"Is this the only crime against my people that you wish to confess to?” she asked.

  "What is all this to you?” Francesca asked. “What do you care if I hurt the royal family's pride?"

  "It's very much to me,” the woman answered. “I assure you."

  "Fine, I'll confess. I'm pretty sure I broke a few traditions while I was there as well. But that really isn't my fault as you people seem to have a tradition for everything. I mean, really! You eat a certain way, walk a certain way, every little detail is done exactly the way it's been done since the dawn of human creation."

  "You people?” the woman repeated, looking offended by the terminology.

  "You bet your blessed space cakes, ‘you people'. Don't you dare look at me like I should take the words back. You're the ones who put yourselves so above other races. You hide out in a palace, stuck in your ways and traditions, you do everything so beautifully and right and perfect until a woman feels as if she doesn't deserve to be in your presence. You have a way for everything. What exactly should I have done? Stayed and felt inadequate for the rest of my life? Yeah, like I could really be some stupid princess married to the Faerian tale prince!"

  Francesca was breathing hard by the time she stopped. Tears pooled in her eyes, threatening to spill over. She bit her lips together, surprised and ashamed that the words had come out.

  "I have done all this?” the woman asked softly. Francesca didn't answer. It wasn't the type of question that required her to.

  The machine beeped, finished with Francesca's wrist. It moved its attention to her shoulder. She stared at the woman, more frightened by what she'd admitted to than anything physical the woman could do to her.

  The woman slowly walked to the panel. Francesca silently begged her to push a button that would kill her instantly so she no longer had to feel.

  "You have had a hard life,” the woman said, studying the screen. She ran her fingertip over the edge of the display, not pressing anything. “So many old wounds needing to be healed."

  "Not so hard,” Francesca lied, hoping to regain some of her dignity. “Just a few fights."

  "You loved Master Chen Sun?” The woman's dark eyes met hers.

  "Yes,” Francesca answered. “I loved him."

  The machine beeped as the woman pressed buttons, but the sound was so far away, so distant to Francesca's mind as she heard Chen Sun's voice in her head.

  If you have nothing to fear, you have nothing to lose.

  "And you believe the Zhang royal family had him killed?” the woman's voice interrupted her thoughts.

  "I know they did. I was there. I saw it."

  "Very well.” The woman nodded. “I will tell my brother of this."

  "Your brother?” Francesca asked, stiffening.

  "Jin,” the woman answered.

  "You are Princess Mei?” Francesca held her breath. This woman looked nothing like the royal family. Well, now that she knew the connection, she could see the resemblance in her features, but she was dressed so untraditionally and she was on a space ship with a crew full of men.

  "Yes, my sister, I am Princess Mei. I am sorry you do not love my brother and I am saddened to know that the decisions of fate did not bless you as they have me. I love my husband and I wished for all of my siblings to find the same happiness as I have.” Mei stepped closer and placed a hand on Francesca's cheek. A tear slipped from Francesca's eyes to hit the woman's hand. Softly, she asked, “Zhe shi shen me? What is this?” Mei wiped the tear with a gentle sweep of her finger. “So long ago and still you cry for Chen Sun."

  Francesca didn't bother to speak, letting the woman assume what she wanted to.

  "You rest. Soon we will be home.” Mei nodded, pulling back. She walked toward the door.

  "Your home, Princess Mei,” Francesca said, trying to stiffen her resolve. “Not mine."

  Mei glanced back from under her lashes. “You are a Zhang princess as well, my sister. And as a princess, you have a duty to your new empire. Like it or not, you are Princess Zhang Francesca. It was your own doing. Not even fate can change that fact."

  "What do you know about fate?"

  "Plenty,” Mei assured her. “I'm happily married because of it."

  Francesca snorted. “One couple."

  "You need more?” Mei challenged. “Fine. All of my brothers by marriage have had fate intervene. King Kirill of the Var's wife was an HIA agent kidnapped by his father the day King Attor died. Then, Prince Quinn met his wife when she went to their planet to check it for bioweaponry. Pr—"

  "This doesn't prove anything,” Francesca interrupted.

