Page 42
CHAPTER TWENTY-TWO
AS WE REACH THE SHORE, JIN AND LORD CHAO STRIDE toward us, their soldiers watching intently.
“Welcome to Thorn Valley, Captain Shenming. Your reputation precedes you. It is rare for one from Mist Island to visit our shores.” Jin doesn’t look at me as he speaks.
“You left us little choice, Lord Jin-Yong,” Shenming replies in a cool tone. “You refused to travel to our island, insisting on the meeting here. We’d hoped for more support in this time of need, when the safety of our realm is at stake.”
“What of our numerous requests for aid?” Jin responds. “The Elders claim there is no decay in Thorn Valley, so I invited them today to see for themselves. Perhaps then they will understand why we seek support.”
“Where are the Elders?” Lord Chao demands, leaning on his staff. “Do they not deign to see us?”
Shenming’s jaw tightens. “The Elders cannot leave Mist Island during these perilous times. They remain to protect our people.”
“What if the danger lies beyond? If they wait for it to reach their shores, it will already be too late.” Jin inclines his head to me in greeting. “Miss Yining, have you and your sister recovered from your injuries?” he asks formally.
“Yes, Lord Jin-Yong.” It feels odd speaking as if he’s a stranger, pretending this is our first meeting since our escape from the palace. “My sister and I are grateful for your help.”
Shenming is watching us, his gaze speculative. “As requested, we are here as representatives from Mist Island, Lord Jin-Yong. We must discuss our urgent needs—”
“—after you and your soldiers inspect our land,” Jin counters.
The captain’s jaw clenches. “Lead the way.”
Jin brings us in the direction away from the Ancient Grove. He is cautious, in case they detect the magic in the shields, tracing it back to me. Along the way to the manor, Jin points out the hostile thorns, the withering foliage and barren fields, keeping a safe distance from a herd of corrupted horses galloping ahead.
“Why did you bring Miss Yining with you?” Jin asks Shenming as we walk.
“We have an understanding,” Shenming says to my surprise. “The Elders proposed a match between us, and we are exploring the possibility.”
“An interesting idea.” Jin’s tone hardens, the first fracture in his composure. “In Thorn Valley, we do not cling to such antiquated traditions. We believe in the freedom of choice.”
“The ways of our kingdoms differ,” Shenming replies with a shrug.
“I congratulate you both,” Jin says. “How fortunate you are, Miss Yining, to have found your home, your family, and your betrothed, all in a few short months.”
“I am lucky to have such good company back home,” I reply tersely. “Yet such wishes are premature when the arrangement is not binding.”
“Did you choose this of your own will?” he asks intently.
“The Elders’ commands must be honored,” I reply, ignoring the warning look Shenming casts my way. “But ‘obedience’ is not mandated.”
The tension eases from Jin’s shoulders, as he leads us into the manor, entering the main hall. In the day, sunlight spills through the latticed doors, the rosewood furniture gleaming.
Shenming and I are seated across from Lord Chao and Jin, while the rest of the soldiers wait outside. Bowls of lychees, candied walnuts, and small pastries are laid on the tables. No one reaches for the food—not even Lord Chao.
Shenming places his palms on his knees. “I will speak plainly as time is short. We must travel soon to the Three Kingdoms. We desire passage through Thorn Valley—along the lesser-known path in the south that crosses the chasm, away from the Iron Mountains.”
“Lesser known?” Lord Chao scoffs. “More like ‘unknown.’”
“What about what we showed you today?” Jin demands. “Will Mist Island do nothing while our land falls into ruin?”
“I will convey everything you shared to the Elders; it is evident the decay is spreading. I will advise them to send soldiers to help,” Shenming assures him. “In the meantime, the urgency of our matter cannot be ignored.”
“Because the lives of your people are at stake, not ours?” Lord Chao interrupts, grabbing a handful of walnuts that he crams into his mouth. “Why do you wish to travel to the Three Kingdoms?”
“We cannot share—”
“You make demands yet don’t reveal your reasons, as though we’re servants who must obey,” Jin observes tautly. “You claim this danger affects the safety of our realm. Tell us how.”
