Epilogue
The Sword and the Heart
Lei
The next morning, I stood in my palace bedroom, wearing nothing but a blue towel that clung to my damp skin.
Sunlight streamed through the windows and my thoughts drifted to Moni.
A soft sigh escaped my lips.
Damn. Yesterday was everything. I wish I could go back and live it again and again.
The memory of her laughter, the sparkle in her eyes, and the warmth of her touch replayed in my mind like a cherished melody.
“Lift your arms, Lei.” Master Wu stood before me and pressed some triangular copper object against my underarm. “Oh, I see now.”
Chen widened his eyes and got close to us. “What’s wrong?”
“The Mountain Master’s pulse is steady.” He moved the object away.
I put my arm down.
Master Wu tapped against my throat three times. “Aww.”
Chen held out his hands. “Is he sick?”
Master Wu stepped back. “There is a sense of restlessness within him.”
“He just wants to get back inside of Moni.” Duck chuckled by the wall.
I gazed over my shoulder and scowled at him.
He quit with the chuckling.
It was shocking that Duck even had the energy to make a joke. Hu and he appeared beyond exhausted by the wall, barely able to stand up.
What did they do last night? They better not have messed with Moni’s ladies-in-waiting.
Either way, they donned the appropriate formal wear for the tea ceremony and kept a good hold on their weapons.
I turned back to Master Wu and Chen, and shook my head. “Cousin, I told you that I was fine. There was no need to call in a healer.”
Chen didn’t seem convinced at all. “We should let Master Wu finish his assessment.”
Master Wu's hands hovered over my heart. “I’ve checked this organ for you many times, but this morning, Mountain Master, it does not beat. It booms.”
Chen raised his eyebrows. “Is that a bad thing?”
Smirking, Master Wu kept his hand over my chest. “The heart is a powerful force. It can heal wounds no medicine can touch.”
I nodded, barely hearing his words, lost in last night’s vivid memories of Moni. The way her soft fingers traced patterns on my skin, the way our souls entwined, dancing and swaying in perfect harmony.
A pang of longing hit me.
My palace bedroom—packed with my men and staff—felt empty without her presence.
Duck’s right. I need her.
I closed my eyes, and a smile tugged at my lips.
Yes, yesterday was everything.
Duck started chuckling. “Lei, you’ll never guess what Chen was up to last night.”
I kept my eyes closed. “What?”
Chen didn’t sound amused. “Duck, be serious today.”
Duck spoke. “Chen was trying to romance Moni’s ladies-in-waiting.”
“I was not!”
Duck continued, ignoring Chen’s protests. “He was trying to be all charming and suave, thinking he could impress them with his moves.”
“I was just being friendly,” Chen said.
Duck scoffed. “You were practically reciting poetry.”
I opened my eyes. “Poetry?”
Chen muttered under his breath, looking thoroughly embarrassed. “I wasn’t reciting poetry.”
Duck teased. “What was it then? Song lyrics?”
Before Chen could defend himself further, Hu chimed in. “We also tested them out in the gym.”
I turned my attention to him. “Are they good?”
“We had them spar with us for hours. They were impressive. Really impressive.”
“Good.” I nodded.
Duck chuckled. “I think I’m in love.”
Chen, still looking a bit embarrassed, cleared his throat. “They are strong. And top fighters. Our aunts picked well.”
I smiled at him, knowing he meant it. “Good to know, Chen.”
“Alright.” Master Wu cleared his throat. “Chen, our Mountain Master is in excellent health. I don’t understand what concerned you.”
“He arrived at the palace covered in dirt with a ridiculous smile on his face. I want to make sure he isn’t on drugs or having a mental episode.”
Master Wu chuckled. “From my assessment, the results are telling me that our Mountain Master is simply. . . in love.”
I nodded. “I don’t want any medicine for that.”
“Lucky for you, I don’t have any.”
My cousin frowned at Master Wu. “Are you sure Lei is okay?”
“Yes. Also, it appears his spending the night in the garden may have lifted his spirits to a healing level. His vitals are top notch.”
