Page 76 of Cursed Crowns
“Thank you, Queen Rose,” said Shen’s uncle, dipping his chin. “It is an honor to host you here in our kingdom.” Rose didn’t miss the way he lingered over the word “our,” his voice a little crisper than before.
He flicked his wrist, and as a pinch of sand fell from his fingers, the statue of the golden dragon opened its mouth and released a thunderous roar. The crowd erupted in cheers. So, Shen’s uncle was an enchanter, and quite a skilled one, Rose noted, as the palace doors swung open behind him.
She paused, waiting for Shen, but he brushed past her, falling into step with his uncle.
“Come on, Queenie,” said Kai, slinging his arm around her. “Time to show you what a real palace looks like.”
As much as Rose hated to admit it, the Palace of Eternal Sunlight outshone the dated grandeur of Anadawn.
The entrance hall was smaller in size, but far more extravagant. The walls were gilded and brushed with gemstones, while the ceiling was hung with the largest chandeliers she had ever seen. The floor tiles were made from sparkling desert quartz, which made her feel as if shewere treading on rare treasure. Everywhere she looked, something was shining or glittering. Huge porcelain vases of desert orchids graced the entryway, which was lined with even more statues of desert beasts. In the middle of the grand hall stood a golden fountain, where clear water gathered in a mirrored pool.
Shen stopped to admire it.
“Those who follow the Protector may have their eternal flame, but the desert kingdom is built around our Forever Fountain. It was one of many gifts given to our people long ago, to ensure we could survive the harshness of the desert,” said Shen’s uncle proudly. “In all its years, it has never run dry. Its waters flow through the entire city.”
Shen trailed his hand in the water, watching the beads slip between his fingers. “I remember playing in this fountain.”
Rose leaned down for a closer look and was immediately splashed with a face full of water. She yelped as she leaped away from it.
A musical laugh rang out. “I hope you remember more than just the fountain, Shen Lo!” A girl about Shen’s age came skipping around the fountain. She was wearing a sleek indigo tunic and matching trousers, her waist-length black hair swept away from her face by two jade pins. A gust of wind came with her, marking her as a tempest.
“Lei Fan, you know we do not use magic in the entrance hall,” said Shen’s uncle sternly.
Rose’s heart dropped, as she peeled the sopping hair from her face. Who was this beautiful Lei Fan? And why did she look so happy to see Shen?
“You really need to get better at hiding your emotions,” said Kai, nudging her in the side. “That’s my younger sister. Shen’s cousin. Nothing for you to worry about.”
Rose’s cheeks prickled with relief. “I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
Kai laughed. “I saw your face, Queenie.” He turned his lips down in an exaggerated pout. “Boo-hoo-hoo.”
Rose glowered at Kai as Shen rose from the fountain and threw his arms open. “Lei Fan! Is that really you?”
“Don’t you remember my dazzling beauty?” Lei Fan laughed as Shen picked her up and swung her around. “We’ve missed you, Shen!”
Rose hovered on the edge of their reunion, trying to smile. She felt peculiar, as though she were outside a bubble of glass looking in at a place she didn’t belong, at a person she only half knew. But then, she supposed, Shen Lo had only ever known half himself, too.
“I’ve missed all of you,” he said as he set his cousin down, and Rose’s heart clenched at the yearning in his voice. “I’d forgotten so much... but I remember your faces.” He turned to his uncle. “Your voice, Uncle Feng.” And then back to Lei Fan. “Your laugh, Lei Fan.” He winked at Kai. “Your ego, cousin.” He laughed, and the sound soared all the way to the ceiling. “I remember running through the streets of this city, trying to track a jewel beetle. Sneaking dumplings to the horses in the stables and making them sick. Getting scolded for swimming in this very fountain...” He spun around, as though searching for something. “And the smell of candied fruit. The kind that the old woman who looked after us used to make. We called her ‘Grandmother Lu’...” He trailed off, his face falling. “What happened to her?”
“Why the long face, boy?” crowed a new voice. “Did you think Idied?” A wizened old lady emerged from a side passage and came hobbling toward them with a wooden cane. Her skin was golden brown, and her white hair was pulled into a bun on top of her head. Her facewas as wrinkled as a walnut, but her dark brown eyes were bright. “Now why would I do a stupid thing like that?”
“Grandmother Lu!” cried Shen, with a childlike joy Rose had never heard before. “I thought I’d never see you again!”
Grandmother Lu wagged her finger as she approached. “Shen Lo, you naughty boy! You’ve been away from home for far too long.”
She turned her gaze to Rose, her brows raising. “But what fine royal company you have kept in the meantime. You look just like your mother, girl. I met Lillith once, many years ago. Eyes like emeralds. A smile as beautiful as an orchid in bloom.”
Grandmother Lu braced both hands on her walking stick and attempted to bow to Rose. She winced as her back cracked. “I’m afraid that’s the best I can do,” she heaved. “My spine’s not as young as my heart.”
“That’s quite all right,” said Rose, rushing to steady her.
“So, now you are a queen,” said Grandmother Lu. “I look forward to seeing you prove yourself worthy of the title.”
Shen’s lips quirked. “Still the same Grandmother Lu I remember.”
Rose smiled, quickly warming to the old woman. “I hope to do you proud... Lady Lu?”
Grandmother Lu cackled. “Oh, I’m not one for titles. Lady This. Sir That. King Pompom. Pah! Call me Grandmother Lu, like everybody else does.”