eat wherever you wish,” he replied without turning.
“Does that mean I can go wherever I want?” My calm tone concealed my eagerness. If so, I’d be free to search for the shield, for anything that might be of use to my kingdom.
