King of Demons: Demon Court, #1

By Lisa Bram

King of Demons: A Tale of Fire, Ice, and Forbidden Love

 

Jiani's life is forever changed when she inadvertently frees Taisun, the demon king, and their souls become bound together. Now, she must compete in deadly trials for a coveted position at the side of an immortal fairy king, all while linked to her greatest enemy.

 

Their fates intertwined, Jiani and Taisun navigate a world brimming with dragon shifters and ancient magic. As war threatens the kingdom, they must confront the wrath of a vengeful king and the looming specter of forbidden love.

 

With the stakes higher than ever, Jiani faces a harrowing decision: sever the bond to save herself, or protect Taisun at the cost of her own life.

 

"King of Demons" invites readers into a gripping saga of sacrifice, secrets, and the enduring power of love.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Stapleton Enterprises
• Release date: Feb 14, 2024
• ISBN: 9798224028689

Book preview

King of Demons

Dragon Court Series

Lisa Bram

Copyright © 2024 Stapleton Enterprises

Cover by Black Bird Covers

Edits by Aquila Editing

Formatting by Stoked Publishing

All Rights Reserved.

No portion of this book may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted in any form or by any means, mechanical, electronic, photocopying, recording, or otherwise, without written permission from the author or publisher, except for the use of brief quotations in a book review.

This book was written entirely by a human and not artificial intelligence (A.I.).

This book may not be used to train artificial intelligence (A.I.).

All activities in this book are fictional or intended for mature audiences only. The publisher assumes no responsibility if you indeed, try this at home.

Useful Terms

AUTHOR’S NOTE: I USUALLY surround names and new terms with plenty of context. Sometimes, that’s not enough, so here’s a helpful list of names for people and places.

The Demons and their realm.

Taisun – King of Demons

Dyulinu – underworld realm, a dark realm ruled over by demons

Emofeng – Demon of Wind

Bolim – Demon of Glass

Moutou -Demon of Wood

Senlin – Demon of Wood

Jinzil – Demon of Gold

Fennu – an old, angry man who knew Taisun as a child

Yaosun – Taisun’s father

Huo’s Caldron – a natural pool of hot water with magical properties

The Element Court’s immortals and their realm.

Zhileshij – Immortal realm

Shen – King of Gods

Golden Treasures Tower – Where Shen keeps the realm’s riches and the worst criminals.

Jiani is a former sparrow spirit cultivated into fairy form.

Dianten – Jiani’s town

Tian Mountains – a heavenly mountain’s highest peak in the Zhileshij realm. 

Faylan – Jiani’s best friend, Vili’s former apprentice

Ealas – Taisun’s first and most trusted general

Vili – Jiani’s weaving master

Zora – Dragon Goddess of Peace

Ehbine – King of Ice

Huoshan- King of Fire

Shandig – King of Earth

Monde – later King of Earth

Fengkih – King of Air

Shishi – One of Shen’s potential assistants

Quina – One of Shen’s potential assistants

Luan – One of Shen’s potential assistants

Jiani/Yula – Dragon Goddess of Joy

Hongchen – mortal realm

Places in dispute between those in Dyulinu and Zhileshij

Forest of the Departed – where people cross from one realm to the other

Ying Mountains – now known as Ying Valley, where fighting destroyed an entire mountain range.

Senlin Pass – the weakest part of Zhileshij

Maway Sea – a large inland sea on the border of Zhileshij and Dyulinu

Snake Devil of Yongbau – A monster defeated by the King of Demons, Taisun

Incarnate Waters – where souls go to be refreshed for reincarnation

Regeneration River – a river with headwaters in the upper limits of Zhileshij and ends in the Maway Sea

Forgetful Lake – created by the Regeneration River and lies at the base of a mountain.

