Prince Qui could not be wrong. He finally had the right puzzle pieces. He was so sure of it that it was almost maddening. He was going to confront the princess. He was going to make her tell him the truth. This had to stop.
But all those thoughts disappeared when she entered the throne room. Prince Qui was frozen. He was almost a head taller than the rest of the guests and he watched as she walked.
He almost spilled his drink.
The room had been well-lit but when she entered, it was like the whole room got brighter. Her milky skin made her look like she was literally glowing. The contrast of it against the darker hues of her dress was inconceivable. The skirt of her dress lightly swept against the floor, making a sort of illusion that her feet were not touching the ground.
He had read things about Shanmai and their celebration when Princess Yingyue had been born. 'Touched by the Gods,' they said. 'She's a goddess,' they said.
And wouldn't you know?
