by K R Martin
Suddenly, they turned a corner, and both she and Mei halted. Stationed atop a hill was an enormous palace, seeming to glow golden in the sunlight. It rivaled even her own former home.
“The Sanskian palace never fails to stun, even if I’ve been here many times,” Luca winked at them. As if finding her thoughts, she continued to follow him up the hill. Luca waved at the guards as they passed through the gates. Once inside, she was surprised at the beautiful fountains flanking the pathway, the stonework filled with bright blue stones in patterns of waves.
As they stepped into the cool interior, vibrant colors caught her eyes as they carved the walls. Luca motioned for them to wait a moment as he spoke with another person in the foreign tongue. The man motioned towards an archway, and Luca seemed to thank him before beckoning the girls onward. Now holding hands, the girls followed him until they stepped once more into the sunlight.
If the entryway was lovely, this central courtyard was purely magical. A single pool sat in the center, the sunlight shining off the bright clear blue. This one did not have a fountain, instead had multiple bright flowers floating amongst green pads. Around the courtyard’s edges sat many more exotic plants, also blooming vibrant flowers. Sitting on the pool’s edge was a beautiful woman, a few years older than Ama Lei but still young. Her black hair seemed to be glossy, her skin a deep golden color, and her purple gown looked as if a long scarf had been wrapped around it, draping over her shoulder and flowing behind as a half cape. She laughed, her laughter musical as she watched two young children, toddlers really, chase each other around the courtyard.
Luca stepped towards her, offering a bow as he spoke the foreign tongue. The woman beamed at him and stood, offering Ama Lei a glimpse of a third child expected in the coming months. As Luca stood, he motioned to the girls, and Ama Lei fought the urge to run and hide, watching as the woman approached.
“Welcome to Sanskia,” she spoke the language of Espan. “I am Lavanya, Queen of Sanskia, and I welcome you, princesses of Jenha, to my home.”
“Thank you for your generosity,” Ama Lei responded, her eyes watering. “As soon as I find a place for us, I promise we will leave.”
“No, I will hear none of that. You are royalty, driven from your home after such difficult circumstances. This can be your home for as long as you wish.”
“Thank you. Truly, thank you.”
“You are very welcome. Now, let’s find you a set of rooms to call your own, and perhaps some new garments and a bath.”
“That would be lovely.” Ama Lei allowed herself a small smile.
“Good. It’s time to help you two feel like princesses yet again.”
Chapter 13
Ama Lei awoke to the sun shining brightly. How long had she slept? She shot up in bed. And when did she fall asleep? Frustrated that she allowed herself to pass out while her men worked hard, she took to mentally berating the man who caused her mind to wander. So many memories seemed to travel one after the other, memories she’d long buried. Stupid man.
What hurt most were the good memories of Jian, when he had been civil, kind, even romantic. But remembering the pain, the humiliation and fear of being tossed into a foreign city, helped regain the anger. But, thinking back, he had made sure her bags had food, money hidden, and her weapon, along with...
Her eyes turned to the box that hid her one treasure, the hair comb that had white roses etched on it, each with a single pearl in the center. Among all her jeweled hair pieces, this one was a gift from her mother, and she kept it hidden so she wouldn’t lose it. It was her favorite, but only Jian knew that. The comb combined with the sword verified he packed their items. The mean boy.
Turning, she saw a tray of food had been brought in. She ate quickly, and then emerged on deck. Men gave her quick nods before continuing their work. Good, at least they seemed smart enough not to point out her disappearance. Moving to the edge, she took a good look at the land. The vibrant colors reminded Ama Lei that fall had descended; soon even those colors would be gone, lost in winter’s icy grip. Though, didn’t she see cliffs before she found herself lost to memories?
“Captain.” Taras approached. “It’s good to see you awake.”
“I suppose I should be grateful,” she begrudged him.
“You have been working very hard lately.” His voice became softer, gentler, surprising her. “Add to that the emotional turmoil you’ve had to deal with recently, and you needed rest.”