  "Prince Falke,” Mei emphasized, continuing, “was kidnapped by Captain Samantha who used to captain most of this very crew before my husband took them on."

  "He was kidnapped?” Francesca asked before she could stop herself.

  "Yes, by a woman not much bigger than I am. And Falke is, well, have you seen Dev?” Mei waited as Francesca nodded. “Falke is as big as Dev. Imagine her surprise when she woke up the next morning with a naked guy like that chained in her room. She had darted him with a tranquilizer while he was in his shifted form and didn't know what she'd taken."

  Francesca eyed the little Mei and tried to imagine her taking on Dev. It was hard to imagine the Zhang princess with Prince Jarek, especially if he was as big as she claimed Prince Falke to be. She looked at Mei's protruding stomach. A little thing like Princess Mei was going to give birth to that big of a man's child?

  "Is Jarek...?” she began.

  Mei followed her eyes down. “Oh, no. Wode tìan! No. Jarek isn't as big as Dev. Though, he is plenty big, just not that big."

  Francesca looked away.

  "Then there is my husband's twin brother, Reid. He married a woman who stowed away on this ship.” Mei laughed to herself. “I don't know why this popped in my head, but when Quinn was trying to woo his wife, he tried to do old Earth customs for her. He thought a little toy bear she called teddy was a real creature and he gave her this vicious looking stuffed creature for a present. The poor woman has to keep it in her living quarters."

  "What does that have to do with fate?” Francesca asked.

  "Nothing,” Mei said, studying her. “You're not used to having normal conversations are you?"

  Francesca didn't answer.

  "Fine,” Mei's expression faded into a stoic mask. “My point is that fate has a hand in everything. Otherwise, how could so many brothers from one palace find their perfect mates in such unusual ways?"

  "Coincidence,” Francesca offered, doing her best to act bored.

  "You have had a hard life, haven't you?” Mei looked at her in pity as she walked to the door. Shaking her head, she hummed softly and said, “So many old wounds needing to be healed."

  Chapter Twelve

  Imperial Palace of the Zhang Dynasty, Honorable City, Muntong Territory, Planet of Líntian

  She was back.

  Francesca stared at the gate leading into Honorable City. Its wide, gilded doors were stretched open, as if welcoming her into the palace fold once more. Torches were lit on either side, giving a soft orange glow to the pathways. Looking at Mei, she didn't feel so welcome. The woman hadn't talked to her too much since she'd been trapped in the medical booth, but her looks said what her voice did not. The princess was sad, disappointed, upset and she didn't hide it very well. It appeared to cause her husband great worry.

  Francesca couldn't make her feet move, not because of the shackles chaining her ankles together, but because she knew Jin was inside the palace walls waiting for her. She didn't want to see him again. But, then again, if she saw how much he hated her then maybe it would kill some of her guilt.

  Feeling a tug on her arm, she glanced up to Dev. The man's red skin glistened in the torchlight. It was late in the evening, but Mei had refused to bring her home in daylight. Apparently, Francesca's homecoming wouldn't be met with cheers of excitement from the Líntianese people.

  "You ever have to walk out in front of a firing squad, Dev?” Francesca asked her keeper. He didn't answer. “Ever feel like the entire palace was staring at you when you walked anywhere?"

  "Look at me, my lady,” he said. “Everywhere I go I get stared at."

  "Ah, good point."

  Dev pulled again, forcing her to move forward. “You must face your fears, my lady. The sooner faced, the sooner they will be behind you."

  "You're a philosopher."

  "Hrumph."

  Francesca had no choice but to hobble next to Dev into the palace. Princess Mei and her husband led the procession, which consisted mainly of their crewmen. Evan, the man who'd drugged her, turned out to be quite intelligent. He walked next to Rick, Jackson, Lucien and Viktor. Since they were welcomed guests of the Zhang, no one stayed back with Jarek's ship. Lochlann on one side of Mei, as her husband was on the other. It was a protective gesture, most likely an automatic one since Mei would hardly be in danger in her own palace.

