Page 24 of Never Ever After

“Starfire.” The prince pulls out an iron seal fastened to his waist, exquisitely carved with a chrysanthemum. A stone the size of a marble hangs above it, shining with the same radiance. I clasp my fingers in my lap, resisting the urge to touch it.

“The starfire in the crown belonged to my father. My sister and I each have one, bequeathed to us on our first birthdays. During the coronation, my starfire will be set in the crown.” His finger brushes the jewel on the seal.

“What of the one there now?” I ask.

When he doesn’t reply, I stifle my curiosity, afraid of going too far, being too familiar. “Is it true starfire comes from the skies?”

“Who knows for sure?” His eyes are a fathomless black. “Some say it’s a priceless jewel, others believe it’s a fallen star. Another less pretty story is that the few shards of starfire we’ve found are pieces of a god’s heart, cast down to our world and scattered across the mountains.”

“All myths.” I believe none of them, and it’s safer to deny magic—especially before the prince telling me these tales.

“Perhaps… or perhaps some truths are safer veiled in legend. Less frightening, less real.” He smiles at me, a devastating one that steals my breath. “Which story do you think makes starfire most precious?”

I think over my answer. “A star is beautiful, but the heart of a god… what power might it hold?”

“Likely none, but it’s a good story.” Prince Zixin releases the seal. “Starfire is just another valuable jewel, an exceedingly rare one.”

How much is such a thing worth? I silence the question, asking instead, “How rare?”

“No more than a handful have been found in our mines. Beyond those that belong to my family, the Duke of the Amber Forest and the Lady of the Pearl Ocean each have one, found in the mountains that border their kingdoms.” He adds, his voice hardening, “Our mountains.”

He speaks like he believes all the starfire in the world should belong to him. The crowd stirs then, their attention shifting toward the entrance. Soldiers approach, their weapons possessing the darker tint of iron mined outside our borders. Their black leather armor is engraved with twin spears and a flower, the sight stirring something in me that I can’t pinpoint. A man strides toward the dais, his hair cut short, a gold circlet holding it in place. His leather armor is edged in copper, a fur pelt thrown across his shoulders, a beard covering his chin.

“The Lord of Thorn Valley,” the prince tells me, as he sits a little straighter.

Except I’m not looking at the lord but the man who walks behind him, not in armor, but a dark blue robe, his eyes a piercing golden brown.

Jin.

CHAPTER TEN

S hock interlaces with a sourish sensation in my gut. Would I have struck a deal with Jin knowing he was from Thorn Valley? Moreover, the way the prince’s eyes narrow as they approach—those of Thorn Valley may be our allies, but they aren’t our friends.

I can’t trust Jin. And as his stony gaze slides from Prince Zixin to me—I don’t think he trusts me either. He won’t hesitate to use me, and unfortunately I’ve just become a more valuable pawn.

“Lord Chao, we are honored by your company,” Prince Zixin says formally to the man wearing the gold circlet.

Lord Chao’s eyes crinkle as he strokes his beard. “We are honored to be here.”

As they are shown to their seats, the other guests cast cautious looks in their direction. Yet the Lord of Thorn Valley appears utterly at ease in the Palace of Nine Hills, beginning to drink his wine with loud, gulping noises, grabbing his food with his hands. Many around him are sneering, their lips arched in scorn. I steal a glance at Jin, who isn’t eating, scrutinizing the room instead. At once, I avert my gaze, recalling his warning to act like we’re strangers. He’s right; it’s safer this way.

Lord Chao raises his cup to Prince Zixin, who returns the gesture stiffly. “Your Highness,” he calls out, his words slurring. “We’ve heard that Duke Yuan’s daughter was kidnapped by a magic-wielder.”

As several courtiers whisper among themselves, the prince’s jaw clenches. “Your sources are impeccable, Lord Chao. General Xilu only just briefed us on this matter a few hours ago.”

I would wager both my shoes that it’s Jin who found this out. He seems adept at securing all manner of secrets and information.

“The entire Amber Forest is afire with the news,” Jin says smoothly, his lord now occupied with a roasted duck leg. “We’ve heard Duke Yuan’s forces are pursuing them but have not captured the magic-wielder yet. The duke has offered a great reward for the return of his daughter, and requests each kingdom to ready their strongest warrior to aid in this perilous quest. With magic at play, he seeks to avoid careless adventurers endangering his daughter’s life.”

“What is the reward?” Lord Chao drawls, asking the question on everyone’s mind.

“Starfire.” As Jin’s voice carries across the hall, a frantic rush of murmurs rise—some excited, as many frightened. “Thorn Valley would like to offer our aid to the duke,” he intones formally.

Minister Luk hurries toward the dais, glaring at Jin. “To save the duke’s daughter or to win the starfire?”

“Both,” Jin replies. “Who would refuse such a prize?”

“We appreciate our ally’s generous offer, but Thorn Valley’s aid will not be necessary,” Prince Zixin says sharply. “This is a matter between the Three Kingdoms of our realm.”