Chapter XIV – Love Champions of a Princess Anachronism

“I noticed last time I was here… but Seraphina doesn’t have any chairs… or like a bed, that I could see,” said Mu, shifting her grip on the giant beanbag chair Nova had bid her to carry.

Nova, who was significantly smaller than Mu, was also carrying one, and also struggling. “She just sits on the floor. Or one time I found her sleeping – I think she was sleeping – while hovering in the air. That was kinda weird…”

As she spoke, Nova was attempting to free up one hand to hit the button for the doorbell while not dropping the chair.

Mu shook her head. “Don’t worry, Seraphina will open the door in a moment.”

Nova glanced over at her from behind the beanbag. “Is that foresight?”

Mu just gave a little smile and nodded towards the door with her head. “And… now.”

The door slid open and Seraphina was standing there. Her ruby eyes blinked slowly at them. Mu saw she was dressed as usual, which once again included an oversized, pointy hat. The moment the door opened an intense fragrance of incense washed out into the corridor.

“Hi, Seraphina,” she Mu.

“’Hey, girl,” said Nova and without further ado shoved roughly past Mu and Seraphina, manoeuvring the beanbag chair into the space beyond.

Seraphina watched her for a few moments then turned back to Mu. “Please come in.”

Mu smiled and made her way inside, managing the beanbag with a little more grace than Nova. Seraphina followed her after closing the door. Mu dropped the beanbag in approximately the centre of the room, next to the one Nova had brought.

“Shoes off, please,” said Seraphina.

“Oh, sorry,” said Mu and she and Nova returned to the door and removed their shoes.

Mu had opted for her default casual outfit since she’d been on the Amrita – the cropped top and baggy sweatpants Kal and Nova had got for her when she first reached the Orbital Ring of Shangxia. Since she had become aware that Seraphina’s room was perpetually kept uncomfortably warm and humid, she’d opted to forego the hoodie she often wore with the outfit.

By contrast, Nova appeared to be dressed almost entirely in an enormous hoodie that just about completely concealed whatever she was wearing underneath, a glimpse of some blue shorts only occasionally visible. Most of her usual accoutrements were missing: she had no gloves and she’d opted for flip-flops instead of her usual heavy work boots on their way to Seraphina’s room, probably cognizant of Seraphina’s no shoes policy. The only thing that seemed to never leave her person was the goggles, which were pushed up to the top of her head. Mu vaguely wondered whether she slept and showered with the goggles on.

“I see Harry already got that new hat sorted,” said Nova, pointing to Seraphina.

“He is very quick,” said Seraphina, reaching up and touching the brim of her hat. “It still isn’t as soft as I’m used to, but Harry said it would get there.”

“Naw, he can be a sweetie at times,” said Nova, then she pointed at the beanbags. “Sorry, we don’t have one for you.”

“That’s okay,” said Seraphina. “Would you like any snacks? I have fermented red algae, some black rye, and some Hecatean fen frog spawn, if that would suit you.”

Nova’s face contorted into an expression of disgust. “Eeww, rye! Not keen, sorry. But hey, knock yourself out, go wild, I’m not gonna stop you. I brought some supplies of my own for Mu and I because – and I don’t mean to be rude here – but your food is gross.”

Seraphina shrugged and headed to a cupboard to begin arranging her snacks. Meanwhile, Nova opened up the backpack she’d been wearing and took out several large bags of corn chips, a variety of things to dip them in, and a surprising number of cans of energy drink. She offered one of these to Mu.

“Would you like one?”

“I’ve never tried one,” said Mu, “What’s it like?”

“It is pure life-giving essence, the ichor that flows in the veins of the incarnate stars. It is…” Nova seemed lost for more words to convey her enthusiasm.

On such high recommendation, Mu figured she could hardly refuse. She took the offered can. She examined it dubiously, trying to get some sense of what to expect from its contents. Some writing on it proclaimed that it provided one-hundred- and sixty-eight-hour energy. Did anyone need that much energy?

“I have some soured mountain goat milk here, if you’d prefer,” offered Seraphina. “It’s nice warmed up just a little.”

Mu felt her stomach lurch slightly and figured that whatever was in the can it had to be better than that nightmare. “N-no thank you,” she managed and began attempting to get the can open.

“Pass it over here,” said Nova, holding out a hand. “You’ll break a nail.”

