Page 30
He nods toward the lake. A large three-tiered barge is moored by the pier, lanterns dangling from the yellow-tiled roof. The gilded railings are painted with lotuses, a dragon carved upon the prow.
“This isn’t a boat; this is a floating palace,” I tell him, my eyes wide.
He laughs as though pleased, though I didn’t intend it as flattery. “Come, let us join the others.”
His words jolt me. Foolishly, I imagined the invitation for me alone. Only now do I notice the attendants boarding the vessel, carrying trays laden with food. More guests approach, streaming toward the pier—Lady Minji and Lord Liuming among them. My stomach churns. They wouldn’t be rude in front of Prince Zixin, but the memory of their contempt sears. I don’t want them watching me, whispering their vicious opinions. I don’t want to be stared at by the nobles of the kingdom, to be picked apart and found wanting.
I pry my lips into a stiff smile. “Is this a banquet?”
“Do you not like such events?” he asks, his forehead creasing.
A lie hovers; I don’t want to appear dull. But he doesn’t seem to mind when I disagree with him, when I share these glimpses of myself… and I’ll be careful not to challenge him outright as Jin did. “I’ve only attended one banquet before, and being accused of theft did blunt my enjoyment.”
“No one will dare accuse you of anything here,” he assures me.
“Because I’m innocent,” I remind him. “May I know how the investigation is progressing, Your Highness?”
A slight pause like he’s taken aback by my question. “Soldiers were sent to your village, but no trace was found of your step-aunt. Your home was deserted, personal items strewn in haste.”
I grow cold at the thought of the soldiers in my home. The last time they’d been there was to bring my uncle’s body home. What would Prince Zixin think if he saw how I’d lived before, a world away from the perfumed and elegant cocoon of his existence?
Instinctively I feel for my ring, unused to its absence, the mark stinging. “When will my ring be returned to me, Your Highness?”
“We are still searching for the thief. Once we find her, the matter will be resolved, without whispers of favoritism.” His voice turns cool, his shoulders tensing. “Are you in a hurry to leave?”
“Why would anyone want to leave the palace?”
My answer slips out unprompted, the tautness easing from him. “Is there something else you’d rather do tonight than attend the banquet?”
“A walk,” I say on impulse, almost certain he won’t agree. Songmin never did. “The view is beautiful here.”
His eyes narrow, I can’t tell whether in curiosity or annoyance. “Many here would yield to my preference, pretending my wants are theirs.”
I restrain the impulse to do just that. “Isn’t it dull?” I ask instead. “Doesn’t Your Highness already know what you want?”
“It is dull. You are not,” he says, a corner of his mouth lifted. “I like that you’re not afraid to show me who you are.”
Except I am; I just hide it better.
A warmth pools inside me that has nothing to do with the way he looks. His words make me feel… like I matter. As he moves closer, the wind catches his hair to graze my cheek. Something glints by his waist: the iron seal I saw at the ball. The starfire latched on to it glitters, almost dazzling, an impulse gripping me to reach out—
Prince Zixin’s fingers close over it. “No one is allowed to touch the royal seal. It’s for your own safety.” His tone softens the rebuke.
The chief attendant approaches from behind, bowing to the prince. “Your Highness, it is time to board the vessel. The banquet is ready, and your guests are already seated.”
Prince Zixin does not look away from me. “Send word for the barge to set off without me.” He smiles, a slow one that sets my pulse racing. “Miss Yining and I have other plans.”
My heart soars, not just because I’m relishing the chief attendant’s evident displeasure. He glances at me, then back at the prince, the skin puckered between his brows. “Your guests will be disappointed, Your Highness.”
“Gift them each a purse of silver,” Prince Zixin replies in an offhand manner, and I almost wish to be among the “disappointed” guests.
“It’s a windy night.” The chief attendant tries again to dissuade him. “It would be advisable to stay indoors, whether on the barge or—”
“I will remain outside,” Prince Zixin interjects, his tone curt.
The chief attendant sighs as he gestures to a serving girl bearing a tray with a porcelain cup. Small berries float on the surface like goji berries, but I can’t be sure in the dark.
“Your tonic, Your Highness. With the changeable weather, you must guard your health. Shall I also send for a cloak?” the chief attendant asks.