“When did you become so considerate?” Ama Lei kept her tone light.
“I have younger sisters,” his grin was mischievous. “And I have known love myself.”
“What happened to her? I’m sorry, that was rude of me.”
“No, it’s an honest question. We had been preparing for our wedding when Retanny soldiers attacked our coastal town. Granted, they dressed as pirates, but I could tell they were soldiers. When they left, they took a large portion of our wealth, and many citizens to be sold as slaves. Including her. Later, when I heard someone was looking for sailors to break through the barricade, I knew it was my chance.”
“That’s why you joined Renee and me,” she whispered. “To find the woman you love. Why did you not leave when we stayed in Espan?”
“I thought of it. But I’ve found I love the sea, and by helping my captains gain their thrones, I can ask for assistance from kingdoms.” He winked at her, and she chuckled.
“I promise you, as soon as we can, we will find her. I’m sure even Desiree would do everything she could as well.”
“Thank you. Your promise means so much to me, and though I did not meet much of the heir to Retanny’s throne, hearing your, and Captain Varda’s, praises of her, I have hope.”
“What’s her name?” Ama Lei felt bold enough to ask. “The woman you planned to marry.”
“Esha.” A wistful smile spread on his face. “We grew up together. She, well, many claimed her the sweetest girl they ever met. But those that knew her well knew what a tiger rested in her soul. In many ways, being with you and Captain Varda has kept her memory fresh.”
“I am glad.” Ama Lei placed a hand on his arm. “I cannot wait to meet her. First, let’s get an army behind us.”
“I am at your disposal,” he saluted, and she chuckled.
“I know I was asleep for some time, but I could’ve sworn the cliffs filled more of the coastline.”
“You fell asleep yesterday morning,” Taras spoke with simple surprise.
“You let me sleep an entire day away, and well into a second day?” She tightened her hands, keeping from lashing them out at him.
“As I said, you have worked hard. Even leaders need rest now and then if they want to lead well.”
“Count yourself lucky that you speak logically. I would love to hit something right now.”
“He might be accommodating,” Taras nodded behind her.
Jian stood at the other side, and Ama Lei couldn’t stop the fluttering of her heart. Foolish memories reminding her of the love she once felt for him. At least this time he wore a shirt.
“Captain Jian!” Taras called before Ama Lei could stop him. Jian turned, his gaze a bit less vacant than it had been. “Want to test your skill against the best of us?”
“And just what have you been doing while I rested?” her hands flew to her hips as she glared at Taras.
“Remember the sparring Captain Varda had us do daily? I thought it a good idea to bring that back.” Darn if it wasn’t a good idea.
“Who won?” she asked.
“New boy,” another sailor motioned to Jian who at least had the decency to blush.
“Hm. Well, we can’t have that on my ship.” Ama Lei stepped toward him, and for once, she was glad she didn’t strap her sword on earlier. She needed to stretch her limbs out, loosen them up, and watched as Jian also stretched. How many times had they done just that, stretching together? She hoped he didn’t notice or remember.
As they stepped nearer to each other, men circled a
round them, cheering them on. Most called to their captain, but a few had encouraging words for the newcomer. Of course he had already made a name for himself. She looked forward to knocking him down a peg.
Her body bent down, twisting into the familiar position. Jian’s knees bent, and his arms stretched out. The man had learned a few new tricks; well, she’d learned a few things herself. His eyes glimmered with the first excitement she’d seen since he joined her crew. If he was having fun, then so would she.
She launched at him. His footwork was swift as he side-stepped her attack. Spinning her momentum, she whipped back, launching a volley of attacks. Her hands flew through the air, swinging at him swiftly, only to feel each movement blocked by his arms. He was swift, so was she.
Their limbs flew quickly, every attack parried. She whirled, kicking at his chest. His hands caught her heel, and she used it. With his hands so strong, she put all her weight into her captured heel, swinging her free foot at his face. He jerked back, his face darting just out of her heel’s reach. She let the momentum spin her around, landing low on her legs, her hand pressed against the wood to keep balance.
