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The commotion fades as Vanna steps forward. Many have never seen her before, and even under the brilliant sun the light in her chest shimmers with a heavenly intensity. The anticipation of her unveiling grows with every second. Many in the crowd drop to their knees, while the kings in the front lean forward, like gnats drawn to a flame.

It’s repugnant. Obscene. If Vanna were anyone but my sister, I would leave in disgust.

But she is my sister, and I watch on, unable to tear my gaze away.

“Great rulers of Tambu and beyond,” Dakuok says, summoning the royals’ attention. “Many of you have heard of the Golden One’s radiance…and disbelieved it. But witness for yourselves the light shining from her heart. The luminous Vanna is blessed not only with divine beauty but also by the gods of prosperity. Her song will turn your rains into silver. Her touch will turn the sands of your shores into gold!”

Dakuok is more showman than priest, and I roll my eyes at anyone who’d believe his lies. If Vanna has such power, why is our temple in a state of disrepair and our island so poor it does not even have a proper port?

“Show us her face!” clamors the crowd.

“Yes, show us her face!”

“Patience,” Dakuok responds. “Patience.” He smiles. “From the moment I saw her as a mere baby, I knew that the Golden One was a goddess reborn, a celestial maiden fallen from Heaven. For any mortal to claim her hand, they must first prove themselves worthy.”

I hear snorts and sniffs from the direction of the royals. Kings are not used to being told they are unworthy.

“Great rulers,” says Dakuok, “before we begin these proceedings, I would ask a trifling favor of you. On behalf of this sacred island of Sundau, I ask that you swear a vow before Heaven and Earth to honor the results of the Golden One’s selection contest, and that you will not have dispute with whoever should win her hand.”

The snorts and sniffs turn into roars of laughter.

“Do you think that your girl’s so special we’ll fight a war over her?” a suitor jeers.

“We haven’t even seen her!”

“Exactly,” muses Dakuok loudly. He angles himself toward Vanna. “You haven’t seen her.”

I might hate Oshli’s father, but he is more meticulous and foresighted than most kings. Everyone’s anticipation doubles, even mine.

“I have seen her,” yells Meguh from atop his elephant, “and I will swear!”

The kings quickly change their tunes. If Vanna is good enough for Meguh, then she is good enough for them. One by one they agree to Dakuok’s request. Last to swear is the foreign king with the tiny retinue, whose voice is so soft that it’s barely audible.

When it is done at last, Adah nods at my sister. Her light shimmers nervously, but slowly she comes forward on the dais, the hem of her bright skirts brushing against the floor.

She lifts her veil.

It is like opening a window and seeing the first sun after a long monsoon. Her radiance floods the temple, chasing away every shadow, illuminating every dark corner. Even those who have seen her before gasp.

“The stories are true!” everyone whispers. “Hair, blacker than the richest lacquer. Lips, pink as the begonia blossoms in spring. Skin, kissed with gold.”

Perfection.

The kings are humbled, and their snide remarks die on their lips. The entire village takes a collective breath. Except me. I exhale, releasing the air inside me.

This is it, I realize. The final moment that my sister Vanna, the Golden One, is a mere rumor, the topic of far-flung gossip tossed from one island to the other. From now on, she will be a legend.

I reach for the paring knife in my pocket and press its blade to one of the wooden poles holding up the tent. Slowly, patiently, I scrape upward, beginning to shape a spearpoint.

Over the years, I’ve learned to carry a weapon everywhere I go. Even in my dreams.

Call it prescience, call it vigilance; like Dakuok, I too know how to think ahead.

And when it comes to my sister, I will not take any chances.

CHAPTER SEVEN

“You see I do not lie,” declares Dakuok, looking smug. “The Golden One is beyond compare. Come now, great kings—show us how you are worthy.”