They awoke the next day together with the sun, and set off after sharing pieces of bread that Chen Kou had purchased the day before. The next few days passed just as the first had, with them travelling at a casual pace and taking breaks as they needed. By the fourth day, Anri had well-settled into the daily routine and was getting better at cooking the wild game that Chen Kou caught. That evening's dinner was wild goose, which she cooked expertly, relishing in the rich, gamey scent of the fat.

"Tired yet?"

Anri groaned and threw herself face-first into her pillow, which was only a bit softer than slamming her face into the floor. "Ouch," she grunted.

"We'll be there tomorrow," Chen Kou laughed. He was sharpening his knife with a whetstone. "The village over there is on the outskirts of the capital. We're about a half-day's journey away from the palace."

She eyed the village in the distance. "I can hardly wait," her voice faltered. The palace was filled with promises for her future, but she couldn't help be hesitant. Her father had often spoken about how many common folk would enter the palace, eager to make a successful living for themselves, only to be used as pawns in some political game of the lords. "It's strange to think of the king being so close. My whole life I pictured court and its members as being characters who played out lives far away from my own."

"Are you okay?" The small fire between them cast dark shadows on his face which shifted with ever flicker of the flames. It was hard to read his expression.

"I'm sad about my family, and I'm worried about court," she confessed. "I don't know the first thing about etiquette, and how to present myself. What if the other lords and ladies see that as a weakness and try to hunt me down?"

"Just let them try," he struck his blade with little blows from the sharpening stone. "You'll cut them down. I know you have it in you."

"Who should I avoid?"

"The queen. And anyone from her family."

"What?" she whispered. "I thought the queen was beloved by the people."

"Beloved by some people," he corrected. "She's trying to dispose the crown prince by amassing public support through superficial shows of her beneficence. But those who know her true intentions are less easily swayed."

Anri's mind raced through everything she knew about Queen Xinhua. She had been the second consort to the king, ascending to the throne after the death of his first queen. It had been an event shrouded in mystery, said to be poison from the North, and the current queen had dutifully taken up the responsibilities left behind, including the duty of bearing eligible heirs. Anri recalled the prince and princess, who were third and sixth in-line for the throne respectively.

"Okay, so avoid the queen and friends."

"You can judge the rest for yourself. But remember, our duty is first and foremost to the king alone. If anyone, and I mean anyone, gives you doubt about their intentions towards him, that's enough reason to suspect them."

"What will be my role?"

Chen Kou smiled, his eyes dark. "You'll be the king's ears and hands. They'll notice Lady Lin entering the court, but not many people will be wary of you unless you give them reason."

"Spying for the king?"

"Proactive protection is how I would put it." He grinned and slid his knife into the halter at his waist. "I've seen what you can do with a blade, and it would be nice to have someone I trust around."

"That doesn't sound too bad."

"Not at all. Plus I'm sure the Kingsguard would benefit from learning from the Lin family's protégé." The question was implicit here; would she be willing to teach them the swordsmanship her father had imparted to her?

She bent her knees towards her chest and wrapped her arms around them. "My duty is to my king and I'll do my best, that's all I can promise."

That night, Anri tossed and turned restlessly. She could hear Chen Kou breathing heavily next to her, but no matter what position she tried to sleep in, nothing was working. The past few days of riding had left her aching yet unfulfilled, and she was itching to swing her blade and get back into shape. Quietly, she crept away from their campsite and disappeared into the field of wild grass to practice her forms. If she were to forget those, there would be nothing left for her in the world.

Her first few attempts were sloppy at best. She blew the hair out of her face and grit her teeth, trying again and again the parry which she had so perfected just a few days ago. As she shifted her weight from side to side and danced through the positions, she felt her former self returning. As her skill returned, so did long forgotten memories. It felt as if Ba had returned and was teaching her again as she re-lived their moments together in the sparring arena.

She heard the wild grass shift behind her. A goose? Chen Kou? The intruder crept behind her with soft, padded footsteps that were too light to be Chen Kou's.

Anri twisted back and slashed her blade in an arc behind her, scattering the wild grass and sending the watching orchestra of crickets into disarray.

