Chapter 16 Tea ceremony
Now that I've recovered, Mei Mei is officially allowed to visit.
Today she's practicing her tea ceremony skills.
I am told to critique her as honestly as I would in the mortal world.
Little does she know I have absolutely no idea what the difference is between a good tea ceremony and a great tea ceremony.
So either way, I'll give her amazing feedback.
A servant leads me into their palace. It looks as if it's a palace of its own with brilliant tiled jade rooftops and painted ceilings. I can't help but stare at the water lilies and lotus flowers that have fully bloomed in the pond. It's as if I've stepped into a dream.
"Soso!" Mei Mei exclaims. She's chosen for her tea ceremony to take place in an open air pavilion that looks as if it's floating in the middle of the pond. The fresh spring air mixed with the scent of blooming florals is enough for me to immediately give her my stamp approval.
"You've outdone yourself," I compliment her. Servants murmur compliments behind me. The overprotective side of me wonders if any of them are secretly spies for the Celestial court. I push my disapproval down and allow myself to savor the present moment.
Mei Mei's rosy pink aura shimmers slightly. A big smile flashes across her face as she gives me a once over. "You're much more golden today," she gives her approval. "I don't think anyone told you, but the dress code today is pink. And, you're in lavender. Which is close, but not good enough."
She grabs my hand and motions for some servants to follow her. Around us, cherry blossoms fall like snow. I pick the blossoms out of my hair before entering her quarters.
"I picked this just for you," she declares once we're in her quarters. The robes she selected are a vision of spring—soft pink fabric embroidered with shimmering blossoms. Servants help me into them, and I wave them off to finish my makeup alone.
But before I can start, Jian's low voice reaches me through the open window.
"What do I do with her?" he asks, frustration threading through his tone.
I freeze. My pulse quickens as I realize he must be talking about me.
"Lady Sora?" his sister's voice answers, light and teasing.
"Yes." He sighs, and I can picture him running a hand through his hair in frustration. "She's unpredictable, and her presence could undo everything I've worked for. I can't ignore the danger she brings."
Danger? My heart skips a beat at his words.
I glance at my reflection in the polished bronze mirror and notice the blush that's begun to reveal itself.
His sister remains quiet for a moment as if considering his words.
I try to mind my own business by reviewing the selection of lipsticks in front of me. There's a light pink, a mauve, a red...
My hands falter, the makeup brush trembling. His words sting, but I can't stop myself from listening.
His sister pauses before responding, her voice turning knowing. "It's not just the danger, is it? It's the way she makes you feel—something you don't want to feel."
My breath catches. The blush creeping across my cheeks has nothing to do with the spring air.
"I never asked for this," Jian mutters. There's a weight to his tone, something deeper than frustration.
"You can't lie to yourself forever," his sister says softly. "It'll only make it worse. Let yourself be human for once."
"I can't," he says, his tone sharpening. "You know I can't. She'll get hurt the same way everyone else has gotten hurt."
The raw vulnerability in his tone twists something deep inside me. I set down the makeup brush with trembling hands, staring at my reflection in the mirror. My blush looks ridiculous and my eyeliner is visibly crooked.
"It's too late," his sister observes. "Have you thought maybe she just needs someone to stay by her side?"
"No," he admits after a long moment. "For her staying is more dangerous than leaving."
Their footsteps fade, leaving me alone with my racing heart. I stare at my reflection in the polished bronze mirror. My cheeks are flushed, my lips trembling as I apply the light pink lipstick.
"Wow," Mei Mei screeches. She rushes to grab my hand. "I have really good taste. The makeup isn't great, but other than that you look amazing."
I can't help but laugh at her honesty. She pulls me back towards her tea ceremony where her Mother and Jian are already seated. I notice the way his eyes linger on me for a little longer than they should. When we make our way into the pavilion, I dip into a bow and greet the two of them.
"You may rise," Mei Mei's mother excuses me. "I am glad you are feeling better."
"Thank you," I reply. "I am excited to be well enough to experience today's tea ceremony."
Mei Mei conveniently seats me next to Jian. My sleeves brush against him as I struggle to sit next to him in this intricate outfit. He doesn't bother to move.
"Let us begin," Mei Mei's mother instructs.
The tea ceremony is a combination of intentional steps that I don't fully understand. Luckily, Mei Mei's mother walks her through every step. I feel a pang of homesickness when I think about my mother. After the tea is served, servants bring little pastries out.
I can feel Jian's eyes on me when I absentmindedly nibble one of the pastries. For the first time, I can see it. The way his gaze softens when he thinks I'm not looking.
"Thank you for inviting me, Mei Mei," I say when I notice her waiting to hear my critique. "No notes from me. I will need you to teach me one day."
Mei Mei claps in response.
"I even planned it to make sure that you are protected on your way back to your quarters," she informs me. "Uncle will guide you back because everyone is busy."
My stomach sinks. Alone time with him is the last thing I need right now.