Cave of Qialbana – located at the top of the highest mountain near Forgetful Lake

Contents

Useful Terms

Chapter One

Chapter Two

Chapter Three

Chapter Four

Chapter Five

Chapter Six

Chapter Seven

Chapter Eight

Chapter Nine

Chapter Ten

Chapter Eleven

Chapter Twelve

Chapter Thirteen

Chapter Fourteen

Chapter Fifteen

Chapter Sixteen

Chapter Seventeen

Chapter Eighteen

Chapter Nineteen

Chapter Twenty

Chapter Twenty-One

Chapter Twenty-Two

Chapter Twenty-Three

Chapter Twenty-Four

Chapter Twenty-Five

Chapter Twenty-Six

Chapter Twenty-Seven

Chapter Twenty-Eight

Chapter Twenty-Nine

Chapter Thirty

Chapter Thirty-One

Chapter Thirty-Two

Chapter Thirty-Three

Chapter Thirty-Four

Chapter Thirty-Five

Chapter Thirty-Six

Chapter Thirty-Seven

Chapter Thirty-Eight

Author’s Note

links you don’t want to miss.

Chapter One

Even your etchings in stone have no permanence. Plan accordingly. – The Musings of King Leron the First

JIANI

King Shen’s gold robes shimmer in the morning sunlight streaming into his crystal palace. I can’t stare at him yet can’t look away from his brilliance. Good morning, candidates. He frowns at me. Are you all right, Jiani?

I nod in a hurry enough to give my neck a slight crack in protest. Yes, your majesty. I was overwhelmed by your grace.

He gives me an indulgent grin. You’ll need to become accustomed to me sooner rather than later if you want to assist me.

Yes, sire. I’ll try, I say, bowing a bit.

I’m already used to your glory, your majesty, the girl to my left interrupts with.

I cut my eyes over to Quina. She’s taller and prettier than I am. Her clothes are finer than mine, too. Which is not surprising since her father is a nobleman whose family turned fae long ago. Born a fairy, she’s never known what living as a mortal being is like. How can I be so sure of her life? Because she mentioned her high birth frequently during our meetings with Shen.

The king smiles at her, too, but with less lenience I imagine, saying, Good, because I need someone discreet, always available, and on top of the tasks I give her.

May I ask why you chose us? Shishi says, her voice barely above a whisper.

Each of you was recommended to me by a court official or trusted source. He begins slowly pacing in front of the four of us. Even though a few of you might not seem to be an obvious choice, you all received praise and references. He waves a hand. Have a seat.

I look behind me and four chairs wait for each of us. Doing as King Shen has ordered, I sit down with the others. Once we’re settled in, he continues, Choosing someone to help me with my day-to-day tasks is a chore I need to do myself. Once I pick among you, I’ll expect you to handle the mundane for me.

He begins to speak again, but a flash with one of his Elemental kings appearing interrupts him. None of us need to be told the tall, youthful man with white hair and silver clothes is the King of Ice. He doesn’t favor us with a glance, but stands close to King Shen and leans in, talking with the greater king in a near whisper. The two murmur back and forth, barely audible.

I’ve never seen Ehbine before now. He’s rumored to live in an ice palace, which makes sense given what he rules. Luan, the final candidate, mumbles something to Shishi about his dragon breath being ice instead of fire. Interesting. I want to ask more while the kings are distracted but Ehbine gives King Shen a nod before disappearing.

The congenial aura around King Shen leaves, too, replaced by one of irritability. I regret we’ll have to cut our visit short today. He waves a hand, causing a scroll and tablet to appear before each of us. Come back tomorrow at the same time. I’ll want to ask the questions you’ll find written for you. We’ll go in the order of the tablets’ numbers.

I looked to find my number, which is four, the last. Shishi and Quina compare their numbers while Luan holds hers close to her chest.

I’ll walk you outside. His majesty begins leading us from the room. Be warned. Any lateness tomorrow will only rob you of your time with me, not your opponents’.

The three candidates whisper to each other, ignoring me as we obey King Shen by leaving the room with him. The moment we’re in fresh air, he’s gone before any of us can ask why he needs to go. The four of us continue through the palace’s main atrium, making our way to the front gate with the guards who have appeared as escorts.

Once we’re outside of the palace walls, Quina turns to us. Who has the last time tomorrow?

We check and I lift up my tablet, puzzled as to why she’d care. I do.

