Chapter 32
T he rest of the journey felt easier than the first half had. Jahar talks to her now and makes her laugh again. Bennu even joined in.
Jahar had also begun teaching her some self-defense moves. Aza was far weaker than she’d thought, but she was set on working on it. Parts of her still ache, but she was willing and determined to try to make everything okay.
It was midday when the ship finally docked in the Xiaodan Kingdom. Servants greet them, securing the boat and taking their things. They showed her to her room.
When she entered the room, she saw a set of double doors that opened into another room with a grand bed. In the main area, there was a small sitting area with two red chairs and a small table to the left. A large red-and-gold rug covered most of the open floor.
“This room is lovely,” Aza said, and Jahar nodded in agreement.
A knock sounded behind her, and she turned to see a servant standing in the doorway, “Excuse me. Princess Amiaza. King Yuanjun and Prince Zhoufei would like to invite you to tea, whenever you are ready and settled.”
“That is very kind of them. I would be more than happy to join now.”
“Yes, your majesty. I can show you the way.” He bowed.
“Please. Thank you.”
The man leads them through winding halls to a set of grand doors propped open. Four men sat at a large table.
At the head is an older man with long, pin-straight white hair, a thin beard trailing to his chest, and dark eyes. A golden crown rests on his head, a yellow longpao draped over his frame—King Yuanjun.
To his right sits a younger man who mirrors what the King might have been in his youth: Prince Zhoufei.
His black hair falls neatly across his head, shorter than the King’s, his face clean-shaven but marked by the same dark, unexpectedly kind eyes.
He wore a bright red robe threaded with intricate gold.
Beside him is a man in a solid black suit, his straight black hair brushing his shoulders. A neatly defined mustache and beard frame his face, his dark brown eyes sharp and focused.
Across from them sits another older man, white hair pulled into a low ponytail, a patchy beard lining his jaw. He wears a bright blue coat.
They all stood when Aza entered the room and bow respectfully. Aza startled, then returned a curtsy. She hears Jahar’s footsteps descend behind her, finding a place against the wall.
“Princess Amiaza,” came a booming voice from the King, “Welcome to the Xiaodan Kingdom. It is an honor to host you here. Please come sit and join us.”
Aza walked over to the empty chair next to the older gentleman in the blue coat. He pulls her chair out for her to sit and then adjusts it.
“Thank you. And thank you for welcoming me into your kingdom. It is a great honor to be here and sit before you.” She makes sure to smile and nod at all of the men.
“The honor is ours. Please let me introduce you. This is General Han,” he reaches his arm out to the man she is sitting next to and then shifts his focus to the other side of the table, “This is my son, Prince Zhoufei, and my first advisor, Liao.”
“It is lovely to meet you all.”
“Thank you for traveling across the sea to be here.” Prince Zhoufei says in a melodic voice that oddly brings Aza comfort, despite her nerves about meeting all these new people in a foreign place.
“How would you like your tea, Your Highness?” Liao asks, in a much deeper voice.
From the corner of her eye, Zhoufei watches Liao. He was subtle, careful, like he’s holding something back, seemingly holding his breath as if he will do or say something he shouldn’t. Anyone else probably wouldn’t have noticed, but Aza did. I t’s the same way she looks at Jahar .
Interesting … or I’m imagining it.
“A herbal blend with honey, please. If that’s not too much trouble.”
“Ask for anything while you are here, darling.” The King encourages, and Aza nods her thanks.
“If you are up for it, my son would love to give you a tour of our castle and some of our kingdom. We can wait if you need your rest, or start some now and finish later.”
“I would love a tour of the castle to start, if that is alright.”
“I have been humbly offered to be at your service as your guide.” Prince Zhoufei announces.
The King shot a quick glance at his son, a stern expression on his face, before facing Aza once more, “When you are more settled in, in the next day or two, we would all like the pleasure of discussing how we could mutually benefit each other.” The King declares.
“I braved the sea for this very opportunity.” Aza lets a hint of sarcasm slip through, so she tries to save herself with a quick, “You name a time and place, and I will be there.”
Aza noticed the Prince stifling a smile and chuckle. She looks at him, a smile tugging at her lips as well, but she quickly turns back to the King.
