Butterfly Swords by Jeannie Lin Page B

the people who wielded it, loyalties became twisted and honour washed away like sand.
     

    By the middle of the next day, they abandoned the boat and pushed it down the river. They continued on foot along the opposite bank to put a barrier between them and their pursuers. Ailey jumped every time the breeze stirred through the trees or a twig snapped in the distance.
    ‘Stay calm,’ Ryam said.
    He steadied a hand against her back and his touch nearly made her jump again. Ever since she’d made him swear, he’d kept a noticeable distance between them. She almost hated how careful he was with her now.
    ‘We need to get closer to Changan, into lands under imperial jurisdiction,’ she said. Everything they spoke to each other was in lowered tones, as if Li Tao’s men were hiding behind every tree.
    ‘Once we reach the city, I need to figure out a way to get you to your family and then get out of there.’
    She reached for her braid, twisting it in her fingers. ‘I could take you to my father. He can help you.’
    ‘You know we can’t. Your father will either kill me with his own hands or hand me over to the soldiers he obviously commands.’
    His tone grew harsh and she fell silent. They both knew there was no way to explain her being alone with him. It was unthinkable that Ryam could rescue her so valiantly, yet still be chased down as an outlaw.
    ‘I don’t know what to tell him myself,’ she said. ‘To break a wedding arrangement like this is unspeakable.’
    ‘And the sight of a white demon like me would only make matters worse.’
    ‘You’re not a demon,’ she denied fiercely.
    He regarded her with surprise and her skin grew hot under his scrutiny. She looked away, but the sight of his blue eyes stayed with her. It was impossible. Even if he weren’t a foreigner. Even if he were a swordsman of Han descent, her father wouldn’t allow it.
    They were in danger with every breath, yet part of her never wanted to reach the capital. She would have to face her family in Changan. She would have to tell them what she’d learned about her brother’s death and open old wounds all over again.
    She glanced over at Ryam and wished he would look at her again the way he had by the pond—as if she was the most enchanting thing he’d seen in all his journeys. For a moment in his arms, her worries had vanished. The palace and all of its lies didn’t exist.
    ‘What is that?’ Ryam asked.
    A patch of red broke through the endless green of the forest. He slowed his step and Ailey crowded closer to him as she peered through the trees.
    ‘A house,’ she said.
    Not at all like the thatched huts of the fishing village. The winged rooftop of a mansion rose over the trees, breaking the natural landscape. The wooden columns along the bay were painted bright red for good fortune. A peach orchard grew behind the building, the blossoms clinging like snow among the branches. This magnificent residence, complete with intricate latticework and gilded rafters, belonged in Changan or Luoyang, not in the middle of the woods by the muddy banks of the river.
    A gardener saw them first. He left the flowering trees to hurry inside. The lady of the house emerged in an embroidered robe that, like the mansion, reflected opulence worthy of the imperial court.
    The boatman had spoken of a great lady. Ailey’s breath caught as she recognised the mysterious woman. It was Ling Suyin, former consort to the August Emperor. A legendary beauty. The woman breezed into the garden, surrounded on either side by her servants, and stood waiting by the orchard, draped in silk and elegance.
    The legends were true.
    ‘We should move on,’ she urged.
    But Ryam didn’t appear to have heard her. His gaze was fixed upon the vision among the peach blossoms. ‘Lady Ling?’
    Ailey could only stare in surprise. Before she could stop him, Ryam headed towards the house. It would have been pointless to warn him about the tales of men being seduced by the mere