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“There’s no harm when you were in good company,” he interjects.
“I met Shenming by accident,” I say quickly.
“And he walked you home. Shenming is most considerate.” Father gestures for us to enter, his mood much improved. “Come in. Dian is making breakfast.”
Ruilin is sitting by the table as Dian carries a stack of bamboo steamers with buns. I take one, biting into the soft bread to the sweetened red bean paste within. My father ushers the captain to the seat beside me.
“Help yourself, Shenming.” Dian places a bun on Ruilin’s plate, then glances up at him. “Why were you with my sister?”
He takes a sip of tea. “We met by chance.”
Relief fills me at his discretion. If he’d mentioned Cloud Ridge, Father would not suspect anything but Dian might. It’s easier to let her think I haven’t been to Thorn Valley since my first visit.
Father looks from Shenming to me. “I am glad you’ve had ample opportunity to deepen your acquaintance. Shenming’s parents have also broached the possibility of a union to the Elders, who have long desired an arrangement between our families. It will settle you after your long absence, and it’s also past time for Shenming to be married. What do you think?” He beams as though expecting us to be pleased.
“I think the Elders and our parents should not interfere in our lives.” My voice roughens with annoyance that such discussions have occurred behind my back. Strangers, meddling in my future that I’ve always sought to protect. I thought Father had discarded this idea; I’ve been too focused on my own troubles with controlling the dragon’s magic, the fight with Jin.
Father sinks down on the chair. “Shenming is eligible, and a match with him is much sought after.”
“Did you think I’d be honored if the captain agreed? Do you think so highly of him, or just so lowly of me?”
Father flinches, my words wounding as intended. “That’s not it at all, Yining. This is how things are done here, among families as ours—those in the Elders’ favor.”
I take a breath. Right now, it’s hard to remember that Father does care for me when his actions seem to prove otherwise. “I know my own mind. I’ve been fighting for myself all my life, making unimaginable choices to stay safe. I came here because I believed I’d be free.”
“You are free,” my father says heavily. “I would never force you. But I ask you to consider this—”
“Father, I hoped for this too,” Dian interjects. “But you should have discussed it with Yining before going beyond our family.”
“The Elders summoned me, I could not refuse.” Father’s shoulders slump. “These are precarious times with the Sun Dragon still unconscious, enemies circling closer. The Elders are keen for a show of unity, a celebration—”
Shenming rises and bows his head to my father. “Uncle Sikyong, I respect you greatly, yet I must go against your wishes this time.”
“You do not want to marry my daughter? Into my family?”
“I don’t know her well enough,” he replies. “Nor would I wish anyone to be coerced into a union. Yining and I should decide this on our own.”
Father sighs. “It would insult the Elders to refuse this arrangement prematurely—especially after the cancellation of your betrothal to Dian. It could be viewed as a slight, even a mark of defiance. Why not pretend this is an ‘understanding’ rather than a formal betrothal, where you spend time together, honoring the Elders’ suggestion—exploring whether a real attachment might form?” My father’s voice turns coaxing. “After a suitable period lapses, you may both break the arrangement should you wish, without causing offense.”
“Don’t guilt Yining into this.” Dian turns to me. “I didn’t accept the betrothal, there’s no reason why you need to. We can weather the Elders’ displeasure.”
My sister’s words, though meant to help, are a collar slipped around my neck. While wise and understanding, the Elders appear ruthless in protecting our island, in maintaining peace. I’m reluctant to cause trouble for my family, especially after the incident with the firefly. Nor can I afford to draw unwanted scrutiny with my forbidden visits to Thorn Valley.
“One month, no more,” I say at last. “Only if Captain Shenming agrees.”
As the captain nods, a smile breaks over my father’s face. He hopes we will change our minds, but he’s wise not to reveal any triumph as we finish our meal in silence.
When Shenming leaves the room, I follow him. “I’m sorry. I know you don’t want this either.”
He stops by the doorway. “You’ve made your distaste of me abundantly clear.”
“Nor are you expressing delight with this ‘arrangement.’”
“Like you, I want what is best for our families,” Shenming says somberly. “Your father is right; this is the safest way forward. We just need to spend time together to maintain appearances. Tonight, I’m on duty at Celestial Peak, overseeing the search for the waterfall. Accompany me there. It’s the night of the new moon, when the skies are clearest. There will be many to witness our deference to the Elders’ wishes.”
“How clever, to fit me into your work routine.”
“You may choose our next ‘encounter.’”
