Chapter 007 · First Encounter
338 Words
The dead quiet in the grand hall was broken only by strained breaths. Danfei lay on the marble floor in her crimson robe, fragile yet unbowed, defiant even as she fought pain. Rofei watched Lanfei warily, concern warring with awe.
At the doors: “His Highness the Crown Prince approaches!” A tremor of excitement swept the assembly as they knelt, greeting him with trembling reverence.
Lanfei’s smile was faint but cold. She rose and met the prince’s gaze calmly.
He was splendid: silk-dragon robe gleaming gold, jade belt, hair bound in the imperial fashion. His sharp eyes took in every detail of the tense scene before him.
Danfei, her wrist broken, winced as attendants raised her. Rofei’s eyes never left Lanfei.
The prince’s gaze settled on Lanfei. “You propose a transaction?” he asked, voice low and curious.
Lanfei inclined her head. “Yes, Your Highness. I require safe passage home once this is concluded.”
Murmurs rippled through the court—no one had bargained on saving this “madwoman.”
The prince’s lips curved in amusement. “Speak your price.”
Lanfei held his gaze without flinching. “I possess the schematics for the HK-48—a marvel beyond any known aerial war machine.”
The court froze. HK-48? Aerial carriers? No one understood her words.
Lanfei’s eyes narrowed. “Where am I?” she demanded.
Guards tensed, swords drawn. The prince motioned them back. “You are in Nan Chu—our realm between Qi and Qin, across from Xichuan.”
“Nan Chu… Qi… Qin…” Lanfei echoed, shock dawning. Not Shanghai.
She snatched the fallen blade from the floor and held it before her. Arrows swept the hall in silver arcs, aimed at her heart—but Lanfei stood unwavering.
For the first time, true terror gripped her: she was truly trapped in this alien court.
With a strangled cry, she collapsed. The prince caught her in his arms.
“Fetch the imperial physician!” he thundered, and chaos erupted anew.
- Writer
