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“Because of the Oath of Ai’long. All under the Dragon King’s domain are bound to it. Immortals are not invincible, Shiori’anma, not even dragons. The oath ensures that no dragon shall harm another without the gravest of consequences. Visitors to Ai’long are unbound by such a promise, which makes them dangerous.”

My jaw locked. “Like Gen.”

Through our reflections in the mirror, Nahma’s gaze met mine. “Like Gen,” she repeated.

“So Nazayun will condemn a child just for trespassing?”

“Gen isn’t as innocent as he looks.”

“Because he tried to steal something?” I said. “A dragon asked him to do it—he’s not a thief.”

“He tried to steal the mirror of truth,” Nahma said pointedly. “No mortal would be aware of such an ancient treasure anymore. And no mortal would be able to infiltrate Ai’long unless aided by someone very powerful, and very dangerous. Lady Solzaya has interrogated the boy for months about which dragon that might be, but he hasn’t said anything.”

“Because he doesn’t know!” I cried.

“That is of no consequence. He won’t have long.”

“He’s just a boy. Don’t you care? Can’t you do anything?”

“It is not my place,” said Nahma.

“Then you really aren’t human anymore.”

I meant for my words to sting, but Nahma was unmoved. “Some would say I never was.”

Her words were so soft I wasn’t sure whether I had heard correctly. I frowned. “What did you just s—”

“You will find,” Nahma interrupted, steering the topic elsewhere, “that dragons feel little empathy, and even less love. It is to your fortune that you will be bound to Seryu’ginan. He is better than most.”

Better than most. “What an inspiring endorsement.”

“It is the truth,” Nahma said. “I will not lie to you, Shiori’anma. But if you will not listen, then I will send for someone else to attire you. This task is one I rarely undertake, but I thought to make an exception for you. For who you are.”

“The bloodsake of Kiata?”

“No. The daughter of the Nameless Queen.”

My eyes flew up, the thoughts spinning in my head coming to an abrupt halt. “You knew my stepmother?”

“She was married through a ritual not so different from ours.” A small, hard smile played on Nahma’s lips. “A contest, if you will. Every king and prince sought her hand, and every enchanter and demon sought the pearl in her heart.”

“Dragons too,” I said darkly.

As I said it, Nahma pinned a last strand of opals into my hair. “Many from Ai’long styled themselves as human suitors to enter the contest. Even our king himself considered it. Back then, we did not know she possessed the Wraith’s pearl.”

“What happened?” I asked. Raikama’s life before coming to Kiata was a mystery to me, and I was desperate to hear more.

“I am not a well of the past, put here to slake your thirst,” she said, not unkindly. “I tell you of your stepmother’s history because she was different from the others—as you are. And as I was.” A pause. “I give you the warning I wish I’d had.”

“Warning?” I echoed.

Lady Nahma drew back her hair, revealing the gills along her neck and cheekbones. She rolled up her sleeves, showing me the fins glistening on the underside of her arms, and as she splayed her fingers, I could see their iridescent webbing. Lastly, she lifted her skirt. In place of human legs was a fishtail, violet like summer bellflowers.

I couldn’t hide my awe—and horror. “You’re a…a…”

“A sea maid,” she said, as if it were the most natural thing. “Our realm is not far from Ai’long. You likely saw a few on your way into the palace.”

I was still staring. With her fins and tail, she could never go back to land, even if she wanted to. “Is that what will happen to me?”