“How does the new goddess among us fare? Has she been chosen by one of the elements?”

The question came from His Royal Highness, the king of the heavens. Prince Yushir stood before him in a relatively empty council room. Pampir stood in the circle before the royal throne and, much to Yushir’s surprise, Dadan was seated in his customary spot. A few of the other council members were in attendance, mostly those who had spoken out against Lady Roberts.

A difficult audience Yushir commented to himself.

The prince cleared his throat. “Her magic has failed to materialize, Your Highness.”

The king frowned. “Why is that?”

Yushir shook his head. “I’m afraid I don’t know. However, I wish to discuss with you the matter of your first question in that she fares rather poorly.”

The monarch leaned forward. “What do you mean?”

“The confinement is having an ill effect on Your Highness’ guest,” the prince explained. “Her health is not as good as when she first arrived and I would recommend she be allowed to venture out of the hall.”

Pampir sputtered on his spittle. “Venture of the hall!? What a foolish notion! There is no way for certain that she can be trusted!”

The king leaned back in his chair and furrowed his brow. “I am reluctant to agree to your recommendation, Prince Yushir.”

“I stand by my recommendation that she be released from her captivity and allow her to enjoy the entirety of the realm,” Yushir repeated.

“This is undoubtedly a trick of hers!” Pampir snapped as he paced the floor between Yushir and the king. “She is lulling us into a false sense of trust which she will undoubtedly betray!”

“You have observed her more than most,” the king mused as he studied his nephew. “Do you detect any deceit?”

Yushir stood erect and lifted his chin. “None at all, Your Highness. She is a most kind and gentle woman, and her maid would attest to that.”

Pampir skidded to a stop and scoffed. “Of course her maid would attest to what you desire! I have been informed that you gave her the position because she was not happy in her old place!”

The prince frowned at him. “If you mean to infer that the maid is untrustworthy because of my placement then I assure you that is not the case.”

“Enough.” The king’s command echoed over the hall and silenced the bickering pair. He leaned back and grasped the front of the arms. “I am of the mind to side with Lord Pampir.” The pompous man puffed out his chest and cast a triumphant smile at Yushir.

“Then allow me to test our guest,” Yushir pleaded. “If the woman fails then she will remain within the confines of the hall.”

The king lifted a royal eyebrow. “What do you propose to do?”

“I propose to test the moral integrity of our guest,” Yushir explained. “We will see if she is a knave as Pampir suspects or if she is a maiden caught in strange circumstances. In this way, she will help us decide whether she remains in her palace or is allowed her freedom.”

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“That doesn’t tell us how you mean to prove her worth!” Pampir snapped.

“I would prefer to keep the details to myself,” Yushir returned as he gave the lord a sharp look. “Otherwise, I fear those who will judge her will be biased in their decision.”

The king furrowed his brow a moment before he nodded. “I grant you permission to test the woman.”

Yushir smiled and bowed his head. “Thank you, Your Majesty. However, I need your assistance in one matter regarding the test.”

“Speak and I shall see what I can do.”

The prince lifted his head. “I need a child of the realm, preferably no older than six.”

Pampir sputtered on his spittle. “A sacrifice to this strange woman?! Your Majesty, I protest this request most vehemently!”

The king nodded. “I must refuse this request unless you reveal the details. Otherwise, I doubt a parent would give their child over to the task.”

Yushir pursed his lips as his mind buzzed with indecision. A cool voice interrupted the proceedings.

“I will be that child.”

All eyes settled on Lord Eastwei. The indifferent lord leaned against the armrest with his other limb draped over a bent leg. He appeared supremely bored as he read a scroll partially unfurled in his hand.

The king lifted an eyebrow at him. “You indeed are the only one among us who is capable of such earthly magic, but would you dare to take on such a risk?”

“It is no risk to me,” Eastwei commented as he lowered the scroll and turned his head to meet the king’s curious gaze. “If she is as Prince Yushir insists then there is nothing to fear. If the woman proves to be faithless then I will deal with her as she deserves.”

His Majesty pursed his lips before he returned his attention to Yushir. “Then I give my permission for you to test the goddess so long as I am able to see the results myself.”

Yushir smiled and bowed his head. “That is just what I have planned, Your Majesty.”

The king stood. “Then I will leave you to the preparations.” Everyone bowed at the waist as he left.

When Yushir straightened his gaze immediately fell on his old friend. Lord Eastwei’s seat, however, was empty and the man’s retreating person disappeared out a side door. The prince hurried to catch up to his friend and met him down the path.

Yushir’s curious eyes studied his friend’s impassive face. “You show an unusual interest in this goddess.”

Eastwei didn’t break his stride. “As do you.”

The prince smiled. “I only want what is best for a beautiful young woman, but your actions are much more difficult to decipher. Is it because you trust this young woman?”

Eastwei stopped and turned to face his companion. “I only help you to ensure the heavens are kept safe from those who cannot be trusted. Nothing more.” He proceeded onward.

Yushir’s eyes followed the lord as a smile lay on his lips. A few whispered words left him. “What a flimsy excuse.”