"Who are you?" she growled, the tip of her blade nicked the throat of a man, who had caught its edge with his hand. A thin trickle of blood dripped down his fingers.

"You have very fast reflexes," he grimaced. "This is going to scar for sure." His slender fingers and pale complexion even in the moonlight marked him as not a threat.

Anri stepped back and sheathed her sword. "You surprised me."

"Fair, I suppose that would be my fault." The stranger wiped a long finger on the collar of his shirt.

"Yes, it would," she crossed her arms, trying to hide her anxiety and night shirt. Had he seen her? "What were you doing there anyway?" she demanded crossly.

"I couldn't sleep so I decided to take a stroll. I saw you from across the ravine over there, and I wanted to ask you to show me how to fight with a sword." He ran his fingers through his hair, which was worn longer than typical of Kyutan's working-class men. She widened her eyes at the thin band of gold wrapped around his pinky, and did her best to suppress her surprise. Similar to the jewelry he wore on his fingers, the gold thread lining his sleeves indicated this man was likely the son of a nobleman from the village.

"I couldn't sleep either," she admitted. "Can't your father's guards teach you?"

"They're too busy minding my family's affairs to spare time for me." So he was rich, she mused.

He continued, "I want to learn to defend myself. Did you hear about the Lin family? They were attacked a bit west of here."

"No." She kept her answer short and had to use all of her willpower to keep from looking away. She prayed to the gods that he couldn't see discomfort on her face. "What's your name?" she lowered her left arm to rest on the hilt of her sword.

"Jin."

"Okay, Jin, what do I get from this?"

"Ah, the lady wants a reward."

"Of course," Anri shifted her weight onto her back foot, "it's called fair labour."

"Where are you headed to? I can get you safe passage through the village, and I can provide one of my father's palanquins," he offered eagerly, and she couldn't help but trust the earnest look in his eyes.

Though her heart yearned to ride comfortably into the palace, she shuddered at the thought of the murderous look Chen Kou would give her for even suggesting such a display of wealth in poor taste. Jin waited patiently for her answer, scuffing the soft dirt with the tip of his boot. He seemed sincere, truly wanting to learn the art of the sword in order to defend his family from future raids. She made her decision.

"I'll teach you, just one lesson. But no need to give me anything back. Thank you for the offer, but the palanquin won't be necessary."

"Really?" Jin's face broke into an easy smile. "Thanks, Lady..."

"Siaori," she supplied. A common enough name.

She decided to teach Jin the basic stances of the Jintian province, in accordance with his name. He was delighted and clapped his hands dramatically, saying that his father would be well-pleased. She hushed him and made him promise to not tell anyone, before beginning their lesson.

The Jintian style focused on balance and having a steady core. Anri refused to let Jin touch her own sword, so he was forced to use his own. It was a heavy, impractical thing, meant as decoration for the wearer rather than a useful tool in battle. Regardless, Jin was a willing pupil, taking in her comments thoughtfully and without complaint even when she flicked lightly him on the forehead.

"Ouch!" he clapped a hand to his face and gaped at her incredulously.

"C'mon, you've made that mistake several times already."

He grinned back at her without retort, and turned his focus back onto mastering the stances. They soon lost track of time as they moved in unison together, shifting their weight from back to front, mimicking the steady push and pull of waves on a seashore. Anri was so caught up in their training she didn't notice the sun starting to creep up above the trees, nor did she hear Chen Kou pushing himself out the long grass beside them.

"What's going on here?" he asked. He glanced askance at Jin, his mouth parting slightly in wordless confusion.

Anri slung her blade into its sheath across her back, and motioned for her newly found friend to do the same. "This is Jin, a nobleman from the village."

"Pleasure to meet you," Jin made a fist with his right hand and pressed it to his left palm in greeting.

Chen Kou bowed stiffly in response, his hands mirroring Jin's. "My lord, the pleasure is mine."

"Siaori agreed to teach me some swordsman skills with which I could defend myself and my family against northern raiders." He nodded gratefully in her direction.

"I see, was Siaori a good teacher?" Chen Kou didn't glance at her, but she heard him drawl out every syllable in her pseudonym.

"The best."

Anri's ears glowed warmly from Jin's praise, the tone of his voice sincere. "You're a great pupil," she offered.

