Empire’s Curse (Drakkon #1)

Chapter 4

Daiyu flung the door open and stepped through. Almost instantly, a cloying floral smell hit her—an amalgamation of jasmine, rose, and cherries—so sweet she almost choked. Over three dozen women turned to her. For a moment, Daiyu froze, staring at their heavily painted faces, the silk dresses they wore, and the jewelry adorning their heads. They were all sprawled on couches with decorative, tasseled pillows.

Time slowed, and her heart sank as her gaze flitted over the women with white-powdered faces and red flowers etched onto their foreheads.

“Daiyu?” One of the women rose from her seat, her eyes wide.

The basket slipped from Daiyu’s hand, forgotten as she pushed through the room. “Lanfen? Lanfen!”

Lanfen rushed to her and they both fell into a tight embrace. Daiyu’s eyes burned with tears as she hugged her sister tightly. All the weariness from travel and the anxiety of getting to this point vanished in seconds. Her throat closed up and she breathed in the flowery and powdery scent from her sister.

“How are you here?” Lanfen asked, her voice barely a whisper.

“It’s a long story.” Daiyu closed her eyes. The other women in the room continued their chatter, ignoring them both. “I came to rescue you.”

Lanfen pulled away from her. Her face was covered in white powder, but it didn’t extend to her neck, which was still tanned from farm life. “How will we do that?”

“I’ve got my ways. Anyway, how are you? How have you been here?”

Daiyu eased onto one of the many couches along with her sister. Lanfen twiddled her hands together and ran her thumb over the silver embroidery on her sleeve. “I’ve been well. I haven’t seen the emperor, if that’s what you’re asking. He hasn’t come here even once, and some of the girls I talked to said they haven’t seen him even though they’ve been here for months! It seems he has no interest in choosing one of us …” Her gaze skated to the others in the room, and then back at Daiyu. “We might be stuck here for a while.”

“No one has mistreated you, have they?”

She shook her head.

“Good.” Daiyu placed a gentle hand on her sister’s cheek. “You were very brave to come here, Lanfen.”

Unshed tears shone in her eyes. “I want to go home.”

Daiyu’s chest tightened at the sight of her younger sister’s anguished expression. She squeezed her hand tightly and gave her a reassuring smile. How lonely and terrifying must it have been to be thrust in the royal palace with no say of her future? Lanfen didn’t want to be here; she would rather be home with her family. And yet she had no choice. Even if the emperor chose her, she wouldn’t be able to say no.

“I’ll take you back, I promise,” Daiyu said.

Lanfen sniffled and wiped her eyes with the back of her hand, smudging the whitish makeup on her face. “But how will we do that?”

“I’ve got a connection here. He’ll help us out.”

She tilted her head to the side. “How do you know someone?”

“It’s a long story. I’ll explain when we’re out of here.”

Lanfen glanced at the door. “But we’re not allowed to leave this wing.”

“I didn’t notice any guards, though.”

“The guards are stationed at the bottom of the staircases on both sides of the hallway.”

“But the hallway is unguarded?”

“Yes, since this wing holds all our bedrooms. Why?”

“So you have your own room?”

“Yes,” Lanfen said. “Why?”

“Let’s go to your room, then.”

Lanfen led Daiyu out of the room and down the hallway. They entered a cramped room with a single bed in one corner, a small trunk of belongings, and a tiny, circular window with a geometric metal design. She hurried to the window and peered through the slats, her heart sinking. She had thought that maybe the window would be big enough for them to sneak through, or to climb out of, but this was impossible.

“Well?” Lanfen chewed on her lower lip.

“We can’t jump through here.” Her fingers trailed over the metal working of the window. They were also three stories high, so even if the window weren’t so small, they probably wouldn’t be able to climb down. Did the emperor do this on purpose? Lock up these women here with no hope of escape?

Lanfen kept her back pressed to the sliding door. “Daiyu, I don’t think it’s a good idea for you to be here. You look out of place with your clothes and I think it’s too much trouble to try to sneak me out. You need to get out of here before anyone notices.”

“I came here to save you. I’m not running away.”

“But—”

“We’ll come up with a plan! Don’t worry.” Even as she said that, her mind came to a stuttering halt. What could she do to sneak them both out? They had a way out—the masked man—but how could they get out of this hallway without garnering any attention?

“Maybe you can pretend to be one of us?” Lanfen pointed to the wooden trunk. “They gave me two other dresses to wear. If you put one on, you’ll blend in with everyone else.”

Daiyu pursed her lips together. “But I’d like to leave as soon as possible?—”

“I do too, but if any of those women tell the guards that you came here dressed like that, and you don’t change, they’ll realize you don’t belong here.” She swallowed. “I don’t want to see you get dragged out here by the guards.”

“Has that happened before?”

Lanfen averted her gaze, her face pale. “There was a girl who didn’t want to be here. She kicked and screamed and cursed the emperor, so the guards took her away. I have no idea what happened to her.”