Trade me. I’m third, so we’re not far apart. She makes a grab for my tablet.

I hold it out of reach. Why? How does our different times matter?

Her pretty face pinches into a sly expression. Give me yours and I’ll tell you. Otherwise, you’ll never know.

Aware I’m falling for her trick, but too curious to care, I hold out my hand for the swap. You first. She glares at me but does as I’ve asked, so I give her my tablet, too.

You’re a fool to agree, she snarks but is smiling as she stares at her traded stone’s etchings. She who goes last is remembered first. Glancing up at me, then the others, she adds, King Shen is the wisest, but even he won’t remember the rest of you after a long day. With a little grin at her new interview position, she almost singsongs, He’ll only remember my beauty and charm.

Luan snorts in a way I never suspected a noble lady like her would. Charm? He’s only the King of Gods, not the Benevolent One himself who can invent miracles from thin air. The three of us stare at her flippancy and she shrugs. You know I’m right. Quina is as charming as an injured tiger.

Who’s been slapped by a mud carp, I say before thinking. Horrified at how awful I am, I cover my mouth with my hand, bonking my nose with the tablet. Sorry. I was caught up in the moment, I say, enjoying the conspiratorial smile Luan gives me.

Quina lifts her chin. As if I care what any of you think. By this time tomorrow, King Shen will have chosen me as his assistant. Count on it.

I don’t know why you’re so intent on being his servant, Shishi grouses. I can meet a suitable husband without being the king’s errand girl.

Some of us can’t, Luan counters, giving me a glance. We are lucky to have the opportunity.

Her words surprise me. Luan is a fairy eagle from one of the oldest families in our realm, Zhileshij. Maybe not a high noble, but certainly respectable. We are lucky, I say. King Shen is the best ruler in history. To have the chance to serve him is an honor.

Quina stares at me openmouthed before laughing. "Well, yes. You would think being a servant is a high point in your life, but I’m only here to convince Shen I’m his queen."

You can’t be. He’s betrothed to a dragon goddess, Shishi argues.

Who no one has seen in fifty thousand years. She’s probably dead, killed in the last great war, Quina retorts, fury turning her beautiful face into an ugly mask.

You wish, Luan hisses.

Yes, I do, she counters. Because Shen deserves a woman to love him. The realm has been without a queen for far too long.

They bicker back and forth while I pause. I’m at the point in the road where I turn to the shopping district and lower class of homes. The other three live higher on the hill in the wealthier part of town. Luan realizes I’ve stopped and gives me a pitying smile. We’ll see you tomorrow, Jiani.

Quina also smiles and wrinkles her nose as if the smell from lower in the realm clings to me still. Yes. I might have one of my people visit your store. What do you make again?

Baskets and rugs of all kinds, I reply, bracing for the teasing I know she’ll give. My master and I are expert weavers.

Right, she says, drawing out the word. Tomorrow it is, then. Goodbye.

I lift my chin higher, giving a slight smile to Shishi and Luan’s apologetic glances before they follow Quina to the better part of town. I don’t care, I think hard enough to hope the emotions show on my face. I’m a sparrow and the best weaver Vili said she’s ever trained. And that’s even when considering her former disciple and my best friend, Faylan.

The reassurance from my head helps. Holding up my head like I already work in the palace, I ignore the tears welling up. I rub my stinging nose before continuing down the steps to the shops.

Coming in from the back alley, I holler, Master? I’m home, but the place is quiet. I’m worried at first, hoping nothing has happened. I do a quick search to find a note from her and the store’s front door closed. She’s shopping for dinner, she wrote, so I decide to build a fire to warm up our living area.

I clean the floors, putting some of the stray reeds we use for baskets back in the large vase where they belong. I’m sure master is taking her time in returning here. She’s older but loves to talk. I settle in at my usual spot on a bench to finish up my work and wait for her.

Not for the first time in my life do I think of how lucky I am to be working with a master weaver in the realm. A fairy spirit cultivated from a sparrow form is one of the best for creating the best woven items. I pick up another reed and work it into the basket’s walls. I suppose spider spirits would excel but have never met anyone who grew from an insect spirit. I make a mental note to ask Vili if she’s ever heard of a spider spirit because she would know.