Chen Kou coughed into his fist and made eye contact with her.

"We should go," she nodded. "It was nice meeting you, Jin."

"Do you need a ride back to your village, Jin?" Chen Kou scratched the back of his neck. The way he held himself made it clear to Anri

"That's very kind of you, general, but no need to trouble yourself." Jin smiled and took in a deep breath of the fresh morning air. "My father's guards will be furious with me for sneaking out. I'll enjoy the morning walk back immensely."

They watched as he made his way out the field and towards the village, humming absentmindedly without a second glance back.

"How did he know you were a general?" she marvelled.

"I pass by this town every time I leave the palace," Chen Kou answered gruffly. "He probably recognized me."

"I'm sorry I didn't wake you up last night before I left. Granted, I didn't go far, but I'm still sorry."

"It's okay, it's not that I don't trust your ability to handle yourself," he said not harshly, stuffing his belongings into Midnight's saddle. "I just didn't like being surprised this morning when I woke up and you weren't there."

"You must've been scared," she gave a flat, sheepish smile.

"I'm never scared." The look Chen Kou gave her was reserved, but not without the twinkle of a grin that reached his dark eyes.

"I'm sure. Imagine losing the Lin girl and the pearl of legends in one night so close to the palace."

"Not going to imagine that," he called over his shoulder.

She didn't pursue this any further as they mounted their horses to start their ride into the palace. "Welcome to Tianan," Chen Kou held back Midnight's pace to whisper to her as they entered into the busy city next to the palace. Tianan was a fortified town, boasting of the freshest seafood straight from the sea, which snaked its way directly though the village. All around them, she saw fishermen, merchants and craftsmen boasting about their creations. People from Tianan were famous for their crafts, ranging from the most talented seamstresses to masterful goji players who taught the King's relatives chess.

Chen Kou guided them expertly through the town, choosing only the most obscure and winding paths. As they entered into the centre of the town, Anri marvelled at the pride of Tianan: a huge magnolia tree, taller than several floors, beautifully adorned with wind chimes of all colours, as well as ribbons and thin pieces of wax paper. The chimes were often flecked with gold, some fluttering in the wind like dancers waving at her. On the other hand, the ribbons and paper tied to the branches held little messages, or names.

The trunk itself was intricately carved with two animals in embrace, or battle. Anri looked closely and saw a phoenix tangled together with a dragon. The roots of the tree had grown so strong over the years that the hard earth foundation near its base was split and uneven.

"The Magnolia herself," Chen Kou smiled at her reaction.

"She's beautiful."

"It's the life force of Tianan. Every year the city hosts a festival around the tree and everyone puts up a wish." Chen Kou gestured to a dangling ribbon as they passed under the tree. The shade was refreshingly cool and she drew in a breath, letting the sweet scent of the flowers in bloom wash over her.

Someone shouted, voice ringing out in the city square. Thoughts interrupted, Anri turned Solace around to face the disturbance. A girl, only a few years younger than her, ran towards the tree with a man following idly. She fell at the foot of the Magnolia and grasped at its bark above her ear. Her pursuer closed in on slowly like a shark toying with its prey. "Come now, my little bird. You're all alone. Should I keep you for myself? Or sell you once I'm done?" His smile was cruel and full of malice.

"Hey!" Anri yelled and kicked Solace forward. The man paid her no heed.

"Sanctuary!" the girl screamed, fingernails scratching the uncarved bark of the magnolia.

Anri watched in horror as a familiar silhouette came out of nowhere and leapt between the girl and her attacker.

"Stop right there!" Jin commanded, left hand outstretched in front of him.

Chen Kou cursed, dismounting swiftly from Midnight's side. "What is that idiot doing?" he meant to whisper but his deep voice carried to Anri's ears, who slid off her stallion to follow in pursuit.

"And you are?" The man scoffed in disbelief.

"Your emperor-in-waiting," Jin pushed the debt collector back with his raised arm. "I believe you need to bow."

It took a second before the realization crashed down on both the man and Anri. Her legs swayed underneath her and almost gave way, as much from the past days of riding as from her shock.

