The Willow and the Dragon

by Amiyable

Summary:

The Archon Wars ravage the landscape. Neighbor fights against neighbor, god against god. Divine beings of all shapes and sizes fight one another for dominance of the growing human civilization, from which they draw their power. Liuying, a sheltered and blind young god, must find a way to defend her people from the sea beast, Osial. In her desperation, she seeks an alliance with the feared dragon, Morax. Her intentions are selfless, but in her marriage to the dragon, she may end up with more than she bargained for.

“A tree that won’t bend easily breaks in the storm.”
-Lao Tzu

Chapter 1

Liuying

Liuying lifted her veil enough to rub her stinging, wet eyes. She returned her hands to her sides, allowing the comforting weight of the solid material to fall back onto the upper half of her face. Her eyes always stung when she cried. The damage that had been done to her eyes from noxious fumes as a young child had left them feeling dry and sensitive even all these years later.

She could feel her bottom lip trembling as she sought to hold back the sobs that pressed to escape her. Liuying clenched her fists at her sides, attempting to summon some strength within her, to will it into her posture, her bearing. She had to appear strong for her people, and for her father. Even if she wanted to sag and droop to the ground like the willow tree that was her namesake.

Thank the Heavenly Principles this part of the ordeal was almost over. The seventh day of the funeral rites was coming to a close. Liuying tried to bury her broken heart and ground herself in her surroundings. She could feel the presence of so many mortals around her. The entire region of Tuliang had come to honor their goddess, Xianlian, master of poisons and healing concotions, protector of the people… and Liuying’s mother.

Liuying tried to picture in her mind what the throng would look like, gathered all around wearing white funeral shawls, offerings placed carefully around the grave in front of her. She tried to picture the color of the grass underneath her and the tea terrace fields she knew to be in the distance, but she could not recall what the color green looked like. Her memory failed and her blind eyes hid the view from her. She could only feel the people’s presence, their life force, as they gathered together to share their grief. The white noise of collective sniffs and whimpers hummed in the background. Liuying knew the people’s grief to be genuine.

The people had loved her mother. She had been regal, virtuous, kind and wise… and deadly if you were her enemy. She had led her people to prosperity. She had protected them from the neighboring regions and their aggressive gods, ever jealous of Tuliang’s rich soil, its waterways, its plentiful tea and rice crops. Especially in these tumultuous times when neighboring regions went to war regularly. Pacts between nations had increased the scale of the conflicts to a level of warfare that was new and frightening.

Despair clogged Liuying’s throat. What a gaping hole her mother had left. What could the blind, minor herb goddess of a small region do in the face of power like that of the greater gods? Her father was no fighter. Gentle and timid, he was known as the God of Tea. And she… she was not her mother. She could not protect anyone. Liuying had learned the art of poisons from her mother at a young age and could technically be called the new “Goddess of Poisons.” But she was blind. Expertise in the implements of death could not aid you if you needed help to even walk without tripping. It was true that her affinity for plants and living things allowed her to sense life forces around her, but she could not truly see, and it would take only a rock in her path to take her down. She was a liability on the battlefield.

Her mother’s words came to her then. After she lost her sight, the world seemed like such a cruel, unfair place. She felt worse than useless, like a burden to all those around her. Frustration and impotence ate at her soul, but her mother never belittled her feelings. She was always good at taking the long view of things.

Liuying, remember. What your body can or cannot do is not as important as the strength of your spirit. With a strong heart, there is nothing you cannot do.

That had been several hundred years ago. Liuying had come to believe her mother’s words in time. She did not feel handicapped by her blindness. It was just a different way to live. But at this moment, with her mother gone forever and the responsibility of protecting their people falling to her, she had a hard time truly believing those words. How could she protect those she loved? Fresh tears stung her eyes.

Her father, Bolin, muttered and whimpered to himself to her left. She heard her mother’s name amid the whispers. It was a reminder that she was not alone in her grief, that others suffered more than she. She put her arm through his and held him close as they walked back towards home.

Chapter 2

Liuying

The wood felt smooth beneath Liuying’s fingers as she tapped away at her desk, a nervous habit she had not yet conquered. She was tired and cranky. The last several nights, alone in her room, she had allowed her grief to pour forth in full. She had thought having the funeral rites behind her would feel better somehow. A fool’s hope. The agony of facing a future without her mother in it was too much to bear. Her bed linens had been drenched in tears by morning. Her nose and throat felt raw and painful now. Summoning the will to face daily tasks alone felt like too much, never mind the task at hand today.

Reports kept coming in. The proverbial wolves were surrounding them. Raids had begun on their trade routes. Two of the neighboring gods had seized small parcels of land already. They had heard of Xianlian’s death and knew the nation of Tuliang was ripe for the taking. It felt like the noose was closing around her neck.

Thankfully there had not been any large-scale campaigns as of yet, but it was only a matter of time. Osial’s terrifying, sea-monster minions had killed Mother in a bid to take our land, but she had managed to take out a good number of them before death claimed her. Osial would be back for revenge… and to finish the job. Their forces were all but depleted after that battle. There was no one left to stand for them. They needed help and soon. But who would help them? And what did she have to offer them in return? Tuliang had plentiful tea and rice crops, which were very valuable, but that’s really all they had. Most other nations were engaged in conflicts of their own. Not to mention, there was danger in making the wrong alliance. She had seen nations ally with their neighbors to fight mutual foes, only to become prey themselves once the war was won.

Liuying tapped her temple with her fingertip and sighed. There was only one person she could think of that could stand against Osial. Only one whose reputation alone would keep the smaller gods around them in their place. Rex Lapis. The Dragon. The Warrior God. The Groundbreaker. The Lord of Geo himself. The Stone Lord Sovereign. He had as many names as there were legends about him.

It seemed like a longshot. What would entice the great Rex Lapis? What could she offer that would justify spilling the blood of his people, his famous Millelith army? What would justify risking his own life? This would have to be more than a simple alliance if she expected him to protect Tuliang. Nothing less than defeating Osial would result in a longterm solution.

Fate help her, she could only think of one thing that would cement an alliance like this. They needed to be bound together so closely that her interests were his and vice versa. Liuying’s stomach sunk in defeat. There was only one way to ensure the survival of her people. She needed to offer herself in marriage to The Dragon.

Would he possibly accept? Rex Lapis was a known eccentric. Rumor was that he was brutal with his enemies, but compassionate with his friends. He had been known to take pity on the defenseless in the past. Perhaps he would be swayed by her blindness, her nation’s plight. She was pitiful. That was something she could use to her advantage. If she made it clear that it was both an advantageous alliance because of her nation’s resources, and that she could be useful to him as a spouse, this might work. Her status as the poison goddess certainly made her a useful person to have on hand, and to have the complete loyalty of. Yes, this might work.

Liuying’s heart sank as a thought occurred to her. What about her desirability as a woman? Liuying knew her body was considered beautiful, but her face...her face could ruin everything. She would just have to keep her face covered until after they were married. Rex Lapis would keep his word even if she played a little trick, she was sure. He was often referred to as the God of Contracts because of his dedication to keeping his word, and making sure others kept theirs. Liuying would have to be very careful about this. She would not promise anything she couldn’t deliver. She did not want to incur the wrath of the Dragon, but if she did, better against her than her people. Liuying would rather perish than allow her nation to fall. There was no other choice. She had to risk it. She would give herself to this man, and gladly.

Liuying felt along the desk for the bell and rang for an attendant to fetch her father. She hated to drag him from his mourning so soon, but they did not have the luxury of time. There would not be a nation left to rule if they did not act fast.

Chapter 3

Morax

The Lord of Geo raised his robe to wipe the sweat from his brow, only to realize that his clothes were drenched with blood. There was not a dry spot on him to tend to his face with. He was about to settle for shaking the sweat from his hair like a dog, when a lieutenant came up beside him, offering him a handkerchief which he accepted gratefully.

Rex Lapis rubbed the calluses on his hand. His grip felt tight and aching from wielding the spear for so many hours on end. He surveyed the battlefield in front of him. So many fallen. Boulders crushed men and horses, boulders that he had wielded himself against those that were no match for him. This enemy had been particularly aggressive, sending their own people to their deaths without thought in a hopeless gambit against himself. Chenyu Vale was in shambles. What was once a beautiful place, now just a ruin of broken bodies. It stank of death. The coppery tang of blood, and sour stench of other bodily fluids, hung thick in the air. The lush river and waterways downstream from the battle ran literally red with blood.

“A great victory, my Lord Morax,” Bosacious boomed next to him in his large voice.

Morax said, “You think so, my friend? Did you not see the terrified faces of the people here as we cut them down?”

Bosacious hesitated, noting his lord’s change of tone. “But we have secured a victory. The God of Chenyu Vale was given many opportunities for peace, and chose defeat instead. It is over now.”

“Yes, but the cost is too high.” Morax gestured to the sprawling wreck in front of him. “These people did not choose this. Most just want to live their lives in peace.”

Bosacious clapped a large hand on his shoulder. He was one of the few that dared touch him. “I believe it was necessary, my lord. Do not dwell on it.”

“Perhaps you are right, Bosacious. But I am tired of these wars. Every minor god thinks he can steal a bite while his neighbor isn’t looking. They are like dogs fighting over a rotten carcass. I try to bring order—to protect those that cannot protect themselves—but I cannot be everywhere at once. And…” His voice came out quieter and a bit strained. “I cannot help those that will not help themselves.”

In a rare bout of insight, Bosacious caught on. “You are thinking of Havria, Goddess of Salt? That was a tragedy. But my lord, you cannot be expected to protect those that refuse to accept your help.”

Morax said, “I begin to worry that if these wars persist, only aggressors will remain. The gentle and peace-loving seem to be a dying breed. I do not wish to live in a world populated only by victors.”

“I’m sorry. You’ve lost me there, Lord Morax.” Another strong clap on the back. “Come, let us eat and drink and forget the troubles of the day.”

He decided to reign in his melancholy for his friend’s sake.

“Yes. A splendid idea. Go and I will follow in a moment.”

He waited until his friend had left and let out a deep sigh of discontent. He would continue to do what he must.

Chapter 4

Liuying

“Father, we must,” Liuying pleaded. “You must see that our enemies are closing in as we speak. We do not have time for hesitation.”

Father answered in a high, thin voice, nearly in a panic. “But he is a dangerous brute. You cannot be his wife!” His voice rose alarmingly at the word, ‘wife.’ She had never heard him yell before, but he was getting close to it now.

Master Ping, Father’s personal attendant and trusted advisor, spoke up then. “Have you heard the stories of how he single-handedly decimated Chenyu Vale? They say meteors rained down on humans and livestock alike. That he even fought in the form of a mighty brown dragon with tooth and claw. They say the rivers ran red with blood that day.”

Liuying shuddered at the picture that had been painted. Ping was not one for gossip or exaggeration. It must be true. Could she really do this? Could she trust such a man with their nation, their cherished people? With her own life? Yes. Risky or no, it was the only way. They were dead at Osial’s hands otherwise, and that would not be a quick death.

Master Ping tutted and said carefully, “We cannot be sure he would even have you. Not only is there the matter of your blindness, but your face, my lady. It is… off-putting.”

Liuying snorted at the careful wording. She had heard enough euphemisms and hinted insults to last a lifetime.

“I know. I thought of that. I will keep the mourning veil on until we wed.”

The two men went quiet with shock. Liuying could not even hear them breathing anymore. She felt a little cornered by their shared reactions.

“What? These are desperate times. If a little deception is required to keep our people safe, then so be it. Rex Lapis will keep his word once we are wed. He is known as the God of Contracts, after all. I will just have to make myself extra useful to him after we are married to make up for it.”

At this, both men choked audibly.

Master Ping sighed. “This is a disaster.”

Father said, “We will manage on our own as we always have.” His ire of earlier had deflated and he sounded even weaker than usual now. Grief and stress had sapped his health. Liuying knew her frequent shenanigans didn’t help.

She hated herself for having to say this, but she knew she must. He needed to understand.

“That was when Mother lived. The situation has changed. We both know she was the strength, the might of our kingdom. Our army is all but spent. Our territories are dwindling, and neither you nor I can fight for them.”

Her father’s keening cry filled the room. He was not ready to face this. He had barely left his room since Mother’s death. Father was a delicate soul under the best of times.

Liuying gentled her voice. “It is all right, Father. Everything will be alright.”

She walked towards the sound of her father’s voice, feeling for obstacles with her soft-slippered feet as she traversed the room smoothly. Finding his thin shoulders, Liuying hugged her father tightly to her chest, feeling the top of his head tuck beneath her chin. She realized she was now a head taller than him. When had he gotten so small and frail. She supposed immortality did not always translate to eternal strength and vitality.

Liuying said, “I will make the arrangements, Father. Rest now. You will need to summon your strength for the negotiation in a few days’ time. And after that, all will be well.”

Liuying said a prayer in her heart. Let fate not make a liar of me.

Chapter 5

Morax

Morax traveled ahead of his retinue. The horses and carts slowed him down, and lately he had been seeking solitude more often than not. The hills here were very beautiful. Verdant greenery abounded. The rice paddies on a distant hill reflected the hazy clouds in the sky. Blues and greys in mirrored smears. Closer to the path, lush tea fields grew.

This place seemed untouched by the droughts they had experienced on his side of the continent. The truth was that past droughts had been quite devastating to his nation. He wanted to prepare against the possibility of another.

Images from the past flooded his mind: receiving reports from panicked farmers, brittle leaves on dying crops, sick young and elderly, malnourished children… Remembering that time long past made his heart hurt. Morax scanned the fields around him again. These lush fields would feed his people well, sped on by the ministrations of gods that wield the power of dendro, an affinity for plants that was rather rare in his region.

Yes. Tuliang would be an excellent nation to have close ties with, if they were willing to share these resources with his people. Marriage would be a last resort. He hoped that he could convince them to accept his help in return for their resources, that they could set a contract in stone. This would be a diplomatic meeting. All the more reason to enjoy these precious moments alone before the Lord of Geo, Rex Lapis, was needed again.

As he walked, he breathed deeply, inhaling the pleasant scents, and sorting through his feelings. He was usually a very stoic man, but his feelings were in turmoil lately. Making sense of them felt like a heavy chore today. The wars were taking their toll on him. He still had not recovered from the loss of his dear friend, Ghizhong, whom he had confided in and fought alongside. He had seen many loved ones come and go in his long life, but the grief felt especially heavy today. Kindred spirits were difficult to find in the best of times. Nowadays… he felt like only the bringer of death, respected, but mostly feared.

A female cry in the distance, cut off mid-sound, caught his attention. He left the path in the direction of the sound, long strides eating up ground quickly as he scanned the area for the source of the commotion. There, under a large camphor tree, an incident was in progress. A lone woman with a veiled face had been set upon by no less than five creatures that emanated otherworldly power. One was lifting the woman off the ground by the throat. Morax’ instinct was to intercede immediately, but before he could act, the woman bit the man’s hand and dropped to the floor in a fighting stance. He hesitated, waiting to see what she would do next.

The woman moved quick as a flash, flipping a black-edged knife out of her sleeve and throwing it, catching the first man in the throat just as he was summoning power to use against her. She turned her body towards the second, knife already in hand, and expertly threw it straight into his gut. Oddly, the woman did not lift the veil on her face, or even turn her head towards her attackers as she acted. Could she even see through that heavy veil? By now both men were on the ground, convulsing, foam spilling from their mouths. Fast-acting poison. Clever. The woman lunged towards the third man—evidently out of throwing knives—but she tripped and fell to the ground. The aggressor immediately grabbed her by her hair and yanked her upwards.

“Those were two of my best men, you bitch! I think this one needs to be taught a lesson. Perhaps we had better have a little fun with her before bringing her before our master.”

