Page 114 of Never Ever After

There is a note in his tone I can’t read. “You can’t. I won’t stay anywhere I’m forced to—not in the Palace of Nine Hills, not with you.” Without waiting for his reply, I add, “Why are those of the Land Beyond fighting among themselves? Queen Chunlei’s power will grow. Her army is strong, and her husband thirsts for war.”

“You’ll soon learn that the Elders who govern Mist Island are not good at setting aside their grudges and pride.”

Shiji breaks away from the other warriors, riding toward us. She jerks her head at Prince Zixin behind her. “The hostage wishes to speak with you.”

Prince Zixin glares at her. “Don’t talk of me that way.”

“Forgive me, Your Highness.” The emphasis on his title makes it sound like an insult, and I suppress the urge to laugh.

“Don’t make trouble for my people,” Jin tells him coldly. “I’m only tolerating your presence right now.”

“Lord Jin-Yong, I can handle one spoiled prince,” Shiji tells him with a grin.

A sourish sensation churns through me at her teasing manner. I study her black eyes and full lips, the way her dark brown hair is braided down her back—feeling irrationally annoyed at Jin.

“Lord Jin-Yong?” Prince Zixin’s gaze is probing, almost hostile. “Why did your people attack us?”

“You are not entitled to answers,” Jin replies brusquely. “You’re not a guest but a prisoner.”

“I’m not your captive; I am an ally.” Prince Zixin faces me. “We struck a deal. I gave you what you asked for in return for helping me escape.”

I meet his stare without flinching. “You only asked that I bring you with us. Here, you must abide by our rules—just as those in the palace abided by yours.”

He raises his chin, a glint in his eyes. “What if I don’t?”

“We’ll extend the same hospitality that you do to those who displease you.” When I remember the Shadow Wing, how he imprisoned us and punished the serving girl—it’s easier to forget what I owe him.

“Can I leave when I wish?” he demands with his usual arrogance.

“No,” Jin replies. “I won’t have you running back to your sister to beg for mercy and betray us.”

“I will never beg her for mercy. I will never trust her again.” Prince Zixin’s voice is guttural with rage… with hurt.

“Your Highness, you are clever enough to realize the safest place for you is with us.” Prisoner or reluctant ally, it’s safer to keep him out of the queen’s grasp—someone with a claim to the throne of the Iron Mountains, with valuable secrets to share. “Your sister controls your army. If you remain in your realm, you will be hunted, captured, and killed.”

A pause. “Thank you for not leaving me.” The words come stiff like he’s not used to uttering them.

“As you said, we struck a deal.”

“Is that all?” Prince Zixin’s mouth slants into a knowing smile.

“Nothing more,” I snap, as behind me Jin tenses.

The prince smooths his red sleeve, calling attention to how we’re dressed. “We are closer than that; you were almost my bride—”

“You threatened my sister’s life to make me agree.”

“Shall we test your indifference to me?”

As his gaze slides to my lips, my hands clench. “By all means, if you want a fist in your face.”

Prince Zixin’s smile widens. “I might enjoy it from you.”

“I’d be happy to lend her my fist. You’d enjoy it far less.” Jin’s calm tone conceals the wrath beneath. He tugs the reins of his horse abruptly, calling out, “Shiji, take him to the back.”

As she moves away, I call out formally, “Farewell, Your Highness.”

“I don’t say farewell to those I’ll see again.” Prince Zixin’s eyes are a fathomless black. “Until then.”