Daiyu leaned against the wall of the room and closed her eyes. She had made it all the way up here pretending to be a servant, and that seemed to have worked. Maybe she could sneak out the same way? But that would require her finding some clothes for Lanfen that would make her blend in as a servant. Or she could pretend to be a part of the royal selection and try to run when there was a better opportunity.

“All right, I’ve got a plan.” Daiyu gave her sister a level look. “I’m going to find some maidservant clothes for you, and then we’ll both leave. The guards didn’t bother me since I’m dressed like this.” She waved to her worn-out dress. “So I’m sure they won’t bother me again.”

Lanfen shook her head. “What if they notice you? I’ve been in the palace for a week now, and one thing I’ve noticed is that the servants dress nice. Plain, but still nice! You’re dressed too …” Her gaze flicked down to her dried-grass sandals, the ragged hem of her dress, and the threadbare material.

“Too much like a farmer’s daughter?” She smiled even as Lanfen cringed. “I know, Lanfen, but what else can I do?”

“You can pretend to be a part of the royal?—”

“That’ll be my last resort.”

“Then maybe—” Lanfen shot forward and kneeled in front of the trunk. She jerked the lid open and yanked out a shimmering pink dress with feathery soft sleeves and cranes embroidered on the skirts. “Take this with you. If someone stops you, tell them you’re …” She frowned. “I don’t know, tell them something.”

“That I’m … on my way to a bath?” Daiyu offered, taking the pretty dress from her sister’s hands. “This dress is beautiful,” she whispered.

“It’s not worth being in here for just that.” She pointed to the dress and then gave Daiyu a sad look. “Please be safe.”

She bundled the dress in her arms and nodded. “Of course.”

The palace was too large, Daiyu decided as she stumbled through a random hallway. She had slipped out the women’s wing with no problem. The guards at the ends of the staircases didn’t give her a second glance and the other guards and servants milling about the palace mostly ignored her. Everyone was too focused on their own tasks to pay much attention to anyone else. That played in Daiyu’s favor. But that also played against her because if she took the time to ask anyone anything, they grew suspicious. And so she clammed up and ventured through the winding halls by herself.

Her anxieties multiplied with every step. She couldn’t find the servants’ quarters, and the deeper into the palace she ventured, the less sure she became. If she couldn’t even find clothes to fit her sister, how was she going to sneak out, find the mysterious masked man, and get out of here? She didn’t even know the man’s name, so how would she summon him?

She felt like she was wandering in circles. The hallways all looked the same: fancy, tiled floors; embellished, geometric designs on the walls; and heavy doors with intricate dragon embossing.

A man with light brown hair and eyes to match caught her attention in one of the halls. He was dressed in long, sapphire robes with a sword to his hip. They both made eye contact, and the man smiled from down the hall.

Crap. Why was he smiling at her?

Daiyu lowered her head and quickly glanced for an escape route. The only way out of this hallway was either behind her, or where he was—at the end of the hall.

If she turned around and left, would that be suspicious? But would he try to talk to her if she tried to make it to the end of the hallway?

Her mind swam with what to do. Her steps faltered, and right when she thought to turn around, it was too late. He was in front of her.

“Are you lost?”

She plastered a tight-lipped smile on her face that she hoped didn’t look too strained. The man wasn’t dressed like a soldier, but he had a sword—that probably meant he was in a high position, maybe?

“Uh, yes.” Daiyu held the dress close to her chest.

“Maybe I can help you?” He eyed her and she wasn’t sure if she saw mistrust in his gaze. But there was something there—something that told her this man was sharp. “You look like a maid? But you’re not in the typical outfit of a maid. Why is that?”

Daiyu held the dress in her arms. “I just arrived here. I was chosen for the royal selection and was given this dress, along with the instruction to take a bath.”

“Why didn’t the lady in charge send you to the bath in the Lotus wing?”

“I’m a farmer’s daughter,” Daiyu quickly said, her mind scrambling with ideas as she shifted on her feet. “The others didn’t take kindly to me using their bath, so they sent me off. Something about how I’ll dirty their bath water with muck …” She looked down at her grass sandals and wriggled her tanned toes for emphasis. “I think they were playing a mean joke on me because no matter where I go, I can’t find a place to bathe.”

The man nodded slowly, something akin to understanding flickering in his warm, brown eyes. “Women can be very cruel.”

“Yes …” Daiyu peered up at him. “I suppose I’ll be off then?—”

“Let me show you to the bath, yes?”

“Oh? Um, no need. I’m sure you’re busy?—”

“I can’t turn away a lady in need.” He smiled and there was something mischievous about it as he waved her forward.

Daiyu internally cursed herself for bumping into this man. He was probably being kind for leading her toward the bath, but she didn’t need a bath—she needed to find some clothes.

They walked for a bit before finally stopping at a pair of doors guarded by two men. They straightened when they saw the man and lowered their heads.

The man motioned to the door. “The bath, my lady.”

“Ah, thank you.” Daiyu hesitated as the two guards gave her strange looks.

“But comm—” the guard began.