Jian stumbled a few steps but caught himself quickly. As soon as he caught himself, he launched back at her. She leapt to her feet just in time to block his blow. Now, she allowed her arms to move on their own. Swiftly, she brushed aside all attacks, her arms circling before her.
Their feet moved, circling as they exchanged blows. Forward, back, a dance far simpler than any other. Ama Lei ducked, twisted, and leapt, her body moving on its own. He responded in kind, echoing her movements, parrying her attacks. They moved in sync, their limbs bouncing off each other. Her body seemed to constantly move, never stopping, never blocking. Her energy flowed from attack to defense. Even his energy flowed into her, before she sent it back to him.
He swung high, her arm deflecting as she dropped, kicking low. His feet flew from under him, and his backside landed on the deck with a resounding thud. Cheers erupted around them, even if a few encouraging ”next times” were mixed in. Jian’s gaze was happy, his smile one she’d seen so many times before. For a moment, she couldn’t breathe.
Her mind raced back several years...
“I hope I didn’t hurt you...” she said standing above him.
“Not at all; you are the most remarkable princess.” Jian replied, his eyes shimmering with admiration.
“Very well done, Captain Phoenix,” Taras’s voice broke her thoughts, dragging her to the present.
“It has been a long time since someone bested me.” Jian spoke as he stood, with warmth reaching his voice. “The challenge was quite invigorating. Thank you, Captain.” He gave her a fisted bow.
“I’ll admit, having an opponent with such skill has been rare for me as well. Therefore, thank you, for allowing me a bit of a challenge.” She responded with a bow of her own. She may loathe the man, but even enemies could respect each other’s skills.
“Dinner will be served soon.” The cook’s assistant announced with a gleam in his eye. The men hollered again for that, before scurrying about to secure the ship for some time.
Ama Lei turned from Jian; she needed to. He brought the good memories that made it hard to hate him. But she had to. To bring justice for all the horrors her people had suffered, she had to loath him. If not, the feelings she once had for him would destroy all she worked for.
Chapter 14
Jian found himself unable to sleep, yet again. Granted, he couldn’t remember the last time he slept well, but being at sea didn’t help. Or maybe it was because he was free from the chains of the palace, and one step closer to his true goal. However, the uncertainty had begun eating away at him. Soon, the answers would be within reach.
A haunting melody reached his ears. Someone aboard played a flute? Drawn to the airy notes, his feet carried him onto deck. Standing at the bow, flute in hand, was the woman known as Phoenix. She played the instrument beautifully, masterfully, pouring her heart into every note. The song itself rose and fell much like the waves surrounding them, as dark as the night sky surrounding them.
What could haunt this young woman so deeply? For only a tortured soul could play that song so well. The composer had lost his wife, and the music reflected that. Pure sorrow, pure pain filled every note, and Phoenix played it perfectly. As the final note danced away upon the waves, Jian didn’t even try to stop the tear that escaped with it.
It had been so long since she last lifted her flute to her lips. When she traveled with Renee, music had filled their lives. Ama Lei had helped continue Mei’s instrument abilities, and taught Renee to play the erhu. Her former pupil had picked it up with ease, surpassing even Ama Lei’s abilities in such a short time. Not that she minded; Ama Lei may have been taught to play multiple instruments, but the bamboo flute had always called out to her.
Removing it from her lips, she felt the sigh lift from her heart. She hadn’t expected to play that song when she took her flute into the night air. All she needed was a release for her emotions; though it would’ve been nice to not relive that pain. Why did her heart yearn for the pain of his betrayal? Stupid heart.
Wait, she was no longer alone. She turned, and her eyes found Jian’s. Neither spoke. She didn’t trust her voice, and he, well, even she could see the tear glistening in the moonlight. Could he truly have been so affected by her song?