  Francesca frowned as she stared at the tiny Mei. She was jealous of the woman. Mei had so many people who loved her and were ready to lay down their lives to protect her. Francesca had no one, not anymore. The only person who ever gave two space credits about her was Sun and he was dead.

  Jin, her mind whispered. Jin said he loved you.

  "Yeah, right,” she grumbled under her breath. “He didn't even bother to come after me. Instead he sent his sister."

  "My lady?” Dev asked.

  "Oh, mind your own business,” she growled at him. “I wasn't talking to you, beast man."

  He answered her with a smile, the first genuine one she'd seen from him.

  * * * *

  She was back. Jin knew it even before Grandfather Manchu appeared to tell him the news. The spirit stood still before him, waiting for him to answer. The prince had no answer to give.

  Jin took a deep breath, looking up at the giant statue depicting the ancient gods in tranquil poses. He'd made offerings since coming home with Haun, though he wasn't sure what he was praying for to happen. When he did wish for something, it was to kill the aching in his heart. His family tried to cheer him but he was inconsolable.

  "Jin?” Manchu asked softly, his voice as weak as his transparent image.

  "I heard you,” Jin answered, his tone hoarse and low.

  "Jin, I.... “His grandfather drifted closer, reaching out his hand before letting it fall to his side. “Duibuqi."

  "I don't need your apologies, lâotou.” Jin slowly stood, leaving his offering of a small vase on the ground. A single flame burned within the red center. “The worst is done. You got what you wanted. The Jade Phoenix is back. I am married and that is the only curse upon this household. Interfere in my life no more."

  "But fate has brought her back to you. There is a chance—"

  "What do you want from me?” Jin growled. “Haven't you done enough? I have done my duty and now I wish to be left in peace."

  "Jin, I am still your ancestor. You will show me the proper respect—"

  "Zhùzuî,” Jin snapped, telling the old spirit to be quiet. He stormed out of the hall, leaving Manchu to stare after him.

  "Well done,” Zhang An said as he walked out of the Exalted Hall. Jin sighed heavily, trying to turn away from her as he walked in the opposite direction. It did no good, as the woman appeared before him on his new path, smiling.

  "Don't you have a Sacred Chamber to protect? Or some ale to drink?” he grumbled, turning his back on her and walking the other way.

  "Xiâoxin, Zhang Jin,” she warned.

  "Leave me be, old woman. I wish to see no more of the past coming to haunt me.” He walked faster. An drifted by his side, completely unaffected by the rigorous pace he set.

  "That may be, Jin, but you do not make the rules. The past is your gift—"

  "My curse,” he interrupted.

  "And, being as it's your gift, you will know it and see it.” An's smile widened.

  "Do you have a point, or did the gods send you to plague me?” He stopped, staring her down.

  "I speak of understanding your wife, the woman you willingly married."

  Jin frowned. “Willingly? I was possessed by Manchu. Do not tell me it was willing!"

  "Listen here, young one. Do not speak to me in such tones. I will whip you with the wind, if you dare so much again!” The wind stirred at An's threat, hitting him hard. “And do not claim you didn't marry the woman willingly. I offered you a way to end it. You could have tried her for her crimes, but you choose to save her. Now she is immune from our punishments because she took only what was rightfully hers as well as ours. I warned you of this, but you married her anyway. You made that decision, Zhang Jin. You."

  "So I'm a fool,” he cried. “Thank you for pointing that out. Is there a point to your ramblings or are you just enjoying my torment?"

  "There would be a point if you would listen."

  "I'm listening.” He held his arms wide. Sarcastically, he urged, “Go on, wise one."

  "Then stop talking,” An ordered.

  Jin opened his mouth and then snapped it shut, not saying another word.

  "Good,” she stated, her transparent form shaking slightly. The wind slowed to a gentle breeze. “Now, there is no changing the past, but there is a chance to redeem the future. Your bride is here. By learning her past, you can fix your futures."

  "Great-grandmother, I already know. She was in love with Chen Sun. You all made the decision to kill him."

