learn that certain things aren’t worth the trouble. I have my business and my family, and I will not risk my reputation for the sake of any contest. And you—you are young. Come with me and become my apprentice. You could make a good name for yourself. But you’ll have no future if Norbu does that to your hand again.”
His offer was tempting, but I hung back.
“I’m staying,” I said firmly. “I can’t let him win.”
“Then Amana be with you.” He gripped my shoulder. “May the Sages give you the strength to win.”
Yindi had been quiet throughout our exchange, but now he walked up to us. His eyes were wide and wild. “The fire is a sign from the gods to leave. Nothing good will come of this wedding.”
“Norbu made that fire, you fool,” said Longhai. “And Norbu has played us all.”
“No,” Yindi said. “The shansen is playing us all. There are demon forces behind him. And once he brings them to A’landi, it will be too late.”
“You’ve been listening to too many soldiers talk.”
“Why do you say the shansen has demons?” I asked. “Doesn’t he hate magic, like his daughter?”
“Lies.” Yindi sniffed. “How can he hate what gives him power? Once the shansen places his daughter on the throne, he will have the emperor killed, just as he had his father and brother murdered by demons. Then he will steal his Lord Enchanter for himself. Just you wait and see.”
A chill swept over me, but Longhai dismissed Yindi’s warning.
“Enough of this,” he said. “You are upset. We all are. But the palace has eyes and ears, and you are ranting like a mad fool. Leave now with dignity.”
Yindi glared at him, and at me. “Just you wait and see,” he repeated, directing the warning at me. Then he left without another word.
Longhai lingered, his round, jolly face the gravest I’d ever seen it. “Good luck to you, Master Tamarin. May you have all the prosperity and happiness that you deserve. Look for me if you’re ever in Bansai.”
I bowed my head. Then Longhai, too, was gone.
Turning to the empty hall, I gathered my jacket and what was left of my materials. I had only a few precious hours before Lady Sarnai would appear with Emperor Khanujin to judge our creations.
It had always been Norbu. I saw that now. Norbu who had ruined my shawl, Norbu who’d taken the other tailors out drinking so they couldn’t work as hard, Norbu who had started the fire and locked me in the hall. Norbu who had broken my hand.
If not for Edan’s help, Norbu would have won the trial.
Gods help me, as long as I could sew, that was not going to happen.
CHAPTER THIRTEEN
As soon as I saw Norbu’s jacket, I knew I had no chance.
It was magnificent. Sleeveless and daring. The collar was made of snow-white swan feathers, and the skirt rippled with pearls and ermine trimming fit for an empress.
Even Lady Sarnai was impressed. She showed little sign of emotion at the news that the Hall of Supreme Diligence had burned, forcing two tailors to resign. But when she saw Norbu’s jacket, she actually smiled.
My heart sank. My only ally, Edan, wasn’t here. Only now did I realize how much I had relied on his presence at these challenges.
I’d worked all night after Longhai and Yindi left, but because of my hand I’d had to forgo many of the details to finish in time. I’d planned to add lace to the neckline and sleeves and sew golden buttons to match the gilded leaves I’d painstakingly drawn over the violet paint to make the paper look like brocade. Now, seeing Norbu’s feathers and pearls and fur, I realized my design was far too plain.
Lady Sarnai fluttered her fan, pretending to think. I simmered with agitation as I waited. I already knew whom she would choose, even though I couldn’t bear to hear the words.
“Master Norbu’s jacket is the superior one in this challenge,” she finally said, confirming my fears. Lorsa started for me, but Lady Sarnai raised her fan. “However, given the fire, another challenge may be necessary for me to make a proper decision.”
I stole a glance at Emperor Khanujin, certain he’d be furious with the shansen’s daughter for trying again to postpone the wedding. To my surprise, he nodded. “Very well. There will be one final challenge. But I will deliver it.”
Lady Sarnai’s eyes narrowed. “Your Majesty, you left the selection of the tailor to me, did