Page 7 of The Cinders

‘Of course he minds, you—’

‘It’s alright, Daiyu.Yes, Master Song.Your help would be appreciated.’

Song Lim took another step forward, but kept enough distance between them that Daiyu could have stepped in; as her narrowed glare suggested she wished to.The shoemaker took hold of the strand and wiped a pearl clean with one swipe of his thumb.He did not look at Xian as he did so, letting his focus remain upon the task at hand.

Xian used the moment to study the man.Song Lim’s body spoke of strength, of a life often spent outdoors, and limbs contoured by muscles gained through action.Not dance, though; he was too robust, with nothing fragile about him.

Song Lim was also a handsome man.

Xian was not roused by appearances, but that did not mean he didn’t know an attractive face when he came upon one.The shoemaker, with his sun-touched skin, had a ruddiness about him; a wide nose with flared nostrils, broad cheeks with strong bones, a determined chin graced with a tuft of dark hair.His muscular physique would be considered coarse by many within the marquess’s inner circle, who sought the delicacy and slenderness with which Xian had been graced.

‘You are done, step back from the prince.’Daiyu shouldered her way between them.‘I’m so sorry, Xian.’

‘Prince Xian?’The shoemaker stepped back, wiping his hand against his dark greychangsan; Xian envied him for the relaxed fit and simplicity of the long robe.‘You are him?’

‘I am,’ he replied quietly.

Master Song dropped into a deep bow, the thick braid of his royally mandated hairstyle slipping over his shoulder to dangle at his side.Xian imagined this forthright man being among those who despised having to wear their hair in the queue style; Xian himself thought it unflattering, grateful his noble birth saved him from its necessity.

‘Forgive me, your highness.’Master Song still leaned into a bow.‘I’ve attended your sister, the Lady Tian, and had asked after your patronage, but was led to believe you rarely left your rooms, and had no need for my talents.I didn’t imagine for one moment your royal highness would be here…knocking my noodles from my hand.’

Daiyu groaned.

And Heng sighed.‘No wonder you prefer to travel the roads and not settle down, Master Song.It is a way to escape from the crowd of enraged nobles that must follow you.’

Song Lim straightened, grinning.But Xian found himself still caught by something he’d said.‘Lady Tian is not my sister, Master Song.’

Song Lim’s heavy-lidded brown eyes—warm and rich as cinnamon—narrowed further.‘No?Then why does she call you brother?’

Xian stayed silent behind his veil, wishing he’d not spoken at all.Daiyu glanced at him and said, ‘She does so to vex him.They share no blood, of course.How do you not know this?Prince Xian is born of the emperor, and was already ten years old when he arrived in Kunming with the Lady Tian thirteen.She has never been kind.’Daiyu stopped short, biting her lip.‘Let me tell you, Song Lim, that if you think to secure more favour with her ladyship by telling her what has happened here today, then I must warn you, my father is the Governor’s herbalist.I can make you forget half your life at one sip from a cup of tea, and upset your belly so terribly you’ll never dare be one step away from your matong again.’

Song Lim raised his brows, looking suitably horrified at the idea of having to carry around a waste pot for the rest of his life.

‘Daiyu,’ Xian gently chided.‘That’s enough.’

‘I couldn’t agree with you more, your highness,’ the shoemaker declared.‘But let it be known, herbalist’s daughter, I don’t need to securefavour from anyone.I spend most of my time turning down requests, I’ll have you know.My skills are unparalleled.’

Heng scoffed.‘As is your modesty.Careful, you’ll burst with all that vanity.Can you help us, or not?’

Song Lim picked a slice of cucumber from his bowl and flung it at the cook.

Xian jerked, despite knowing full well the sudden movement hadn’t been directed at him, nor were its intentions harmful.

He prayed quickly, hoping no one noticed.

‘You are not in a happy state, are you?’Song Lim regarded Xian with a thoughtful, but gentle, gaze.

Xian drew back his shoulders.‘I shouldn’t delay here any longer,’ he said, avoiding the question.‘Can you assist me, Master Song, or not?’

The shoemaker shoved a surviving piece of pork into his mouth and spoke with his mouth full.‘Best you tell me the problem, then I can decide.’

Xian raised his hand, touching at the torn cuff, then lifted his hem, showing the soiling there.

Master Song drew in a sharp breath.‘Your slippers are ruined.What in the world have you been doing?I thought princes bathed in yak milk, not mud.’

Daiyu edged between them again.‘That’s enough.You should go.’

But Xian’s lips twitched.He was astonished at the forwardness of this man.‘What did you decide, Master Song.Can you help?’