Though, now wasn't the time for such thoughts. Her life hung in the balance and she needed to stay focused if she were to escape. Francesca had no doubt she would succeed in getting away. She always did.

  Slowly, she drew her gaze back up to meet his. His eyes were dark, piercing, almost burning with an inner fire as he stared at her through the strands of his chin length hair. A strange look passed over his face, but he did not turn away. That's when she noticed the hall had gone deadly still.

  "So shall it be,” the emperor announced, breaking the silence.

  Francesca gasped, knowing her mask hid her expression as her eyes turned upward to the throne. Someone roughly pushed her head back down. She gritted her teeth. If she got a hold of those ponytailed guards, she would pull their hair out one by one. Staring at the emperor was considered an offense. However, since she'd just gotten caught not only stealing the royal jewels, but using an outlawed form of Wushu to do it, impoliteness was the least of her worries.

  Besides, they can do nothing worse than what has already been done to me.

  "My son, Zhang Jin, has chosen a bride,” the emperor continued in Líntianese. “Hang the banner of good fortune at the palace gate, so that all may know of our happy day. Inform the matchmaker and summon the astrologers to the palace at once. Guards, take her to my son's chambers."

  "Father,” one of the princes asserted from the platform. Francesca gritted her teeth as the egotistical prince motioned toward her. The emperor shook his head once. The gesture was all that was needed to silence the man. With fist to palm, the prince bowed, saying no more.

  "There will be time for you to offer your blessings after the astrologers read their futures, Prince Haun,” the emperor said to the man who had spoken. It didn't take a genius to know that was not what prince Haun had tried to do. He'd been protesting his brother's actions.

  Ah, come on, Emperor. Let the man speak. Francesca gave a short laugh. I for one happen to agree with him.

  The hands on her body loosened and Francesca wiggled free. She'd fight every man in the hall if she had to. “I—"

  The words never left her as fingers clamped down on the back of her neck. Shivering, she looked up to find that Prince Jin touched her. His lips pressed into a harsh line, but other than that his face was expressionless. Very sternly, he said in her language, “It is done, do you understand? Cause no more trouble."

  Who in the hell does this fuck-nut think he is talking to?

  Francesca opened her mouth to retort. Jin let go of her, only to grab the front of her neck. He pushed at the soft spot in her throat and she instantly felt lightheaded. Her vision blurred. Speech became impossible. Though she still saw colors and heard voices, she was too numbed to move. The prince jerked the dart from her side, holding it up so she could see him pass it to a guard.

  "Take her,” Prince Jin ordered. Her body was lifted up and she felt herself being carried from the silent hall. Hands pressed into her, digging into her flesh, and she couldn't even find the will to scream at them, let alone fight.

  * * * *

  Jin turned to the emperor. When his grandfather moved his hand to touch the woman, he'd sent a shock of energy over her, making her helpless and compliant. However, it also left his grandfather's spirit weakened and Jin was able to cast the man out. The departure left him feeling dizzy.

  He opened his mouth as he gasped for breath, but it was too late to stop what had been done. His father had acknowledged his supposed choice in bride. The astrologers were called, the banner hung to show that one of the princes had chosen a new princess. News would spread over the countryside. To take it back now wasn't an option.

  Glancing around the hall, Jin saw that Manchu's spirit had gone completely. He took a deep breath. How dare his grandfather possess his mortal coil, declare a bride for him and then leave without so much as an explanation as to why he chose this particular woman? The hall was filled with eligible Líntianese bachelorettes, so why pick a stranger? Why a foul-mouthed, disrespectful foreigner?

  "Leave me with my family,” the emperor ordered the quiet hall. The women were the first to go. Some looked upset by the interruption in the ceremonies. He knew that they would pout that he'd chosen, after all these years, a woman not like them. Most likely, they would consider it an insult that a criminal would be his bride over the richest, most well-bred women in the land. Jin hated to admit it, but he found it to be a bit of an insult. He again glanced around for his grandfather. The man was gone.

  See if I ever leave you offerings again, old man.

