Page 25 of Never Ever After

Jin shakes his head, seemingly indifferent to the prince’s ire. “Your Highness, according to our treaty, Thorn Valley oversees matters linked to magic across the kingdoms, to lead in the resolution of such conflicts or challenges. This situation falls under our domain.”

Prince Zixin scowls. “Lord Chao, do you allow your advisor to speak so freely on matters of policy?”

I shift uneasily in my seat. The prince’s imperious manner is markedly different from how he spoke to me earlier. While there’s a certain satisfaction in sitting on the dais, listening to the discussions that shape our world—tension coils tight around me. Most of us from the village don’t dream of exceptional lives, but of a safe future, of how to survive.

Lord Chao takes another bite of the duck leg, chewing noisily. “Why not? One should be open to all good advice, regardless from where it comes.”

“We’re not certain if magic is even involved,” Minister Luk says tersely.

“A magic-wielder was mentioned in the report,” Jin says adamantly, yet speaking with enough civility to appease those watching. “If this is true, the repercussions could be deadly not only for Your Highness’s forces but the duke’s daughter. While we don’t possess magic, living alongside Mist Island has taught us how to deal with it. It’s how we protected your kingdom from their attack.”

A pointed reminder, Prince Zixin’s body stiffening. In the silence, Lord Chao lifts his cup to his lips, spilling some wine down his chest. “With magic at play, Thorn Valley will lead the quest.”

“No,” the prince replies. “We do not need any assistance.”

“Is there a reason Your Highness doesn’t want us to save the duke’s daughter? Is it because of the prize?” Jin needles him. “If Your Highness recalls, Thorn Valley was promised this gift as part of our treaty years ago.”

“We cannot control when starfire is found,” Prince Zixin says icily. “You have our word that the next one discovered will belong to Thorn Valley.”

“Your Highness’s promise is most reassuring,” Jin replies. “However, if Duke Yuan is eager to relinquish his starfire, we will accept it in place of what is due to us and won’t ask for more.”

The prince’s knuckles are white along the armrests of his throne. A burly man in armor strides forward, his broad face sporting a crooked nose. An intricately carved hawk is engraved across his breastplate, the first I’ve seen among the soldiers. His hair is pulled into a topknot, a dusting of gray at his temples. His eyes sweep the hall, lingering on Princess Chunlei, who looks away from him. As he clasps his hands and bows, Prince Zixin gestures for him to rise.

“Our allies’ support is appreciated but not necessary,” the warrior says. “I have volunteered to undertake the challenge for the honor of the Iron Mountains.”

“I didn’t realize General Xilu harbored ambitions to own a piece of starfire.” Jin’s smile is ringed with barbs. “Nor did I realize you were experienced in fighting those with magic.”

The general’s face darkens. “I have fought more enemies than you can count, of all shapes and forms. I do this to serve my kingdom, for any prize His Highness chooses to award.”

The prince inclines his head. “Should you succeed, General, rest assured you shall have your heart’s desire.”

As General Xilu’s eyes flick toward Princess Chunlei, she stills. “Brother, maybe other warriors would also like to compete for the honor?” she suggests in a strained tone.

It strikes me then: She doesn’t want General Xilu to win, she wants to deny him his prize.

The prince’s expression clouds as Minister Luk approaches to confer quietly with him. At last, he raises his hand, the minister stepping back. “In the interest of fairness, a tournament will be held to select the Iron Mountain’s champion.”

“When?” Jin asks.

“Once we receive word from Duke Yuan,” the prince replies. “This is a delicate matter, as the duke is also attempting to negotiate with the magic-wielder—though chances of success are slender.”

“What is the challenge, Your Highness?” Jin asks.

“Swordplay,” the prince suggests.

As General Xilu smiles, his hand grazing the hilt of his sword, Princess Chunlei clears her throat. “Brother, there are other skills of equal importance for this quest. Swordplay is an adequate test of strength, but what of accuracy, agility, stealth?”

“A challenge on the tower will meet all Her Highness’s conditions,” General Xilu says smoothly. “I would also welcome other challengers from our kingdom to avoid whispers of favoritism.” He speaks with the bold assurance of knowing he will win.

“Very well,” Prince Zixin agrees. “A tower will be erected in the main square, the tournament held once we hear from the duke.”

The crowd murmurs in approval, many nodding. After all, it’s not their blood being spilled.

Lord Chao drops his duck leg, then wipes his fingers on his handkerchief. “I will enter the tournament on behalf of Thorn Valley.”

“We welcome Your Lordship’s participation as our valued ally,” Prince Zixin replies coolly.

As silence falls, the ministers, General Xilu, and those of Thorn Valley return to their seats. The prince gestures to the musicians, who strike up a new song, one that is a bit too loud. Through the windows, the night remains lightless. The lanterns inside blaze as bright as ever, the fragrance from the flowers tinged with a sickening sweetness hovering on the cusp of decay. An expression of weariness settles over some of the guests’ expressions, a few raising their hands to conceal their yawns as fatigue descends over me too. Everything seems just a little less perfect… as though the magic of the evening has already begun to fade.