The assailant stroked his hand down the woman’s body as she whimpered. Now was the time to intervene, but another moment and the demon may reveal his master’s identity. These five had Osial’s stink on them, but it would be better to be sure than trust a guess.

“Let’s see what her face looks like underneath this stupid cloth.”

Still holding her up by her hair, the leader yanked the cloth off her face, and immediately dropped her to the ground. The woman was turned away from him and he could not see what had alarmed the man.

“Disgusting! I wouldn’t fuck this piece of filth.” He kicked her in the side where she lay, putting plenty of power into the blow. The woman did not make a sound, despite the force of the blow throwing into her back.

Morax was already moving, a snarl on his face. He could not watch this any longer. He summoned his spear out of thin air as he moved, thrusting it into the leader’s stomach as he kicked one of the minions in the face. The movements of his spear were such a part of him that they required no conscious thought anymore. Man and implement of death moved together as one. He spun the spear into another’s side and took him down as well. Only one was left alive. Grabbing him by the throat with his free hand, Morax lifted him into the air.

“Who, exactly, is this ‘Master’ your leader spoke of? And why are you attacking this young woman?”

Morax’s voice was even, but he gripped the man tightly by the throat in his anger. Realizing the man could not speak, he dropped him and leveled his spear at the man’s throat instead. The man coughed and put his hands in the air in concession, terror in his eyes. Morax knew he must look frightening. His eyes always glowed amber with power when he was angry.

“I don’t have anything against you! D-don’t want any trouble. Just doing what I’m told and taking this girl to Lord Osial.”

Well, this one surrendered easily. Morax had been right. He had thought he’d smelled the ocean and the putrid scent of idiocy on these men. One of them had begun to summon the power of hydro before this woman downed him with her poisoned knife. It was further evidence of Osial’s involvement. That damned sea beast was a continuing thorn in his side.

Morax spoke, his voice a deep rumble. “You have two choices now: run far enough that neither I, nor Osial, will ever hear of you again. Or you can die here. I do not suffer bullies.”

The man inched backward on hands and feet like a crab with an unbecoming whimper, flipped to his stomach for a few more crawls, then got to his feet and bolted with a cry.

With a sigh, Morax banished his spear and turned to the woman on the ground. She had shapely curves and long, unbound, shining black hair. Although, he thought with a grimace, perhaps it had been yanked unbound by her captors. She wore simple, but well-made clothes and had returned the cloth to her face, a white mourning veil he now noticed, and was wiping her knives on the dead man’s clothes.

Once again she didn’t seem to be looking in the direction of her task, but just hanging her head in front of her. She replaced the knives in her sleeves and began feeling the ground around her, reaching vaguely, but not quite, in the direction of a basket of herbs strewn across the ground. With a start, Morax realized the woman was blind! How had she landed two knife throws expertly without any sight?

The woman sat back with a huff. He could see the bottom half of her face then. Her top lip was slightly fuller than the bottom, which was tipped outward in a pout. He had never seen such a sensuous mouth in his life. His entire body reacted immediately. He wanted to taste those lips, feel them on every part of his skin…

“Are you going to help me with these? Or just amuse yourself with the sight of me feeling along the ground in the wrong direction?”

Morax was put off by her rebuke. He considered himself nothing if not polite, and this woman had just been through an ordeal.

“I apologize, my lady. Allow me to make it up to you.”

Morax picked up the basket, lifted one of her warm hands and placed it on the handle of the basket. He bent to begin picking up the herbs, but the woman startled him by yelping, “Stop! Don’t touch those! Some of these herbs are poisonous to the touch.” She shuffled forward on her hands and knees in his direction, feeling for the herbs with her bare hands.

Morax was alarmed. He froze with hands hovered above her prone form. “Wait! Then won’t they harm *you*?”

She shook her head and placed the herbs in the basket unconcernedly.

“I work with these plants often. Repeated exposure results in an immunity of sorts, though they do still sting a little.”

She stood up and brushed her clothes off with her free hand, wincing as she touched the side that had been kicked.

He reached for her as he spoke. “You are injured. Please allow me to…”

She cut him off. “Nope. Don’t touch me.”

She paused to take a breath. “I am fine, thank you. It is just some bruising. Nothing is broken. I will put a poultice on it when I get home. Well, thank you for your assistance. I’ll be off now.”

She turned towards the south and began walking tentatively, feeling with her slippered feet as she slid forward. Who was this woman?

Morax stood stunned for a few moments before collecting himself. Embarrassingly, the words came out all at once. “But wait! What were you doing out here all alone? Aren’t you concerned for your safety? Those men almost took you. Do you have an escort? Also do you even know what direction you are going?”

He paused after this outburst, surprised at himself. What was going on? He usually considered himself eloquent and in control, not this off-put, bumbling idiot.

She huffed a sigh at him, continuing her shuffle along the grass. “You just asked me four separate questions. Which one would you like me to answer?”

He put a hand through his short, brown hair. “All of them?”

“Very well.” She began answering the questions one by one, lifting a finger with each answer. “I was out here gathering herbs. I *am* generally concerned for my safety. I had an escort, but he ran off at the first sign of danger, the coward. And unfortunately, no, I am not aware of what direction I am going.”

She put two fingers in her mouth and blew, a loud whistle emanating from her fingers. “Bao! Bao! Get back here!” She whistled again and waited, listening. “Nothing. The little scamp probably ran all the way home.”

“So your escort is… a dog?”

“Quick on your feet, aren’t ya?”

She continued walking in the random direction she had chosen, her sarcasm echoing through the glade. By the Heavenly Principles! No one spoke to him this way. Instead of making him angry, he actually found it rather refreshing. He knew custom dictated that introductions should be made, but he found himself hesitant to let her know his identity. He preferred sarcasm and come-backs to fear and debasement.

Morax found himself following behind her slowly-moving form.

He said, “And your plan now is to walk in a random direction until you fall off a cliff or something?”

“Look. If it’ll make you feel that much better, you can walk me back to the path. I know the way from there.”

“How magnanimous of you,” he replied.

She responded by executing a graceful bow, though her head never quite looked in the direction it should. He reached for her hand and placed it gently through his arm, then turned her a full 180 degrees towards the path. He found the warmth and weight of her reassuring against his side, breasts brushing gently across his forearm as they walked. She tripped a bit on a clump of dirt, and clung tightly to him as he steadied her, guiding her forward. He peered at her face, unsuccessfully trying to see through the veil that covered her eyes.

Morax decided to attempt a more civilized conversation. “So you are familiar with the use of poisons? Goddess Xianlian must have shared her knowledge freely with her people.”

The woman remained silent, a heaviness settling over her. He remembered then the mourning veil she wore and realized the mistake he had made.

“My apologies. I have been inconsiderate. I didn’t mean to blunder onto a sensitive topic. You are in mourning. You have my condolences.”

Morax noticed that she took care to turn her head away from him. Since she had no need to turn her head to see, he surmised she must be hiding her tears from him. Damn! He had bungled this badly. She left his side and began walking along the path towards the city. “Wait. Might I escort you home?”

“There is no need. I can hear the stream that runs in front of the city already. I am quite capable of managing on my own.”

This woman was stubborn.

“May I know your name, then?”

She sighed heavily in response. “No, I’m sorry. You may not. I am grateful for your assistance. But… no. Good day to you.”

She left him standing on the path, utterly bewildered.

Morax followed behind some distance away to ensure she made it back safely. It was dangerous out here, surprising that enemies had made it so far into the interior of the country unmolested. This woman was going to get herself killed. He felt a surge of protectiveness, and an even greater wave of annoyance at those that let their pride get in the way of their safety. But then sympathy pricked at his conscience. What must it be like for her? Being blind, always relying on others instead of acting for herself? The thought softened his irritation some.

He watched until she entered a large, elegant home on the edge of town, through the back gate into the garden, where she would no doubt plant her, apparently deadly, innocent-looking herbs, or use them to concoct some equally deadly poison. She had backbone, this one.

Morax sighed and turned away. He should find somewhere to wait for the rest of his retinue to arrive before they settled in and negotiations began. It would no doubt be a long, drawn-out affair, full of shallow pleasantries and thinly-veiled fear of him. He sighed deeply. To business then.

Chapter 6

Liuying

Liuying smelled the dust of the road, aggravated up into the air by many feet and hooves and wheels. She listened apprehensively as her attendant, Lin, described Rex Lapis’ retinue to her. He had brought servants, military lieutenants and wagons of goods, perhaps for trade or perhaps as gifts to solidify their alliance. It was a good sign. Maybe Rex Lapis wanted this alliance too, and it wouldn’t take much convincing to sway him. Or perhaps it was a power move, to show that he had goods and riches of his own, and had no need of theirs. Damn. The military presence was certainly a show of power. Lin had described an officer that was a giant of a man with four arms in the retinue.

Liuying fidgeted her hands in her sleeves touching her knives. Her ceremonial clothing felt like too many layers, too heavy, too hot. Her hair had been carefully done into a bun down by her neck, with delicate forget-me-not blossoms that she could smell even now. Mildly toxic, but not potent enough to do any real harm. All the best smelling flowers were toxic, she mused. Liuying checked that the mourning veil hid the scarring around her eyes. Her father and Ping stood in a line next to her, waiting to greet the great Lord Rex Lapis.

She whispered hurriedly, “Lin, do you see the man himself?”

“Not yet, my lady.”

Well at least he was not descending upon them in his great dragon form, inspiring panic and terror in the populace. Everything seemed civilized and above board so far. She reminded herself to hold her head up high. She had been told it unsettled people when she failed to turn her head in the direction of events, useless though the motion was to her.

She felt Lin stiffen at her side and heard gasps of awe around them. It must be him. She could hear the bustling noises around them dull to stillness. The man must have a presence.

Lin whispered at her side, “Rex Lapis approaches.”

Her servant and friend sounded fearful at the mere sight of him. The panic was contagious. Perhaps this had been a mistake. She could feel an unbelievably strong life force approaching. The man was thrumming with power. Too late to change her mind now. She bowed her lowest, most respectful bow, sensing those of her house doing the same.

Her father stuttered at her other side. “M-my Lord Rex Lapis. Y-you honor us with your visit. You are m-most wel-welcome.”

So much for a show of respectability. Her father sounded like he was going to piss himself. She straightened from her bow and held her breath as they continued.

“I was pleased to receive your invitation, Lord Bolin.”

That voice—she knew that voice! Rex Lapis had a deep, sweet, melodic voice, lilting higher and down again as he spoke. Quite distinct. Where had she heard it before?

“Allow me to introduce my lieutenants and friends, Marshal Vritras, also known as Bosacious, and Indarias.”

Respectful bows continued and Lin’s hand on her arm helped her to know when to bow. Bosacious and Indarius emanated power as well. She sensed the power of electro and pyro? She would have to ask Lin later to describe who was who to her.

Her father responded, “It is an honor. I would like to introduce my daughter, Lady Liuying, and my advisor, Master Ping.”

Good, her father’s voice sounded a little more confident. The familiar pleasantries must have helped him along. She bowed low again, gracefully, careful not to upset the veil that covered her face as she leaned forward.

Rex Lapis continued, “I wish to offer my condolences to you, Lord Bolin and Lady Liuying. Lady Xianlian was beloved by many. Her absence is felt most keenly.”

Then it clicked for her. Did his voice match the man that had rescued her in the glade yesterday? It had been an unfortunate incident, that she had not shared with her father—he did not approve of her going anywhere outside the grounds without her burly guard. The attempted kidnapping was yet more evidence that their enemies were closing in and she needed this alliance. Could it possibly have been the Lord of Geo himself that had had helped her? No, that was ridiculous. The dragon Rex Lapis would never behave in such a way. She must be mistaken. And yet… The seconds passed. It was time for her father to speak, but she could hear him breathing heavily at her side, mute.

Rex Lapis cleared his throat and continued, “This cannot be easy for you. Perhaps it would be more fitting to discuss business after a proper period of time for mourning has passed?”

Silence still. There was nothing for it. It was time to step in.

“Forgive me, my Lord of Geo, Rex Lapis. I am afraid that circumstances require we conduct these negotiations with all haste. If fate permitted us the time to mourn more properly, we would gladly do so. But alas…”

“I see. It would be permissible to simply call me, ‘Morax,’ if you wish it, Lady Liuying.”

Well that was a good sign. She was sure this was not an honor bestowed lightly.

“You honor me, Lord Morax. I thank you for your generosity. Please come inside and we will offer you tea and refreshments. You must be weary from your journey.” …And from decimating the entirety of Chenyu Vale she added to herself inwardly.

Morax’s lilting voice replied, “I thank you for your consideration, Lady. We will gladly do so.”

“I know I could do with some food,” boomed a loud voice from Rex Lapis’ side.

Movement resumed. The servants shuffled around her, gathering up the guests’ belongings and bringing them inside, our servants introducing themselves to Morax’s. It was up to her to play hostess to this man, the greatest of all gods in the land, and to convince him to marry her. She hoped she was up to the challenge.

Chapter 7

Morax

They gathered around eating the proffered moon cookies and fruits. Bosacious and Indarius chatted amiably with Ping, allowing him to take stock. The introductions and exchange of gifts had gone smoothly. Though Morax had been worried for a moment when Lord Bolin had shut down so completely. His grief must be all-encompassing, his need dire, to be forcing himself through this in his current state.

No, he considered, that was wrong. It was probably the daughter that was running things. She had smoothly saved her father when he could not continue and had taken the lead since then.

Lady Liuying… now she was an interesting one. It was undoubtedly the woman from the glade yesterday. He had known her immediately. He felt that he would know that sensuous mouth anywhere. In the time since their first meeting, he had frequently imagined what it would feel like to kiss that exotic mouth.

Here, on her own terrain, her blindness was much less evident. He didn’t think, having met her today, he would have noticed her lack of sight at all. He wondered if his lieutenants had noticed. She confidently conversed as the gracious mistress of the house. She was Xianlian’s daughter, which explained both her evident grief yesterday, and her knowledge of poisons. In fact, Liuying must be the new ‘Goddess of Poisons.’ It was yet another reason why this would be an advantageous alliance. Was this why she had been targeted by Osial? His enemy must be seeking a way to destroy him since all previous attempts had failed.

“Is the tea to your liking, Lord Morax? I understand that you are a connoisseur.” Liuying’s voice intruded upon his thoughts.

“Yes, Lady Liuying. It is quite exceptional. Rarely have I tasted a tea with such multi-layered delicacy. What do you call it?” Hopefully they had not noticed how Indarias had insisted upon taking the first sip. One could not be too careful in the poison mistress’ home.

She replied, “Today we have served you ‘golden oolong,’ one of my personal favorites. Tea is a specialty of ours here in Tuliang. There are certain special cultivars that are only grown here. And our methods of oxidation and preparation of the leaves is a secret we guard carefully. Tomorrow you may taste some other varieties. I will be interested to see which ones are to your liking.”

This woman’s bearing was regal and in-control. She conversed easily with him, with no evident fear or cowering. Some of his other attempts at reaching out had not been received so positively. He was well aware that he had a growing reputation of, shall we say, ‘might.’

“I look forward to it.” Morax raised his cup to her, then realized stupidly that she couldn’t see it anyways, and took a hurried sip to save face. He cleared his throat and continued, “I noticed the tea fields on the journey here. Perhaps you would consider giving me a tour of the drying houses sometime before I leave?”

Liuying said, “Yes. I believe that can be arranged. Master Ping would be glad to show you around tomorrow morning.”

On a whim, Morax said, “No, Lady Liuying. I would rather you did so yourself.”

Perhaps he was being too heavy-handed, but his curiosity got the better of him. The carefully polite woman he saw before him bore little resemblance to the woman he saw yesterday, who easily downed two adeptus without the power of sight, then sarcastically spurned his aid. Liuying wore many faces and he wanted to know which one was the real one. The stuffiness of carefully diplomatic conversation did not lend itself well to this endeavor. He wanted to get her alone again.