I can’t help but smile when master has a little much to drink and yet again tells me the story of how I hatched. She says I was the smallest chick she’d ever seen and the cutest. She started my cultivation earlier than most beings out of impatience for my spirit to advance closer to fairy form. I pick a darker reed to contrast with the lighter ones so far and continue working. I love how my master believes in me. Except, she’s wrong about how I belong in the palace, even as a servant.

Vili insisted I answer the call for candidates King Shen put forth when he needed a new assistant. I did so because I trust her judgment. Only, I’m not sure I’m ready or worthy to live such an elevated life. Unlike me, everyone else in the palace, even the lowest footman or guard, was born into fairy form. Maybe my great-grandchildren might be good enough to work for King Shen, but not me. Not for hundreds of thousands of years’ development first.

The back door opens and my master comes in with a whoosh. Stop, she says, sweeping into the work room with a bundle of fresh reeds and a bag of yarn. I can feel your negative thoughts from here.

I’m merely working, I hedge, not looking at her but at my work. Not thinking anything in particular.

Bah! She sets the parcels down with a thud. I can hear your pessimism from outside even. Shen would be a fool to pass up letting you assist him. She begins throwing things from the bags to where they belong, grousing, Your destiny isn’t to be working here in the low valley but to be in the palace where you belong.

Mustering up my courage, I try to be respectful while arguing, I belong with you, master. You’re the one who raised me.

She straightens from stowing food in the lower cupboards, cracking her back with a smile. Her expression is soft as she stares at me. You did belong here, yes. She tilts side to side, groaning, You now belong in the palace with Shen. She sighs, Goodness, then gives me a smile. You’ve learned everything I needed to teach you. Now, the realm needs you.

I place the final reed, weaving it in and securing the tail. We’ve argued about my place in the world’s realms already. I know any more discussion ends with her angry and me hiding in my room.

Vili comes over to me, putting a hand on my shoulder. You’ll see, my darling disciple. The world is much larger than this shop and it’s yours to conquer.

What if I don’t want the world? I counter, unable to keep from pouting as I rest my cheek on her hand. What if I like being here with you?

Tell me you don’t care for Shen, she says, sitting next to me. Tell me you feel nothing and stay home tomorrow instead of meeting him.

I can’t meet her gaze. We both know I adore our king. He saved my life, so how could I feel anything but gratitude and affection for him? Are you sure I’ll be a good assistant for him? He’s a king, master. Other people in the realm are far better than I am.

She tucks a stray lock of hair behind my ear, smiling like I imagine my mother would. No one is better than you, my darling. You have a significant role in our realm and one you need to accept sooner rather than later.

I nod, unable to argue anything more as my nose begins stinging. Vili stands. Come on. Tell me about the other candidates while we prepare dinner. And don’t leave anything out.

Chapter Two

The most valuable treasure is not gold, jewels, or magic, but knowledge. Knowledge is the key to unlocking the secrets of the universe, to mastering the forces of nature, and to understanding yourself. Knowledge is the treasure of a dragon demon. – Zalrath, The Book of Knowledge

JIANI

The road to the palace bustles with activity this afternoon. I nearly hop and skip my way to King Shen’s palace until I see the main gates. He and I will be alone, I realize, with him talking to no one but me. My steps falter. Vili is wrong. I don’t belong there. I’m not worthy.

I turn to go home. Wondering what I’ll say to my master stops me after a few steps. I’m a horrible liar. She’ll know I let fear rule me.

No. I turn back toward the palace gates. I have to at least talk with the king. Then, he’ll choose someone else. Everyone in the realm would bet against me being picked, which is all right. So do I.

Continuing up the hill to the royal complex, I look for but don’t see anyone else vying for the assistant position waiting for their turn. I’m glad because Quina is right. The last person is the easiest to recall. The thought makes me sad but comforts me, too. I’ll soon be back to weaving like I’m supposed to be.