Nova popped open the can with ease and passed it back. Tentatively, Mu sampled it.

“It’s very sweet,” she said.

“I know! Great, isn’t it?” said Nova beaming.

Mu nodded with a somewhat forced smile. She glanced around the room. There were many different mysterious bottles on shelves, but amongst it all Mu was somewhat doubtful about her chances of getting what she really wanted here: a coffee.

This concoction of Nova’s will have to do.

Seraphina had returned and sat cross-legged on the floor next to Nova’s beanbag. She was carrying a plate of various unappetising items, and some slices of black bread. Having sat, she muttered some words in a language Mu didn’t understand, then placed the plate in the air next to her, where it hung, magically suspended.

Nova’s eyes lit up when she witnessed this. “Can you make my chips and dip do that?”

Seraphina reached out and touched the bag of corn chips Nova had just opened and spoke once more. She followed up with the dip. Seemingly not quite trusting that they would stay put Nova slowly released them. They did not move, hovering in place.

Nova nodded slowly and grinned. “Awesome,” she said as she crammed a chip loaded with some sort of cheesy dip into her mouth. “You want one?” she asked Mu, pushing the bag through the air to hang between their respective beanbags.

“Thank you,” said Mu, trying one. It was quite unlike any food she’d had before, but it wasn’t unpleasant.

“Alright,” said Nova, sitting forward in her beanbag, “Ready to find true love, ladies?”

On the way over, Nova had explained some elements of the game she had picked out for the night’s entertainment, but the concept was still somewhat mystifying to Mu. From her admittedly brief experience of videogames, she had come to understand that they were about testing your skills, and the cathartic release of low-stakes violence. Love? How did that work?

“Now, I chose one I know Seraphina hasn’t played either, so it’s new to all of us. Apologies in advance if it sucks, but that’s the risk we gotta take to keep it fresh for everyone. Plus, the other games in the series were pretty good,” said Nova.

Mu hadn’t seen when Nova had picked up a controller, but she had one in her hands now. The screen on the wall sprang to life, and soon a virtual world had sprung into being between them and the screen, three-dimensional animated figures materialising in Seraphina’s room. Mu noticed they all appeared to be very handsome men dressed in old-fashioned style.

“So, before we go on, here’s the run down. The game is Love Champions of a Princess Anachronism 3. Basically, a modern girl finds herself swapping places with a princess of some ancient dynasty—”

“The Sheng Hua Dynasty of the Empire of the Nine Suns,” Seraphina said, her tone serious.

“—right, yeah, that one. Anyway, so we basically help her solve some mysteries with the help of various hot guys. And our decisions determine which of the those guys she gets with.”

Mu looked from the handsome holographic men to Nova. “If this is the third game, does that mean this same scenario has happened twice before?”

“Oh no, you see this is technically the first time. Because in the canonical ending of the original game…”

Mu did her best to listen to the torrent of lore explanations that followed, but she found her attention fading in and out.

“…was the reincarnation of the Prince from…”

Mu drunk some more of the drink. It still wasn’t great, but she was getting more used to it and it was good to have something to wash down the saltiness of the chips.

“…which created a separate timeline in which her cousin, who is actually…”

Mu wondered what Mingxia was up to. She’d turned down Nova’s offer to join them tonight, saying she had other things on. Mu wasn’t sure that was true, but she figured Mingxia wasn’t really the videogames type. Maybe she’d just gone to the bar…

“…and so the villainess courtesan was in league with…”

Mu looked over at Seraphina, who was staring directly at Nova with rapt attention, despite presumably already being familiar with this lore.

“….so, basically, in the timeline in which this game takes place, this is technically the first time it’s happened, although I think there’s some kinda mechanic in this game where this version of Zhao Lianyi can speak with the version from the first game and get advice, but I dunno, I guess we’ll find out,” Nova concluded.

“I guess we will,” said Mu, half-trusting that things would become clearer once they actually started playing. She made a mental note to avoid asking Nova anymore questions about the game.

Soon enough Mu found she was far more engrossed in the story than she’d ever expected to be. After a while Nova even offered her the controller and she accepted. Unlike the fighting game she’d played with Seraphina last time she was here, this game required little skill or dexterity, and the learning curve wasn’t very steep. Mostly it was picking between dialogue options, many of the choices inspiring passionate discussions – discussions which, surprisingly enough, even Seraphina joined, in her own quiet way.

