Page 23 of Immortal

A brief pause as he contemplated the board. “It’s not been an easy time for your kingdom or ours,” he admitted. “We suffered great losses in the battle with the Wuxin. Her Majesty in particular, with the death of her husband. She has not recovered from her sorrow.”

My kingdom had suffered from it. “Have you served Her Majesty for long?” I asked.

“She is my queen. I am her loyal subject.”

“What if Her Majesty errs? What if she’s in the wrong?” I smiled like it was a joke.

“Right or wrong is often a matter of perspective.”

“A villain’s defense,” I scoffed.

“Or a hero’s excuse,” he returned. “Which do you imagine in this case?”

“Neither.” I would not be trapped.

We continued playing in silence. Words could be treacherous, as slippery as the riverbank, where one misplaced step could plunge you into waters too deep. Once spoken, they could not be forgotten, imbued with an unpredictable power that blurred fantasy and reality, spinning lies into truth. I had risked too much already.

He made his moves more swiftly now, moving to encircle territories and capture my stones with appalling ease. I played halfheartedly, neither attacking nor defending with care, instead studying his technique for another day. When our game was over, a frown creased his face. Was he disappointed? I’d been a poor opponent, but I’d also barely tried. One day I’d show him what I was capable of; he would learn not to underestimate me then. For now, it was safer that he did.

As I rose to leave, he glanced up at me. “I will be away tomorrow morning. Would you take your evening meal with me? Maybe we could play again?”

I did not want to eat with him, much less lose another game. But my wants could not always govern my actions; I had to think beyond myself to what my kingdom needed. I could refuse under the pretense of an excuse, remaining confined to my rooms. Or I could use this opportunity to learn what I needed, to cultivate a powerful relationship that might help my people. It was time to stop being afraid of the immortals—to see them as equals, whether as villains or allies. It was time we used them, rather than seeking their approval.

He drew back, his expression shuttering. “It’s an invitation, not a demand. If you prefer otherwise—”

“I would like to.” My answer was wooden, but he didn’t seem to notice.

“Till tomorrow.”

A shadow of a smile played on his lips as he turned away. At least with him gone tomorrow, I could explore his home in peace. I should be relieved at his absence, yet when he left the library, for some reason it felt a little empty.

8

The next day, I woke early, taking my meal in the hall. As I sat by the round marble table, Ningxi served me enough food for four: Silken congee simmered with prawns, small plates of preserved vegetables, tea eggs, pickled ginger, and fried dough sticks. The food was good, yet the silence was unnerving.

“Has Lord Zhangwei left?” I asked Ningxi, careful not to appear too eager.

“Yes. At dawn,” she replied.

My fingers tightened around my cup. To mask my excitement, I took a long drink of tea, warm and fragrant. “Do you know when he’ll be back?”

“In time for the evening meal. Lord Zhangwei instructed us to make the preparations, and to aid you with anything you might need in his absence. Shall I help you select a suitable dress? Maybe one Lord Zhangwei would like?”

As her lips formed a knowing smile, I swallowed a sharp retort. “I have a dress in mind,” I lied, hoping to divert the slant of her mind.

“He likes red,” she suggested helpfully.

I sighed in false regret. “Unfortunately, I don’t wear bright colors.”

“The cook is planning a special meal,” she told me with great satisfaction. “All of Lord Zhangwei’s favorites: roasted quail, braised pork—”

“I can’t eat quail.” Another lie. It rankled that to them, only Lord Zhangwei’s preferences mattered.

Ningxi continued, oblivious to my worsening mood, “I will tell the cook to avoid the quail. For the wine, I have a rare one in mind that will stimulate—”

“Ah, there’s no need for the wine,” I interjected. “It makes me break out in rashes.”

Her mouth pursed. “There’s no need to be nervous about tonight. Though Lord Zhangwei is much admired, you’re the one he invited into his home.”