Chen rolled his eyes and then scowled at me. “Lei, you have a massive bed in your palace bedroom. I leave you alone for one night and you are sleeping in the dirt?”
“We just happened to fall asleep—”
“Naked?”
“Yes, Chen. Sometimes that happens when you are. . .” I licked my lips. “Enjoying yourself in the garden at night.”
“No one has sex in a garden.”
Master Wu laughed. “You would be surprised. I have had a few romps in—”
“Please, no.” Chen held his hand up. “We are done with your services for today, Master Wu.”
Chuckling some more, Master Wu gathered up his items. “Am I to still be in attendance at the tea ceremony?”
“Please and bring your team.” Chen crossed his arms and looked at me. “While the Mountain Master believes this will be a nice tea ceremony, I’m not too sure. Someone may get hurt.”
“Not me.” I winked and went over to the other side of the room where my Handlers stood with my tea ceremony outfit.
The towel slipped slightly allowing the cool morning breeze to kiss my skin.
I fixed it and got to the Handlers.
One giggled, and the other two joined in. For some reason, they had been doing that since I returned to the palace this morning.
The door opened.
I glanced over my shoulder.
Bolin and Fengge entered, already dressed and ready to be present for the ceremony.
I nodded at them and turned back to my handlers.
“I will see everyone later.” Still chuckling, Master Wu left with his bag.
Chen came over to me. “There’s gossip all over the palace about your having sex in your mother’s garden last night.”
I couldn’t help but smile. The way Moni looked at me under the moonlight, the way she melted under my touch, the lovely sounds of her moans—it was all pure and perfect.
There was no denying that I was in love.
Deeply.
Irrevocably.
Chen cleared his throat. “Did you hear what I said?”
I stepped in front of the mirror. “Have we received an update on Moni?”
Chen blew out a long breath. “Lei, she is doing the same thing she has been doing for the past two hours, working on Practiced Grace with our aunts at Lotus Blossom.”
One of the Handlers blushed and brought over a bottle of lotion. “Mountain Master, should I put this on your arms?”
I hesitated.
Historically, whenever this one rubbed lotion on my body, she spent a lot of time diving those slippery hands into my pants and rubbing my cock.
There’d even been a few times where I’d let her suck me off in the privacy of my space.
That would happen no more.
Hmmm.
It was then I realized that now, being in a committed relationship with Moni, my having female Handlers would not be appropriate.
“No, thank you.” I took the lotion from her. “I’ll do it myself. For today, you all are. . .excused.”
One opened her mouth in shock. “Did we do something wrong, Mountain Master?”
“You did not.”
“Okay.”
They bowed in unison and hurried away.
Chen watched me smear lotion on my biceps. “What was that about?”
“I need you to reassign me with male Handlers.”
“What?” Duck laughed from the back. “Tell me you’re joking?”
Chen fixed his glasses. “What’s wrong with the Handlers that you have now?”
“I need to respect my relationship and ensure there are no misunderstandings.”
“They are not your harem—”
“I can’t let anything, not even a small detail like the Handlers, jeopardize what we have.”
“That’s a. . .fair point.” Chen admitted, still a little taken aback. “I suppose we can arrange that. Personally, I think you're overreacting but it’s wise to take precautions.”
Duck laughed. “Well. . .can I have your Handlers?”
“That’s up to them. For now, let’s focus on the tea ceremony.” I took off my towel, grabbed my blue boxer briefs and put them on. “How’s security?”
Chen picked up my pants and held them in front of me. “Our men are all over Lotus Blossom. There are even some on the roof.”
I took the pants from him and put them on. “Where’s my father?”
“Uncle Leo just entered the East with my father and his men.”
“Is Yan with them?”
“Not from what our men have seen.”
“And the news?”
“As soon as they got the official invitation this morning, they rushed to Lotus Blossom. Every outlet has been setting up around the property. A few are getting footage of the garden and. . .” Chen frowned. “Many have taken images of the alleged area where Monique and you slept last night.”
Smiling, I buttoned the top of my pants. “How would they know which tree was the right one?”
“Rumors spread fast—”
“I don’t care—”
“Not everyone will be happy about your having sex in your mother’s garden—a place that is pretty much considered a protected, historical area.”