After about an hour, Nova announced that they’d now met all of Zhao Linyi’s potential suitors.

“Alright, who are we thinking? Which route are we going for?” asked Nova.

“I like the general’s son, Xu Jianyu,” said Seraphina. “He is brave and honourable and as a skilled martial artist can vanquish Zhao Linyi’s enemies.”

“I mean, sure,” said Nova, “And he is cute.”

“He is physically attractive, this is true,” said Seraphina, as monotone as ever.

“But, Mu, imagine if Seraphina and Xu Jianyu dated in real life,” said Nova. “It’d just be dead silence most of the time.”

Mu laughed, imagining it. Xu Jianyu was a man of few words, though she could see why he might have his charms. The combination of a frankly incredible physique and great strength, with a reserved, quiet demeanour was definitely interesting. The scene where he’d been injured defending Zhao Linyi from an assassin and then she’d tended to his wounds, taking off his shirt… Mu had been intrigued by it, for sure.

“I’m still a little confused about how Lin Anshun is a childhood friend… did he swap with someone too? Otherwise, isn’t he just a childhood friend of the princess with no connection to Zhao Linyi?” said Mu, then instantly realised her mistake of asking Nova a lore question.

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“Well, remember how I said in the second game—”

“Oh yes, yes!” said Mu quickly, “I remember now.”

“So, you wanna go with his route?” asked Nova.

Mu shook her head. “No, I was just confused for a moment and wondering how that worked. I think I like Yu Zhenfeng the best.”

Nova gave a mischievous grin. “The travelling musician… interesting.”

Mu narrowed her eyes, but opted not to probe what she meant. “How about you?”

“Hrm,” said Nova. “I think I wanna see Yu Zhenfeng’s route as well.”

Mu’s eyes stayed narrowed. “Interesting…”

Nova paid her no heed. “You alright with that?” she asked Seraphina.

“That’s alright. I will play through the other endings later anyway,” said Seraphina.

With that decided they embarked on a quest to foil some sort of palace conspiracy – the details of which Mu was unclear on – and, more importantly, to date the handsome and roguish Yu Zhengfeng, taking turns with the controller as they went.

“By the way,” said Nova, “If you want any more food at any point, we can order a pizza.”

“How do we do that?” asked Mu, with a puzzled expression. She’d heard of pizza, but she wasn’t sure if she’d ever tasted it. However, she was aware enough to know that it was often ordered remotely and then delivered to one’s location. Seeing as they were in the middle of deep space, this seemed unlikely to be feasible.

“Simple! We message Harry and ask him to make a pizza,” said Nova. “He grumbles sometimes, but he’ll still do it. He’s a great big softy.”

“It was nice of him to make Seraphina a new hat,” said Mu.

“Harry is a nice man,” agreed Seraphina.

“Anyway,” said Nova, “Lemme know and I’ll get it sorted if you want something. Or like, if you’d prefer, I guess something all… healthy…” She said this last with a look of distaste. “I guess that’s how you keep that figure.”

She poked Mu’s midsection with one finger. “Oh, wow,” she said, now laying her hand palm down on Mu. “How do you keep abs like that? I thought I was going alright, but now I feel like I’m all squishy.”

Mu blushed and brushed away Nova’s hand. She suddenly regretted not covering up more. “Food, exercise,” she said, hoping the conversation would move on soon.

“Your diet is probably not helpful,” said Seraphina.

“Shhh!” said Nova to Seraphina.

“Your diet is probably not helpful,” said Seraphina, in a quieter voice.

“That’s not… nevermind,” said Nova. She jabbed herself a couple of times in the tummy with her index finger. “Maybe we should meet up in the gym next time,” she said.

“There’s a gym on board? I’d totally forgotten,” said Mu.

“Yeah… I go there with Kal sometimes. He’s like my coach,” said Nova.

“I can imagine he would be pretty intense to train with,” said Mu.

“Oh, no, well, no more than needed,” said Nova. “He’s really a big teddy bear.”

“I think Mr Nyx sees Nova like a daughter,” said Seraphina.

“That’s cute,” said Mu. “I haven’t really gotten to know him well yet, outside all the… craziness.”

Nova laughed. “It can take a while to crack open his tough exterior, but he’ll let you in eventually.”