I walk up to the palace gates. The guards know me by now so I smile in greeting. I haven’t learned their names yet, but one inspects my name plate first, then the jade tablet I show him. He shakes his head. You’re far too early.

I am? I stammer, unable to keep my face from heating. Faking a laugh, I add, Better I’m early than late, don’t you think?

He nods before both he and the other guard open the doors for me. I agree and good luck.

Slipping my name and appointment times into a pocket, I say, Thank you, and hurry through. The person with a full cart behind me already has their attention. I make my way to where I’m the happiest and it’s not King Shen’s throne room.

The delivery area bustles with activity, as usual. I can’t stay long but soak in the sights, sounds, and delicious smells of various imports for the king’s household. For the first time since the trials began, I’m comfortable in the palace. Maybe it’s because I’m not in the middle of the court. I might not be noticed as an assistant next to the king, but so close to him? I’d be in the public eye all the time. Here behind the scenes, I’m blissfully invisible.

It’s not your interview time already, is it?

I whirl around, stunned at King Shen’s voice. Sure enough, our ruler stands behind me with Shishi at his side. She’s lovely in a yellow dress complementing the flowers in her hair. I shake my head from the panic to focus on King Shen’s question. Barely remembering what he’s said, I stammer, I’m early, so I thought I’d look around for a bit.

Ah, understandable, but showing off the palace is my task, he tells me before turning to the other candidate and giving her a slight smile. We’ll talk tomorrow at the final appointment.

Shishi glances from him to me and back to him before giving a respectful bow. Yes, your majesty.

As we both watch her walk away, King Shen shakes his head. I hope she’s feeling well.

Did something happen during her tour? I ask, curious about the normally bright Shishi’s sudden pale face. And will that something happen to me, too? I wonder.

No, not that I’m aware of, although she might be afraid of heights. He motions toward the exit. Shall we?

Yes, your highness. We leave the delivery area, reluctantly on my part. There’s an uncomfortable silence between us, I imagine. Speaking to him and answering questions was easy in a group, but now? I’m losing what little bravado I had with each dignitary we pass by. None of them give me a second glance, which is reassuring. Not that I blame them when King Shen’s so close, but still, I need to work on my royal bearing if I want to gain respect as an employee here.

The king begins talking about the current events in the realm. Nothing he says about the issues surprises me. People in Dianten gossip enough to keep me caught up on the elemental court members and their business. I begin to ask questions but he doesn’t give me a chance, instead rushing from one topic to the other.

Everyone around me has been in fairy form for thousands of years. I’ve only been one for a couple of thousand. I’m nowhere near even the palace maids’ equal. Vili tells me to shut out my timid voice at times like this. I listen to her most of the time, but now as we walk through the throne room? The reality of my potential duties here overwhelms me. I smile and nod but can’t keep listening to Shen. I want to escape, give in to my urge to fly back home.

You’re quiet, yet I hear the chatter of your thoughts, King Shen comments, breaking through my reverie. Tell me what you’re thinking.

My thoughts? I stumble a little, balanced when he takes hold of my upper arm. I’m stunned into silence at first and glance up at him. His dark eyes seem to see who I am. A lock of black hair falls over his forehead, giving him a boyish appearance. He doesn’t seem so royal at the moment, easing my fear. Um, my musings can’t be interesting to you, sire, surely.

But they are, he argues as we leave the building for the large atrium. The koi pond and various gardens in front of us delight me. I almost offer to be a part of his gardening staff when he distracts me by adding, Your thoughts as my assistant will add insight to what I see and hear, eventually influencing me and the realms.

The king expects my input? Panic bubbles fill my chest. Can I run away?  Probably not, so I keep up with him as we approach a large building at the back of the garden. I give him what I hope is a brave smile as we move up stairs leading to golden doors. Our feet don’t touch the ground as we float through, the guards opening the room to us. You’ll need my insights? I finally squeak once we’re alone. I’m sure mine are nothing compared to the elemental court’s kings surrounding you.

You’ll catch subtleties none of them will, so yes. I’ll want your insights.