The crown prince. She had flicked the crown prince on the head! Next to her, Chen Kou clapped a hand to his face and sighed. The man collapsed to the ground in front of Jin. "I'm sorry, my liege, I-I didn't know that you would be in town–"

"I felt like taking an early morning walk today, before I host the audience with your people in the afternoon. Would you care to explain yourself?"

"Her father, the drunkard, owes me–" the man scrabbled at Jin's feet. Anri made a motion to step forward but Chen Kou blocked her with his arm.

"Be quiet. I was asking the girl," Jin's top lip curled back in disgust as he looked down at the man. She hadn't thought him capable of having such an expression– however it disappeared just as quickly as it came as he turned around to face the girl.

She knelt in front of him and bowed her head to the ground. "My lord, my father did indeed owe him a debt. But the laws are clear that whoever invokes sanctuary will receive it from the king in exchange for indentured servitude."

"Indeed," Jin mused. Turning back to the man, he ignored the crowd that had gathered and called out in a clear voice: "The girl has invoked sanctuary, and yet you are here, trying to steal one of the king's servants. How much did her father owe you?"

"Five silver, my lord."

Jin ripped the cuff of his sleeve off with one strong tug. Anri watched threads of green and gold fall to the ground. "Here," he handed it to the man.

"What am I supposed to do with this? No one will take a torn cuff," the man sputtered indignantly.

"Are you suggesting that my gift is not generous enough?" Jin leaned in to face the man, close enough to whisper. The man whimpered.

"There is much gold in the thread, and gems sown into the cuff. Pick each thread apart. Sell it. I don't care what you do."

With a cry of fear, the man scrabbled to his knees and fled the square.

"Are you okay?" Jin turned back to the girl, who now crouched low to the ground with her hand on her chest.

"Thank you," she gasped. "I'm forever in your debt."

"Let's not discuss the terms of your servitude just yet, shall we?" Jin swiveled around to address the crowd. "Such terror aroused, all over five silver pieces. Is not her life worth more than this?"

The wind carried his voice through the crowd, and the audience murmured in response, some of them nodding at his words. "I ask you, Tianan, is your life not worth more than this? Which of you has grievance to air to your prince?" The crowd grew silent at this, none of them eager to voice their concerns or expose their thoughts of treason.

Jin tipped his head at Chen Kou subtly, who extended a hand to help the girl back on her feet. "I cannot help this town if I do not know the issues that you face. Tianan has always produced the finest scholars and craftspeople of all Kyutan, but that will come to pass if new talent is not allowed to blossom and grow. Will you let that pride be taken away from you?"

Some of the villagers shook their heads fervently. Jin's words had an immediate effect on those in the audience, and Anri admired the clear and steady way that he spoke. Pleased, Jin clasped his hands and nodded his head in acknowledgement of all those present. "I look forward to seeing you all at the meeting later today."

Dismissed, the crowd shuffled back to wherever their former posts were. She noticed that most of them gave the crown prince the greatest respect, walking backwards with their faces still towards him but slightly bowed.

"You okay?" Anri dusted off the girl's trousers and over shirt, irreparably soiled from the scuffle.

"Yes, I'm sorry miss. Please don't dirty your hands," the girl squeaked, knees weak and clinging to Chen Kou who stood like an immovable redwood.

"You don't have to call me miss. Anri is fine." She ignored Chen Kou's frown.

"Mei," the girl smiled gratefully back and sank down in a clumsy curtsy.

She felt Jin's eyes on the back of her neck, and she grimaced. She delayed their second meeting for as long as possible by tending to Mei's cuts, but eventually she could not put it off any longer.

"Miss- ah, Anri. Is that correct?" Jin spoke lazily.

She turned and bowed with her hands together. "My crown prince."

"General," he turned to Chen Kou. His attention passed over her just like that. Anri sighed in relief and watched as the two men clasped their forearms in a brotherly, familiar greeting.

"I'm glad you're home," Jin smiled. "And you've brought a friend!"

Chen Kou tilted his head sideways. "The elusive Lin girl. You're going to be very impressed."

"Oh, I already am," his eyes were lighter in the sun and glinted mischievously.

"Anri, meet Kyutan's heir-to-the-throne," Chen Kou said. "Song Jinryu."