The Last Concubine

you. You may return to the kitchen.”
    Reluctantly, Jia withdrew, and Jiang shut the door. “Lan’xiu’s arm needs stitches, and there is no physician we can call to her.”
    “I am all right,” Lan’xiu said faintly. As soon as Ci’an was out of sight, her arm fell to her side, and she dropped her sword at her feet. She sagged gratefully against Hüi Wei’s body.
     
     
    H ÜI W EI picked him up and held the slight body in his arms, staring at the weary face of his love. “How did she gain entry? What happened?”
    “Later, Hüi,” Jiang said. “I shall fetch some wine. She may be more comfortable if she’s drunk when I stitch her up. And then we shall not leave her alone again until she recovers.”
    Lan’xiu moaned slightly when Hüi Wei set him down on the bed, piling pillows behind him. Then Hüi ripped the sleeve open to view the wound. “How did she manage to cut you so badly?”
    “That’s another robe you owe me, my Lord,” Lan’xiu said faintly.
    Hüi chuckled. “And I am glad to pay the price, but tell me what happened. How did Ning come to let Ci’an in?”
    “The doctor spoke through the door and said you had sent him, insisting he see me. Ci’an came in behind him, disguised as a male doctor. She attacked and I blocked with my arm while Ning went to fetch my sword,” Lan’xiu said. He closed his eyes. “I’m tired.”
    Hüi Wei realized he was smiling. It was not simply relief in finding Lan’xiu was not severely wounded; it was pride in his unexpected lover. “My warrior princess,” he murmured.
    Lan’xiu’s eyes flew open and he demanded, “What did you call me?”
    “My warrior princess,” Hüi repeated. “What have I said?”
    “Those are the very words of my destiny,” Lan’xiu whispered. “The seers told my mother at my birth. That is why she named me as she did and dressed me in skirts. And I never thought it would come to pass.”
    “And now here you are,” Hüi Wei said.
    “A prisoner,” Lan’xiu said with a sad smile. “But at least I have found you.”
    “You truly feel like a prisoner?” Hüi asked, hurt. “You have my heart. Is that not enough?”
    “I am trying,” Lan’xiu said brokenly. “It’s not that I don’t love you, I do. But I long to see the sky, to breathe the free air. Oh, for a gallop on my horse! I miss it so, being free to come and go as I please.”
    “It is for your own protection that you are kept here,” Hüi tried to explain. “It is the custom—”
    “Even for a warrior princess?” Lan’xiu sat up, pushing his hands away. “Try me in battle. I could come with you. I could—”
    “Lan’xiu, it would mean my death if I lost you in battle,” Hüi said. “And even I do not fight on the front line any longer. I prefer to achieve peace by other means, and if that is not possible, it is my role to direct the mighty force of the soldiers rather than engage personally in combat. But I see that you are different from my other wives….” He paused awkwardly.
    Their eyes met and both began to laugh.
    “Moderately so,” Lan’xiu managed to say between giggles.
    “I didn’t expect merriment in my absence. What did you find to get her drunk already?” Jiang said, coming back into the room.
    “Nothing,” Hüi said, not taking his gaze away from Lan’xiu’s. “I am getting to know her better.”
    Since Hüi had first seen Lan’xiu, he had intuitively felt that the household was no place for her, although he was loath to admit it to himself. It wasn’t simply his beauty; he had a rare fire that gave him spirit but also allowed him to melt to Hüi’s needs. They fit, and whenever Hüi had to be away from him, he suffered.
    Jiang was smiling as if indulgent of their mirth as he poured a glass and held it out to Lan. “Drink this and be as merry as you like. It will help you bear the pain.”
    Lan hesitated, perhaps from the habits of a lifetime of caution, but Hüi reassured him. “We will not leave you. Have no fear.”
    “I fear this will loosen my tongue,” Lan’xiu confessed. “I’ve never drunk much wine before.” He made a face as he sipped at the liquor and began to giggle before the glass was half-empty. “How did you make the room spin like that?”
    “I think she’s had enough,” Jiang said.
    Hüi took the glass from Lan’s trembling fingers. “Lie down, my love. I will hold your hand while Jiang repairs the damage.”
    To distract Lan, Jiang asked, “Princess, why didn’t you