I let out an annoyed breath.
“Kids take field trips there—”
“Moni is living there now. Therefore, no more field trips. No more tourists. And anything Moni or I want to do there will happen.”
Surely, Chen had more to say but he kept his mouth closed and gently picked up the centerpiece of my tea ceremony outfit.
The magnificent robe was a deep turquoise that mirrored the sky. The silk was so fine, it shimmered in the sunlight coming in from the window.
I took in the golden dragons and smiled. “The ceremony will be good for Moni. Right?”
Chen didn’t look like he wanted to admit it yet he nodded. “It will. This is probably. . .the smartest thing you’ve done this week.”
“No. Listening to Moni might have been the smartest one this week.” I grabbed the robe from him.
The inner lining was a lighter blue, almost silver.
I dove my hands through the sleeves. “And what about the helicopters. Are they ready to go over to the South later this evening?”
“About that?” Chen scowled for what must have been the tenth time today. “Why are we over complicating an already impossibly dangerous day?”
“I want her sisters in the East.”
“Tomorrow is the battle. Did you forget?”
I fastened the robe with a broad sash, embroidered with intricate patterns of lotus blossoms and waves.
“Lei?”
“No. I didn’t forget that I have to kill my father tomorrow. How could I? Especially, when you keep reminding me every damn hour.”
Chen rolled his eyes. “Tonight, you don’t need to be partying at a cookout. You should be at the top of Mount Utopia meditating on strength and strategy.”
“Moni needs her sisters here today and I need Moni for the battle tomorrow. Therefore, if she is happy and calm, I will be too.”
“Her sisters coming is fine, but Rowe Street Mob is another thing—”
“How else was I going to get them over. Of course Banks would want to come and I anticipated him trying to bring more of his people over.”
Hu loudly yawned and finally spoke. “Chen, I think this will be fine tonight. We’re lucky Banks isn’t asking about his men who are still injured on Mount Utopia.”
Chen went over to the other side of the room and returned with my special belt. “I don’t think it was smart that you let Marcelo come over with them.”
Anger sparked within my chest. “I have my own reasons for that.”
“What reasons?”
“Marcelo and I need to talk.”
Chen stood in front of me with the belt. “Just a conversation?”
“For now.” I grabbed the belt from him. It was a masterful piece of craftsmanship made from rich, dark leather and adorned with silver fittings. Attached to it was my ceremonious sword. The hilt was inlaid with jade and precious stones, and the blade although rarely unsheathed, was kept in pristine condition.
The sword was supposed to symbolize my authority and protection in the East.
I gazed at it, thinking of how I would need to protect this new love between Moni and me.
Duck came over and checked out my image in the mirror. “If Marcelo and Banks are coming over then there will be a sea of green in the East.”
I leveled a serious look at him. “Let them bring however many people they want.”
Hu left the wall. “We should have men in the shadows just in case.”
“We can.” I shrugged. “But, you all need to be on your best behavior. No fighting, no provocations. Tonight, is about officially moving Moni’s sisters into Lotus Blossom.”
Hu shook his head. “That is the only part of this that I disagree with. I think her sisters should move in several days after the battle.”
“A cookout and a tea ceremony. Jesus Christ.” Chen studied me. “And you rambled on and on about a grill-off this morning. I swore you were on drugs.”
“It will be a friendly competition between Banks and Mom’s chef. I think Chef Foo wants to prove himself to Moni.” I pointed at Hu. “You’re going to help me judge.”
Duck quirked his brows. “Why can’t I help judge?”
“Because you hate Banks.” I turned to Bolin and Fengge. “My father and Uncle Song cannot attend the cookout. I won’t have it. Make sure they are escorted out of the East.”
Bolin nodded. “Yes, Mountain Master.”
Chen still didn’t look pleased. “Our aunts will expect to get an invitation to this cookout. If they hear about it, they’re definitely coming.”
I sighed, already picturing the scene. Once they saw Moni’s sisters they would be adopting and possibly kidnapping them. “I’m sure our aunts will be there. I’ll invite them during the tea ceremony.”
