Page 49 of A Forgery of Fate

“Does this mean we’re betrothed?”

“Almost, but nowIhave a question.” He spoke slowly, “Is it Tru or Truyan?”

I blinked. “What?”

“Your sisters call you Tru, your mother calls you Truyan. Which is correct?”

It was the last thing I expected him to ask. “Call me Tru,”I replied. “Just Tru. Truyan is what my mother calls me when she’s putting on a show for strangers. Or when she’s upset.”

“Tru,” Elang repeated. The wind lifted a lock of black hair over his eyes. “I’ll remember.”

“What do I callyou?” I asked.

His lips twisted. He put his mask on again. “Just Elang. Not lord, not Elangui.”

It was a start, knowing what to call each other. I wanted to laugh at the absurdity of it, but knew I’d end up laughing alone.

What have I gotten myself into?I thought as I saw the outline of a claw beneath his silken sleeve.

“Come with me to tell my family,” I said. “My mother will never forgive me if she hears the news from someone elsefirst.”

Chapter Thirteen

“The dragon and phoenix approach!” Mama trilled loudly when she spied us emerging out of the garden.

I barely recognized her. It was as if she’d scoured the closet and handpicked every item vaguely associated with Ai’long. Golden fish ornaments gleamed in her hair, and round white pearls tinkled upon her wrists. For her robes, she’d chosen a brocade woven with emerald turtles; the final touch, embroidered on the bottom of her skirt, was a silver-stitched dragon.

Mama batted her fan against her chest as she took in the sight of Elang and me side by side, the rhythm of our strides reluctantly matching. She didn’t bother with a greeting. “When is the wedding?”

“Tomorrow,” I replied.

“Tomorrow!” Nomi exchanged a worried look with Fal. “That’s so soon.”

Mama was the only one who clapped. “How wonderful!” she exclaimed. “A daughter, betrothed. But one day isn’t much time at all to prepare. I’ll need to go to the Central Market, and the temple to pray—”

“My servants will take care of the preparations,” saidElang. “The wedding will be small, and private. There will be no guests from outside the household.”

“No guests?” Mama’s mouth twitched back and forth with displeasure. “This is my daughter’s wedding. Surely I can invite a few friends. My neighbors, our local butcher, Mr.Tanpi and his wife—”

“They may come to the procession on Oyang Street,” Elang replied, striving to stay polite. “But no one outside will attend the rites. There will be no banquet.”

Mama knew when to pick her battles, and she let out a resigned sigh. “Very well, then. If you’ve made up your mind.” She leaned forward, venturing so close to ElangI feared she would pinch his earlobes. “Family only.”

“Indeed.” Elang neatly stepped to the side. “Now, excuse me. I have my own preparations to make. My servants will return shortly and assist you in whatever manner you require.”

“You aren’t staying?” Mama asked.

“It’s tradition for the groom to pick up the bride from her home,” Fal added. “You will be coming to escort Tru, won’t you, Lord Elang?”

His eyes flicked from me to my sister, then he replied, “Were she staying in her own home, I would consider the request. But this is my estate, and hence, I am unable to accommodate such a custom.” He bowed, ignoring Falina’s icy glower. “Until tomorrow.”

Fal didn’t wait until Elang was out of earshot. She seethed, “The nerve! Did you hear that, Tru?”

“I don’t mind,” I replied honestly. “It means I get more time with the three of you.”

“The dragon’s not wrong,” said Mama. She hooked me bythe arm and tapped the mole by my mouth. “Forget about these silly games. It will be a happy marriage. I’ve read hisface.”

“Both sides?” I pried. “Or with the mask on?”

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