Page 69 of Song of the Heart Scale
“How exactly do you plan to stop it? Storm the palace with what army?” I ran my fingers through my hair, tugging at the ends in frustration. “I mean, don't get me wrong, I appreciate the hero moment, but I'd like some actual details on this master plan.”
Royal Prince Bai cleared his throat. “There are... factions. People loyal to the old ways. Those who saw the omen today and recognized its significance will unite.”
“Great, so we've got some superstitious allies. No offense,” I quickly added, seeing Damien's expression.
“Superstition runs deeper than logic in Elaria,” Damien finished for me, a hint of understanding in his eyes. “Thesearen't just scared nobles, Cat. These are people with power and influence. People who've been waiting for a sign to act against Thorne.”
I stabbed at a roasted carrot, the vegetable splintering beneath my fork. “And what exactly do we do with these influential friends? Host a resistance book club?”
Royal Prince Bai's lips twitched with something almost like amusement. “We rally them. Quietly, at first. Then—” he made a sweeping gesture with his hand, “—less quietly.”
“A rebellion,” I whispered, the word hanging in the air between us. “You're talking about overthrowing the emperor you just watched get crowned.”
“It wouldn't be the first time in Elaria's history,” Royal Prince Bai said, his voice steady despite the weight of his words. “When emperors lose the mandate of the heavens, change must follow.”
“So let me get this straight.” I counted off on my fingers. “We need to overthrow a homicidal emperor, rescue a hostage seer who's currently hanging out with a corpse, and somehow make it rain again. All while not getting ourselves killed.” I gave a humorless laugh. “And I thought my grad school application was ambitious!”
Hence why I never made it to grad school.
Damien's eyes never left mine. “I know it seems impossible.”
“No, impossible was me ending up in this world in the first place. This is just...” I waved my hand in the air.
“When you put it that way...” Damien started, then stopped, looking at me with those impossibly dark eyes. “I'm sorry, Cat. I know this isn't what you wanted.”
“No, what Iwantedwas to pop back to my world, grab Arya, bring her back, and return home with you for a fairytale ending. Not get caught in a magical drought caused by a patricidal maniac with a god complex.” I rubbed my eyes, suddenly feelingthe weight of everything pressing down on me. “But I guess we play the cards we're dealt.”
The candles flickered as another gust of wind rattled the windows. We all turned to look, that instinctive hope rising before falling just as quickly when no rain followed.
Damien reached across the table and took my hand in his again, his thumb tracing gentle circles against my skin. “We will find a way, Cat. I promise you.”
I looked at him—really looked at him—and saw the determination burning in his eyes, bright and fierce as a flame in darkness. And despite everything, I believed him.
“Well,” I squeezed his hand, “I guess if I'm stuck here, at least I'm stuck with good company.”
Royal Prince Bai raised his wine glass. “To unlikely allies and impossible odds.”
14
CAT
The Northern District buzzed with life the way it always did in the early hours of daylight. Golden morning light spilled across cobblestone paths and warmed the sandstone facades of merchant stalls that lined the market square. The scent of baked bread, spiced meat, and the sharp tang of dried herbs filled the air. I walked beside Maeve, tugging my cloak tighter around me as we wove through the throngs of people haggling over pomegranates, scarves, and glittering trinkets.
It was... normal.Toonormal, considering what happened at the palace last night.
“You sure you want to be out here, my lady?” Maeve whispered as we passed a group of laughing children chasing a dog.
I arched a brow. “If I stay cooped up in that mansion one more minute, I might scream. Besides, fresh air helps me think. And I’m still waiting for the heavens to open up and give me my thunderstorm-shaped portal ticket out of here.”
Maeve frowned. “Is that how it works? The thunderstorm must bring the portal?”
“Something like that,” I muttered. “It’s more symbolic, but yeah. Rain equals go-time.”
We paused by a booth draped in colorful silks. A vendor waved a shimmering violet scarf at me with an eager smile. I was about to shake my head when the sound hit.
Loud. Brassy. Final.
Trumpets.
