Page 34 of The Nightblood Prince

“Let me help,” I said to Fangyun.Please, let me do something for this family.

“It’s okay, Fei. I have everything under—”

She was interrupted by the sudden sound of horses’ hooves rushing into the courtyard. It was Siwang, followed by a slew of his uniformed guards.

My sister grabbed my hand immediately, pushed me behind her as if to shield me. Her hand squeezed mine so tightly that tears welled behind my eyes.

“What is he doing here?” she asked.

“I don’t know.”

“Fangyun.” Siwang greeted her with a nod before his eyes landed on me. Then, more softly, “Fei.”

My sister and I curtsied, as the law required. In the palace, I rarely followed this rule, but things were different now.

With an outward motion of Siwang’s hand, his guards came forward to help the men load our things onto the cart. “This isn’t a job for noble ladies.”

“We are no longer ladies,” I replied, but didn’t object.And we weren’t doing any of the hard labor.

An inward motion of Siwang’s hand, and someone quickly stepped forward and offered him a long wooden box. Siwang opened it. Inside was the silver-tipped bow he had given me all those years ago. The same one that had been left behind on the riverbank that day.

“For protection” was all he said.

I smiled. “Beautiful things like this belong in the palace, not small villages in Su’He.”

A bow grand as this one would be admired in the palace. But in small villages like the one where we were set to go, it would be a curse, the sort of priceless treasure that might lead to my entire family getting slaughtered by thieves.

Siwang nodded, as if he had expected this. Then from his sleeve, he drew a smaller ivory box.

“Take this, at least. It’s powder and makeup, to cover up your phoenix’s mark. The world outside the palace might not know your face, but they’ve heard of the prophecy and the mark. Keep it hidden, protect it. When these powders run out, send letters. Address them toSiwang,just Siwang, no titles and no surname, and sign them withFei,just Fei.So that I’ll know they’re from you. I will have people deliver more powder to you, no matter where you are. Whatever you want in life, all you have to do is ask, and I will give you it.”

I bit the inside of my lips. Was this a vessel of kindness, or a way for Siwang to keep track of me?

“Don’t reject me, Fei. Let me do this for you, at least.”

When receiving gifts from men, it is best to receive them gracefully even if you do not want them.Something a nanny had told me long ago. So I smiled. “Thank you.”

“You…you don’t have to write only when the powder runs out,” he said, half stumbling over his words. “You can send letters to me anytime…. Tell me about your travels. Where you are and who you meet and…I…” He lowered his gaze. There was a tinge of redness to his eyes.

“I’ll write,” I promised him. “I’ll tell you about the world outside.”

“Tell me everything. Write to me so that I can experience everything with you…if only in spirit.” He looked around. “Can I have a moment alone with you?”

I froze. “We have to leave soon.”

“It won’t take long. I just…I just want to talk to you. One last time.”

“I’ll give you two some space,” Fangyun replied for me. She gave Siwang one last bow, then made her way toward the parlor where our mother’s cries could be heard.

I led him through a red half-moon gate toward the garden, away from the busy eyes and careful ears of the courtyard. “We don’t have much time.”

“Are you trying to get rid of me?” There was an edge to his voice. Hurt? “Today is your last day in Yong’An. If I hadn’t come, would you have left without saying goodbye?”

I kept my head low because I couldn’t bear to tell him that yes, I would have. Not because I didn’t want to see him, but because I wasn’t sure my heart was strong enough.

I didn’t want to look into his eyes and realize that this was the last time I’d ever gaze upon his golden face, hear his laugh, behold his smile…Almost eighteen years of just me and him inside that vast palace. So many memories.

He was the closest friend I’d ever had. And by leaving, I would forfeit my right to watch him grow and age. But with me gone, hopefully the calamity from my visions would never come true, and he would live a long life as a fierce emperor, revered and beloved by his people.

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