Page 76 of Empire's Curse

“In my dreams? That doesn’t count.”

Shrugging, he leaned forward and grabbed a handful of caramelized cashews, salted almonds, and candied pecans and lifted the edge of his mask. Daiyu inched closer to him, trying to peek at his face. But he was quick as he chomped down on the nuts and all she could make out were three scars on the side of his jaw. “I figured you were fine,” he said between mouthfuls, “and I wasn’t wrong.”

“Yes, but you canpretendto be diplomatic.”

Feiyu motioned toward the colorless bracelet. “I see that came in handy.”

“It did.” She plucked the empty piece of jewelry and shook itin the air for emphasis. “Why didn’t you tell me it would summon His Majesty if I used it?”

He paused in his chewing and pinned her with an unreadable stare—one that was hard to make out anyway due to the shadows of the mask—and then stuffed another handful of sweet and salty nuts into his mouth. “Huh. So that’s who you summoned?”

“You make it sound like I had a choice.” She quirked an eyebrow and dropped the bracelet with aclankon the glass-top of the table.

“It basically only has enough magic to summon the one person you think can protect you. It’s a very powerful magicked item that, unfortunately, does causesomedamage to the summoned party.”

“Damage? What do you mean by that?”

“Well, perhaps damage isn’t the right word.” He dusted off the salt and sugar clinging to his fingers. “More like … it consumes the magic of the summoned party. You see, magic comes at a price. Someone has to use up their energy for the summon, and part of it is stored in the bracelet, and the other part comes from the summoned party. Make sense?”

“Oh.” Daiyu did remember Muyang being winded after he had finished fighting off the group of rebel soldiers, but she thought it had to do with his own magic being low, like he had mentioned. Perhaps that was the case, but maybe it also had to do with the bracelet? In that case … “So you’re telling me that I caused His Majesty’s magic to be drained?”

“Yes. I’m surprised he didn’t blight you on the spot.” There was a joking, teasing quality to his voice, but she barely paid it any heed.

Her face flushed with unexpected warmth. Why hadn’t Muyang told her any of that? “Oh.”

“I’m a bit disappointed you didn’t thinkIwas the best candidate for your rescue, but I’m glad to see you’re healthy and well.”

She rolled her eyes, unable to help herself. “I was panickingand I didn’t realize what was happening. And anyway, how did you know I needed rescuing?”

“The bracelet would only work if you were in a life-and-death situation.”

“Ah.”

“And seeing as how it’s drained”—he shrugged—“I would say you were in need of rescuing.”

Daiyu reached forward, plucked a caramel-coated pecan from the platter, and nibbled on one end of it whilst keeping a careful eye on Feiyu. She didn’t appreciate how mysterious the mage had been about the properties of the magicked bracelet, and all of this seemed a bit too convenient for her liking. Did he know she would have summoned Muyang in the first place?

She didn’t want to ask—not because she didn’t want to know the answer, but she had to be careful around Feiyu. He was her only ally in this palace, and it wouldn’t do good for him to realize she was casting suspicion on him.

“Anyway, have you learned anything about the person who poisoned me? Or who kidnapped me? Do you think the two incidents are related?”

Before he could answer, there was a steady knock on the door—in quick succession. “Everything all right in there?” Nikator called out, his tone level and nothing like the cheerful young man she had spent over two weeks traveling with. “I heard a male voice, so just wanted to check in to see if you’re fine.”

Daiyu froze, her mind reeling. She waved at Feiyu to leave and opened her mouth to lie and say there was no one in here with her, but Feiyu raised his hand and halted her mid-stride.

“It’s just me, Nikator,” he called out, fixing his mask in place. “You can come in if you want.”

There was a pause. “Feiyu?”

“The one and only.”

Daiyu raised an incredulous eyebrow at Feiyu—was it really wise to let Nikator inside? Wasn’t it bad if Muyang heard wind that Feiyu was interacting with her? But the mage didn’t seem tomind and the door swung open. Nikator strode inside and closed the door behind himself, his expression cautious as he stared at them both.

“Nik, so good to see you.” Feiyu motioned to the couches. “Have a seat.”

“What are you doing here?” Nikator gingerly took a seat beside the mage and looked between Daiyu and Feiyu. “How do you know each other?”

“We became acquainted a few months ago.” Daiyu popped the rest of the sweet pecan in her mouth and chewed before motioning the platter to Nikator. “Have some, please.”

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