  When the royal family was alone, the emperor relaxed. Stepping down from his throne, he went to his son. Jin's brothers followed suit, joining them on the hall floor. The empress stayed on her seat, not moving as she looked at her boys.

  "Jin, are you crazy? She's a criminal. We don't even know what she was arrested for,” Haun said. “How could you pick her?"

  "Her crime has to be serious, if the guards dare to interrupt the ceremony for it,” added Shen. He was the most contemplative of the brothers and often spoke with a sound mind.

  "Jin—” Haun demanded.

  "Stop,” the empress broke in, standing. She slowly made her way down from the raised platform from her throne. Their mother was regal and beautiful—a true ruler. Gracefully, she touched Jin's cheek, running her finger lightly over his jaw. “He could not help himself, could you my son? You saw her and just had to have her."

  "Grandf—” Jin began. His mother slid her hand over his mouth, leaving her palm pressed against his cheek as her thumb moved to still his lips. She shook her head, her serious eyes telling him to be quiet.

  "Lian,” the emperor ordered. “Go retrieve the guards. We must find out what Jin's bride is charged with. And see if they know who she is. If they don't know, you have my permission to access the intergalactic database to find out."

  Lian obeyed. Jin knew his father was worried about the family honor. The emperor would not want the scandal of his son marrying a criminal. If her deeds weren't that bad, she could be pardoned in light of the situation.

  "There is still time,” Haun said. “The astrologers’ readings.... Madame Eng could announce the obvious imprudence of the match. Undoubtedly the stars will not agree with such a joining. She isn't like us."

  "Let us meet the young woman first, my sons,” the empress said, still studying Jin, “before we are to judge her. There is a reason Jin was compelled by her. Perhaps this is fate."

  Haun nodded once, but he wasn't happy. Jin was surprised to hear his mother talk favorably about fate. He knew her to still be bitter about Mei's departure. It was a fact she blamed on her own grandmother, Zhang An, who guarded the Sacred Chamber and often divined the family's futures. An's prediction with Mei hadn't been completely forthcoming as she manipulated the situation. If the empress had her say, Mei would have been married to a Líntianese prince, Song Lok, whose family lived across the Satlyun River, ruling the only other dynasty on the planet.

  "Shen, go tell your sister Fen of this news and send a communication to Mei,” the empress said. “We must appear pleased in this, otherwise there will be suspicion of our family. Haun, I beseech you, go welcome the woman to our palace and make sure her every comfort is met."

  To any other, it would seem odd sending Haun to greet an arrested woman, but Jin knew his mother sent the oldest prince to ascertain the security risk she posed. Haun was an honorable man and the greatest of warriors. He might be a harsh judge, but he would be fair. And, should the woman continue to prove volatile, he would be able to easily subdue her.

  "She is not to be allowed to roam free, not until we know more,” the emperor said. “Jin, it will be your responsibility to see to her."

  Jin would've smiled if he wasn't so irritated. When he was alone with his parents, he said, “Grandfather Manchu came to me, or more to the point, took over me. I had no will to stop this."

  "We warned you about the compelling force of the ancestors when a match was to be made,” the emperor said. His lips curled slightly, as if he was suppressing a laugh at the thought.

  "Compelling is one thing, but possession?” Jin shook his head. “Certainly if we announce what happened, the people will understand. I can't be expected to marry a ... a criminal."

  "No, my son, the people will not understand. They will believe it an even stronger sign that you are meant to be together. One does not dispute the ancestors in such things,” his father said.

  "All ancestors were once human and not all humans act with logic,” Jin mumbled.

  "Very true,” the empress agreed.

  "Maybe your grandfather knew you needed a push.” His father smiled, giving a small laugh. He didn't even try to hide his amusement. “How many years now have you been avoiding even considering finding a bride? You and your brothers walk in here, eyes bored as you look through each and every woman presented. You have never considered the possibility. Perhaps your grandfather knew that."

  "He should have told us beforehand,” the empress said, “before meddling."

  "And perhaps it was just time,” the emperor stated. “The one meant for you presented herself. What else could be done?"