He strolls on and I glance around the chambers, in awe of the light gleaming from every clear surface. What isn’t transparent is white or sky blue. Do you live in a cloud?

King Shen laughs, motioning to a servant. It seems so, doesn’t it? He takes a cup of tea for me and then himself from a tray the servant provides. A refreshment before we continue. He sips, adding afterward, You’ve seen my outer chambers. The private areas will be open to whoever my assistant is.

I nod, unsure of what else to say, and sip at my fragrant treat. We’re silent as I examine the room. It’s what I expected of the King of Gods, yet also seems to have nothing of him placed anywhere. Curious, I ask, Do you spend time here, or are your inner chambers your sanctum?

Good question, he replies with an approving nod. This is for official business, but my personal space is not. He sets his cup down. Would you like more, or are you ready to continue?

His finishing the drink is my hint to do so, too. I place my cup next to his. The servant steps back with the tray, retreating to another room as I reply, Yes. I’d love to see more of the palace grounds.

While we leave his chambers, I listen as King Shen talks about the origins of where we are. How the first Element king became the king of all the gods in our realm. Then how this palace grew with each generation of rulers. I’m interested yet distracted, wondering how many questions I should ask before he considers me annoying.

After giving him a few queries over the meanings of certain statues in the courtyard, I enjoy King Shen’s responses. None of the people we pass look at us despite how I much I stare. Maybe they’re too busy or perhaps we’re not to meet Shen’s gaze once we’re employed here. I need to ask but am afraid of the answer. I don’t want to be restricted from looking at anyone I want to.

We enter yet another building and like always, guards open the doors for us. The inscription above the threshold says, Golden Treasures Tower. I pause at first, hesitant to be so close to seeing the realm’s most revered assets. I hurry to catch up to him at the end of the long hallway. Taking the chance in a break of his speaking, I ask, Do you mean I’m allowed to view the realm’s most sacred items, your highness?

In my presence, yes. King Shen motions toward a large spiral staircase in the middle of the circular room. He strolls over to it, and I follow as he says, The others have been here, too, and I’ll bring Quina during her time with me later. He takes the first step up the stairs. Come along. Let’s go to the top. My father installed this as a vanity. I find it useless but pretty.

I nod as he takes my hand. We appear at the highest floor, several stories above the palace grounds. The realm stretches out in all directions. Amazing, I say, breathless at the height and beauty of the lands. The warmth of his skin during our brief touch might have me a little befuddled, too.

I think so. He falls in step with me as I circle the floor. I enjoy the heights. In fact, there’s an interesting story about—

Sire, we need you, a courtier says after suddenly appearing next to us. He glances at me before looking at the king again. Something only you can help with.

King Shen narrows his eyes at the man before turning to me with a slight smile. I won’t be long.

Yes, your highness, I say with a bow, but the two are gone already. I wonder if my time with him is paused until he comes back or running out until Quina’s arrival. There’s no way to know until he returns, so I look out over the land. I squint my eyes but our enemy’s land, Dyulinu, isn’t visible through the far mist. Plus, the earth king’s mountains block whatever I’d see even on a clear day.

I circle the top floor and am thrilled where the King of Ice rules is visible. His land has more mountains, but smaller, white with snow, and even from here I can tell how desolate the land is. I hope King Shen visits the other kingdoms and brings his assistant so I can see everything.

I walk on, hoping King Huoshan’s land is visible, too. Sure enough, the fire king’s kingdom isn’t actually ablaze but the orange flowers and red leafed trees make it seem so. I admire the beauty before saving the best for last. The homelands of Fengkih, the King of Air, was also my home during my early sparrow form. I remember flitting from flower to flower, drinking nectar after cultivation classes before Vili moved us to Dianten.

I linger in this spot the longest, wondering what life might be like if either my mother or father still lived. Or if I hadn’t fallen in the river separating the King of Gods and King of Air’s lands before even hatching? My life might be very different. I can almost see the water sparkle from here, too. I long to fly over the shimmering waves but my powers aren’t strong enough to soar so high.

