Page 55 of A Forgery of Fate

The rain grew harder. I felt badly for Elang’s attendants, who walked alongside our palanquin without hat or umbrella—until I remembered they were merfolk. They probably loved to soak in the rain the way I loved to bask in the sun.

Oyang Street was a residential road, accessible only to those who lived there. But this morning, it had transformed. Red lanterns hung from every branch, garlands of gold-painted ingots too. Along the cobblestoned walls were intricate paper cutouts of dragons and phoenixes.

Around us, the crowd was growing. Most had come toglimpse the infamously reclusive Demon Prince, but I recognized several faces from the fishing district.

“Congratulations, Truyan!” they shouted. “May you have a hundred years of happiness, and may you have twice as many children as your mother!”

I was grateful when the attendants lit a spate of firecrackers. As they thundered loudly, the carriage sped ahead, leaving the crowds behind. I glanced at Elang, whose nostrils were most definitely flared—I couldn’t tell whether from the smoke or the blessings. Probably both.

“Word’s certainly gotten out about the wedding,” I said, trying to sound cheery. “It’s a good thing we’re not having a banquet. Mama’s friends must have a thousand questions.”

Elang didn’t reply. “Take my arm,” he said instead. “We need to at least look like we enjoy each other’s company.”

Once I obliged, Elang angled us toward the window and waved to the crowds, nodded to the onlookers, even tilted his head close to mine. It was convincing enough that, for a few minutes, I forgot the forbidding chill that lingered betweenus.

It also helped that I was looking for someone.

“Keep your head inside,” Elang said when we were halfway down the street. His voice was thin, sieving through his smile. “You’re letting rain into the carriage.”

My veil was damp, and I tucked it over my shoulder. “I want to look outside. It’s not every day a girl marries a dragon prince.”

“If you’re looking for Madam Yargui, she isn’t here.”

I bit my lip—my tell that I was agitated. “How did you—”

“I have no patience for bandits,” interrupted Elang. “Sheand her men won’t be a problem for you anymore. They won’t evenrememberto be a problem.”

Suddenly I wondered where Shani had gone this morning. “What about the governor’s prefects? They know I’m a forger.”

“See for yourself,” said Elang.

His timing was impeccable. The moment he spoke, we passed Governor Renhai’s house, and a cordon of prefects approached the carriage. Among them was the governor himself.

Immediately I jerked away from the window, while Elang tipped his head back against the cushioned seat as if we were stopping for a herd of goats to cross the road and not because I was about to be arrested.

I started to put my veil back on, but Elang caught my hand. “There’s no need.”

“That’s the governor,” I hissed. “He’s going to…”

My voice trailed. Just outside, standing respectfully, were six prefects. As soon as they saw me, they bowed deeply, their eyes passing over my blue hair with little recognition. “His Honor, Governor Renhai, extends to you his warmest wishes.” They presented a box of gold jewelry. “Congratulations, Your Highnesses.”

I was flabbergasted, barely able to manage a nod. Elang, on the other hand, responded coolly, “The gods have been generous in this lifetime, to bless me with such a clever and beautiful bride.” He was still holding—no,incarcerating—my hand. “Thank you, Your Excellency, for honoring us with your presence and your generosity.”

The second the carriage rolled out of earshot, I yanked my hand back. I turned to Elang, demanding, “Shani’s work?”

“She’s enjoyed her time on land more than she lets on.” That was all he would divulge.

I crossed my arms. “Must be nice for you, being able to throw magic at any trouble that arises.”

“If that were so,” said Elang darkly, “then you wouldn’t be here.”

He had a point. Chastened, I leaned back too, closing the curtains as the carriage trundled to the end of Oyang Street. The crowds didn’t follow, most well-wishers staying back to receive the red envelopes Elang’s attendants were passing out.

When the music had receded into a distant buzz, Elang took off his mask. He had freckles, I noticed for the first time. They were faint, peppered across the human side of his nose and fading onto the sharp cleft of his chin.

“Do you always wear that?” I asked, unable to help myself. “That…mask.”

“You’ve seen my face. Wouldn’t you agree it’s necessary?”

---