Liuying seemed a bit taken aback. “I…I suppose I could. Yes.” She rallied herself admirably. “Let us adjourn to rest before dinner. You will want to get settled in to your rooms, I am sure.”

According to her suggestion, Morax and his people retired to their rooms to discuss their plan of action for the coming battle: dinner.

Chapter 8

Liuying

Liuying endured yet another change of clothes for the upcoming dinner that she would host for her esteemed guests. She was getting a headache from the violent tugs required to secure her hair in its elaborate style. The smell of flower-water and other herbs and oils only added to the headache. It did feel nice to have the mourning veil off for a moment, however, both metaphorically and physically. She would don the veil again shortly, but she would be using it for another reason then: deception. The damage around her eyes from that childhood accident must be hidden. Others found it to be quite disturbing, she was told, and Morax could not be allowed to see. Sighted people could be so picky about appearances.

Liuying listened as an attendant recited the information they had gathered about Lord Morax’s personal preferences to ensure nothing had been forgotten. The information had not been easy to come by on such short notice, but she had managed. She mentally catalogued what would be required of her this evening. It was the first night of their little summit, which meant that it would be improper to bring up business quite yet. Ridiculous in her opinion. She wished they could get to the important stuff and have done with it. But custom dictated that they spend some time wining and dining first, trying to posture and impress. They would play a game of strategy with their conversation, full of layers and hidden meanings. Exhausting.

The game had begun already. The gifts Morax had presented to them had been extravagant, expensive. She supposed a god with mastery over the geo element could probably summon all kinds of gems, jewels and metals if he wished to. Would he even want the wealth and resources she had to offer? He had to want this alliance too or he wouldn’t have come at all.

Liuying shook her head. She had to stop doubting herself. She would spin herself in circles continuing through this never ending swirl of reasoning. Liuying just had to trust that her initial calculations were correct: that access to their crops would entice Morax to offer his protection in return. And that this arrangement would be cemented in the longterm by a marriage alliance. It benefitted them both after all. Rumors of drought in distant lands had persisted for a few years now. Tuliang’s crops were particularly lush and healthy with three—no, now only two—gods with mastery over the dendro element tending to them: her father and herself, the God of Tea and the God of Poisons.

“My lady, keep your head still, please.” Lin put a large hairpin in with an unnecessary amount of force in emphasis, a sharp pain shooting across her scalp.

Liuying’s hand flew to her head. “Ouch! Lin!”

“Sorry, my lady,” she said with absolutely no apology in her voice.

Liuying sighed heavily. The weight of a deceptively strong little hand pressed onto her shoulder, and Lin’s familiar voice spoke lowly into her ear. “You can do this, Lady Liuying. You have always been strong, stronger than people realize. You have your mother’s fighting spirit in you.”

Liuying placed her hand over Lin’s in response. Lin continued, “Xianlian would have been so proud to see you now, Liuying.”

“Thank you, Auntie Lin.” Only when they were alone were they allowed to drop their titles and allow the true nature of their relationship to shine through. Lin and her mother had been close friends. They had rarely been seen apart, except when her mother was off fighting, of course.

Lin was breathing very shallowly behind her, holding back tears of grief for her lost friend. Liuying stood and turned around to hug Lin tightly to her. A sob escaped Lin and Liuying stroked her hair gently in comfort. It felt good to be connected to another person. She had not had much touch since her mother’s passing. Liuying realized that loneliness was as much a part of her grief as a sense of loss. The burden of leadership only added to the feeling.

“Thank you, dear. I am well now.” Lin pushed Liuying back into her chair. “It is time for face powder and lip paste.”

“Uuugghh.” Liuying let out a loud, long groan. It made her feel a bit like a child again to complain. It wasn’t an unpleasant feeling. “Must we? Most of my face is covered anyways.”

Lin responded with amusement in her voice, “Yes, love. We must impress Lord Rex Lapis.”

Liuying responded, “I will never understand the sighted and their obsession with beauty. It is quite ridiculous.”

From Lin, a noncommittal, “Mmmm.”

Liuying submitted to Lin’s careful ministrations. The smell of the face powder tickled her nose and made her want to sneeze. She breathed through her mouth and brought her thoughts back to the task before her. She hoped her father would be able to leave his room. He had not reacted well to their first meeting with Lord Morax. He had been lying down in his room ever since, while she herself had been going over every detail with the servants. Everything had to be as perfect as possible. She had to gain Morax’s friendship, and prove that they were a country worth protecting. And somehow, she had to prove herself worthy to be his wife.

Chapter 9

Morax

Morax had enjoyed a relaxing afternoon with his friends, exploring the city and drinking osmanthus wine in the gardens. They now stood, dressed for dinner, outside the dining room. One of Bolin’s servants showed them inside and motioned for them to be seated at a long, low table. They seated themselves comfortably on cushions along the floor.

The scraping sound of a paper sliding door being opened caught Morax’s attention and he looked up as the lady of the house entered. Liuying was dressed in long robes of a fine, light blue material that hugged her curves well. His eyes followed the garment up her body, appreciating the beautiful shapes that it revealed, until his eyes met her face. A new mourning veil was in place, of a finer material than before, but it was her lips… they had been painted a beautiful red color, stark against her pale, powdered skin. The gentle curve of her lips was strongly emphasized, that full upper lip creating an undulating wave. Morax sucked in a breath involuntarily. He could not look away. And as Lady Liuying began to speak, those shapely lips moving gently together and apart again, he was even more mesmerized.

With a start Morax realized that Liuying had spoken to him and silence had fallen as he failed to respond. He combed through his recent memories trying to access what he had heard, to no avail.

Indarius stepped in to save face. “Lady Liuying, what my Lord Morax means to say...” Here she gave him a swift kick to his leg under the table. “…is that we are very sorry to hear that your father is feeling unwell. We hope that Lord Bolin will recover quickly and be able to join us tomorrow.”

Damn. That was not a good time for him to stop paying attention. He should have been the one to offer condolences. At least Lady Liuying did not know he had been staring at her. Morax straightened his posture, silently commanding himself to pull it together.

Liuying nodded graciously, seated herself at the table across from him, and felt around the table for the teapot to pour him a cup.

“Tonight we have a sacred white tea. It only grows in the mountains. May it please you, my lord.”

Morax did not fail to notice the honor of being served first. He had tasted this variety of tea before, but did not say so. He wished to appear gracious before his hostess. “It is most pleasant, my lady, and much to my taste.”

The group began the small talk and pleasantries, but Morax found himself watching more than taking part this evening. Bosacious asked questions about the type of swordsmanship practiced in the region, Indarius about the weather. Lady Liuying responded knowledgeably about each topic. She seemed not at all phased by her father abandoning her to handle things alone this evening. Indeed, the woman seemed used to taking over all the work when those around her failed in their duties. The thought made him angry and he couldn’t help but sit ruminating a bit.

Cold noodles and chilled fish were served, a plentiful assortment of delicious meats in varying sauces, then an assortment of vegetables. Quite delicious. Lady Liuying had done her homework and had offered all of his favorite dishes.

“Lord Morax, the cook has prepared this next course specifically for your enjoyment. I understand it is your favorite: bamboo shoot soup.”

Liuying motioned to an older, leathery-skinned servant as she carried in a large, ornately-painted bowl, obviously the pinnacle of the meal. The bowl steamed and the enticing scent filled the room.

The servant entered the room slowly, but there was a moment of uncertainty as she took a step that was a bit unbalanced. Time seemed to slow as the servant and bowl alike came crashing to the ground. The soup hit first, delicate ceramic smashing into a thousand pieces. The servant’s hands came up to catch her weight, landing right onto the sharp ceramic shards. Morax winced. The poor woman screamed in agony as she looked down at her hands, skin shredded by the broken ceramic. There were gouges and gashes that looked deep. Blood flowing freely.

Morax half got up to help, but then glanced to their hostess to see how she would handle it. It was her home after all, and many a privileged household he had been in before would scold, whip, or fire a servant for less. But Lady Liuying had already gotten up and was carefully making her way across the floor to the servant. She felt with her hands on the floor next to the woman, pushing shards to the side. Then, she knelt next to the aged woman, who was crying freely now, hands held out in front of her in terror.

Lady Liuying gently took the servants hands in her own, carefully feeling for the bowl shards and plucking them out one by one. She asked for a bowl of water, which was brought to her, and washed the servant’s hands carefully. She pulled the weathered old hands up and felt them delicately once more. Liuying had only her touch to determine the location of the shards. The gentle movements gave the impression of great tenderness and reverence. Morax watched in silent wonder.

The other servants brought a basket of poultices to Liuying, and she lifted them and snifffed them one by one till she found the one she was looking for. Then she opened it and gently rubbed the herbal concoction into the servants wounds. The old woman’s sniffles had subsided and she watched in awe as Lady Liuying placed both her hands over hers and stilled her movements. Presently, a soft green light began to shine from under Liuying’s hands. It glowed for just a moment, then dimmed to nothing, and Liuying let go. The servant examined her hands, which were now completely whole again, skin closed entirely. “Oh, thank you, Lady!” the servant exclaimed.

Liuying nodded wearily and stood up. Her fine dress was ruined, the skirts soaked in the soup that was to be the pride of the meal. All were silent as they watched these events unfold. She addressed the group then, bowing low, though she wasn’t exactly facing the right direction.

“I deeply apologize for neglecting our honored guests. If you will allow me, I would like to retire now to change my soiled garments. Would it be all right if I left you in Master Ping’s care for the remainder of your meal? I will have our finest wines brought out and you may enjoy yourselves to your heart’s content.”

Liuying remained bowed low as she awaited an answer.

Morax responded, “But of course, my lady. Do tend to your needs. It is gratifying to see a mistress care for her people thus. Do not mind us. It has been an excellent meal.”

He sought to reassure, but whether he was successful was not clear. Liuying’s half-veiled, carefully blank face revealed none of what the woman was thinking or feeling.

The rest of the table was still silently watching. The remaining servants seemed frozen by the awkward disaster as well. Liuying hesitated now, standing in place, and Morax realized that she might not know what direction the door was. Morax stepped up and took her hand gently in his, walking her to the sliding door. A servant came to his senses and stepped up to Liuying, offering her his arm. Together they walked away down the hall. Morax stood in the doorway and watched them depart. He had never seen a diplomatic dinner proceed quite like that before. How interesting.

Chapter 10

Liuying

Liuying put her head in her hands. Disaster. What a disaster it had been. Her father had refused to leave his room all night. Rex Lapis had seemed quite offended. He had barely spoken a word at dinner, actually ignoring her at times. Then, Lord Morax’s favorite dish was spilled all over the floor right in front of him as it was being presented. She would be surprised if some had not splashed on the man himself. Liuying herself, the only hostess, then forgot about Morax entirely as she tended to the servant’s wounds for who knows how long.

Liuying’s ability to heal tended to allow her to sense when something was wrong, and the serving woman’s pain had screamed at her to be tended. There would have been nerve damage had she not acted immediately, so she did not regret her actions. But did she have to do it there in front of everyone while their esteemed guests waited? It was a very dangerous thing to offend the Dragon. She was putting them all in danger.

Damn. Damn. Damn! This alliance was going to die before it began. Liuying viciously rubbed the makeup off her face with a cloth and laid down on her bed with a defeated sigh. Sleep was what was needed. She had not slept well since her mother’s passing, and it was beginning to show at the most inconvenient times. Perhaps in the morning, with fresh eyes—metaphorically speaking of course—she would be able to find a solution. For now, she needed rest. Liuying relaxed her body into the bed, and thankfully drifted off into dreamless bliss.

In the morning, Liuying woke with a new perspective on things. If impressing Morax by being the perfect ruler with perfect diplomatic relations was not working, then she would take a different tack. She dressed in her normal, wide-sleeved robes, ignoring the finer hanfu that had been set out for her, and feeling for her everyday attire from her wardrobe.

Liuying resolved that today, she would just be herself, whatever the consequences might be. Morax had likely seen through her little show anyways. He had no doubt seen the best that a dozen different nations had to offer, and would not be easily impressed by finery. She was certain he had had marriage proposals by the dozen. It was not helping the situation to attempt to be something she just wasn’t. Perhaps sincerity would win the day. She knew her advisors would balk at her and so decided not to inform them. Liuying felt in her heart that this was the right move to make.

Chapter 11

Morax

In the morning, Morax waited outside the house at the appointed time. Lady Liuying arrived early on a young man’s arm, whom she introduced as her ‘escort,’ and they began walking towards the entrance to town. The young man was very strong and handsome—not that Liuying would know that. But the other women in the courtyard certainly did, each blushing and tittering as they passed. It began to grate on him for reasons he couldn’t explain.

Once they were outside town and walking through the tea fields, the young servant even took his mistress’ waist a few times to lift her over a wet patch of ground. The sight of his broad hands on her voluptuous body irritated him to no end, not to mention the way she clung to him as they walked…

“Lady Liuying...”

He interrupted her monologue about methods to increase production by enriching the soil.

He continued, “Surely our little chaperone isn’t necessary.”

Morax waved dismissively to the young man, who gave him a guarded, somewhat hostile look.

“Um… He helps me walk more easily.”

Liuying seemed truly thrown by his statement, bewilderment evident in her expression even underneath the mourning veil.

Morax said, “I would be glad to take over his duties for the day.”

He knew Cloud Retainer would chide him for being too used to getting his own way, but all he wanted was for that handsome man to leave so he could be alone with Liuying.

Liuying answered, “A-all right. Yes. I suppose.”

She stuttered a bit, but he did not detect the tremor of fear in her voice.

Morax added, just to be sure, “But only if you are comfortable with that, of course. I want you to feel safe and at ease when you are with me.”

“It is acceptable to me, Lord Morax, if that is what you wish.” “You may go,” she added to the servant, her head bent down towards the ground in front of her as she spoke.

Morax stepped forward and placed her arm in his, as they had that day in the glade. He found the warmth and weight of her arm comforting. At first their progress was a bit slow, but he soon got the hang of guiding her with his arm and avoiding obstacles that might trip her. Morax discovered it took some working together to maintain a steady pace, like a three-legged race. It resulted in a not-at-all unpleasant feeling of camaraderie.

Morax began, “Lady Liuying…” but was interrupted.

“Lord Morax, it is just us now, you make call me Liuying. I do tire of the titles.”

Now that was more like it. He had guessed correctly that if he removed her from the stuffy, diplomatic setting, that strong personality of hers would shine through. It was as if she had removed a mask. Even her tone of voice seemed to have changed. It was stronger now, lower in pitch.

A broad smile crossed his face, one he knew she could not see.

“Liuying, then. You are a most contradictory woman, you know.”

Liuying stumbled a step and clung to him more tightly.

“Contradictory? What on earth do you mean?” She seemed genuinely confused.

Morax continued, “Well, you are a poison master who heals, blind yet you fight.”

He found himself placing his opposite hand over hers on his proffered arm, enjoying her warmth and the delicate feel of her skin.

Liuying sighed heavily. “Ah, so you do remember our little encounter from a few days ago, then?”

Morax replied, “How could I forget?”

She admitted, “I was not entirely sure if it was you, Lord Morax. You have the same godly power as the man from before, of course, but I could not be sure. I thought I recognized your voice… You have a very distinct voice.”

“Do I?” Morax responded with innocent words, but his most sultry voice. He knew very well that his voice made women swoon. He watched her face carefully as he played coy, and was rewarded with a smile from those beguiling lips of hers.

Liuying continued, “But I am having a hard time reconciling the man who helped me in that grove, who I seemed to irk so, with the great and terrible dragon, the Lord of Geo, Rex Lapis.”