  "He's an old fool, that's what he is!” All eyes turned to the keeper of the secret chamber, Jin's great-grandmother, Zhang An. The three living royals bowed to the woman in respect, though the empress’ movements were stiff. Empress Zhang was not talking to her dead grandmother whom she blamed for leading her daughter Mei away.

  The spirit was dressed in the old style. Her long sleeves swept over the floor as she drifted to them. The delicate silk gown was made even more so by the fact that it traveled on air. Every movement was silent, like the breeze. Her wrinkled, pale face was transparent, shading with each subtle movement until it appeared smooth as a young girl's. She shifted over them, as if threatening to blow away completely. Long, dark hair streaked with white flowed around her shoulders. Tradition from her time of life would have had her put it up, but An was proud of her locks and, being dead, didn't have to listen to tradition.

  "She's a thief of the worst kind,” An accused. “She is not fit to be part of this family."

  "What do you mean, thief?” The emperor stepped closer to her, studying the old woman carefully.

  "Exactly that,” An returned in irritation. Out of all his ancestors, they saw Zhang An the most. Since her death, she had been residing in the sacred room hidden within the walls of the Hall of Infinite Wisdom behind the thrones. However, lately she'd been of sour temperament—ever since Empress Zhang refused to leave her offerings of wine. “She tried to steal the phoenix. If not for my guarding it, she would've succeeded in taking one of the last pieces of precious jade! And you know what that will do to this family's reign. Emperor Song wouldn't hesitate to claim what is ours if he feels we are no longer capable of ruling. Within a generation our time would be over."

  The comment left them speechless. The phoenix was a symbol of not only their royal power, but also a receptacle to that power. It fed them, guided them. Jin closed his eyes. What cruel game was this the spirits played? Were they so bored as to guide him to a woman who wished to take all his family had? What had she to gain by taking such an important artifact? There were other things in the palace that were easier to get to for a thief and would provide just as much profit. Why the Jade Phoenix?

  Then an idea struck him. An mentioned Emperor Song. He was the only man who had anything to gain by his family's fall.

  Emperor Song was ruler of the only other dynasty on Líntian. It was located across the Satlyun River, which flowed through the exact center of their planet, separating the territories of Muntong in the east and Singhai in the west. The river circled from north to south. It was a marvel of nature, so wide it was impossible to swim across. It was one of the reasons that the two empires did not fight. Though they didn't agree on much, peace was something the Líntianese cherished. Or so the Zhang family had thought.

  Was Emperor Song tired of peace? Did he yearn to rule all of Líntian? Jin had never met the Emperor of Singhai, but Haun had. His older brother didn't seem too impressed with the man. He said he was a snob. Or was Emperor Song still angry that Haun had discovered the drug, chandoo, was being produced in his Lin Yao Mines? The Zhang family fought hard to protect the masses from the drug. It lured you in, made you feel alive, but eventually would rot your brain and wear you down into a worthless mass of nothingness. Emperor Song denied knowledge of the intergalactic drug traders, but the Zhang family was unconvinced.

  Was this just a plot to dethrone the Zhang family?

  Slowly, Jin noticed all eyes were on him. He shook his head. This day was supposed to be a day like any other. But now, he was engaged to a woman he knew nothing about, to a woman whose face he'd not even seen. The memory of her eyes pierced him. Jade, just like what she tried to steal from them.

  "By my will or not,” Jin said, taking a deep breath as he tried to figure out his path. “By my will or not, the words left my lips. Everyone heard them. I will honor my decree and take the woman as my bride."

  "You cannot!” An shook, her transparent figure rippling. “To do so will grant her immunity from this. This is not the path. It can't be! I would have seen it. For once she is your bride she won't be put on trial for taking what becomes hers as well as yours. Our possessions will become hers and hers ours. Not that she could possibly have anything we want. Think about what you are doing!"

  "I must, Grandmother.” Jin turned to his parents, knowing full and well he was changing his tune from a few minutes before. “To back out of my word now would be to dishonor the Zhang name. The declaration was public and witnessed by many. How would it look if the first of your children to declare marriage backed out later like he was indecisive? The people will be angered."

