tassel swung from his sash. Only this time, I didn’t try to keep up with him. This time, I hobbled and took my time, considering it a small victory whenever Lorsa stopped to wait for me.
I immediately hated the Autumn Palace. I missed the gold roofs and vermillion columns of the Summer Palace, the brilliant gardens and the smell of jasmine and plum blossoms. Yes, the trees here burned a lurid riot of colors even in lantern light, and the stone floors were awash with golden leaves, freshly fallen—but the air smelled stale, like damp ink. There were no dragonflies or butterflies, no larks or swallows. Only a thin mist that cloaked the earth, as if readying it for a deep, long sleep.
To my surprise, we saw Lady Sarnai in one of the gardens. She betrayed no reaction when she noticed us, but she rose, her skirts blooming as she stood, and stared at something far off in the corner—as if she, too, would rather be anywhere but here.
Minister Lorsa ushered us into the emperor’s private chambers. The doors were painted with red-eyed lions that made me shudder and think of Bandur. Inside, Emperor Khanujin awaited us, a deep blue veil obscuring his face. Once Lorsa had left, he lifted it.
Edan had told me that the emperor relied on his magic to enhance his appearance, but still it shocked me how different he looked now. The real emperor was unimposing, shorter and less muscular than I remembered, with a weak mouth and small, merciless black eyes.
Trying not to stare at him, I fell to my knees as Edan bowed at my side.
“I should have you hanged, Lord Enchanter,” Emperor Khanujin said through his teeth. “You left without my permission.”
“I accept the consequences of my actions, Your Majesty,” said Edan. “I thought it necessary to aid the imperial tailor, to ensure your marriage and peace for A’landi.”
“You thought leaving me would be wise?” The emperor threw his teacup to the ground. It shattered at Edan’s feet. “Wise for the shansen to know you were away? To give him the opportunity to hunt you?”
“If he did so, he failed.”
Emperor Khanujin sniffed, slightly mollified. He drummed his fingers on the arm of his wooden chair, hardly a throne. His nails were long and uncut; they made a clacking sound that set me on edge. “Was your journey successful?”
“It was, Your Majesty.”
“Then at least your absence wasn’t for naught. I wonder, how should I punish you, Lord Enchanter? After all, there is nothing you fear, to my knowledge. And I cannot have you executed for your disobedience, since I need you at my side.”
Edan was silent.
Emperor Khanujin touched the amulet pinned to his robe. “I suppose your very existence is punishment enough. You, a vessel of such power at my command.”
Edan didn’t flinch, but I did. My fists curled at my sides, and I had to bite my cheek to keep from lashing out at the emperor.
“Master Tamarin, you have work to do. Leave us.”
I glanced at Edan, who gave an almost imperceptible lift of his chin. A sign to obey.
The emperor knew my leg wasn’t truly lame, but I made a show of struggling to get up from my knees anyway. I bowed to him. “May you live ten thousand years, Your Majesty,” I said, the familiar words now foreign on my tongue.
Then I left, to return to the life I’d once dreamed of living. What I wouldn’t have given for it to have stayed a dream.
* * *
• • •
My satchel and trunk were already in my new quarters. I opened my trunk to air out my dresses. Seeing them comforted me. I might be back in the palace, but I wouldn’t forget my adventures outside. Wouldn’t forget the battles Edan and I had fought, the magic I’d seen.
These dresses would always remind me.
A plate of almond cookies sat on my cutting table. No note accompanied the treat, but I knew it was from Ammi. Welcome back! I could hear her exclaiming.
Remembering my one friend in the palace cheered me, and I gobbled the cookies quickly, filling my empty stomach. Just after I set down the plate and started to unfold my dresses, the door to my chambers swung open.
“Her Highness, Lady Sarnai, honors you with her presence!” a voice shouted from outside.
Lady Sarnai entered. Her furrowed brow and pursed lips made it clear she wasn’t pleased I had returned alive, but the shansen’s daughter no longer frightened me.