She said his titles with a fair bit of overdone, fake-sounding awe, which amused him.

Morax was silent in contemplation for a moment before lowering his voice and asking, “And the man before you now?”

“He is equally as confusing, to be honest. I cannot make heads or tails of any of your aspects, my lord.”

Disappointment gnawed at his gut. He was not sure what response he had been hoping for—he had never required or rejoiced in praise or sycophancy—but something felt eminently unsatisfying about her answer.

Morax said, “And what about you, Liuying?” A thrill ran up his spine as he said her name. “A poison master is usually in the business of dealing out death, not preventing it.”

“You refer to last night with the servant, my lord? I really must apologize for neglecting my esteemed guests so abominably.”

Morax shook his head. “No. You need not apologize for that. A woman’s health was at stake. I would have done the same were I able. I am simply curious about the contradictory nature of your skill set.”

He hoped she understood and believed him. Sometimes others assigned him more brutality and unfeeling than he thought was due to him. Well, the brutality may be deserved, but unfeeling? No. Sometimes he felt too much.

Liuying explained. “Healing is often a secondary gift that wielders of the dendro element carry. Helping plants to grow and thrive often translates itself to doing the same for other living things.”

Morax asked, “So those with dendro affinity have power over all living things?”

This was news to him, and a bit disturbing to think about, actually.

Liuying clarified, “No, not at all. You misunderstand me. Dendro users have no power over others. And wielders of other elements can have healing abilities too, as I’m sure you are aware. They are separate gifts, but I have found the gift of healing to be more common among dendro users.”

She hesitated, looking like she might share more but wasn’t sure if she wanted to. Morax felt a little encouragement was needed.

“Go on,” he said gently.

Liuying said, “Well, it’s just that when I wield my power over plants, I believe there is something different about it. It is not like commanding water, stone or fire. I can sense the life force of the plants, and indeed all living things. You wield geo, but rocks cannot think or live life cycles. There is no awareness with that element. But plants are as aware of us as we are of them. It is different, I think. More of a… coaxing, then a commanding. The plant must make the choice to do as I ask. And sometimes, I feel the same sort of feeling when healing human bodies.”

Morax thought a moment, letting the possibilities sink in.

“Extraordinary. You are suggesting that the human body has awareness and can make decisions of a sort. Not the person’s conscious mind, but the body itself.”

Liuying said, “Yes, you understand.” She looked relieved, but then it seemed a thought occurred to her. “You must think me an eccentric for saying such things.”

“No, Liuying, not at all. It is fascinating. The implications of such a thing are quite extraordinary.”

Morax saw the hesitation with which she shared these thoughts, and the embarrassment she felt afterwards. Liuying must not be used to having her ideas taken seriously. The thought angered him. She was clearly very intelligent and insightful. She was not appreciated here. If they married, he would appreciate her…

Wait, when had he begun to consider this a marriage negotiation and not just a political alliance.

Morax gathered his thoughts together and continued, “However, I must disagree with you on one point.”

“Oh? What is that?” They had stopped walking and were facing one another, though Liuying’s face did not angle up to meet his, but faced straight ahead. He knew it was a result of her blindness, but it felt a bit awkward, like she was staring at his chest.

“I disagree with your point that stone does not have a life cycle or a spirit. It certainly does have both.”

Morax summoned a piece of quartz with a flash of yellow light and placed it in Liuying’s hands.

“Stone has borne witness to many ages before it comes to you in whatever form it is in now. It has changed, moved with the earth. It may have risen to the top of the highest mountain or spent eons at the bottom of the sea.”

Morax watched as Liuying felt with the tips of her fingers: the smooth side of the stone first, then the sharp edge of the roughly square-shaped chunk.

Morax said, “When I wield the geo element, I can sense the history written in the stone. I believe stone has a kind of spirit.”

Liuying seemed in awe. “Yes. Yes, I believe I can almost feel it.” She continued touching the rock carefully.

“Here,” Morax said with his hand extended. She could not see his hand but seemed to understand anyways, and felt for his palm to return the quartz. He banished the quartz and summoned a smooth river rock and placed that into her hand next.

Liuying exuded excitement at the discovery. “It feels different. Yes, a different spirit I think. I sense… movement.”

“Yes. It is a river stone, carried and bounced and bumped by the running water until all the edges have been smoothed away.” He took the stone from her. “Here is one more, Liuying, for you to keep.”

Morax took his time to summon and shape the stone to his will. He held it up to the light to examine the result. It would do. It was jade of the brightest green, shaped into a peony a little smaller than his palm. He gently took her hand and placed the stone flower in it. He watched as she felt it carefully, mouth slightly open in wonder, which drew his attention to those wondrous lips once more. He wondered what she looked like under the veil.

Liuying said simply, “Thank you,” as she pressed the flower to her chest. She seemed truly touched by the gift, and this pleased him greatly.

“Morax…”

He suppressed his joy at the familiar address, and responded with forced nonchalance, “Yes, Liuying?”

“We really need this alliance. My mother fought for Tuliang, held it together, but there is no one left to fight for our nation now. We need your protection or Tuliang will cease to exist. We need you.”

To his horror, Liuying knelt down in front of him and placed her forehead to the ground, dirt coating the pure white of her mourning veil, hands spread carefully in front of her. Morax reached down to stop her, but Liuying was gaining speed, desperation in her voice.

“I have much to offer you. Our crops are tended by two gods wielding the dendro power. You will not find finer anywhere, and we will share our resources with you in drought or plenty. I offer a wealth of knowledge about growing things. I could establish heartier methods of plant production in your country. With me as your wife, you would have the Goddess of Poisons at your disposal. Ours would be a true and equal partnership.”

Morax considered. She might be right. This might be all or nothing. It needed to be more than just a political alliance if it was to survive longterm. And if she could return with him and heal some of the problems they had at home… that was an enormous boon. And the thought of having this woman as his wife… well he could not deny that he desired this.

“Please rise, Liuying. You are divine the same as me and owe me no honors.” He bent over and took her arm, tugged her gently upward, helped her to her feet. “I promise I hear what you’re saying. Let us discuss these particulars during the negotiations. Now, tell me more about the tea drying and oxidation facilities I see before us…”

Liuying looked disappointed, but responded, “Gladly, my lord.”

And there was that damned ‘my lord’ again.

Chapter 12

Liuying

Liuying knelt with her hands in the dirt, enjoying the comforting texture in her fingers. She was checking the health of the soil. Frequent rains, like they had had recently, sometimes washed away essential nutrients from the topsoil. The smell and consistency, the feel of the earth felt well balanced to her, but she would take samples to be sure.

She had spent the better part of the morning explaining the process of tea production to Morax. He seemed interested in their facilities and fairly knowledgeable about tea already. He had asked questions about rice production, asking for specific numbers. He had been politely interested in all that she had to say.

Liuying hoped Morax had been impressed with what she had to offer, but she was not sure. It was disheartening to remember his evasion yesterday when she tried to address the heart of the matter. She had laid herself bare before him, and he would not commit or even discuss the matter further. She honestly had no idea which way he was leaning. Or perhaps he had no intention to marry her at all and this was some elaborate ruse for his own amusement. Everything felt very uncertain. So much hung in the balance.

Liuying returned her attention to the plants around her. Spending time in the fields always calmed her. The tranquil life force of the plants around her seeped into her heart, softening and relaxing it. Being around people sometimes did the opposite. Liuying began to allow her power to seep into the ground around her, coaxing, urging the plants to grow. She encouraged them to draw nutrients from the ground, to reach for the sun, to draw strength from herself. She added a few inches to the entire field around her. New growth, fresh and glowing with vigor, peeked out of the upper branches and spread.

This felt like a partnership to her. She knew these plants, these fields, and the way they responded to her made her feel like they knew her too. Liuying felt that if she succeeded in her goal and left with Morax, it might be these fields she missed the most. She felt a little guilty for the sentiment. Weren’t humans supposed to miss others of their kind? Although she wasn’t human at all, was she? Though she had never felt a kinship with other gods, either. Their greedy neighbors disgusted her, and her mother and father were the only other gods she knew. Her mother was dead, and her father… Though she felt affection for him, she had never been close to her father. With mother gone, she felt like there wasn’t much else left for her here. The familiar feeling of shame weighted itself in her stomach. She should not feel such things. Perhaps it was just her grief talking.

Liuying turned her face to the sun. The warmth on her cheeks energized her. She felt as the plants felt, seeking the life-giving radiation from above. She was drawn away from her reverie by the uneasy feeling of being watched. Liuying felt for the elements in her vicinity and found the power of geo behind her, pulsing with firm strength. It was Morax.

Alarm coursed through her and quickened her breathing. She cursed herself for leaving the veil behind as she faced her work today. Liuying ducked down, hiding among the plants, willing him to leave. It felt silly, but she did not know what else to do. He could not see her face or all would be lost. To her surprise and relief, after a time she heard the sound of Morax’s retreating footsteps, leaving her alone once more. That was a close one!

She stood and brushed the dirt from her clothes as best she could. It was time to return and wash up to face the dragon once again. This afternoon it was to be an erhu performance. Liuying felt confident in her abilities, but she rarely performed for others. For her, music was a private expression of emotion, not a public spectacle. The thought of all those eyes on her while she played chilled her. Being blind, she had fewer ways to gauge others’ reactions, especially in a crowd, and that made it all the more daunting. Ah well, life was rarely what you wanted it to be. She would do what she must to impress Rex Lapis.

Chapter 13

Morax

That afternoon, Morax sat with his legs comfortably crossed, chin in hand as he watched Liuying prepare her instrument. It was common to entertain guests in this manner, especially if one was trying to impress a marriage prospect, but Morax couldn’t help but feel a little guilty at Liuying’s obvious discomfort. It was the first time he had seen her so ill at ease. Her hands shook as she added rosin to the bow of her erhu. A drop of sweat slid down her cheek, originating from under her veil. He hoped it wasn’t a tear. Morax shared an embarrassed grimace with Indarius at the sight. Bosacious just looked bored.

Liuying seemed to finish her preparations and settled herself in her chair, the two-stringed instrument upright in her lap. She took a deep breath and then lifted her hands confidently, one placed lower with the palm upright holding the bow, the other placed higher, delicately touching the thin, silk strings on the neck of the erhu. The instrument was made of delicate, dark-colored rosewood. Time seemed to slow as they held their breath collectively before the plunge.

Then, Liuying began to play. The music began with a high note held long, the pure sound drawing in everyone’s attention to a single point. Then, the tremble of vibrato was added, gradually increasing in intensity. Morax held still, utterly captivated by the emotive sound. Liuying’s left hand slid down to a lower note and trembled there for a moment before moving in a sequence of mid-tones and sliding up again. She took her time with the performance, giving each note, each absence of note, the attention it deserved. It was almost more of an exploration than a performance—something they as the audience were allowed to observe and be a part of, but not wholly for them. This music had a purpose above and beyond their presence as listeners.

The music began confident and hopeful, but as it continued, the feel of it—the emotions portrayed—changed. It was as if the music was telling a story. Long, confident strokes set up the story, the exposition. These notes were then replaced by light, quickly-shifting ones that made Morax feel like it was an action sequence, exciting and enlivening. But as it progressed, the music became more and more frantic. What had just been exciting began to feel frightening and stressful. He could sense that a climax was building. He allowed the music to enter him, to pull his emotions along with it. He felt like he was becoming part of it himself.

Morax wished he could see the emotions on Liuying’s face as she played. What was she feeling? The movements of her hands were mesmerizingly graceful. It was beautiful, enchanting to see a master at work. He could not fathom why she had seemed so nervous earlier. Before him now, he saw a woman completely in her element, confident and sure. She leaned forward and back as she swayed with the music she created, feeling it within her very body, a physical thing he understood because he felt it himself. Morax realized he was holding his breath as the music built to a climax and began to slow again. The nature of the story being told had revealed itself. It was a tragedy. These last notes were almost painfully sad. The expressive sound was tragic and sweet. The last note ended and he let out a breath he hadn’t known he’d been holding. Morax felt drained, like he had been on a long journey, if only in his head. He could not remember a time when he had felt thus.

Morax came back to himself and realized that the music was over, but all were completely silent. They were as moved as he had been, as lost in the music. It took a moment for everyone to return to the earth and begin to clap. Liuying only nodded and moved to put the erhu away. He supposed they would only get one song today.

Morax jumped to his feet and approached Liuying as she wiped her instrument down with a cloth, carefully removing the rosin residue.

“Liuying, I…” He found himself at a loss to describe what he felt. “That was very beautiful.” The woman only waved his praise away. Morax swallowed heavily. “Truly. I have seldom been so moved by music.”

Liuying paused, sensing his sincerity. “It is a very emotive instrument. I find it one of the best ways to express myself.”

Morax responded, “Well, you have brought us all into your heart today, my lady. I thank you.”

Liuying nodded once and returned to her polishing.

Chapter 14

Liuying

It was time for negotiations. Liuying tapped her finger on the table. The smell of jasmine tea reached her nose from the teapot in front of her. The scent was not as strong as it had been several minutes ago. She wondered if she should make a fresh pot. Morax and his people were not late exactly, but Liuying had prepared too early in her nervousness.

She heard the scrape of a sliding door and the pat-pat of many feet on the floor, and knew Rex Lapis and his retinue had entered. “Welcome, Rex Lapis. Please join us.” She motioned to the seats across the table from her with her hand. At least she assumed they were where she had placed them earlier. She poured the tea carefully, a skill it had taken many years to relearn after the loss of her sight.

Liuying heard her father mutter something to her left. He had always been eccentric, but lately he had seemed downright off. She pleaded with him silently, ‘Please, Father. Please keep it together.’ Now was not the time for weakness.

Morax seemed to be letting her take charge, and her father was not going to lead them, so Liuying began, “Well, friends. I hope you have enjoyed coming to know our country a bit better. We are a simple and peace-loving people. But unfortunately, we do not live in peace-loving times. The state of things is as such: our neighbors to the north and west have been threatening our borders for some time, and seized land from us just this past week. We have made an enemy of Osial, who we have battled against for some time now. I understand that he is your enemy as well, so we are in this together to some degree already. We seek your protection, Lord Morax. In return, we will share our wealth of food, and knowledge of growing things, with your people. I wish to seal this alliance between our nations with marriage, that it may endure long and thrive.”

A harsh, booming voice stated more than asked, “You want us to spill the blood of our people for you?” It was Bosacious’ voice.

Liuying responded, “War is not the only thing that affects the lives of your people. I understand that your lands, with mountains separating you from the sea on some sides, are prone to drought. An alliance with Tuliang would provide insurance for your people. We would feed them in times of famine. If you have need of it, we could even send some of our healers to you in time of sickness or pestilence. During prosperous times, all would benefit financially from open trade between our two nations.”

“These benefits are all very long-term. What would help us now?” asked Indarius.

Ping spoke up then, “We can offer you a very generous amount of food stores for your Millelith armies up front, and promise of a steady supply for years to come. It would be enough to support you through the campaigns to protect Tuliang and much more besides.”

“What about weapons?” asked Bosacious.

“Unfortunately we do not have a good supply of these. You will have to provide your own,” Liuying answered. “But we will support your soldiers with food, lodging, and medical supplies.”

Indarius asked, “Do you have any troops of your own to contribute to the campaign?” She seemed to be planning out the details already in her mind.

“Unfortunately, very few. The campaign that took Xianlian from us wiped out most of our forces,” answered Ping.

Indarius and Bosacious continued discussing the numbers with Ping. Morax was conspicuously silent during the discussion. What was he thinking? Suddenly all fell silent. The atmosphere became charged. She assumed Morax had given them some sign that he was about to speak.

Sure enough, Morax’s deep voice rumbled through Liuying. “My concerns are thus: Lord Bolin, you have not said a word during this negotiation. Do you desire this marital alliance?”