  "You are wise, my son,” the emperor said, nodding.

  "What? No!” Zhang An screeched. “What if she steals the jade and leaves you? You don't know these outsiders. They are not like us, Jin. They are deceitful, liars—"

  "Odd, Grandmother. When you sent Mei to marry an outsider, you didn't seem to mind them. What is it? They're fine, so long as you choose them?” the empress demanded.

  "I did not choose for Mei. The fates chose. I only told her of her destiny,” An said, lifting her chin. “Do not be angry with me, child, for divining the future. You are lucky I tell you anything at all.” The spirit's face became tight as she mumbled, “Ungrateful woman, refusing to give me my offerings."

  Jin hid his smile. Zhang An liked her ‘offerings'. Wine in particular.

  "Perhaps Father spoke for the fates as—” the empress began. Jin sighed, his grandfather hadn't said anything about fate.

  "Zhang Manchu is my son,” An interrupted, her image fluttering. “I think I know what—"

  "Please,” Jin tried to insert into the argument. He wasn't in the mood to listen to them fight about Mei's marriage. Prince Jarek was a good man, the empress knew that, but he'd taken Mei with him into space. His sister was happy and in love with a child on the way. To Jin, there wasn't really anything else to discuss about the matter. Mei had chosen her fate, accepted it with open arms. Jin wished he could do the same. But his situation was different.

  "What if she was tried for her crimes before you married?” Zhang An glided forward, her words merely a whisper on the breeze that came with her. Her milky eyes stared into him, eerily searching his depths. Jin had to look away before the woman saw too many of his thoughts. Her voice low, An continued, “If she were to receive death—"

  "Death?” Jin repeated, frowning. He recalled his new bride's eyes. They haunted him with their anger. A pain unfurled in his gut and he couldn't bare the thought of killing her. It was strange that he'd feel such, but there it was. “Isn't that a little severe?"

  I just want to discover her purpose. My defense of her has nothing to do with the fact that her body sets mine on fire.

  "Such a harsh punishment when she didn't even succeed in her crime?” the empress asked.

  "I told you not to defend your father's actions to me,” An told the empress. “He was my son and even I don't understand why he would betray us in such a way."

  Grandfather betrayed them by making him choose a bride? That makes no sense. If An said the man was bored and meddled, he'd understand that. But betrayal? What exactly was going on? What was this all about? And what were the ancestors not telling them?

  It wasn't odd for the spirits to disagree, especially if they'd disagreed in life, but Jin didn't like the almost desperate look on his great-grandmother's face.

  "Enough!” Emperor Zhang demanded. Both women jumped.

  "But death, Grandmother?” Jin repeated, not wanting his elders to fight. “Do you really think that—?"

  "She was caught in the act,” An argued. A slow smile spread over her features. “The crime of attempted theft may not be enough for such a sentence, but the fact that she used the ancient form of Wushu when doing it would be. Long ago, it was declared illegal. For the safety of the people, those who practice must be put to death. We cannot risk its teachings being passed on. Read the scrolls, they will tell you. Law is the law."

  "And I am emperor, not you,” his father answered.

  An's lips pressed tightly together. Jin took a deep breath. He didn't know much about the Wushu Uprisings, except what he had read about in the ancient scrolls and he didn't remember the death law An spoke of.

  "There are many things for us to consider,” his father said at last. The emperor ran his fingers over his mustache, looping a long piece over his forefinger. He pulled his hand down, stroking the long whiskers before patting them against his chest. “If she is gifted in Wushu as you say, we must find out how she learned. If her master taught one person, he could've taught more.” Turning to his son, he continued, “I leave it to you to discover what we must from your bride. For now you must be attentive to her. Show the people that you were serious in your word. And, if the courts deem her guilty and she is put to death, you will go into mourning for her. I am sorry, my son, but there was a reason you were guided to do as you did. It might not be for marriage, but to watch her and discover her secrets. If she was hired to take the jade, we must know by whom. And if she truly practices Wushu, we need to know who trained her."

 

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