“Very well. I will send for you when the time comes.” Aza nods to his response, “Now, if you will excuse the rest of us, I will leave you with my son for you to converse and tour the castle. I trust he will show you much honor and serenity,” he finishes his statement, glancing at his son.
Aza has to hide a smile when the Prince looks over to her, quirking his eyebrows.
“Thank you, your majesty. I look forward to our future conversations.” Aza stands and curtsies once more, which the men return with a bow.
Aza takes her seat again. As she sits, she catches the Prince’s eyes following the men out, as he leans back in his chair. She can’t be sure who or why, but she has a feeling it has to do with a very well-dressed man.
Aza gently clears her throat. Prince Zhoufei quickly turns to meet her eyes and sits up straighter. He gives a sheepish smile before seemingly collecting his thoughts.
“It is a pleasure to officially meet you, Princess Amiaza. I look forward to getting to know you. Please feel free to ask me any questions you’d like.” He folds his hands in front of him on the table.
“I would like to return the same sentiment,” she responds with a smile.
“How was your journey? I myself have never braved the sea.”
This time, Aza does show her smile, finding his slide reference to her response comical, “It was not as long as some of the journeys I’ve been on, which was favorable.
The waves seem to be getting higher as of late, but we were able to get here without incident.
It is like living normally, just the rooms are smaller and, well, move.
” Aza chuckles, and the Prince seems amused as well.
“Well, I look forward to one day having that experience.”
“If you are looking to fulfil that request soon, I would love to formally invite you to my grand ball that we are hosting at the next full moon.” Aza doesn’t know why she tells him this so early; there’s just something about him that seems to put her at ease.
Maybe it’s the fact that he seems just as nervous as she is.
Or maybe it’s the melody of his voice or the softness of his eyes and face.
Or the fact that he, too, seems to be in a position he does not have much say over.
It might be too early to say this, but she has already taken a liking to this prince.
It’s not like what she feels for Jahar. It’s something steadier, something that could be a mutual relationship or friendship.
It reminds her of the feeling she has with Malik and Zain.
“That is quite soon. And yet you still journeyed to meet me?”
“Yes. I am a princess of many talents. Juggling many things at once being the highlight of that.” Aza laughs fully.
“Don’t I know that.” Prince Zhoufei agrees, taking a deep breath, “Could I be honest with you?”
“Please.”
“I would be lying if I said I wasn’t hesitant or nervous to meet you initially. The few princesses I have met in the past have been… well, let’s just say we did not… mix well like tea and honey.” He says with a smirk as a servant brings out a cup of tea for Aza.
“Please forgive us for the wait. It is freshly brewed for you, Your Highness.”
“Thank you.”
“Thank you, Su.”
“Of course, your majesty.” She bows and leaves.
“You know your servants by name?”
“Yes, of course.”
This makes Aza smile. Most of the places she visited, the princes or kings couldn’t be bothered with knowing the names of those who helped keep the castle and kingdom running behind the scenes.
“You have been a breath of fresh air so far. I daresay you have felt a similar feeling visiting other potential suitors.”
Aza smirks, taking a sip of her tea.
“Ah, I seem to be correct,” he leans back more in his chair, releasing some of the rigidity of his posture, “What is it you really want to know? You may speak freely here.”
Aza ponders for a moment before responding, “Are you actually in search of a wife?”
“You did not give me an easy one to start with, now, did you?”
Aza shrugs, “You said speak freely of what I wanted to know.”
“I’m beginning to think I’ll regret saying that,” he smirks, then sighs.
“My father wants me to find a wife before I take the throne. His health is failing, and I need to be ready. My mother passed two years ago, and he insists I need a woman’s perspective.
I don’t disagree. She was vital to his rule, but I don’t think it should be rushed.
Your turn. Do you really want a husband? ”
She gives him a teasing scrunch of her nose, takes another sip of tea, and begins, “First of all, I am very sorry to hear about your mom. I lost mine ten years ago, and I know that grief never truly leaves.”
“Thank you. She was a wonderful woman. I know we only just met, but I know she would have liked you very much.”
“I appreciate those kind words,” she gives him a genuine smile and receives one in return, “As for the husband part, my father and I have decided that a marriage alliance would benefit our people if we can secure a trade deal. You see, we don’t have much food naturally, so trade helps us bring in seeds, crops, and livestock. ”