Page 84

The maids bowed in silent acquiescence. In the end, they pinned the lock back and hid it behind my headdress. I smiled, wondering whether Takkan would notice his comb behind all the feathers.

My face was painted a ritual white, my lips and cheeks stained rouge, and my lashes coated with kohl. Strings of rubies, opals, and emeralds dangled from my hair, and disks of jade tinkled at my ears and wrists. Then came the final garments: the ceremonial coat and gown.

One year ago, I had worn these very robes—the same embroidered jacket, the same laborious skirt with a train that swept the ground behind my heels, the same gold-trimmed collar and cuffs. Yet the robes didn’t feel as heavy as they had before. Perhaps because I was stronger now. Or perhaps because I was actually eager for the ceremony.

“You look beautiful, Shiori’anma,” my maids gushed once I was dressed. “A true princess.”

A smile tugged at my lips, and as I gave a nod of thanks, Kiki flittered out of her hiding spot behind a vase.

They’re lying, she said, perching on my shoulder to survey my appearance. Your face is whiter than an eggshell, and you look more like a heap of laundry than a bride.

“So glad I can count on you to boost my confidence,” I replied.

I wouldn’t lie to you. Kiki sniffed. I’m just amazed you were able to walk in all that silk, let alone run off to the Sacred Lake last year. She leaned against my neck as if I were a tree. You’re not planning to do that again, are you?

“Of course not. I told Takkan the truth last night.”

Really? The disbelief on her paper face was almost human.

“It’s true,” I gloated. “You can ask him yourself.”

Hasho arrived to escort me to the temple. When he saw I was dressed and ready to leave, he tilted his head. “Miracles of Ashmiyu’en, are you going to be early?”

“You’re lucky this headdress obscures my eyes, brother. They are rolling at you.”

Hasho laughed. “Kiki in your sleeve this time?”

“In my collar today.” I bent my neck so the paper bird could return to her spot. As my headdress tinkled, Hasho gave Kiki a wink.

“Wait,” I said, reaching for the round pillow on my divan. Behind it, I’d stashed my satchel. “Do me a favor and watch over the pearl during the ceremony.”

Hasho quailed. “You can’t hide it under your bed?”

I’d tried. Tried stashing it in my closet, tucking it under my bed, even burying it under the chrysanthemum bushes outside my window. But I never felt safe unless it was close by, especially now that I knew Bandur wanted it.

“It isn’t a pea, Hasho. It’s a dragon pearl.”

“I’d be more comfortable watching over Kiki. Maybe you should give the pearl to Gen.”

“Can’t.” I pressed the satchel strap into my brother’s hands, trusting him to find a way to hide the bag under his own copious robes. “I sent him away.”

“Away?”

“For his own good.”

I wouldn’t say more. It was for Gen’s own good. After the council meeting I’d observed in the mirror, I had sought the young sorcerer out as soon as I could.

“I want you to investigate where the amulet is hidden,” I told him. “Benkai will be at the Holy Mountains. Help him while everyone else is at my betrothal ceremony.”

“Does this mean I’m not invited?”

“You’re a sorcerer, Gen. Hawar and his ministers wouldn’t dare hurt me, but the same isn’t true for you. Stay out of the palace until someone can keep an eye on you.”

Gen sniffed. “Who will keep an eye on you?”

“Don’t worry about me. Just find the amulet.” I gave him the mirror of truth as a bribe. “Use this.”

His blue eyes lit. “Do I get the pearl too?”