Page 45 of Drawn into Oblivion

Mai watched, impressed, as an air of authority settled over the empress. She was no longer Shumei. She was the leader of the Dark Court and of the human force preparing for battle against demons and their creator.

“Let us be on our way, Elder Mai,” the empress said with a calm, regal smile as she gestured for Mai to precede her.

“Yes, Your Imperial Grace.”

As Mai turned to the door, she couldn’t help one last glance at the mysterious, foreboding box on the vanity. What could possibly be in there?

Chapter Fourteen

Though one of their escorts had offered his arm, Mai walked without it as she preceded the empress down a long stretch of hallway. The festival and its opening ceremony would be held in the palace complex’s largest courtyard, known as Lantern Park, which had been the only space in the complex open to the city’s residents both in the previous empress’s time and the blondies’ reign. Though Empress Shumei had protested maintaining that tradition—she preferred to let her subjects roam more of the imperial grounds—Vallen and Mai and several others had convinced her to continue doing so for the time being.

The stage where the day’s speeches and performances would be held had been constructed over the courtyard’s central feature: a wide pond populated by carp as vivid as a dramatic sunset. Large wooden columns and a solid frame ensured the fifteen-foot-high stage was stable, and a step-stone path connected the stage’s stairs to the pond’s edge.

But while the pond was beautifully kept, Lantern Park was most well known for the hundreds of lanterns hanging from trees and lining the paths—both to light the way and keep pedestrians off the meticulously-cared-for landscaping. The courtyard’s ash trees had already shed half their leaves, which allowed for more lanterns within their canopies to be lit once the sun went down. According to longtime residents of Houfu, the sight of all the multicolored lanterns at night, including temporary paper lanterns set to float on the pond, was truly breathtaking.

As the empress’s escort passed from building to building, Mai could hear the undoubtedly enormous crowd already crammed inside the expansive park. Their excited voices sounded like a flock of birds swirling in the air. She and the empress passed through the final gate leading into the festival grounds, but there was still one building between them and Lantern Park.

Lantern House had been built for use as a guesthouse, but now served as the military’s headquarters. Lectures and meetings took place in opulent rooms once used as bedrooms, galleries, and party areas. Guards lined the central hall of the building, their backs ramrod straight as the empress approached. The large entrance meant to impress incoming dignitaries and other guests loomed, bracketed on both sides by equally large men who were braced to open the heavy doors. As they came closer, Mai was surprised to see the door ushers were brownies. Both young men wore military uniforms and seemed rather nervous, if their fidgeting was enough of a clue.

The voices outside swelled as Mai and Shumei entered the spacious entryway of Lantern House. The crowd sensed the empress’s arrival. The two guards who had escorted them nodded respectfully and broke off. Mai didn’t see Kyoko or any other court members and assumed the other house elders were already onstage, but the entryway was far from empty. Nearly forty personal guards and military officers awaited the empress’s cue. Though all of them were men—a few of whom eyed her—Mai found herself more anxious about the crowd outside. She had nothing to fear from the military officers. They were there to defend the empress, who was about to appear before an exceptionally large crowd near the edge of the palace complex.

The empress tapped Mai on the shoulder, and Mai leaned down to offer her ear.

“He does indeed look fatigued,” Shumei whispered. “Poor Rosuke.”

Mai couldn’t help casting her glance about, and she spotted Rosuke suavely weaving through the officers. His eyes were tired, his complexion paler than normal, but a small smile sat on the corner of his mouth, and he stared at her with determination as his feet brought him closer. Her heart skipped.

High General Vallen walked ahead of him, undoubtedly headed for his empress. Oka was stuck to him like a burr, and both looked bright and cheery.

“Some men are clearing a path to the stage,” Vallen said, automatically reaching out to stroke the joining mark on Shumei’s neck as he slipped his arm around her waist. Shumei unabashedly sighed in reaction.

“Green really does suit you,” Rosuke said, recapturing Mai’s attention, “though the emerald necklace would’ve been a nice touch.” He wore his formal uniform and would be part of the small group of officers who would take part in the empress’s opening remarks. As a house elder, Mai would also join Shumei, making for a grand total of twenty people onstage. She thought it was overkill.

“That stone is too grand for me,” she whispered in an attempt to keep their conversation private. After all, a handful of the nearby officers had asked to court her. One watched them with a small frown. “I feel snobbish when I try it on.”

“But you do try it on,” Rosuke said with a teasing glint in his eye. He stepped closer, and she grew keenly aware of him, face warming as he quickly but casually brushed his lips against her cheek. She realized he was all but marking her in front of all the officers, men who would be his biggest rivals.

He needn’t bother. No one could rival him. Although, taunting any failed suitors did sound like something Rosuke would do.

“I want to appreciate the gift,” she said, “but perhaps I should return it.” She inhaled, taking in his clean scent.

“And disappoint the jeweler who worked so hard on it? Don’t you dare.” He kissed her other cheek and settled his hand upon her shoulder. “If you don’t wish to wear it in public you’re most certainly allowed to wear it in private.” Her blush deepened, for his double meaning was not lost on her.

“We’re ready,” one of the ushers said.

Rosuke dazzled her with a smile as he offered his arm. “Escorting, once again.” She softly laughed and slipped her hand into the crook of his elbow, feeling so much more at ease with him at her side.

The doors opened, and the throng outside exploded with cheers. The officers led the way, some blending into the crush of people, while those in their formal uniforms made their way to the stage. Many crows crowded the door, eagerly craning their necks for a glimpse of the empress, who was still hidden behind Mai and Rosuke. The door ushers did their best to keep the path forward clear.

“Our turn,” Rosuke said, wrapping his hand around hers. The empress and the high general were right behind them, keeping pace as Shumei’s personal guards surrounded them in a box formation.

The midmorning light was exceptionally bright, unhindered by clouds and making Mai squint as she stepped out of Lantern House. She and Rosuke followed a wide, hard-packed dirt-and-gravel path lined with more people than she had ever seen in any one place at a single time. The stage where the rest of the house elders stood was a short walk away, but the officers were still making their way there, forced to stop every few feet to shake hands.

“Empress Shumei! Empress,” one elderly woman cried out, grinning with excitement. She stretched her short arms past the soldiers trying to maintain the path. Mai couldn’t help herself and looked back as Shumei clasped hands with the elderly woman, who openly wept with joy. Nearby, Oka watched their interaction with an appalled expression, and Mai bit her lip to keep from smiling.

The emotion billowing through the crowd really was astonishing. It had its own pull on Mai, both awing and humbling her. For the first time since she had been chosen as a house elder, she felt like royalty. It was rather uncomfortable.

“Elder Mai!” Her attention was drawn to a girl desperately flapping her arms just ahead, one whom a soldier barely restrained. Mai recognized Naoko, the page from House Dragonfly who had delivered Rosuke’s dinner invitation.