“Everyone’s been so nice to me since I came on board,” said Mu. She gestured around her, “Like, this… I haven’t just been able to relax with friends like this in so long. I’ve just been running, hiding, always alert. It gets so exhausting.”

“Are we friends?” asked Seraphina.

Mu looked her way. “Of course we are. This is what friends do, right?” She said it confidently, but doubt crept in. “I mean, right? It was different at the Imperial Court, but…”

Seraphina shrugged.

“As the representative of normal people here,” said Nova, “Yes, this is what friends do. Just bonding over handsome animated men and… by the way, maybe don’t mention to Harry or Tavian or whatever about this game? Just, if it comes up, y’know?”

“Sure…” said Mu, eyeing Nova with a grin. Moments of insecurity were rare, coming from her.

“Well, anyway,” said Nova, “Enjoy these quiet times, because I hope you realise what you’ve signed up for, coming aboard.”

“What do you mean?” asked Mu.

“It’s never quiet for long around here,” said Nova. “I don’t know what Apollo’s planning for Yarkan, but it’ll probably lead us somewhere crazy. It usually does. You know why we came to Shangxia?”

Mu shook her head. She hadn’t even really thought about that.

“Well, do you know why we’re going to Yarkan?”

“No more than you do.”

“Yep, it was like that when we went to Shangxia too,” said Nova. “Apollo just announces a destination. We go there… then either things just happen, or at that point Apollo lets us in on a little more info. On Shangxia he just told Kal and I that we needed to help you and Tavian get off-world and that was that. So we did. And here you are.”

“Here I am,” mused Mu. “Thank you again.”

“You’ve said that enough already,” said Nova. “But my point is, I hope you’re ready for the chaos. I dunno, maybe with your whole foresight thing you might be able to work out what Apollo’s vision is, but for the rest of us, it’s usually a surprise. But that’s fine. I didn’t ditch home to come aboard to have a chill time. I came for excitement, and helping Apollo with whatever he’s plotting is always exciting, if nothing else.”

Mu thought about the discussion she, Apollo, and Seraphina had. She remembered what he had said about the fragile future and the need for trust. It was clear the rest of the crew trusted him enough to leave their fates entirely in his hands… or paws. She remembered that moment of clarity she herself had felt when she’d seen Nara Enduri before her. It was strange, but she felt reassured in the decision she’d made then, while hearing Nova speak now.

“I’ve told him I trust him,” said Mu, “I guess that means I’m all in for whatever happens next.”

“Oh, though, sometimes we have Ostara missions,” said Nova. “They’re usually more normal. Collecting supplies, doing a job for someone, picking up parts for the Amrita, you get the idea.”

“I did wonder where the Amrita’s money comes from,” said Mu.

“Well, sometimes its from doing jobs for people, but a lot of the time Ostara just pays for things…. She has a lot of money, but no one really knows where it comes from,” said Nova.

“The crew doesn’t know much about Ostara’s past,” agreed Seraphina.

“She seems really nice, though,” said Mu.

“Oh, totally, Ostara can make everything right with the world,” said Nova. “Anyway, you’ll like it here. I like it here. Do you like it here, Sera?”

The witch nodded. “I do. Since I left Hecate, this is the only place that people aren’t scared of me. Outsiders mostly don’t like witches.”

“I’m sorry to hear you had to go through that,” said Mu.

“It’s alright. I’m here now,” said Seraphina, her eyes betraying no sign of emotion.

Mu looked at Nova. “How exactly did you come to be here?”

“I just left home one day when I was a teenager. I stowed away on a ship. It was the Amrita. Apollo and Ostara let me stay and I’ve been helping with technical stuff ever since,” said Nova.

“You are still a teenager,” said Seraphina.

“Only just!” protested Nova, “I’m nineteen now.”

Mu looked Seraphina’s way. If anything, she’d assumed the witch was even younger than Nova, though there was something about her mannerisms that did give her a vibe of being older than that.

“If you don’t mind me asking… how old are you, Seraphina?” said Mu. Just in case the question was rude, she offered, “I’m twenty-three years old.”

Seraphina seemed to be thinking for a moment. “I am three hundred and six years old by the standard reckoning.”

“Three—”

Nova laughed. “How old did you think she was?”

Mu looked down. “Um, like seventeen?”

“Witches don’t age like humans,” said Seraphina.

“Like… humans…” murmured Mu.