Oh no. This was it. Liuying hated herself for thinking it, but she did not have faith in her father. If the fate of this alliance came down to him… well that wasn’t good. She listened with bated breath for his answer.

Her father’s thin, reedy voice answered. “Y-yes. Yes I do. I wish I could defend my own people, but I see… I see that I can’t. Once again, my wise daughter has seen through to the heart of the matter and acted accordingly. I see that this must be.”

Thank the Heavenly Principles. Liuying released a relieved breath. She felt oddly touched at her father’s words. He was a gentle soul. He could not hurt a living thing. It had always been a mystery to her that such a man could love her mother so. They were such opposites. She had been a fierce woman with a warrior’s spirit. But Liuying knew they had loved each other deeply. Life was a mysterious thing.

She felt her father place his hand on hers then, like he had read her thoughts. Liuying struggled to hold back tears as she brought her attention back to the present. Morax had said, ‘concerns,’ plural. What else was needed? She needed to make a more personal plea.

Liuying said, “Rex Lapis, I swear that I will be a good wife to you. You will have my complete loyalty. Whatever gifts I have been given, whatever resources at my disposal, I will give them freely. I will use them to benefit both our nations, and our family. What is your answer?”

There. She had made her case. Morax seemed to absorb this for a moment. Liuying hoped she had let her sincerity show through. Morax spoke then, gently, but it was not what she expected. “And yet you require no promises from me that I will be a good husband to you? That I will be loyal to you? You speak of an equal partnership, yet seem to require everything of yourself and nothing of me.”

Liuying froze in shock. The truth was she had been so focused on making a martyr of herself for her country, she hadn’t even thought of negotiating for herself, to make the situation better for her personally. She had been willing to put up with whatever Rex Lapis would put her through—infidelity, abuse, it hadn’t mattered to her—and ironically it was the man himself that was calling her out on it.

Morax continued, “This is my second concern, Liuying. I want more than just a political alliance with you.” Bosacious and Indarius made a surprised sound in unison. He continued, “If we are to marry, I want you to be more than just my wife. I require you to be a whole and complete person in your own right. You must seek your own happiness in conjunction with mine, not sacrifice yourself away into nothing. Can you do that?”

Liuying found that her cheeks were suddenly wet. Her emotions were boiling over. A hope had entered her heart, that she might have a future worth looking forward to. “I…” She swiped at her cheeks with the back of her hand. “Yes. I promise I will.”

And with that, the marriage was set.

Chapter 15

Morax

They drank to celebrate their union that night. Honestly, everyone around him, excepting himself and Liuying, seemed to be in a state of complete shock. Bosacious and Indarius had cornered him in their rooms later that night and barraged him with questions. Bosacious seemed particularly confused about his choice.

Bosacious said, “Morax! What on earth are you thinking? I thought we were making a political alliance.”

“We are,” he simply responded.

Bosacious said, “But… but you have promised to marry this girl, and… have you even seen her face?”

Morax said, “I could hardly ask her to remove her mourning veil for her mother that just passed last week in order for me to ‘inspect the goods.’ How very shallow and disrespectful.”

Bosacious continued, “Don’t get me wrong, we all like her. She’s got spunk. But… marriage!? This is crazy.”

Indarius joined in, “It’s true. We are both curious. You have had dozens of offers of marriage in the past. Why her? Why now? I can’t shake the feeling that she’s hiding something. And… you shouldn’t get married just out of a sense of duty, or because of this urge you have to protect everyone and everything around you.”

Morax sighed. He had a feeling that this was not the first conversation he would be having that would go like this.

“You must trust me, my friends. I know my own mind. This is what I want.”

Bosacious reacted without thought. “What? So you mean you love this girl? After knowing her two days?”

Morax responded, “It is nothing so simple as that, Bosacious. You don’t have to understand. I just ask you to celebrate with me. After many long years I have decided to take a wife.”

This seemed to be language Bosacious understood. A moment of thought was answered with, “Aha, my lord! Now that I can do. Let’s call for more wine.”

Indarius was regarding him with a suspicious smirk that he enjoyed even less than Bosacious’ open skepticism, but they drank together until late in celebration.

In the morning, Bolin called Morax into his office to speak with him. It came as a surprise. The man had said barely a word since they arrived, leaving all the work to his daughter without even an apology. The deal had already been made, the marriage contract signed. What would Bolin want to speak up about now? Morax had to admit that he did not have a favorable opinion of the man. He did not want to be disappointed further.

Morax regarded the man thoughtfully. He did not bother to hide the suspicion from his voice when he said, “What is it you would ask of me? You find the terms we have agreed upon to be unfair?”

Bolin answered, “No, my lord, that is not it at all. You have been more than generous.”

Morax exhaled a small relief that this would not become unpleasant. It was bewildering: the man before him seemed somewhat confident, rather different from the Bolin of before.

“What is it, then, Lord Bolin?” Morax asked in a kinder tone of voice.

Bolin sighed. “I must speak plainly, Rex Lapis. I am a poor excuse for a god. I have failed to protect my people… my wife.” Bolin swallowed thickly and compassion tugged at Morax’s heart.

Bolin collected himself and continued, “Now more than ever I realize that I have failed my daughter as well. She was always a special child. She is like her mother in so many ways. I have neglected her badly. We lived happily for many years, granted the long life of the godly, but my whole world was always Xianlian. When the wars began and Xianlian went off to fight, I pined for her here at home. I retreated into myself until there wasn’t anything left to give Liuying, or to give to statescraft. It was selfish, I know. Her childhood was cut short by the loss of her sight, yes, but also by my neglect and by responsibility thrust onto her too early. She has shouldered much in her mother’s prolonged absences. It has been many years now that I have neglected to notice her withering away. She is a flower kept from the sun and shriveled away to brittleness. I wish for her to flourish once more.”

Morax listened patiently to Bolin’s story. He pictured child Liuying shouldering burdens too large for her, deprived of the freedom and love necessary for her to truly blossom. It saddened him greatly, but he still did not understand. “What is it you want of me?” he asked.

Bolin said, “Just take good care of her please. She is a good girl, selfless, spirited, and she deserves to be happy.”

“I will,” Morax responded easily.

Bolin looked him in the eye and said, “Just promise me. You must not cage her as I have. Let her fly.”

Morax stared back solemnly, heaviness clogging his throat. “I swear it.”

Chapter 16

Liuying

Liuying could still scarcely believe she had achieved her goal. She would become the wife of the Lord of Geo, feared by all, and Tuliang would be safe. She breathed a sigh of relief. All would be well. But with the impossible task of ensuring the alliance out of the way, apprehension began to eat at her.

Morax had not objected to a rushed wedding. Once the contract was signed, he had decided to leave them to arrange a fast ceremony, and go himself to secure the cooperation of our aggressive neighbors. He had refused an offer of escort, asked only for a map and the names of the neighboring gods. The confrontation with Osial would come later, but for now at least our borders would be secure once again. Morax had sent Bosacious home to assemble a contingent of Millelith to remain in Tuliang, but she was sure the threat of retribution from Morax himself would be enough of a deterrent for the smaller gods. Hopefully the Millelith would enjoy a quiet assignment in Tuliang with plentiful food and drink for at least some time before any real fighting had to be done. Actually, if they engaged Osial elsewhere, there need not be any fighting here at all. The thought was comforting. She was sure her people would be more than welcoming to the Millelith. Liuying had heard the catcalls of more than one Tuliangian woman on the streets since Morax’ contingent of soldiers had arrived.

She sensed Morax’s retreating figure, heard the footsteps of his long stride alone as he left the manor out the back garden gate before them. He was certainly a man of action.

Liuying asked, “Will he be all right alone?”

Indarius snorted in amusement at the question. “Um… yes.” Morax had instructed Indarius to stay and protect Liuying. She could sense the lively power of fire in Indarius. If not a god exactly, she was a powerful being in her own right, fitting for a friend of Rex Lapis. Her presence as a companion seemed to miff Lin, who had not left her side since.

Liuying heard the shriek of several monkeys in a nearby tree, smelled the dust kicked up by their fleeing hands and feet. Alarm shot through her. The animals had a keen sense of danger. Then she heard a sound she had never before heard in her long life as a god: the mighty, earth-shaking roar of a dragon. Liuying considered herself a brave person in general. She did not fear pain and was willing to take risks. But the enormity, the sheer power of that roar sent fear to the very core of her. It shook the ground. She felt the vibrations in every part of her body. Some primal instinct in her awoke and cried out, to run, to hide. Against this power, she could no more fight than against a mountain itself.

Then it truly dawned on her. This was her husband to be, this mighty beast flying off to smite their enemies. It was humbling, frightening. Dragons were known for their tempers, for never forgiving an offense. And she had already deceived him, was here deceiving him still. Her fingers reached up under her mourning veil to touch her scars. The truth was she had tricked him into marrying her. If he knew about her scarred face, the ugliness that had so often inspired cruel remarks and downright disgust, he would never have agreed to take her to wife. But it was done. The contract was signed and Morax was off fulfilling his end of the bargain already. There was nothing to do but continue along the path she had chosen and face the consequences.

With a start, Liuying realized that Lin was cowering and whimpering on the ground next to her. She leaned down to comfort her friend. Apparently the beast’s roar had been too much for her. No, she chided herself for forgetting, of course Lin hadn’t just heard the dragon, she had seen it. It must have been truly terrifying to behold. She imagined the great, slithering, scaled form of a dragon rising up into the sky, and felt chills run down her spine.

Indarius only huffed, “Show-off,” and turned to go back inside the house.

Chapter 17

Morax

Morax returned from his outing content with the outcome. The neighboring gods had easily acquiesced and vowed to return the confiscated lands immediately. He had flown above in dragon form overseeing their respective retreats. Morax had been fully prepared to shed blood to show he was serious, but it had turned out not to be necessary. He was thankful for that. They understood that it would be a simple thing for him to return here and wipe them out if they did not keep their word. Being feared certainly had its uses. One man he had met with today, literally pissed himself as Morax arrived. He had known before he’d even touched the ground, his sense of smell being quite sensitive in his dragon form.

Morax had returned a day later to report his success to Liuying. He stood before her now, dust and sweat from his travels still on him. He knew he stank, but he thought she would want to hear the news straightaway. Liuying did not seem to have a delicate constitution. He didn’t think she’d mind. He intended to take a nice long soak after this.

Liuying breathed a huge sigh of relief when he finished his story. He had noted the devilish smile on her face when he told her of the minor gods’ terror at his arrival. She had some fire in her, his wife-to-be.

Liuying said, “Lord Morax. Thank you. I cannot tell you how this gladdens my heart.”

“Yes, Liuying. Your people are safe: now, and forever more.” Morax wanted to take her hand comfortingly, but wasn’t sure how she’d respond.

“I heard your approach and have had my people prepare a bath for you in your rooms.” Morax was surprised by her thoughtfulness. She continued, “I will send in food and drink. Rest. You may sleep if you wish. And if you are still agreeable to it, we can begin the ceremony as soon as you have rested sufficiently. All is prepared.” This little speech was given a little unevenly. Morax thought she looked a little pale underneath her veil. He hoped she was not regretting her decision to marry him already.

“Do you still wish to complete the ceremony with all speed?” he asked.

Liuying said, “Yes, my lord.”

He could not help but wonder what her reason for rushing was, but he simply answered, “Then it shall be. Give me three hours to rest, then we can begin.” Morax suddenly found himself very close to Liuying and realized he had been stepping closer as they spoke. He reached out a hand and gently cupped her upper arm. Liuying jumped in a little startled movement and took a step back. He removed his hand and cursed himself for surprising her. It was difficult to remember sometimes that she sensed the world differently than he did.

He said, “It has been a difficult time for you, Liuying. You look like you could use some rest yourself.”

Liuying sighed and placed a hand on the back of her neck. Morax took it as agreement.

“After the ceremony, let’s go on ahead and leave the rest of the retinue to bring your belongings later. You can sleep peacefully in your new home tonight, and leave all your troubles behind you.”

He realized he might have sounded a bit sentimentally hopeful, but Liuying sounded like she needed some hope just now.

“All right. Yes.”

Liuying’s voice sounded so small as she replied. She really must be exhausted. He vowed to do his best to take care of her when they returned home to Liyue.

Chapter 18

Liuying

Liuying submitted herself to Lin’s ministrations for one last time. The sound of sniffles and the salty smell of tears filled the quiet room as her friend carefully tended to her hair. Lin had offered to accompany her to Liyue, but it had felt wrong to drag Lin and her entire family into the dragon’s den with her. She had sealed her fate herself and she alone must face the consequences.

Liuying herself felt oddly unemotional about her imminent nuptuals. The weeks of sadness and stress had given way to a deep kind of numbness. She felt like she was somewhere far away, as her body was prepared to be given as an offering. The cleansing and anointing of her body with perfumed oils felt oddly appropriate, as if her body would be placed upon an altar for sacrifice next.

‘Stop being melodramatic,’ she told herself. Morax seemed a decent man, if a little prone to violence. In any case, he was much less of a brute than she had pictured in her mind when she made this little plan of hers. It would not be so bad, being his wife. Though she had the feeling that she had seen very little of what he was capable of.

Lin spoke through occasional sniffles. “Here. You are finished, my dear. I can’t believe the day has come for you to be a bride. If only your mother could see this.”

If her mother had been there, none of this would be necessary, Liuying thought, but she made herself smile for Lin’s sake.

Lin placed a new, beaded veil on her head. It smelled of dye. The beads hanging in front of her face tinkled lightly. Lin said, “Bridal red. You are beautiful, Liuying.”

Liuying stood and hugged her friend before allowing herself to be led to the best room in the estate where the wedding would take place. She smoothed the fine fabric of her dress as she walked. It was time to get married. And then, the next trial to face would be the wedding night.

Chapter 19

Morax

Morax could not take his eyes off the woman that stood beside him, his bride. Dressed in fine red bridal robes, she looked stunning. Liuying was tall for a woman, elegant. Her curves filled out her dress alluringly. And those lips… he would never tire of seeing those lips, the top slightly fuller than the bottom, echoing the curves of her beautiful body. And above that, she wore a new veil, not mourning white, but matrimonial red. The hanging rows of beads tinked merrily in front of her face.

Morax looked forward to seeing her face in full, without a veil. She would be beautiful, he was sure. He pictured the pure, soft skin of her face reaching up to her eyes, her hairline. Her dark hair would be shining and thick when she took it down from the adorned loops it had been placed in. He pictured her jet black hair hanging down across her naked back. In his mind, he reached and touched her curvaceous sides, reaching around to cup her naked breasts. An image flashed of what those beautiful breasts might look like in his hands…

Stop. He was getting ahead of himself. Morax realized his breaths were coming fast, and that his cock was rock hard, probably easily visible through the thin fabric of his loose pants. He tried to reign himself in, think of mundane things, as he took slow breaths to calm down. It would be most unbecoming for him to carry out the ceremony with a full erection for all to see.

Besides, he thought, was she even attracted to him? This was clearly a political marriage for Liuying. He was sure it was what she wanted and was even her idea to begin with, but he still felt unsure. The situation was unique. It was almost under duress that she had sought him out to save her country. No, he could not bed her tonight. It would be better to wait, unless she showed a particular eagerness… He would be patient and play it by ear, he decided.

The words were spoken and he faced his bride. Morax was given a glass of wine from Bolin, who he now realized was his father-in-law. An absurd thought. Morax was as ancient as the earth itself. To have a parental figure in his life again… absurd. He could not be expected to submit to Bolin in any way, but the father of his wife would be due some modicum of respect at the very least.

Morax sipped the tart wine, careful not to spill. Then he took Liuying’s hand and placed it on the cup. Together they brought it to her waiting, parted lips. She sipped from the wine as well and he returned the vessel to Bolin. It was done.

