A warm glow settled over the imperial court's Red Pavilion as torches flickered in carved bronze sconces. Kai Jin stood at the heart of the marbled hall, his dark robes embroidered with the Broken Sky emblem—a gift from the emperor himself. Around him clustered ministers in silken brocade, their fans rustling like wind through bamboo as they exchanged furtive glances. At his side walked Yue Zhu, her jade-green gown trailing behind her in soft waves, each step measured and graceful.
The emperor's dais rose three steps above the great hall. Behind him, a mosaic of phoenix and dragon writhed across the lacquered wall, symbolizing the union of heaven and earth. As His Majesty's ivory fan swept the air, the room fell silent.
"Lord Kai Jin," the emperor intoned, his deep voice echoing against stone. "Your journey here was swift, and your report on Nebourming is eagerly awaited."
Kai inclined his head, recalling the jagged cliffs, the fractured villages, and the hollow peace he and his companions had witnessed. "Your Majesty, the discord between the Eastern Dukedom and the Southern Regents runs deep. I believe—"
Before he could continue, Minister Lu Xin coughed softly, his narrow eyes glinting with impatience. Yue reached out, resting a calming hand on Kai's arm. He met her gaze—steady, unwavering—and pressed on.
"I will lead a delegation to renegotiate the silk tribute routes. With Yue's counsel"—he bowed toward her—"I trust we can restore mutual trust within our appointed month."
A murmur rippled through the gathered court. Lin Su, the demon-marked beauty in her crimson robes, tilted her head, lips curling in a faint smile. Though she outwardly applauded, her obsidian gaze flickered with something unreadable.
Lanterns were lit along the marble corridors as moonlight silvered the courtyard beyond. A grand banquet followed the audience, long tables laden with glistening dishes: phoenix-tail buns, jade broth of sea cucumber, and blossoms of crystallized rose petal jelly. Musicians played zither and flute, weaving a melody that tugged at the heart.
Seated between Yue and Lin Su, Kai felt the tension like a live wire. Yue's laughter rang like chimes in spring breeze, her eyes bright when he praised her insights into Eastern court etiquette. Across the table, Lin Su's laughter was softer, almost a purr, as she offered him a cup of golden wine scented with osmanthus—a gesture both intimate and ceremonial.
When the third beauty of Kai's inner circle, Bai Ru, arrived bearing a plate of honey-glazed lotus roots, the subtle triangle of attention sharpened. Bai Ru's slender fingers lingered on Kai's hand as she passed the dish—just long enough for Yue's cheeks to flame—and Lin Su's lips to tighten in a half-smile.
Later, Kai found himself drawn to a side corridor, where the moonlight poured through latticed windows. Yue followed, her footsteps silent on the polished stone.
"You spoke so boldly before the emperor," she murmured, her voice threaded with admiration.
Kai exhaled slowly. "I had to. If we fail here, Nebourming becomes a powder keg."
Yue brushed a stray lock of hair behind her ear. "I believe in you," she said softly, then hesitated. "But court politics are treacherous. Even allies can turn to adversaries."
Before Kai could respond, the soft click of lacquered shoes sounded. Lin Su emerged, her demon-mark faintly pulsing beneath her robe. "You two plotting behind my back?" she teased, though her tone held an edge.
Yue stepped between them. "There's room enough for us all, Lin Su."
Lin Su's eyes flicked to Kai. "Your heart, perhaps. But be careful—some alliances burn hotter than they protect." With that, she drifted away, leaving a chill in her wake.
As midnight neared, the court's grand hall emptied, save for Kai Jin and his companions. The emperor reappeared on the dais, flanked by royal guards. In his hand gleamed a scroll stamped with the imperial seal.
"Kai Jin," he said, voice low yet resonant, "the path you tread will test more than your wits. I grant you full authority to bind these factions—but know this: failure is not an option. For your success, I grant you this command."
He unfurled the scroll. "You are named Envoy of the Broken Sky. With it comes a blade forged in the heart of Mt. Luoyang—a symbol of imperial favor."
Kai accepted the scroll, knuckles whitening. Beside him, Yue drew the sword case from behind her sash and presented it. As Kai lifted the blade, its steel caught the moonlight, a promise of both protection and peril.
Outside the pavilion, the first light of dawn crept over the palace rooftops. Kai slipped the sword into his sash, feeling its weight both heavy and reassuring. Yue offered her hand; he took it, and together they stepped onto the balcony.
Behind them, the court stirred awake. Birds cried across the courtyard. Somewhere in the distance, a bell tolled—an echo that marked the beginning of a month that would shape the fate of two nations, and the bonds of those who walked its uncertain path.
Lin Su watched from a shaded alcove, her expression unreadable. Bai Ru, already at Kai's side, offered a gentle smile and wordless support. As the sun's first rays kissed the Red Pavilion, Kai Jin inhaled, ready for the trials to come—armed with steel, wit, and the unwavering devotion of three extraordinary women