“Everyone thinks she’s the baby of the crew,” said Nova. “But Sera’s actually the second-oldest of us.”

Mu could have sworn she heard Seraphina say something like “probably third”, but Nova kept talking and she didn’t get a chance to ask.

“Anyway,” said Nova. “I think we’ve left the delightful Yu Zhengfeng hanging on our response.”

With that attention was returned to the gentleman who had been standing patiently in the middle of the room awaiting their response. The night carried on and the Amrita drew ever closer to Yarkan.

“You’re back!” shouted Tavian, noticing the doors to the bar opening and Harry walking in.

“Pizza delivered,” said Harry. “Did you save me any here?”

Mingxia laughed. “I had to fight off these guys, but I managed to save you a couple of slices.”

“Thank you, Ms Li,” said Harry. “And perhaps next time if I’m the one doing the cooking, one of you two can deliver the pizza.”

Tavian gave him no response. Kal said, “While you’re up…” He didn’t need to complete the sentence. Harry walked behind the bar and fetched him another beer as well as pouring himself a glass of wine. He emerged and sat down in his former spot around the table, sliding the beer across to Kal.

“Ostara gone?” he asked.

“The Captain wanted to see her,” said Tavian.

“I guess we’ll be at Yarkan by tomorrow morning,” said Harry. “Have we just given up on the game now, or were you waiting for me?”

“I think the game’s over. I feel like if Tavian takes any more of Kal’s money, the result could be violence,” said Mingxia, pausing to hiccough. “And frankly, I don’t like Tavian’s odds of survival in that fight.”

“Thank you for your faith in me,” said Tavian. “I happen to be excellent in a fight. Y’know, provided it isn’t against freaks like those Resonance Bureau agents.”

Mingxia gave him a glare.

Harry leant toward Tavian and placed a hand on his forearm. “I’m gonna be real with you, my guy, but I don’t like your chances against Kal here.”

Tavian shook off Harry’s hand. “I’m gonna prove it then,” he said, feeling a sudden moment of inspiration. “Let’s go a few rounds.”

Kal took a big swig of the beer Harry had given him, and locked Tavian with a piercing gaze. “Alright, little man, I’m game.”

Mingxia laughed again, “You know, I’m actually interested to see this.”

“Wanna place bets?” asked Harry.

“I think we’re both betting the same way,” said Mingxia.

By now Tavian was on his feet and facing Kal across the table. He swayed slightly, then steadied himself.

“Right now, let’s go to the gym. The others can be witnesses. Let’s see how you go without that special suit of armour, old man,” said Tavian.

“Let’s do it,” said Kal, tugging his singlet over his head, revealing an immense mass of toned muscle, that had only barely been concealed previously.

Tavian began unbuttoning his own shirt.

“That escalated quickly,” said Harry, sipping his wine.

“The shirts certainly came off quickly,” said Mingxia.

At that moment the doors opened again and Ostara entered. “The Captain suggested I come back and avert something stupid from happening,” she said as she stepped in.

Tavian and Kal looked away from each other towards her, both blinking uncomprehendingly. Tavian blinked as his brain raced to deal with the sudden interruption.

“Are we sure we wanna stop them, Ostara?” asked Harry. “It could be entertaining.”

“Perhaps they get in the ring when they’ve had a few less drinks,” said Ostara, with a warm smile. She strode over to the table and looked from one man to the other. “Take a seat, gentlemen.”

Wordlessly, both Tavian and Kal complied, Kal pulling his singlet back on. Tavian hastily rebuttoned his shirt and sank back into his chair. He noticed Mingxia was once again looking his way, her expression difficult to read. She'd been laughing not long before, but he was still getting an unusual vibe from her.

“You know, it does strike me that we as a group… collectively… may have a drinking problem,” said Harry, sipping from his wine glass again.

“You’re the one encouraging it,” said Tavian, glaring his way.

Harry shrugged.

Ostara had taken a seat and now spoke up, “Now, given everyone has calmed down, perhaps we might want to wrap things up here shortly. We will be arriving at Yarkan in the morning and the Captain has said he wants everyone down on the surface right away. He has big plans.”

“Back in the day,” said Kal, interrupting himself with a belch, “The men and I would drink all night and thrash the enemy in battle the next morning. Just gotta have the right constitution.”

“Sure, grandpa,” said Tavian.