His friends moved in around him, patting him on the back and offering congratulations. He kept Liuying’s hand in his as they accepted the well-wishes of those around them, their friends and family. Morax’s heart felt full. These were new experiences for him. As old as he was, newness was a precious rarity and he would cherish these moments.

Where they would normally be escorted to their marriage bed, they were instead escorted outside. All would feast here tonight to celebrate as he and his bride returned home. He turned to face his new wife. He sought to ascertain the state of her mind underneath that veil. She had been quiet during the simple ceremony. No smile touched her lips, but no grimace or sign of fear either. She seemed at the very least content. It was time to depart and begin their life together.

Chapter 20

Liuying

Liuying stood outside her home, breathing in the scents, absorbing the sounds, the vibrations of the place, for one last time. Morax had not released her hand since the ceremony concluded, and she could feel the calluses of his palms scraping against her own hands as they touched. She felt Morax turn to her now.

Morax asked, “Are you ready to go home? That is, to come with me to my home?”

Liuying didn’t quite understand why he was asking so pointedly. Were they not already outside waiting for their horses to be brought?

She dutifully responded, “Yes, Rex Lapis.”

He said, “Call me Morax, please. We are husband and wife now, after all.”

“Yes, of course, Morax.” She knew she should be trying to sound more enthusiastic, more… affectionate? Honestly, she had no idea how she was supposed to act now. But she felt a deep sense of debt to this man. He had saved her people, saved her own life. He had been nothing but honest with her, and she had tricked him into marrying her. She dreaded having to expose her lie to him. It would not be pleasant. Sow melon and you get melon; sow beans and you get beans. This was her doing and she would face the consequences. Heavens, Liuying was getting tired of having to tell herself that.

Morax surprised her by placing his large hand on her lower back, and tucking her body closely up against his. She sucked in a breath. Liuying had never felt any part of him except his arm or hand before. She had no idea what he was physically like, really, except that he was tall. Pressed up against him now, she could feel the hard plane of his heavily muscled stomach. Her hands were up against his chest. His large pectorals felt scandalizing under her fingertips.

Touching him, Liuying could feel his elemental power strongly. It emanated from him, thrumming in the air around them. She had felt his power before, but this close it was positively overwhelming. With a jolt, she realized that his power wasn’t static, but was increasing in intensity. Before she knew it they were surrounded by warmth like the sun’s. It gradually faded, and when it did, she realized with alarm that their surroundings had changed. She could hear different kinds of bugs and birds singing their evening songs. The smell of the dusty road outside her estate was gone now. There was a gentle breeze on her skin. The air smelled clean, perfumed with flowers unfamiliar to her.

“Where are we?” Liuying asked, wonder evident in her voice.

Morax answered, “This is your new home, my estate in Liyue. You are trembling, Liuying. Are you all right?”

She felt his thumb brush her chin and realized that she was still pressed against his hard body. The feel of his breath close on her face made her shiver. She took a step away from him and answered honestly.

“You just surprised me. I didn’t know travel like this was possible. I thought we would arrive on horseback.”

A deep chuckle answered. Morax said, “I’m sorry, Liuying. That was thoughtless of me. I should have warned you.” He was using her name a lot. Every time he said it in his musical voice, it sent a shiver down her spine. “Shall I describe it to you?”

Thankful he had offered she responded, “Yes, please.”

“We are high on a slope. The dark ocean is spread out in front of us, far below. The sun has just set in the mountains behind us, and the lanterns in the harbor are beginning to be lit. The full moon is already shining on the water.”

She tried to picture what he described. It was difficult. She admitted, “I know about the moon and its phases in theory, but I do not know what it is like exactly. I cannot feel it’s light on my skin the way I can the sun.”

Morax answered. “Imagine the warmth of the sun, but it has gone to sleep and instead only shines pale and lukewarm. Like how a fragrance dissipates into the air. If you take a step away from the flower, its presence is lessened. So it is with the celestial orbs we call the sun and the moon.”

Liuying had never had anyone explain things to her like this, in terms of the senses she had. No one had ever put forth the effort. They always just shrugged off what she didn’t know without attempting to communicate it to her. Morax was a thoughtful man.

Another scent caught her attention and she turned around. “What is that fragrance?”

“Silk flowers and glaze lilies. They are planted all over the estate.”

Liuying took careful steps towards the scent, following her nose and reaching out with her fingers to find the location of the flowers. Encountering one, she knelt down and gently felt the flower with her hands. It had a center of soft pollen surrounded by five broad, thick petals, surrounded again by five longer petals. Below this drooped thin strands of petals, five in number of course. Its stem felt as delicate as the rest of it. She could feel its life force humming softly. Somehow it was comforting to her that the plants had the same life force here as they did in Tuliang.

Liuying asked, “Which flower is this?”

Morax had knelt down next to her, and said from beside her, “That is a glaze lily.” The fragrance was sweet, but delicate.

He took her hand in his and placed a different flower into it. “And this is a silk flower.”

This plant had a bark-like stem with thick round leaves. The flower itself was almost completely round with petals that felt so soft that, without applying pressure with her fingertips, she could almost not feel it at all. Some petals had rolled up and spread out further away from the main ball of petals. This flower had a very light, subtle earthy scent. The petals were so soft, in fact, that Liuying wondered about their chosen name.

“Can you actually make silk from this?” she asked.

Morax said, “Why, yes. Well deduced.”

Was that pride in his voice? Pride in his home, or pride in her cleverness? She stood awkwardly, waiting for him to take the lead. He took her by the hand again.

“Come inside and eat something. I sent word ahead so all should be prepared.”

As they walked, he spoke to her about the house. He used their joined hand to point out where things were. Morax said, “I know it may take you awhile to get used to the layout of a new home. I have instructed my attendants to be sure not to leave anything on the ground for you to trip on. Just call out if you ever need anything. There is usually someone around.”

He was thinking of her wellbeing again. It was strange to her that the dragon should be so carefully solicitous. But there was more still.

Morax continued, “I have an idea, Liuying. You will have to let me know if it is practicable or not. I was thinking that we might have some wind chimes made, each a different chord, and place them outside the window of each room. That way you would have something to help orient your sense of direction when in or around the house.”

Liuying sucked in a surprised breath.

“That is a wonderful idea, Morax. I believe that would help a lot.”

He clutched her hand in a way that made her think he was pleased. She also noticed the way he was saying ‘we’ to refer to the both of them as if it were the most natural thing in the world.

Liuying said, “If you would allow me to bring some plants indoors and put them in vases around the house. That will help orient me as well, since I can sense their life force and their scents.”

“Yes, of course. This is your home now too. You may make any changes that please you.”

He brought her into the dining room where she could smell many delicious aromas. With a hand on her back, Morax guided her down to the floor. The scents were making her mouth water, and she reached for the table to feel what was in front of her. She heard Morax seat himself next to her.

He said, “We don’t stand on ceremony here. Go ahead. Eat.” She heard the clicking of chopsticks as he prepared to eat, then silence as he paused. “Aren’t you going to remove your veil?”

Damn. Liuying knew it would be strange for her to keep the beaded veil on while she ate, but she was not ready to face her deception yet. She knew it would not be long before she would have to. But she had a plan to deal with that. Liuying took a shallow breath and replied with as much confidence as she could muster, “No. I will keep it on for the moment, if you please. It will not hinder me.”

Morax said smoothly, “As you wish. Do you need me to fill a plate for you?”

“No, I can manage,” she replied. His solicitousness was sweet, but she had to admit to herself that it was beginning to grate on her nerves. She did not like feeling helpless. The position she was in was going to require her to humble herself some, she realized. She would need to summon her patience.

She felt for the bowl in front of her and used her chopsticks to place some rice on her plate. Her acute sense of smell was coming in handy, as it would be very rude to place your fingers in the dish to determine what it was. She smelled something pickled and placed it on her plate, as well as some kind of vegetable in a spicy-smelling sauce. Then some fish. She didn’t care what they were at the moment, but made a note to ask about them later. She could tell from just the scents that the cuisine here was different than in her region.

They ate in silence for awhile. It did not feel too awkward as she was very hungry and appreciated not having to multitask while she approached her unfamiliar meal. She snuck her chopsticks up under her veil to eat. The hanging fabric wasn’t in the way as much as she had feared it would be.

Morax said, “What are your thoughts so far on the place? Is it to your liking?” He almost sounded nervous.

“Yes, of course. Your home is very luxurious.”

Morax noticed her hesitation and added, “But?”

“But it does seem a bit empty, for how large a place it is.”

Morax explained, “I keep few attendants, but I assure you this place is usually bustling with visitors. Trust me, you will wish them gone at times when they all descend in full.”

“I see.” Liuying heard Morax place a cup in front of her and ask her to try it. It was lightly oxidated tea, perhaps not as fine as Tuliangian, but quite delicious. “What is it?” she asked.

Morax answered, “It is called Chenyu Adeptea.”

Ah. Spoils from the region whose people he had slaughtered just recently. It was not good to let this man’s elegant veneer deceive her. The man dealt in death and brutality regularly. She sipped quietly. Liuying said a silent prayer that he was not a violent man when it came to domestic matters.

Morax cleared his throat. “You must be wishing to retire. You have had a trying time these past weeks.”

“Yes,” she said in a small voice. “It is time.”

Time to face her lies.

Meal finished, Morax helped her to her feet and walked her through the house some distance to another wing where the bedchambers were. She heard a door slide open, and they entered a room that smelled of mahogony.

“This room is for your personal use, Liuying.”

Thank goodness. She would have her own room. He led her into the room by her hand and had her touch various parts of the room so she could orient herself.

“I know your clothes are coming, but I have had my people place some Liyuen clothing in this wardrobe for you.” They touched the wardrobe together.

It felt a bit awkward to her as he led her to the bed and touched her hand to the soft bedding. “Bedclothes have been spread out here for you.” They felt like cotton, practical and comfortable. She felt her face heat as she considered. Hopefully they were not too revealing.

Morax showed her the bathroom next. Then he brought her to another door.

“This door leads to my bedchambers. I often leave to attend to war business during the day, but my ability to travel large distances means that I will return here most nights. If you need me for anything in the night, just call. I will be close.” Liuying tried not to see this as a threat.

Morax continued, “I also have put a bell in your room for you to use if you need something from an attendant. Your personal attendant’s name is Shisui. She can help you dress if you wish, or anything else you need help with. She will come when you ring the bell.” He brought her hand to where the bell hung from the ceiling. “Do you have any questions?”

She said honestly, “No, Morax. Thank you. You have been most thoughtful.”

It was time for him to leave, but he stayed. She felt him hovering silently in front of her. He stepped even closer and she sucked in a breath. Morax said, “Are you well, Liuying? How are you feeling about all of this? It must be overwhelming.”

Morax sounded hesitant, unsure. It was getting harder to see this man as dangerous. His thoughtful politeness was at odds with his true nature. She had to remember at all times what he truly was if she was to survive this. She had to keep her wits about her.

Liuying said, “I am well, Morax. Truly. You have been most kind to me.”

She heard Morax breathe out, and then felt the lightest of all touches to her cheek before he quickly turned and left through the door to his bedchamber.

“It is time,” Liuying said aloud to herself to steel her nerves. She began to undress. It was time to enact her plan to try and mitigate the impact of her deception.

Chapter 21

Morax

Morax paced in his bedroom agitatedly. Liuying had been so tight-lipped this evening. He didn’t know her well, but he got the impression that she was generally spunky and free with her opinions. She seemed a little reserved tonight. She must be feeling nervous, uncertain. She was still grieving, he reminded himself. He hoped she was not frightened of him.

Morax ran a hand through his hair. Uncertainty gnawed at him. Had he handled everything correctly? He wanted her to feel at home here. He was sure it would take some time for her to adjust to life in a new space, especially since she had to essentially memorize the space around her in order to get around. He would give Liuying time. This was something he felt like he could do. Patience was something he had mastered in his long life.

Feeling a little calmer, he removed his shirt to get ready for bed. He was about to remove his flowing, white pants, when he heard a knock on the door from Liuying’s room. He opened the door, and a flash of pale flesh crossed in front of him. Morax stood in shock for just a moment before turning around to find Liuying on the ground in front of him… completely naked. She had prostrated herself on her knees, forehead to the ground, hands placed in front of her head, thumbs and forefingers making a triangle.

So many things crossed his mind at once that it was hard to parse through them. The pale skin of her bare back shown in the lamplight, highlighting her curves, and, Heaven help him, there was that gorgeous ass of hers glowing in the pale light. Her jet-black hair lay gleaming across her shoulders as she lay. She was so beautiful it hurt. He was aroused instantly. He wanted to touch her, taste her, worship her. He wanted her badly, so badly… but not like this.

It was a sign of complete submission the way she knelt on the ground in front of him. It was the way you would bow before an ultimate authority, someone that had complete power over you. It felt all wrong to him. He wanted equality, reciprocation, when he made love. What he saw before him was nothing like this. It was painful to him, the contrast between her beautiful body and the way she demeaned herself on the ground before him. Morax sighed. He had to find a way to explain to her that this wasn’t what he wanted. To make her understand that they should not take this step until it was what she wanted as well. And he had to do so without hurting her feelings on their wedding night.

Morax knelt by Liuying’s side on the cold wooden floor, took her chin in his hand gently, and lifted it. And that’s when he saw her eyes for the first time. He stilled in shock. Liuying’s eyes were black as coal. There were no whites, no iris, no pupil, just black all the way across. Spidery black veins crawled outward from her eyes onto the skin surrounding them. It was as if the veins contained liquid night. The branching blackness faded away a couple of inches away from her eyes on all sides. The effect was startling.

Then Morax took in her whole face together for the first time: those enchanting lips, an adorable nose, beautiful pure skin, and her eyes… Those blind eyes of hers had beautiful, thick lashes that matched the jet black hair that now fell across the sides of her face, framing it. She was just as beautiful as he’d imagined. More. She was stunning.

He could not stop himself from touching her. He pressed his palm to the side of her face, stroked her upper cheek with his thumb.

“How did this happen, Liuying?”

Liuying answered in a small voice. “When I was a child, there was an accident involving poisonous fumes. Learning the art of poisons is dangerous, and I didn’t always listen well.”

Morax’s next thought was of the pain she had had to endure. He said aloud, “What kind of poison could have caused that?”

Liuying answered factually. “God-killing poison. It is especially potent. Do not fear, I was very young then. I know how to handle the stuff now.”

My, that did make sense. This was a very dangerous woman. He was glad he had made a friend of her and not an enemy.

The accident must have happened when she was very young if she no longer remembered what the moon looked like. A young child having her entire world ripped away from her like that… The world was often a cruel place.

Then he began to think about it from others’ perspective. Those eyes could be considered frightening. She might not have been treated well on account of it. Those that were not accepting of themselves had a hard time being accepting of others, and in his experience, that was most people. Morax understood what it was to be feared, to be seen as a what instead of a who. He understood then why she had gone to such efforts to keep her face hidden. Had she spent her whole life hiding?

Once these thoughts started to fade, Morax realized that she still knelt naked before him. Liuying’s beautiful, damaged face, but also… He looked down. Her naked breasts hung weightedly as she leaned toward him, large brown nipples erect with the chill of the evening. Morax shot his eyes up towards the ceiling, stepping up and away from the temptation before him.

He had to make her understand without hurting her feelings, but the truth is he needed her to leave now, before he did something they’d both regret.

“Liuying, I… I do not want…”

Liuying startled him by hopping up immediately. She hurriedly cut him off, “Of course, my lord. I am sorry. I didn’t mean to presume. Of course you don’t want…”

She seemed as much at a loss as he did, but the words kept tumbling from her, not letting him get a word in edgewise. She bowed at the waist before him as she spoke, which at least put those luscious breasts out of view.

