Page 51 of A Forgery of Fate

“We turtles are slow but thorough,” Mailoh said hoarsely. “Now, back into your abode, demon. If you get any of the silk wet, I will personally hang you above a brazier.”

Shani bared her teeth at the turtle, but she obeyed and flooded back into the ring.

“The foul creature loathes heat,” Mailoh informed me. Her tone softened, belying a touch of affection. “It’ll be better for her inside the ring anyway. All this time on land has been taxing for her, same as Lord Elang.”

I lifted my head. “What’s wrong with Elang?”

“Nothing, nothing. He simply travels too much while he’s on land, searching for his Heavenly Match. But now that he’s found you at last…” There was a twinkle in her round, hooded eyes. “Don’t you worry, your wedding will be magnificent. Even the sand crabs will have heard of it by the time we are finished.”

I wasn’t worried at all; in fact, Mailoh was clearly more excited about this wedding than I was. “There’s no need for all this fuss,” I said. “Hardly anyone will see me.”

“You think I’m dressing you to impress the humans?” Mailoh huffed a laugh. “No, dear girl. Lord Elang couldn’t care less what the humans in Gangsun think of you. Whereas in Ai’long, a dragon’s impression can often make the difference between life…and death.”

I suppressed a shiver. If I thought Elang intolerable, I could only imagine the rest of his dragon kind. A bunch of godly immortals who acted more monstrous than divine. A king who conjured storms on a whim, who sank ships and broke families apart with not a care.

My fists clenched at my sides. “Then make me magnificent,” I told Mailoh. “Help me create an impression when I enter Ai’long. Show them I am not…” I searched for the word Elang loved to use. “Krill.”

The turtle’s mouth bent into a wrinkled grin. “Just youwait.”

Mailoh hadn’t been lying about her thoroughness. The rest of the day, I didn’t leave my chambers. Every speck of dirt was sloughed off my skin, and my hair was lathered and rinsed until it shone. The merfolk varnished my nails with vermillion lacquer, smothered my face with orange-scented cream, and even gave me rose petals to chew so my breath would be sweet. I spat them out when no one was looking.

When at last the ordeal was over, it was nearly midnight. I’d never been happier to be left alone and greet my bed. I collapsed immediately, sinking into a bank of cushions.

Only for my head to hit something hard-edged: the contract box.

It hadn’t been there a moment ago, and nor had the red-eyed butterfly perched on the lid. She fluttered her wings, letting out a familiar cackle as I rubbed the back of my head.

I glared. “Elang sent you—asthat?”

“Butterflies are symbols of undying love,” Shani said. “I thought I’d be one for your wedding tomorrow. Congratulations, by the way.”

“You should come as a mosquito,” I muttered. “That’d suit you more.”

“Such resentment is music to my ears.” Shani glowed, herantennae buzzing. “We’re going to have so much fun together these next few months, you and me at the bottom of the sea.”

“Is there a point to your visit?”

“Elang’anmi sent me with his tidings. And to fetch the contract, signed.”

Always straight to business, that dragon prince. If he’d wanted me to look at the contract so badly, he shouldn’t have conscripted Mailoh and her preening squad to fuss over me all day.

With a sigh, I pored through the contract’s pages one last time. As expected, Elang was meticulous. Everything I’d requested had been added.

“I see he told you about our little plot against Nazayun,” Shani observed, reading over my shoulder. She tutted. “You are aware what will happen if the Dragon King finds out, aren’t you?”

“I’m aware.” I flipped to the last page. “Frogs exploding out of my throat would be considered a mercy.”

“And you’re still signing?”

In the beginning, I’d agreed to do this for the money. Money to secure my sisters’ futures and pay off Mama’s debts so no one would ever bother our family again. Yes, I’d had doubts. I was no fool—when I’d discovered Elang was orchestrating a coup against the Dragon King, I’d wanted nothing to do with it. Until I found out about Baba.

I scribbled my name.

“Maybe you’re not as spineless as I thought.” Shani scooped up the contract. “Or maybe you’re going to regret all this.”

“I already do.”

With a laugh, the demon gave me a good splash in theface. It was cold and unexpected, and I let out a startled gasp. “Nine Hells, Shani!” I breathed. “What was that for?”

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