He strode forward and was about to grab her bicep, when Nikator suddenly appeared in front of her. He towered over her and Jian, who stumbled back in surprise.
“She said no.” Nikator strode forward until he loomed over the shorter man.
“W-what do you think you’re doing?” Jian sputtered. “It’s not wrong for me to take my betrothed?—”
“She said no,” he repeated, stronger this time. He took another step toward the man, who flinched back.
They both stared at each other heatedly. Biyu’s chest clenched tightly and she couldn’t stop the warmth bursting in her heart, filling every broken crevice. She didn’t need him to stand up for her like this, but damn did it feel good to have someone there to threaten a rude man for her.
Jian pursed his lips together and was the first to rip his gaze away; Biyu could see his fists trembling, though she wasn’t sure if that was from fear, intimidation, or rage. Jian didn’t seem like the type of person who acceptednofor an answer and he likely wasn’t used to being forcibly backed away like that, either. But hedidlook like the type who would cower away from anyone stronger than him—and it was clear to see that Nikator could kill him in seconds if he chose to.
She could feel Liqin’s questioning gaze on her—likely wondering what had just happened. They all continued their stroll once more, this time even more quiet and awkward than before. Nikator also chose to walk beside Biyu, creating a buffer between her and Jian, who stomped the entire way, crushingflowers and kicking buoying plants that were too close to the paved path.
Biyu’s relief was nearly palpable when the familiar exit of the gardens appeared, but her relief was short-lived as she noticed the woman standing there, seemingly waiting for them. She was beautiful, with enchanting silver-white hair that reached down to her hips, secured by golden ruby-encrusted hairpins, and wearing a beautiful silken dress with gold accents. Her dark eyes flicked over to them.
Li-ling. The emperor’s cousin.
And the deadliest female warrior in his court.
22
Biyu had heard of Li-ling.She was powerful in dark magic, mysterious, and one of the key warriors that contributed to His Majesty’s rise to power. Her full name was unknown; she didn’t claim to be Drakkon Li-ling, and she didn’t go by any other name, so nobody knew what her family name was, but the emperor said that they were cousins, and Biyu could believe it, too. She looked like she could be his sister.
She had never interacted with the woman before, but now that she was up close to her, she couldn’t stop but gape at how utterly beautiful she was. She looked like she had stepped out of a fairy tale. With her otherworldly silvery-white hair, startling silver-gray eyes, and the charming smile on her face, Biyu wouldn’t have been surprised if she was actually a magical being, rather than a human.
“Princesses, so good to see you! I was afraid I had missed my opportunity,” she said with a relieved sigh. A smile curled up her pillowy pink lips. The corners of her eyes creased as she caught Nikator’s eye. “Ah! Nik, you’re here too?”
“Lady Li-ling,” Nikator said with a nod.
She brushed past Biyu to him and looked at him head to toe, her silver eyes glittering like frost catching the morning light. “You’ve gotten so tall since the last time I saw you!”
Embarrassment flashed over his face. “Well, I’m not a child anymore?—”
“Come here, give me a hug!”
A pang shot through Biyu’s chest. It took her less than a beat to realize the emotion festering within her chest like an illness spreading over her, making her skin crawl and her fingers inadvertently curl in on themselves.Jealousy.
This woman asked for an embrace so easily. So readily. Like it was expected. Like it was normal.
Nikator remained rigid as Li-ling held her arms open, with a warm smile that lit up her beautiful face. He glanced at Biyu before clearing his throat. “Lady Li-ling, I don’t think that’s appropriate?—”
“Ah. You think so? You’re right. It’s probably not best.” She placed a hand on her chest and lowered her head apologetically. “I just got too excited since it’s been so long since we’ve seen each other?—”
“You don’t have to go so far as to apologize,” Nikator said, alarmed. “Have you seen the others?”
“Not yet. I just got back a few days ago and haven’t had the time between all these council meetings and such. Not to mention whenever I send a message to one of you, you all are busy! Everyone’s schedules are so tight. As yours seems to be.” Li-ling gave him a pointed, knowing smile, and then turned to beam at Biyu and Liqin. “I’m Li-ling, by the way. It’s so nice to finally be acquainted with you both.”
“Likewise.” Liqin lowered her head.
“Y-yes. Nice to meet you too,” Biyu added.
Li-ling nodded to Zihao. “It’s been a while, Zihao. I hope you’ve been well! Congratulations on your recent betrothal and your very recent victory.”
The tall man bowed. “Thank you, Lady Li-ling. You flatter and honor me too much.”
Warmth radiated from the woman with every wide smile and wave; Biyu had never been around someone who seemed so … contagiously kindhearted. She was a beacon of light. It was such a contrast to Muyang’s lethal darkness that it was appalling that they were even related. And yet this woman was a feared warrior across the empire, famed for her vicious magic that razed cities to ashes.
Li-ling gave Jian an inquisitive look, her smile faltering. “I don’t think we’ve been introduced?”