“I thank you for your generosity, Rex Lapis. I will go now. And I will continue wearing a veil so you don’t have to see my scars.”

“No,” he blurted out. “Do not wear that veil anymore. No more hiding.”

He may have said it a bit more sternly than he intended, for Liuying flinched, then muttered a quick, “Yes, of course, my lord,” and darted back into her bedroom, shutting the door hard behind her.

Morax sat on the bed and put his head in his hands. Being married to Liuying was going to be more difficult than he realized.

Chapter 22

Liuying

Liuying laid in bed, the softness of the fine bedding surrounding her. For reasons she couldn’t explain, the tears kept coming, stinging her eyes and wetting her pillow. She had not expected this night to go quite like that.

In some ways she had accomplished her goal. Morax did not seem overly angry at her deception. She had half expected him to rage, to hurt her. But instead, he had simply rejected her. She had hoped to offer him her body to soften the blow of his being stuck with a wife with a severely scarred face. She had not been sure if he would accept her, but it had seemed worth a try.

Liuying knew little of looks and beauty, had often thought others shallow and stupid for putting importance on such things. But she must be truly hideous for him to have reacted so. She would not forget the sound of his sucked in breath when he first saw her face. The long, shocked silence that followed. Or the way he leapt up away from her after that, as if there was not enough distance in the world to put between them.

Had she misread the situation? She had thought he had found her body desirable, but maybe she had been wrong. She should be relieved, shouldn’t she? She had been dreading this night, and his rejection had saved her the trouble of bedding the brute, Rex Lapis. She should want it this way. She achieved her end without having to pay a price for it. Then why wouldn’t the tears stop flowing?

It must be the rejection. It was difficult to feel unwanted. She had never put herself in such a position of vulnerability before, and it seemed that all her worst fears were confirmed. Perhaps all those rude comments from others had been the truth after all. That she was hideous, ugly, unlovable. She had frightened people in the past, made children cry.

A thought occurred to her then. Instead of feeling sorry for herself, perhaps she should just lean into it. Morax seemed to have cultivated a reputation for fierceness. He was feared far and wide and that fear kept people in line. Like the way her aggressive neighbors had been cowed immediately just from the sight of the dragon in the sky above them. Perhaps here, by the dragon’s side, her ugliness could be an asset. She could add to that reputation of his. She could play up being the Goddess of Poison, display her frightening face proudly. Together, they would instill fear and obedience.

Perhaps in this way, she could be useful to him after all. She owed Morax a great deal at this point. And she knew herself well enough to know she would be happier if she had a purpose and work to do. Tomorrow, she would begin establishing herself as the fearsome wife of the great Lord Rex Lapis. She would find a place in the mansion to make her poisons. And then—a huge smile spread across her face now—then, she would ask an attendant to find her some black clothing to highlight the poisoned black veins of her face.

Chapter 23

Chapter 23

Morax

Morax slept fitfully. Liuying danced through his dreams, naked in some, clothed in bridal red in others. They made love in various places and in various ways, her eagerness a match for his. He awoke painfully hard, tired and irritable. He dressed in his usual hooded, sleeveless, robe atop a slim-fitting undershirt with wide, flowing pants. It was his favorite outfit. Bosacious had designed it for him. When he went down to breakfast, Liuying was not there and so he ate alone. Was she upset with him? Worry ate at him. What were her feelings about last night?

Then he went to his office to tackle the reports that had built up in his absence. Apparently, word had gotten round in that time, because Cloud Retainer and Moon Carver stood before him now, launching what was a small step below a full interrogation.

Cloud Retainer stood tall in her flowing dress, with a finger pressed to one side of her chin, and tapped a foot on the ground in agitation.

“You are married, Morax? And you did not even invite one to the wedding? Apparently you consider one to be more a servant than a friend.”

She seemed unable to adjust her way of referring to herself to anything more suitable, or less arrogant, but Morax didn’t mind. Cloud Retainer was an illuminated beast. She had spent most of her life so far as a highly intelligent, magical crane. She still mostly preferred that form. Let her explore her new human form in whatever way felt right to her. The other illuminated beasts seemed to follow Cloud Retainer’s lead, and so the habit of referring to themselves as “one” persisted. Colloquialisms seemed equally difficult for them.

Moon Carver, the illuminated stag, spoke up then in his deep voice.

“Yes. One is equally distressed by these events. One would have wished to welcome your new wife to Liyue with warmth, perhaps a celebration. One hopes our lady does not think less of us for our sad welcome.”

With a puff of smoke, Alatus appeared behind Cloud Retainer, stepping up next to her. “Where is she?” he growled. “Rex Lapis, forgive me, but I must speak my mind. You cannot let the poison goddess have access to your home, your food!”

“He’s letting her have access to a lot more than that.” Menogias spoke from behind the crowd, Bonanus smirking at his side. When had they even arrived? This was getting ridiculous.

Shocked stares turned on Menogias as his words sunk in. Alatus, the poor boy, turned bright red, whether from embarrassment or anger that someone would dare touch the great Rex Lapis, Morax wasn’t sure. They all broke out into hurried words after that. Morax placed his head in his hands and sighed as various arguments ensued.

Morax had to handle this. He raised his hands in front of his friends to gain their attention.

“I must offer my apologies for marrying so hurriedly. It would have been a great pleasure and honor to celebrate my nuptials with you, my friends.”

Cloud Retainer preened at the praise. This was definitely working.

“The truth is that my lady Liuying was in a great deal of danger. We felt it was necessary to marry hurriedly so as to secure the protection of my name for her country.”

“Wait, so this is just a political alliance?” replied Bonanus disappointedly.

“What kind of danger?” said Alatus ominously.

“One would like to meet the wife of Rex Lapis,” said Cloud Retainer.

Okay. Maybe it wasn’t going so well after all. He would have to give them something or he’d never get them to leave. Morax said, “My friends, please. I promise I will answer all your questions in due course. When Menogias and Indarius return, we must have a war council. We can discuss the state of things then. For now, come with me and we will find Lady Liuying for some introductions.”

His friends continued mumbling to each other as they followed behind him.

“Liuying… what a pretty name,” said Moon Carver. “I believe it means ’willow heroine,’ fitting for a plant goddess.”

Bonanus said, “She must be beautiful to have caught Lord Morax’s eye after all these years.”

Morax hoped meeting everyone at once would not be trying for Liuying. His friends could be a lot at times. It took some time to find his new wife. Morax was sure they looked quite a sight, three yakshas and two illuminated beasts following him from room to room around the manor. They found her outside the estate at a large storage shed near the well, dressed in plain work clothes. Liuying, along with a couple of servants, appeared to be clearing out the shed. She had certainly gotten to work quickly.

“Liuying, here you are,” Morax said. He walked up to her and carefully took her hand in his. He was relieved she allowed it. “I’d like to introduce you to some more of my people.”

Chapter 24

Liuying

As her new husband took her hand and turned her away from her task, she heard several gasps from the onlookers Morax called ‘his people.’ Liuying knew that gasp well. They were shocked at the sight of her scarred face. It was going to be a bit difficult being out and about in the world so much. Liuying realized that she might have been a bit sheltered, spending all her time at home in Tuliang, only among those that knew her.

All present thrummed with power, but other than that she had not a clue what they were like in form. Liuying dreaded being introduced to large numbers of people like this. When it was one on one, she could hear their voice, smell them, ask them questions, do all the things that would help her identify them later. But in a big group like this, their scents and auras mixed. It was hard to pinpoint exactly which direction voices came from. Making introductions like this was essentially useless to her. At least they would know who she was, she supposed. She took care to stand tall. It would be important to make as good an impression as she could manage.

“On the left here,” Morax surprised her by using their joined hands to point in the direction of who he was speaking about, ”is Cloud Retainer, an illuminated crane, though she stands before us in her human form.” Thanks to Morax, Liuying knew in what direction to nod as the name was spoken.

“May you make a diligent companion to our Lord Rex Lapis,” said an arrogant female voice, this Cloud Retainer.

Morax continued, “There is another crane amongst my battlefield lieutenants, Mountain Shaper. You may meet him later. He will fight with us, but he often prefers the solitude of his mountain. Next is Moon Carver, an illuminated stag. ”

A very deep voice responded, “One is very pleased to make your acquaintance.”

Morax said, “Next we have three of the five yakshas. You have met two already. Here, we have Alatus, a wielder of anemo.” There was a grunt in reply. “Menogias, a wielder of geo. Menogias is my general and second in command. And Bonanus, a wielder of hydro.”

A hydro wielder! That could be useful in helping her establish better crops here in Liyue. How fortuitous. And Menogias was just the man she wanted to see for another little project.

“It is nice to meet you all,” Liuying said as she bowed in their direction.

The deep, recognizable voice of Moon Carver admonished her gently. “You must not bow to one, Lady Liuying. As the wife of one’s lord, you are far above one in station.”

“Yes. We serve you, Lady Liuying.” A female chimed in next. She was not sure which, but she suspected Bonanus. These people were clearly devoted to Rex Lapis. It was comforting that he inspired the obedience of ones such as these. It appeared Liuying had gained a large contingent of allies for her cause, not just the dragon.

Liuying felt some reassurance was necessary, and said gravely with sincerity, “I promise to serve your lord well.”

The group made some collective pleased noises.

“One does not wish to be indecorous, but one’s curiosity overflows. May one inquire about Lady Liuying’s eyes?” said the voice Liuying was now recognizing as Cloud Retainer’s.

Morax dropped her hand, and she felt him step in front of her. “No, you may not.” Irritation laced his deep, commanding voice. She didn’t blame him for being a little upset about her eyes. Her deception must have hit him hard.

She decided it would be best to state the facts plainly.

“It is all right. I do not mind explaining myself. The damage was caused by none other than my own hands. Becoming the goddess of poisons requires many years of diligent study. As a young child, I regularly came into contact with dangerous substances. There was an incident where I did not exercise proper care, and the poisonous fumes reached my eyes, blinding and scarring me.”

Liuying heard a few sighs and an exclamation of ‘Oh!’ throughout her speech. She didn’t enjoy being pitied any more than she did being reviled. Morax had placed his hand on her lower back sometime during her explanation. She felt the warmth of his large hand through her clothes, and it comforted her. Even when he was annoyed with her, he was still a very thoughtful man.

“You are blind!?” an indignant, young man burst out. Must be Alatus. Youth did tend to show itself in unexpected ways sometimes. Alatus continued, “Rex Lapis. You cannot marry her. She will be a liability on the battlefield.”

Morax stilled. When he spoke his voice was deeper, rather more frightening than usual. “Alatus, I will have you remember that we are already married. This woman is my wife, and you will accept her and offer her your full allegiance.” Alatus had dropped to the ground when Morax spoke, and he stayed there still. Morax took a calming breath. “Besides, I think you will find this rose has thorns. I have seen Liuying hold her own on the battlefield, even without the aid of sight. Perhaps we should blindfold you and see how well you do, young Alatus.” The others did not seem surprised at the exchange, as if they were used to the youthful man’s outbursts. There were soft chuckles at the last bit. “Rise, my friend.”

Liuying felt a bit of pride at Morax’s defense of her. He did not seem to consider her a hindrance, at least. She would endeavor to prove herself an asset.

Morax said, “I think that’s enough for today. Let us all meet together for a war council when the other yakshas return. In the meantime, give me some time alone with my new wife.” She heard the company begin to disperse. There was one opportunity she had to take before they left.

Liuying said, “Menogias, would you take tea with me later today? I have a request to make of you.” She felt Morax stiffen a bit at her side. He was still touching her back gingerly as she spoke.

Menogias answered in a bit of a sultry voice. “Yes. It would be an honor, my lady.” He must be handsome, she noted, if he automatically responded to young ladies in this way. He seemed used to their attentions.

She said, “And Bonanus, might I request the honor of your assistance when I call for you sometime soon? I wish for us to work together for the betterment of the crops of Liyue.”

Bonanus’ perky voice replied, “That sounds like a splendid idea, Lady Liuying!”

Morax spoke to Bonanus for a bit before she left. And then the crowd dispersed and she was alone with Morax once more.

Morax said, “You’ve been busy in the short time you’ve been here. What are you up to this morning?”

His deep voice rumbled through her body. She really was coming to love the sound and feel of his voice.

Morax seemed on edge today. No wonder, with the little discovery he made about her last night. She had to hurry up and make herself of use to him in other ways to cool the bad feelings he must have towards her.

Liuying replied, “I hope you don’t mind, my lord. You said it would be all right if I made changes to the estate, and it seemed like this building wasn’t being used for anything besides storage…” She was feeling rather nervous and her words tumbled out of her faster than she wished. “So I thought I would make this into a base of operations for my poison making. It is useful being near the well. It seemed the perfect place.”

Morax said, “Yes, of course, it is all right. As it pleases you, Liuying.”

She felt him get closer to her. “It is nice to see your face,” he said, his breath hot on her forehead.

She lowered her head in shame. She felt she deserved his needling. “Yes, I’m sorry I deceived you, Lord Morax.”

Morax seemed to be getting more irritated, not less. He was overall a very even-tempered man, but she was becoming attuned to the minute changes of his mood very quickly. That expressive voice of his easily conveyed his feelings if you listened.

He said pleadingly, “Please, Liuying. I thought we were past this. Call me Morax. No titles.”

“I’m sorry, Morax. I will try to remember.” He seemed placated, but hovered as if he had more to say.

“Perhaps we should talk about… last night.”

Embarrassment shot through her, heating her face.

“No, no. There’s no need! I perfectly understand the situation, and… my mistake. I promise I will make it up to you, Morax. I will fulfill my end of the contract, and be an asset to you and your people.”

Liuying sensed his tall form deflate some at the mention of the word, ‘contract,’ which she didn’t understand at all. Weren’t contracts like sacred to him? He stepped away from her, and she feared she had displeased him again.

Morax’s voice was several steps away now. “I see. Well, I will leave you to your work then. Let me know if you need anything.”

“I will. Thank you.”

“Liuying…” She stilled, listening to him carefully. “Will you dine with me tonight?”

She said, “Yes, Lord… er, yes, Morax.”

Morax informed her that he would be away checking the borders and neighboring regions until dinner. Then he was gone and she heard only the insects in the trees. She got back to work.

The old woman Shisui, who Morax had asked to be her personal attendant, helped her with the dictation of the materials she would need. It occurred to Liuying that this might be an opportunity to gather some information. “Shisui?” Liuying heard the sound of the wet brush strokes against the paper cease.

She answered in her gnarled old voice. “Yes, Lady Liuying?”

“Do you like serving here? Is Rex Lapis a good master?”

The old lady made a ‘hmph’ noise before responding. “Trying to get information out of me, eh? Well it’s all right. I don’t mind. First I’d like to point out that I am no servant.” The woman had pride in her voice.

Oh dear. It seems Liuying had put her foot in it. It seemed things were done more differently here than she realized. This was a woman she needed as an ally not an enemy. “I apologize, Shisui. I didn’t mean…”

Shisui continued, “Let me explain. I am an employee of Lord Morax. I don’t know what it’s like where you’re from, but here we are all equal. Lord Morax pays us a generous wage in exchange for our hard work. We are called attendants. Some of us live at the manor for convenience, but most go home to their families when their workday is done. We have plenty of days off, and we take pride in our work. We respect Lord Morax because he is good to us and he protects us. We offer him our loyalty freely because he offers his in return. Everything here is done in terms of a contract, a give and take among equals. You would do well to remember that, my lady.”

Liuying bowed her head in shame. She really did know very little of the world outside of Tuliang. Society was rather stratified in her homeland. They treated their servants well, but they were still servants. There were whole families of retainers who had done nothing but serve their gods for generations. The long-lived, high born gods were considered a different breed than the commoners, and Liuying had mostly been kept apart from them. Here, apparently, things were more forward-thinking. Liuying would have to relearn some things to keep up. She felt her lack and it hurt.

