The shout came from behind Eastwei and I had never wanted to see Dian as badly as now. He sauntered up between us with a huge grin on his lips. His eyes, however, had a darker expression in them, especially when his gaze fell on the heaven lord.

  “My father wishes to show you the city if you are in good enough health to enjoy the walk,” Dian informed his imperious guest.

  Dadan looked as pleased with the invitation as a poltergeist would be at a chance to attend an exorcism. “I believe that honor should go to Prince Yushir.”

  Dian folded his arms over his chest and his grin widened. “The prince made his rounds earlier this morning with my father. He’s instructed me to send you to meet Lord Lujun at the front gates and your tour can begin.”

  “I would much rather have another guide,” Dadan countered.

  Dian lifted an eyebrow and his smile faltered a little. “Oh? And who’s that?”

  Dadan clapped a hand on my shoulder. The heavy palm was so unexpected that I sank beneath his grip. “Lady Fei. I believe she has resided in your city long enough to show me what I wish to see.”

  A dark cloud settled on Dian’s brow and his sharp eyes flitted between Dadan and me. There was less coolness when he stared at me, but the look he was giving Dadan was downright hostile. “I wouldn’t want Lady Fei to be inconvenienced by the chore.”

  “I am sure she would be pleased to show me around,” Dadan insisted as he smiled down at me. “Unless you have something you wish to do?”

  Oh boy. Stuck between a rock and a hard place as both men stared expectantly at me, both willing to bet I’d choose them. To make matters worse, both of them had saved my hide in the mists of the Tianfeld.

  There was one glaring issue with Dadan that couldn’t be forgotten. I reached into my pocket and wrapped my hand around the glass jar. “I, um, I don’t think I’m feeling very well.” I pressed the back of one hand against my forehead and winced. “I think I’m coming down with something. Maybe I could go with you another time.”

  Was that disappointment I detected in Dadan’s beautiful eyes? The rest of his face masterfully hid that emotion as he slightly lifted his chin. “Then I will not trouble you for a tour but will escort you back to your room.”

  Dian looped his arm through mine and took a step back, partially dragging me with him. So this is what a favorite toy of two squabbling siblings felt like. “I can take her. Lord Lujun is out by the gate.”

  Dadan’s fingers twitched at his side, but he merely inclined his head toward me. “Good day, Lady Fei.” He didn’t deign to give Dian the same compliments but merely turned and disappeared around the front of the lodge.

  A little bit of my heart went with him.

  “I should get you back to your room,” Dian spoke up, drawing my focus away from where Dadan had gone.

  I suddenly felt very exhausted. My body ached and there was a strange throbbing sensation in my chest. So much so that I clutched my free hand over my heart.

  “Is something wrong?” Dian questioned me as he leaned my weight against him.

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  I gave him a wry smile. “It’s nothing. I think I’m still tired from what happened last night. Some sleep should get me working again.”

  He twisted his head around to inspect the porch. “Then let me help you get to your room.”

  I was glad for the support as he helped me back to my room. We passed the open window, now empty, and reached the rear where the familiar figure of Prince Yushir stood overlooking the mountainous view. His hands were clasped behind himself and there was a frown on his lips.

  His annoyed look deepened when he noticed me but only for a brief moment. The prince’s big heart noticed something amiss and he hurried over to us. “What has happened to Lady Fei? Where is Lord Eastwei?”

  “The lord is being sent around the city and Lady Fei merely desires some rest,” Dian assured him.

  “Then allow me to assist you!” Yushir insisted as he hurried over to the rear door.

  He played the part of servant and opened the doors ahead of us. I was glad when I soon took a seat on the edge of my bed. The covers were still mussed and my discarded clothes were thrown to all the four corners.

  Dian movaed over to the heart to light a fire while Yushir grabbed a chair and scooted it up to me. “You do appear to be rather pale, Lady Fei. Is there nothing you wish to eat or drink?”

  I smiled and shook my head. “I’m fine, really. I just didn’t get much sleep last night. A nap will get me back to normal.”

  Yushir plopped himself down on the bed and reached out to set his hand atop mine. “Then I shall-”

  He didn’t get to finish his sentence as our fingers touched. A ripple of magic flowed from the point of contact and raced up my arm. I jerked my arm away from him and shrank away.

  What had Grandmother said? People with water magic could reveal her own? Damn it.

  I cupped my arm in my other one and sheepishly smiled at him. “You don’t need to do that. I’ll just take a nap and see you all later, alright?”

  The prince lifted an eyebrow as he examined me with his keen eyes. I shrank beneath his inspection but he merely rose from his seat. “I see. Then I wish you a good rest.” He bowed his head and left.

  I wanted to breathe a sigh of relief but the look in his eyes told me the trouble was just starting.

  Dian watched Yushir leave out of the corner of his eye, and the moment the door shut behind the prince he stood. He moved over to the bed and jerked his head at the entrance. “What was that about?”

  I bowed my head and bit my lower lip. “I forgot he was a water user. Grandmother told me they could reveal her magic.”

  He knelt in front of me and looked me over. “You’re not hurt from that, are you?”

  I laughed and waved my arm in the air. “No, I was just surprised.”

  “Did you need anything else?” he wondered as he set a hand over my other one. “I can get you anything from the restaurant.”

  I recalled my last foray into that fine dining and tried not to wince. “It’s alright. I’ll just lie down here for a while. You go and enjoy the Fur Festival. That starts pretty soon, doesn’t it?”

  “At noon, but I’d much rather stay here with you,” he insisted.

  I patted his shoulder. “It’s fine. Go and enjoy your festival. I’ll be out before you know it and then you can show me everything, alright?”

  Dian pursed his lips but reluctantly drew away from me. “Alright. Have a good rest.”

  I stretched my arms above my head and offered him a smile. “I plan to. See you in a bit.”

  He slipped out and I flopped down atop the mattress. The strange pain in my body was already subsiding but I still lay a hand over my side. A strange and disturbing though slipped into my mind.

  Hadn’t that been where Dadan had been injured the day before?