Kal glared at him.

“Boys….” warned Ostara.

Mingxia finished her drink and rose to her feet unsteadily. “Well, I guess if the cards are done, and there’s not going to be any sport for the evening, I might retire.”

“Sounds wise,” said Ostara.

Tavian gave a shrug. “Guess I’m done too,” he said.

With that he got up and followed Mingxia out of the room.

The door closed behind him. “Mingxia—” he began.

She spun around to face him. “I think you’re not understanding something,” she said, raising her index finger, and stepping close to him. He was startled by the change in her tone from just a few moments earlier. “I’ve been nice to you since I came on board because these seem like nice people and everyone’s been happy to get away from that situation on Shangxia. I didn’t want to bring down the mood… and you know what? I was giving you credit for coming along on that caper, even though I know it was Mu’s idea and you didn’t want to come along.”

“That’s—” began Tavian, but once again he didn’t get far.

“Don’t go blaming Mu for badmouthing you, by the way. That’s me reading between the lines, but I know I’m right. And that in there, just now? Yeah, I joked with Harry and all that, but that was genuinely uncomfortable to witness. I couldn’t even tell how serious you two were being. I don’t even think you knew. It’s the same drunken bullshit that got us into that whole situation to begin with. I was naïve once, I let myself get led along by your… fuck, I guess it’s charm – but I see through that now. So, when everyone else is around, I’m gonna keep on being polite, but that is all it is. Do not mistake it for me forgiving you—”

This time Tavian interrupted. “Forgiving me!?” he exclaimed. “It takes two to tango, sweetheart. And I didn’t know who you were when we met. You knew. You knew what the consequences were.”

Mingxia shook her head and Tavian saw a hint of tears there. “I was desperate. Desperate for a way out. I… I take my portion of the blame. I accept it wholeheartedly, but you don’t know what it was like with that monster. And I’m just… I’m just over it. Too many times I’ve let myself be led astray by… by men who just… just want to take advantage… who don’t care.”

Tavian held his hand to his chest. “I am not like that bastard of a Governor. I came back didn’t I? You can’t deny that.”

“No, you’re not like the Governor. But do you know how fucking low of a bar that is to clear?” demanded Mingxia. “And this… this isn’t about you. It’s not about your honour. I was a prisoner. And I just wanted to feel free again. Just for one night. It was stupid, I get that. But…”

A great sob interrupted her. Tavian clenched his fists and breathed in deeply. He felt the anger leaving him, but he was suddenly unsure of what to do. It wasn’t a feeling he was used to.

Mingxia wiped away the tears pooling in her reddened eyes. “I’ve had too much to drink. I don’t even know what I’m trying to say… Just… leave me alone. Mu’s the only one who has any idea what it’s like.”

With that she stormed off, leaving Tavian in her wake. He watched her go and was so lost in his thoughts he didn’t even hear Ostara coming up behind him, only noticing her when the hand landed on his shoulder.

“Give her some space,” said Ostara. “She’s been through a lot.”

Tavian was momentarily startled before he turned to face her. “She talks like we didn’t both make a decision that night of our own free will.”

“In such an emotionally charged situation, sometimes it can be helpful to put questions of blame aside for a moment and simply focus on what lessons can be learned,” said Ostara. “She may forgive you, she may not. Understand that she has her reasons for that, and accept that you don’t know what she’s been through, what’s truly behind those reasons. You don’t have any control over what she thinks, and you don’t have any control over the past now. But you do have control over your little slice of the future, and you can think about how, next time, you can facilitate a better outcome. But you can only get there if you learn from happened here.”

Tavian sighed deeply. “Thanks,” he said. He was about to speak more, but Ostara cut him off.

“Go to bed,” she said. “Everyone’s had a bit of a big night. But reflect on it all tomorrow. Everything that happens is an opportunity to learn. Be it ‘good’ or ‘bad’, by the simple act of living through it, we have the chance to become a little wiser.”

Tavian nodded slowly.

“We’ll be on Yarkan tomorrow. A new world. With the right mindset it is within your power to ensure that the Tavian who sets foot there tomorrow is just that little bit wiser, that little bit better, than the Tavian who first set foot on Shangxia.”

“I’ll think about all that,” he said.

He turned to walk away, then looked back over his shoulder. “Thank you, Ostara,” he said.

“Goodnight, Tavian,” she said.