The man raised his hand. “It’s fine. She’s a woman for the royal selection. Once she’s done with her bath, lead her to the Lotus wing.”

“Understood,” the guard said with a nod, but not before giving Daiyu another glance.

Daiyu paused at the door. She didn’t want to take a bath right now, but if she left the bathroom without taking a bath, wouldn’t that alert the guards that something was up? Would it be better to pretend to be a part of the selection and figure out another way to leave?

She pushed open the door and closed it behind her. The air was dense with steam and fog, but Daiyu could make out a pool in the center of the room with a statue of a dragon curling around the rim. She didn’t give it much attention as she padded toward the stone bench. After dumping the fancy dress onto it, she began to untie her sash when she finally noticed that, through the steam, a man was sitting in the bath. She almost hadn’t noticed him because he was so close to the dragon’s gaping mouth of razored teeth and he blended in against the pale oranges and yellows of the statue.

The man had his midnight-like eyes set on her. Like an abyss waiting to yank someone to their demise.

Long, inky, silk-like hair fell over his lean shoulders. His powerful arms were braced against the rim casually, and she could make out a dragon tattoo on his forearm. His pale face was immaculate, not a single scar or imperfection. He pinned her with an amused look of someone powerful stepping into his den.

Daiyu’s heart nearly stopped. He has a dragon tattoo.

“Who are you and what are you doing in my bathing chambers?” Even his voice was beautiful and powerful. Smooth and velvety. Perfect, if not for the power he radiated.

Daiyu slowly grabbed the dress from the bench. “I’ve made a mistake.” Her voice came out as barely a whisper, like the wisps of steam fogging the room. “Apologies, sir. I’ll be?—”

“Leaving so soon? I think not.” He pointed to the bench and the water rippled across the surface. “Sit.”

Daiyu remained standing and turned her face away from the naked man. Her heart was pounding so loudly and hard in her chest, she felt like it would leap out. Her hands trembled and adrenaline coursed through her veins. She shouldn’t be here—she didn’t know who this strange man was, but she suddenly felt like prey in his presence.

“This is highly improper. I must leave.” She tightened her hold on her dress, the silk creasing. “I’m an unmarried woman and you … you are naked.”

“That I am.”

“And I … I’m unmarried,” she reiterated, choosing to stare at the metal lanterns hanging from the ceiling. “So, sir, I must leave. Now.”

She could feel the man boring holes into her. There was something intoxicating about him, like if she stared for too long, she would unravel at the seams. And the more he stared, the more her body flushed with heat. She was becoming dizzy in the muggy room.

Daiyu’s legs felt leaden as she stumbled toward the doorway. “Goodbye?—”

“Do not run.” There was a warning in his tone, and Daiyu almost face-planted hearing the grave timbre in his voice.

Daiyu’s fingers dug into the doorframe. She didn’t dare look back at the man.

“Your name?” he asked.

A fake name. She needed to give him a fake name.

Daiyu’s mind was blank. “I-I have no name,” she blurted.

A pause. “You … have no name?”

He didn’t sound convinced. And Daiyu cringed at her terrible quick thinking.

She finally looked over her shoulder at him. He hadn’t moved and was still in the bath. His fingers skimmed the surface and he rubbed a petal between his fingers, his black gaze set on her. Warmth pooled in her chest at the same time an icy dread washed over her—something wasn’t right.

“That’s right. I have no name,” she went with a strained smile. She barely choked the words out, unable to rip her gaze from those dark, dark eyes that seemed to consume her in swathes of shadows. “So, sir, I’ll be leaving now. Good day to you and I apologize for disturbing your bath.”

“Don’t leave so soon?—”

“No, no. You see, I’m in a hurry.” She bobbed her head, swallowing down the dryness of her throat. “I have somewhere very important to go and seeing as how I’m unmarried and you … you are likely unmarried too? Yes?” She sucked in a deep breath, the words tumbling out of her mouth too quickly for her to think straight past the haze of steam and the intoxicating smell of jasmine. “Yes. So seeing as how we both are in this improper situation, I think it’s best I leave before anything escalates?—”

“Escalates?” He raised a brow and she could tell that remark angered him by the tick in his jaw. “You think I would?—”

“Yes, escalate! Because, you see, I would jump on you and I don’t think you would want that. Right? Right. No one wants to be attacked. So as to preserve your chastity and mine, I will leave. Right now. Good day!” Without waiting for his response, she yanked the door open and scrambled out of the room. Slamming the door shut behind her, she slumped against it with a loud, shaky exhale.

One of the guards jumped and stared at her like she had grown two heads.

“Take me to the women’s lotus, blossom—whatever it’s called—wing, please.” Daiyu waved toward the hallway and the man blinked. “Now, please!”

“Err, yes.”

The man led her down the hallway and Daiyu hurried after him. Her heart wouldn’t stop racing wildly. She kept looking over her shoulder, expecting the man to chase her down.

He had a dragon tattoo.

Only royalty had that.

And she had just run away from him.