  "Francesca told you she loved Sun? She said these words?"

  "Yes. To Mei,” Jin said. His sister had told him everything Francesca did on the ship. He even told him how she'd flirted with the pilot, Rick, though nothing came of the playful banter. Still, to think of it made him jealous. “So you see, the only hope the family has is that she'll choose to stay on Líntian as a princess without causing us any more trouble. I have spoken to the emperor and he has agreed that a house shall be built for her in the countryside, in a place of her choosing. There she will be given servants and will be taken care of. She will want for nothing."

  "What of you?"

  "I will stay here at the palace. Or, if she prefers the life of the Muntong court, I will take the house in the country. It matters not to me where I spend my days.” Jin sighed. The truth was, he would almost prefer the country, away from any reminder that he had a wife.

  "And if she refuses to stay?” An asked.

  "You know as well as I do she doesn't have a choice. At least not now. Perhaps in time she can leave."

  "So you don't even plan to try? You are just going to roll over like a dog who takes his master's kicks?"

  "What do you want me to do? She loves someone else.” Jin closed his eyes as pain rolled over him. Did they not see? She loved someone else, someone whose death would always be linked to him and his family.

  "The heart is not so small,” An whispered, disappearing.

  "But neither is it very forgiving,” he answered, though no one was there to hear his reply. Knowing that he didn't have much of a choice, he steeled his nerves to go greet his wife. Mei and Jarek brought her back under the cloak of evening, but torchlight lit his way.

  Jin didn't know what to think or believe anymore. Manipulation and lies were how they'd gotten into this situation in the first place. The altered scrolls, the Wushu Uprising, the past hidden from them all, these were all reasons why he was standing where he was now. He knew his ancestor meant well, but nothing good ever came of deceit. Jin was chosen out of all his brothers because he could see this. He was the past, understood it, and was burdened most by it.

  Understanding didn't make it easier to bear. If anything, it made it harder. He couldn't hate Francesca for what she'd done because he believed he understood her reasons for doing it.

  Folding his hands in front of him, he solemnly walked to the front entrance. His dark blue silk tunic shirt hung to his knees, blending into the darker night with the black silk of his pants. His ground shoes were quiet at he moved soundlessly over the pathway.

  "Jin!” Mei rushed forward, wrapping her arms around him. She gave him a quick hug before pulling back. Jin touched her cheek and Mei grabbed his hand in hers, holding it there.

  Jin glanced over his sister's shoulder. Francesca stood by Dev in a dark red gown that fell all the way to her feet. Her eyes met his and he couldn't breathe. She always had that effect on him. His heart beat slowed in his chest and for a long moment the dull sound was all he could hear, echoing in the caverns of his ears.

  Francesca moved and the spell was broken. She lifted her wrists, gave him a wry smile and shook the shackles that bound her hands together. The chains clinked, sounding like tiny bells tinkling over the night.

  Jin dropped Mei's hand, not saying a word to her. Slowly, he stepped forward to Francesca and said the only thing he could think of. “Welcome back."

  "Thanks for inviting me,” she answered coyly with no trace of the sarcasm he knew the words to imply. A demure look crossed her lovely features and he read something deeper in the depths of her eyes, but she hid all emotion well behind her mask of indifference.

  Jin glanced at Dev. The man nodded once and let her go. He moved to join his crewmen as Mei led her friends toward the guest house next to the royal chambers. Jin didn't move. His family had not come out to greet his wayward bride and he was left alone with her.

  "How's the family?” she asked, making polite conversation.

  "Better now, thank you.” Jin motioned for her to follow. Her shackles clinked lightly as she walked beside him. “How was your vacation?"

  "It was actually a little rough. People kept trying to beat me up and kidnap me. Funny, they seemed almost motivated to capture me.” She looked at him from beneath her long lashes. “It was almost as if someone had paid them to come after me. I swear, I have never been so popular in my life."

  "I guess you have one of those faces,” he answered. The eerie politeness between them was making him sick, but what else could he do but play her game?

 

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