After several minutes of planning to ask for more cultivation sessions with Vili or even Shen if he chooses me, I realize he’s been gone for quite some time. Worried, I pace, wondering if I should continue to stay here or return to the front gates. Does Quina know of the delay? I can’t be sure.

King Shen said he wanted to show me the treasures in this building, so do I dare explore on my own? The idea appeals to me since I’m at the very top but haven’t seen anything else. Being my own guide in the tower would show him I’m the best assistant, able to entertain myself when he’s busy. Plus, I’d like to see how far down the staircase goes.

Unable to resist exploring, I walk down a few stories before my legs grow tired. Thankfully, King Shen’s father created the spiral staircase with an empty inner core. I float down slow enough to enjoy each floor’s riches as I pass. No one notices me while going about their business, so I keep going, even past the ground floor. The king wouldn’t mind if I took a brief tour before returning to the top, would he? Besides, as tall as the building is, I’m eager to see how far down it reaches, too.

The levels become darker as I pass until finally, I reach the bottom and begin shivering in the cold, still air. The chill seeps up from the ground through my shoes’ thin soles a mere few seconds after I land. Deciding to float a couple of inches above the tiles, my feet become a hint warmer.

Away from the staircase, I need a few seconds for my eyes to adjust to the darkness. I listen but nothing echoes off the stone walls. No water drips or even whispers from animals hiding in the dark. Not that I imagine any, of course.

A slight light glows at the end of a hallway and lures me forward. I shouldn’t go yet am too curious about what’s there to help myself. A quick peek couldn’t hurt, surely. Not if I go to see what’s there and come right back.

I float closer, the cold stinging my nose as I approach and then pause. A blue glow surrounds a kneeling man, his hands bound behind him. He’s wearing a thick metal collar around his neck, the source of the light. His head is bowed as if he’s in meditation.

The man’s imprisonment worries me because who would be so constricted except a very bad person? I should leave and yet, I didn’t know the tower held any prisoners. The captive doesn’t move as I ease closer to get a better look. After clearing my throat, I venture, Hello? Have you been here long? The walls absorb the sound and the man doesn’t respond. The light clinging to his skin flickers across him, the only sign he might be alive. Are you awake? I whisper.

Nothing happens after a few moments, so I try, Are you dangerous?

Again, nothing. He’s deep into a spell and probably for a very good reason. I should go, except...

I reach out to touch his shoulder, unable to resist learning if he’s as cold as our surroundings or as icy as the stone walls around us seem to be. My fingertip reaches his shoulder. The man’s energy pulls my hand in until my entire palm is flat against him, trapped. I jerk away and realize I’m not ensnared at all, but simply stunned. He’s chilly, yet warm, too, so I touch him again in the same place. My skin tingles against his as an aura forms between us. Memories flash in my mind, confusing me with their swift vividness.

What are you doing? Someone from behind grabs my arm, pulling my hand from the immobile form. I look back at King Shen, his face an angry mask as he growls, Tell me. Why are you here?

I fall the few inches to the ground, too stunned to answer at first. I never expected the man I admire most might be furious with me. Opening my mouth to answer, I squeak, Nothing, your highness. I only wanted to feel if he were as cold as he appeared.

He releases me with a slight shove. Do I need to leash you, candidate?

I bow my head. I know King Shen would never hurt me, yet his rebuke pains my heart. No, your majesty. I never meant to cause trouble. A few seconds pass in silence. Glancing up at him, he’s not staring at me but at the prisoner. I can’t help but ask, Who is he?

After a sigh, he glares at me, then the man. Merely a frozen stone. Ignore him. He takes my freed hand. Come along. We’ll search for my two careless guards, then continue the tour with far more comfortable rooms.

I go with King Shen but can’t help glancing back at the prisoner. My palmprint remains, dark against the white frost covering him. As I watch, the man’s eyelashes flutter. My dim vision in the dungeon must be playing tricks on me. I blink to be certain he moved, but he’s motionless.

I said, let’s go, Jiani, King Shen says, pulling me slightly. I have important things to show you.

I nod, matching my