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He watches me, a small smile on his lips as I study his room: the fine silk hangings, the table and chairs of rare wood, costly ornaments—better furnished than the prince’s own chambers. A shelf is stacked with books, a chessboard set on a table, the pieces placed in a half-completed match.

“Is this your room?” It isn’t the prison I expected, but that of an honored guest. “I thought you’d be locked in the Shadow Wing.”

“That place has been sealed away. Queen Chunlei believes persuasion is more effective than force, that an ally gained is more valuable than an enemy caged.”

The thread of admiration in Jin’s tone jars. “Only if the ally is obedient,” I respond. “She is more dangerous, even crueler than her brother. You know this.”

Jin inclines his head. “I believe we can convince Her Majesty to leave the Land Beyond alone. Once we acknowledge her rule, she has no interest in—”

“Are you unwell?” I ask bluntly.

He sighs. “Don’t look at me like that, Yining. I need to consider every option, what is best for my people. For us.” He nods toward the entrance. “My guard increases each day I refuse to sign her treaty, my movements curtailed. Feigning compliance ensures my freedom.”

“What about the letter your uncle received?” I press. “What of the potential alliance mentioned within? Because of it, your uncle refuses to send troops to retrieve you. Did you write it willingly?” I make myself ask. “Did you mean it?”

The light from the lantern gilds the chiseled planes of his face. “What do you think, Yining? The queen threatens our safety. While in her power, I play her game—promising nothing, stringing her on as she does me. But she is growing impatient.”

My tension unknots. “You were forced.”

“The situation is precarious,” he explains. “If Thorn Valley attacks the Iron Mountains, we will lose. Queen Chunlei has grown even more powerful after securing Lady Shufang’s starfire. I wrote that letter upon the queen’s order, also to keep my people safe. In a war between the realms, we will suffer most, vulnerable along the border. Mist Island won’t help us, content to watch us fall, their only concern how it affects them.”

He is right. The Elders would be glad to bury Thorn Valley for its past, for the threat to their future. “Has the queen merged Lady Shufang’s starfire into her crown?” I ask with dread.

“Yes. The Iron Mountains and the Pearl Ocean have signed a treaty. The starfire in exchange for Prince Zixin.” Jin’s mouth slants in a mirthless smile. “Queen Chunlei secured the better bargain.”

I look around his room curiously. “Did you try to escape before?”

“I was waiting for you,” he says lightly. “I knew you’d come.”

This lack of urgency is unlike him. “You don’t just ‘wait,’ Jin. That’s not you.” Nor me.

His hand glides down my cheek, cradling my neck. It’s becoming harder to think as I instinctively tilt into his touch. “What happened since we parted?” he asks.

Quickly, I tell him of the Ancient Grove, knowing its importance to him. His expression shifts, lines creasing his brow. “The white-tipped grass was the poison?”

“The same one that prevented the Radiant Sky Trees from growing on Mist Island long ago. Fortunately, the Elders crafted an elixir—I stole it.” I squeeze his hand, wishing I could share my memories. “You should see the grove, Jin. The rose is restored, the tree is healing, new buds sprouting on the branches. Everything is coming back to life, just as you dreamed—though it will take time. Thorn Valley is freed from the decay.”

Only the threat of the Iron Mountains remains.

Jin’s throat convulses, his eyes closing. When they open, they blaze like molten gold. “You did this? For me?”

“For you,” I confirm. “For your people, for the dragons, and for us all.”

“Were you in danger? Did the Elders try to stop you?” he asks searchingly.

I tell him briefly of the confrontation with Lord Hairong, of Shenming’s death—his face remaining impassive. He liked Shenming, but does he blame him? After all, Jin is unaware of his childhood.

“From what I know of the captain, he was a person of honor. His death is a tragedy.” Before I can share with him the details of the Elders’ treachery, Jin asks then, “Where is the starfire from the waterfall? Do you have it?”

“Yes. Queen Chunlei offered me a trade—”

“You would give her the starfire?” he interjects.

The brightness in his gaze, I cannot look away. “It will be dangerous to surrender it. The queen has grown too powerful,” I say carefully. “And I’ve found you.”

He inclines his head. “What is your plan?”

Unease stirs at his ready agreement, leaning on me without challenge. “I don’t have a plan yet.” It feels wrong to deceive him. But he would understand… if he were himself. “I was hoping you could help me devise one.”