“Be careful.” Duck grinned. “Aunt Suzi claimed to be giving us the silent treatment for the rest of the year then she proceeded to yell at us for an hour.”
I sighed, knowing that I would have to deal with my aunts’ anger eventually. “If only they were truly dedicated to the silent treatment.”
Duck laughed.
Hu grinned.
Chen continued to watch me. “For now?”
I eyed him. “What?”
“Earlier you said that you would need to talk to Marcelo and that it would only be a conversation. . . for now . What does that mean?”
I put my view on the mirror.
The image that stared back at me was one of regality and tradition.
“Lei?” Chen shook his head. “I can always tell when you’re moving chess pieces in your head. If you are going to strategize some sort of move. . .I should know about it.”
I directed my view back to him. “When my father is gone and things settle down in the East, we’re going to kill Marcelo.”
The room fell silent.
Chen’s eyes widened in shock while Hu maintained his usual neutral expression.
Duck’s grin returned, this time more sinister.
When Chen finally spoke, it was barely above a whisper. “How?”
“We’ll have to make it look like an accident,” My voice ran cold and steady. “Like a drowning while on a fishing trip.”
Chen shook his head. “Does he even fish?”
“I don’t know but however we kill Marcelo, we will have to make sure nothing points to the East having any hands in it. I don’t want Banks or Moni to be suspicious.”
Chen swallowed hard. “Or Dima?”
I let out an annoyed breath. “I forgot about Dima and his new little friendship with Marcelo.”
“If you kill Marcelo, Dima will investigate and. . .he is thorough.”
Bolin bobbed his head. “When you killed Chanel’s husband, Dima knew.”
“He didn’t say anything.”
“That’s because Dima didn’t like her husband either but Dima will do more than say something if we kill Marcelo,” Chen chimed in. “In fact. . .it could be a war between the North and the East.”
War with Dima?
I didn’t like the sound of that. Dima had a lot of men and an exorbitant amount of weapons. But the most important and lethal item on his side, was his brain. During many Syndicate conflicts, I’d watched him out-smart the best.
But there was another reason why I didn’t want to fight with Dima.
I frowned. “We cannot have Dima get involved with this.”
Duck nodded. “While we can take the South and the West, Dima could beat the shit out of us.”
“And. . .” I swallowed. “I can’t lose another person in this world that I care about. After Romeo’s and Chanel’s deaths, I could never raise a gun in Dima’s direction.”
The memories of their loss were like scars etched into my soul. They were reminders of the price of power and the fragility of life.
Yet, even as I didn’t want to battle Dima, this intense darkness brewed within me.
I thought about Marcelo—his audacity in telling Moni he loved her—and my whole body vibrated with rage.
Another man coveting what was mine?
In this life, I had been forced to not go after the possibility of love with Chanel and then. . .she was taken away from me.
Now I had Moni, who I was discovering would be the greatest love of my life. . .and here we had this fucking dumbass in the South. . .violating.
Challenging.
I put my gaze back on the sword at my side.
Moni had asked me to be nice to Marcelo and she was right last night about her dedication and loyalty to me.
I owed her good behavior today.
That meant that I would accept her family with open arms.
However, Marcelo’s words had been poison on that phone line. Every one seeped into the cracks of my resolve. The thought of him, daring to confess his love to Moni, made my blood boil and my vision blur with fury.
I should have killed him last night. . .she’s changing me. . .
Going to war with Dima or not, I would find a way to protect our love—and make sure that Marcelo could never speak the words I love you again.
In the end. . .whether I liked it or not. . .I was my father’s son.
I looked at Chen. “Let’s deal with one problem at a time.”
“O-kay.”
“Tea ceremony. Moni’s sisters. Kill my father tomorrow.” I sneered. “And then we get rid of Marcelo. No mistakes. No loose ends. Moni’s happiness and the future of the East depend on it.”
Duck grinned, clearly enjoying the prospect.
Chen looked terrified and Hu continued to watch me with that neutral expression.
Meanwhile, Bolin and Fengge’s faces both shifted from shocked to unsure of what to do.
I scanned their faces. “Do we all understand?”
They spoke in unison. “Yes, Mountain Master.”