A Bright Heart by Kate Chenli

Author:Kate Chenli [Chenli, Kate]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Union Square & Co.

CHAPTER 21

The day of the Elite Hunt dawns bright and clear. King Reifeng and the princes lead the long procession out of the city to the hunting fields, joined by Elder Hanxin and flanked by two dozen royal guards. The officials and their sons make up the middle part of the entourage, accompanied by the wardens in charge of the hounds. Ladies follow with their chaperones. While all the noblemen ride horses, most women rely on the comfort of their coaches. Servants and soldiers on foot bring up the rear.

Yunle and I are among the few women who prefer the view of the open sky to an enclosed space. We joke about her favoring my company over her father’s and brothers’. Fei and a pair of Yunle’s guards ride beside us.

Far ahead, Jieh rides his Beorn stallion, Sky Dancer—named after the largest constellation in the northern sky. The pair are quite the perfect fit: both are exceptionally handsome and imperious, their movements laced with power.

But what amazes me is that Jieh has domesticated this legendary beast in such a short time. Even the King couldn’t hold back his delight when Jieh arrived sitting tall on his stallion. As his son dismounted and knelt, Reifeng pulled him up, clapped him on the shoulders, and hugged him with one arm, laughing like any father lavishing his approval on a child who makes him proud.

“My son, just like your name,” Reifeng roared.

Just like your name: Jieh, meaning outstanding.

Wen’s mouth twisted as if he’d just eaten a bitter lemon. Kai’s face was set as hard as marble. Ren, however, offered his congratulations.

Later, Hanxin commended Jieh, and Yunle pulled me aside to join her.

It’s midafternoon when we reach the encampment. A few tents have been pitched. Even as I dismount, I notice the yellow one in the center stitched with emblems of dragons. The largest of all, it looks more like a pavilion than a place to sleep.

“I’ll have my tent set up near my father’s,” Yunle says.

I nod. “I’ll see you later.”

As soon as she leaves, a soldier directs me and Fei to follow him. We lead the horses to our spot on the outskirts of the growing cluster of tents: red, orange, purple, and blue, all nestled upon a sea of green quivering in the breeze. Some have flags displaying family names flying atop their center poles.

Fei unrolls the bundle tied to her mare, and I help her erect our tent. I’ve done it before, but it isn’t easy with only two of us.

“Mingshin?”

Still wrestling with the stubborn tentpole, I look up to find Jieh standing a few feet away, with Yao by his side.

“This is not ladies’ work,” Yao says, smiling.

I roll my eyes. “I’m not a lady anyway.”

Jieh scowls. I’m certain his guards set up his tent, like all the other nobles leaving such drudgery to their servants. I ignore him and continue with my struggle. It seems a war is being fought in his head, but eventually he gives a curt nod.

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