“You lost someone,” he eventually spoke.
“He betrayed me,” she replied, trying to temper the venom in her voice.
He nodded, barely. “I betrayed her.”
Ama Lei felt all her breath flee her chest. Her voice refused to work and her eyes followed him as he moved to the ship’s edge. His own eyes glazed over and gazed out over the waves. “I’m sorry,” his apology shook her to her soul.
“Why would you apologize to me?”
“He is not here to do so,” Jian spoke simply. “And I cannot apologize to her.”
“Why did you betray her?” She found herself asking against her will.
“To save her.” The breeze carried his soft voice to her.
“I don’t understand.”
“It’s complicated. The coup, well, Retanny had plans long before I joined. It would have happened without me, and with far more bloodshed. My joining saved many lives, including hers. The price? Was losing her.”
“Well, apparently you did all of Jenha a service.” She walked away from him, before she said something she’d regret.
“Yes. I saved my empire but betrayed the woman I love.” The words spoken so softly tore her heart. She quickened her steps, unable to listen to any more, though she still heard his last words, whispered to the night air. “I’m sorry, my love.”
Chapter 15
He loved her.
Those words echoed through her mind even days later. She had never heard those words from his lips, though that did not surprise her. Their feelings as children were strong, and the courtship enjoyable, but they never spoke of their feelings. They could not. Though a well-regarded general could be worthy enough a match for a princess, Jian had a ways to go before he’d be seen as worthy. The empress would have taken their side, but she passed before speaking to her husband.
Ama Lei suppressed a shiver, well, attempted to. This far north, the temperature dropped quickly. She could even see her breath shine amongst the few falling snowflakes. Winter might be weeks off yet, but here it felt just around the corner.
Warmth draped over her shoulders and wrapped around her arms. Looking down, she saw a captain’s winter cloak wrapped around her. Turning her gaze back up, she saw Jian standing behind her.
“It’s cold this far north,” he said simply before turning away. He’d be colder with his lighter cloak, but his kindness always seemed to seep through. Ama Lei couldn’t bear to return the gift, even if memories came with it.
Snow fell around her, blanketing the world in white. The garden, always so beautiful, was dead. No flowers flooded the pathways; no leaves shel
tered her from the weather. How could the world ever be different than it is now?
“I thought I would find you here,” Jian’s voice was as warm as the summer sunshine. There shouldn’t be that much warmth still existing in the world. “May I?” he motioned to the open place on the bench beside her, and she somehow managed to nod. “Thank you.” He sat, his body bringing unwelcomed warmth to her side.
Her body shook, unable to stop.
“You’re freezing,” he said as he unclasped his cloak, throwing it over her shoulders. His warmth added to it, working hard to thaw her frozen heart. “You came out here in only your dress?” she couldn’t respond to that. What could she say, that she didn’t grab her cloak because she wanted her body to feel as frozen as her heart?
“I wouldn’t ask if you are alright, but...” thankful he didn’t push, she tried to open her mouth, but all that came out were squeaky sobs. Tears fled her eyes, cold as they ran down her cheeks. And she thought they had long since dried up. “I am sorry, Ama Lei,” Jian spoke softly.
“She... she was too young... she can’t be... what am I to do without her now?” Ama Lei spoke through the sobs.
“My dearest princess,” his arm wrapped around her back and pulled her against his chest, wrapping his arms around her in an embrace. Her body stiffened; only Mei and her mother ever embraced her. It felt too good, warm and comforting, and she allowed herself to melt against him.
The security and comfort she felt released her tears, allowing them to flow as she cried into his chest. Her chest felt ripped apart, pain almost physical, and she released it all in the screams flying from her mouth.
How long had they sat there, she crying as he held her? It didn’t matter. Her life would never be the same. Was it truly just a few hours before that her mother smiled at her?
The empress lay on her bed, face pale and eyes dark. Ama Lei had never seen her mother so dull, though her smile was still vibrant, if tempered by pain.
