Page 80 of The Cinders

Xian walked towards him, his veil in place, his ruqun of such a deep blue the right light would turn it black.His eyes were fixed upon Lim, creases at their edges suggesting a smile beneath his fluttering black veil.

For thirty-two years, Lim had never once forgotten how to breathe.That changed now, staring at the prince who had not left his mind since their first meeting.

CHAPTER TWENTY-SIX

LIM STOODtransfixed as the prince drew nearer.Xian’s pace quickened, and it seemed for a moment he might run.A breeze played at his veil, teasing a petal from the jasmine he wore, floating its scent into Master Chen’s workshop.Lim finally blinked.

‘Xian.You’re here.’

‘Prince Xian, this is no place for you to be.’Master Chen stole Lim’s precious view, stepping in front of him; his fan spread open and held like a shield before him.‘Mandarin Feng would not approve, Your Highness, he would gladly have organised an attendant to come in your stead.’

‘I had to come myself, Master Chen.’

Lim felt Xian’s voice like a caress against his ears.Chen moved out onto the veranda as Xian reached the stairs.

‘Will you not invite the prince in, Master Chen?’Lim called.‘I’d say your mandarin would not be pleased to hear you denied his honoured guest.’

Lim met Chen’s glare with one of his own.

‘It is really not appropriate…for the prince to be among all this…’ he waved a vague hand at his own clutter.‘Dangerous implements…and oils that might stain his royal wardrobe.’

‘The prince can keep his robe clean, I assure you,’ Xian said, reaching the veranda.Lim’s first proper look at the prince worried him; his gown hung too loose on his shoulders, the cinched waist too narrow.But his retort held spirit.

Chen stepped back, tripping over the lip of the doorframe in his haste to put distance between them.Standing right in front of Lim, blocking his view of Xian entirely.

With a frustrated hiss, he took a step sideways, forgetting the shackles.He staggered, arm outstretched, but found only air.

‘Song Lim!’

The waft of jasmine thickened, the rustle of fabric rose, hushing like an autumn wind playing in the willows.A hand grasped his, countering his fall, and Lim found his balance.He straightened, looking right into those unforgettable violet eyes, and his stomach made a most peculiar flip.

‘Xian…it’s truly you.’

The prince’s gaze darted to Lim’s shoulder, then his feet, his frown deepening.‘Master Song, you are injured, and in shackles.What have they done to you?’His question hummed with anger, and he turned on the other shoemaker with spectacular fierceness.‘I was told Master Chen had taken you in, but I did not know it was as his prisoner.’

The other shoemaker backed away, towards his row of deities; ready with new prayers to save him from the evil, unlucky prince.

Lim barely glanced at him, drinking in Xian’s nearness.Their hands were still clasped, Xian’s showing no sign of discomfort with being touched.

‘Your Highness, do not lay your displeasure on me,’ Chen cried.‘If not for me, your shoemaker might have sustained more injury than that cut.I stepped in when it seemed he’d be cast out.’The fan was still raised, putting a paltry barrier between him and Xian.‘But I am just a simple shoemaker and must do as I am told.’He hesitated, the same conniving darkness flashing across his face.‘You should approach Captain Duan if you take issue with the situation.Your shoemaker is shackled under his orders, I’m afraid.’

Xian’s grip tightened, and Lim squeezed his hand gently.‘No, there will be no need for that,’ he said, eager to soothe the haunted look from Xian’s eyes.‘All is well.Master Chen was—’

‘Why did the captain see need to restrain my shoemaker at all,’ Xian demanded.‘Whatever misunderstanding there was surely is resolved by now?’He swallowed.‘I will speak to him, and demand you be released.’

Lim stared, marvelling at the changed man who stood before him.This was not the man who’d quivered before him in Heng’s kitchen, nor suffered quietly under Marquess Shen’s heavy hand.His thunderous heart quietened; his doubts rose.Had Xian found happiness here, among the scorpions?

‘They thought him a trespasser,’ Master Chen said.‘A thief, actually.He took too long to state his business with you, and by then he was not believed.But I stepped in, Your Highness, and intervened when he was being sorely treated, and he is safe here, helping me with my work.’

‘How do you expect him to help you with your work, when his arm is in such a state?’Xian demanded, and Lim felt a stirring seeing his prince so imperious.‘Have a herbalist see to his arm at once, Master Chen.’

The veil shifted with his forceful words, and Lim was struck with a desire to lift from his face, so he’d be seen for the astonishing creature he was.

There was no need to ask him whether he still took the tincture.This clear-headed, decisive delight of a man was fully in charge of his faculties.

‘I will send word, your highness.’

‘No.You will go now, and go yourself.’Xian levelled him with a violet stare.‘And you will bring Master Song a meal and a change of clothes.’