Shisui’s voice came out much softer this time, and she patted Liuying on the head as she said, “It’s all right, dear. You’ll get the hang of things soon enough.”

Chapter 25

Morax

Morax watched through the window for some time while Liuying worked industriously on her ‘poison dungeon,’ as he was referring to it in his head. She helped carry boxes out herself, despite having to feel around for them. Then she cleaned the space thoroughly, face protected from the dust by a cloth. She dictated lists to attendants who then went out to procure items. He smiled. She was a hard worker, his wife. She seemed driven to prove herself. He looked forward to what she would accomplish for Liyue in terms of food production. If anyone could make their agriculture more drought-resistant, it would be her.

Morax trained with his spear for awhile in just his flowing pants, enjoying the warmth of the afternoon, the feel of the breeze on his sweat-damp skin. He bathed, then attempted to tackle some more paperwork, but he was having a hard time focusing. He wanted to spend more time with Liuying, but he didn’t want to force his company on her more than she wanted. She had seemed a bit jumpy this morning. She was more formal and apologetic than usual. The way she had emphasized their ‘contract’ floated through his mind. Morax sighed. To her, this was just a political alliance, but he feared that he might want much more from her, perhaps more than she was willing to give. What had he gotten himself into?

It was afternoon now and Morax knew Liuying to be having tea with Menogias. His friend was a handsome man with flowing brown hair. He was well dressed and well spoken. He had a sultry voice and a demeanor to match. Menogias was a favorite among both the men and women of Liyue. Liuying had been tight-lipped about the purpose of their meeting, and Morax was ashamed to admit that he was a bit jealous. She had actively sought out Menogias, after all. Had she ever sought his own company before? Or only endured it when she was forced to?

Morax chided himself. He was being mopey and self-indulgent. He trusted Menogias completely. Morax needed to trust Liuying as well. She may not have feelings for him, but she was dedicated to every task she set herself to. She would keep her word and be loyal.

Yet, it was not the thought of disloyalty that bothered him. It was just the thought of Menogias making her smile with those beautiful lips, of them enjoying each other’s company in his absence. This thought wormed its way into his brain until Morax found himself grinding his teeth in agitation. Surely, they wouldn’t mind if he joined them for tea. He should just put his mind at ease and go join them, instead of brooding here alone.

Mind made up, Morax stood and walked towards the main wing of the house. He heard the musical tinkle of Liuying’s laughter and followed the sound, scowling. When Morax approached, he saw that they were not sitting down having tea at all. Liuying was standing with her arms loose at her side. Her outer robe had been removed, and she was wearing only her underclothes, somewhat modest underclothes, but underclothes nonetheless. Her shoulders and arms were exposed and Monogias, the bastard, stood behind her leaning in, with his hands on her bare shoulders.

Morax stilled in shock, heart racing. They had not noticed him approach in his bare feet, and they continued their chatter. The proverbial storm clouds gathered around Morax. He unconsciously gathered his power to him as shock turned to white-hot rage. He took a weighted step towards them, a snarl on his lips, but Menogias turned away from Liuying at that moment and Morax noticed something in his hands. It was a measuring tape.

Morax tried to take a breath to calm himself, but he choked. Menogias was doing nothing more than measuring her for some new clothes. Liuying must have heard from the servants about Menogias’ skill with thread and needle, his eye for fashion. The man had designed several sets of clothing for their acquaintances, himself included. Menogias handed Liuying back her outer robe respectfully. She put it back on and they sat back down to finish their tea.

Damn. He had gotten all worked up over nothing. He had to get a handle on his feelings. Morax stepped back out of view in his embarrassment. He realized that he had summoned his spear. What had he been about to do… stab one of his oldest friends because he touched his wife? Morax banished the spear and put his head in his hands. He took deep, slow breaths for a full minute before turning to go to his room. He needed to calm down before dinner.

When dinner time came, Morax knocked gingerly on Liuying’s door. Her voice came from within. “Yes?”

“Are you ready for dinner, Liuying?”

Liuying answered, “Yes, Morax. I’m coming.”

She sounded more cheerful than this morning. The door opened and Liuying came out with a shy smile on her face. She wore a robe that was closer to a tight-fitting dress, the color of lilac. It hugged her curves beautifully. Morax stood dumb for a moment, eyes fixed on her beautiful body, then up to her face. Liuying looked so striking, with her jet black hair pulled back from her face. He mentally shook himself to come back to the present. He placed her hand on his arm and they began to walk together.

Morax said a bit throatily, “That dress looks very beautiful on you, Liuying.”

He got the impression that she assessed him for a moment before answering. “Thank you for getting it for me. I found it in the wardrobe.”

It wasn’t quite an acceptance of the compliment. Perhaps she didn’t believe him to be sincere.

Morax thanked his cook as he placed the food on the table, and he and Liuying settled down to the meal before them. The food was exceptional as usual.

He addressed Liuying, “It seems you are settling in, then?”

Liuying answered, “Yes. I have everything about ready. As soon as my things arrive, I should be ready to continue my experiments.”

Morax was surprised by her use of words. Was she a scientist? “What sort of experiments?” he asked.

Liuying swallowed a mouthful of food before answering. “I always have some ongoing experiments on poisons. Creating a poison that would kill a god is difficult. We are naturally resistant to such things, with our long life and near-immortality. But it is by no means impossible. I have created poisons of several varieties that would be efficacious on even the most powerful god, perhaps even on one such as you.”

Morax listened, enraptured. Liuying seemed to grow more animated with every word. “However, I am constantly fine-tuning the formulas. Effective use of poisons is an art that requires exact calculation. One must know how the poison affects different body types, how long the symptoms will take to appear, etc. All this must be carefully tested and recorded.”

Morax smiled at the woman’s enthusiasm for the subject. “But how do you test a god-killing poison? Surely testing on animals would be useless.”

Liuying said matter-of-factly, “Oh, I test them on myself.”

Morax spit a full mouthful of tea all over the table. Liuying cringed and wiped the droplets off her face with her sleeve. He sat in shocked stillness. “You what?!”

Liuying sighed frustratedly. “Well I must test them somehow. I use my own body to set down symptom onset rates. I have to throw in some factors to account for my natural resistance to the poisons, but I am usually able to arrive at something usable.”

Morax’s shock made his voice a little raw. “So you, frequently, ingest poison… for experimentation purposes.”

Liuying continued eating unconcernedly as she spoke. “Correct, yes. You’re catching on. Although sometimes I just cut into my skin and apply topically.”

Morax seemed not to be able to move. “You cut…” Liuying continued chewing happily as he digested this. He pictured her beautiful skin being sliced open… He struggled with the reality of it for awhile before asking, “But isn’t that painful?”

Liuying said, “Oh, of course it’s painful. Sometimes extremely so. But it’s all in the name of science.”

Morax considered putting a stop to it, but he realized that wouldn’t be ok. It was her body and she got to choose what to do with it. Even if the thought of her injuring herself, causing herself pain, made him feel physically ill. He decided it would be all right to make a request, though.

“Liuying, please just… be careful. I do not want to lose my new wife before I’ve even gotten to know her.”

Liuying answered cheerfully, “Of course. I’m always careful.”

Morax looked at her blackened eye sockets, with their spidery veins reaching outward, doubtfully. Liuying continued unknowingly, “I must tell you it’s all extremely useful stuff. Actually, my experiments with god-killing poisons have yielded a number of drugs that can be used medicinally on gods. Drugs and poisons are essentially the same, after all. They are both just the use of substances on the body to affect certain outcomes. Sometimes the exact same substance is used for both poison and medicine. Only the amounts and concentrations vary.”

Morax had never thought of it that way before. He had been right in his hunch that Liuying was very intelligent. He listened enraptured as she told him about the latest herb she had discovered and its various uses.

Liuying said, “I look forward to experimenting on your Liyuen crops to improve their drought resistance. Many of the same methods can be employed for this type of research as well.”

“Self-experimentation?” he asked doubtfully.

“No, not that, of course. I refer to the method of making isolated changes, then observing the results, and repeating this process until you achieve a desired outcome.”

Morax nodded in understanding. He began to amend his view of her. She might not just be clever. She might be an actual genius. What a waste that she had been tucked away in Tuliang for so long, unappreciated and unseen. He should get her together with Cloud Retainer and get them talking about science. It would be a sight to see.

Liuying continued, “I need someone to show me your agricultural resources. I will need to be taken around to the various fields to collect samples.”

Morax saw his opportunity. “It would be my pleasure to do so. Would tomorrow afternoon be convenient?”

“Yes, that suits me perfectly,” she answered. They sat in a companionable silence as he watched her finish her tea. Morax stroked his hand through his hair as he watched those beautiful lips kiss the teacup gently as she sipped.

Liuying asked, “Are you all right, Morax? Your heart rate just jumped quite a bit.”

Morax’s eyes widened in surprise.

“Yes. I’m quite well, Liuying.” He decided it might be time to retreat. “I am finished. I think I will retire. Can I walk you to your room?”

“No, I think I’ll stay here a bit longer.”

“All right, Liuying. Good night.” He left her enjoying the evening song of the cicadas, and returned to his bed alone.

Chapter 26

Liuying

The next day, Bosacious and Indarius arrived with her things from Tuliang. Liuying got straight to work, as she was excited to get everything settled. She had to unpack everything herself so she knew where things were. She was referring, of course, to her medicinal supplies: finished poisons and dried herbs, glass containers and mortar and pestle. She had special implements to help her heat her mixtures, others to distill or separate. Bosacious carried in a few cabinets for her with his four arms. They were specially designed for medicinal supplies, with a large number of small sized drawers. She worked in her shed all morning, and took a quick lunch outside in the shade of yew tree. The pleasant bite of pine bark tickled her nose. She thought about the organization of her supplies as she chewed.

Liuying was startled from her thoughts by Morax’s greeting. “Hello, my wife. Did you have a pleasant morning?” She jerked and dropped her sesame bread in her lap.

Morax’ voice came again from right next to her. “I’m sorry. I didn’t mean to startle you.”

He placed his hand on her shoulder in apology. He seemed to be thinking about something while she picked up her bread and finished it.

He said, “I’ve been meaning to ask you. In the glade that day, you landed two expert knife throws. You seemed to know exactly where those creatures were. And yet, here you seem startled when I approach too quietly.”

Liuying grumbled a little. “Well if you didn’t insist on going around in bare feet all the time, I’d hear you just fine. I’ll have you know I have excellent hearing. You’re just rather stealthy.”

Morax chuckled and said, “But really. I want to know about your daily experience. Let me into your world.”

Liuying considered how best to respond. “Well, I was trained in the use of weapons from a young age by my mother. Stripped of sight, my other senses have become quite enhanced. Hearing especially helps me in fighting. I can approximate the location and height of my enemies quite easily, as long as they do not sneak up on me.”

This bit was obviously directed at him. He smiled.

Liuying continued, “And then it is just a matter of visualization. I can guess where an opponents weak spots are situated based on the information my other senses give me. In addition to this, opponents who mean me harm have a sort of presence. I suppose I can sense their ill-intent.”

“And so you’ve become a blind woman who can fight.”

Liuying thought about this. “I can fight in theory, yes. But there are many obstacles, and I would not count on my ability to defend myself in every situation. A simple rock in my path can take me down.” She puffed out a frustrated breath. “And then the outcome is the same as if I couldn’t fight at all. My combat ability is severely limited. This is why I came to you rather than defending Tuliang myself.”

Morax took this in for moment, then stood and said, “Well, are you ready to go see the fields with me?”

The dragon sounded cheerful. Perhaps he had already forgiven her for her deception? It definitely seemed like too much to hope for.

She brushed the crumbs off her robes in as dignified a manner as she could muster and said, “Yes, let’s.”

Morax helped her stand and hugged her to him once again, gathering his power around them for travel. This time she knew what to expect, and instead of surprising her she found the thrum of his power exciting. Liuying placed her hands on his upper chest, felt his warm, hard body against her breasts. She was a bit embarrassed, but she didn’t dare lean away from him without knowing how his teleportation worked.

Their surroundings changed once again. The sun was strong above them. She felt the wind on her skin, and smelled dust in the air. Liuying smelled plants around her, perhaps wheat? She let go of Morax and reached a hand out to feel a stalk. Yes, definitely wheat. He had transported them directly into the field. The thought made her laugh a bit. She knelt down on the ground and began preparing a vial from her robes for samples. She felt Morax’s presence kneeling down next to her as she used a stick to scoop the dirt into the tube.

Morax began explaining. “This is one of the fields we’ve been having trouble with.” He seemed distracted by what she was doing.

“Why are you using a stick? You certainly aren’t afraid to get your hands dirty. I’ve seen you in a field in Tuliang where you practically had your face in the dirt.” He sounded amused as he recounted the story.

Liuying snorted at the truth of it. “I don’t want to contaminate the sample.” She placed a cork on the vial and pulled out a knife to carve a symbol into the top of it. She felt it with her fingers to be sure she’d be able to ‘read’ it later.

His deep voice rumbled in reply with boyish enthusiasm. “Ooh, is that so you can identify the sample later?” Morax’s interest made her smile.

“Yes. I have my own system to tell the samples apart. I cannot read writing, obviously, but I can ‘read’ these marks in a sense, by feeling them with my fingertips.”

Morax said, “That is very clever.” He sounded genuinely impressed. She put the sample away and placed her hands in the dirt. Morax continued, “Ah yes, now comes the getting dirty part. I knew it would happen eventually.” She could hear the amusement in his voice.

“Shut up and let me concentrate.” She leaned over and smacked him on the shoulder before returning her hands to the soil. She froze a second realizing what she’d just done to the Geo Lord—she’d probably smeared dirt all over him—but Morax only chuckled deeply. Huh. So he didn’t mind a little teasing. She filed that away in her memory for the future.

Liuying began to reach out with her power to the plants around her, and opened her senses to their life force. The wheat around her felt weak and fragile. It didn’t have the robustness she wanted. She turned her attention to the soil, seeking for life. There was something off about the dirt, she decided. Liuying stood and wiped her dirty hands on a handkerchief.

Morax asked, “Have you reached a conclusion, Liuying?”

She said, “This wheat will produce a mean crop. It’s the soil… the soil is lacking life.”

“So now the dirt has spirit too?” He teased her.

Liuying smiled at the jest, but answered honestly. “No, but there are creatures living in the dirt.”

He coughed a bit. “Are you referring to bugs?”

“Yes, but also much, much smaller forms of life. Ones you can’t even see with your eyes.”

Morax was quiet. Had she broken him?

“…Truly?”

Liuying continued, “Absolutely. Healthy soil is teeming with little life forms, and I can sense their collective presence. This soil is a bit less… alive than I would wish for a crop like this. Is only wheat grown here?”

Morax answered, “Yes. Our potatoes, rice, cotton, and oilseed crops are in different locations.”

“No. I mean do you change what you grow in this soil here.” His silence answered her question for her. “Planting the same crop in the same field continuously depletes the soil of particular nutrients. Alternating between different crops can replenish the soil, and control pests and weeds at the same time. I would recommend soybean or sorghum to plant in alternation with wheat in this field. The next wheat crop after that should be much improved.”

Liuying could hear the smile in his deep voice as he responded, “Extraordinary. I can see your presence is improving Liyue already.”

Liuying was pleased at the praise. She breathed a sigh of relief that she was being of use to Morax. Her guilt at deceiving him begin to lighten.

She continued to explain to Morax the methods and benefits of rotating crops as they took samples from several other fields around the country. They had the space for quite a lot of production here in Liyue. They just weren’t using the space to its full potential. Liuying was pleased that her knowledge alone would be of benefit. Imagine what she could do when she began to really use her godly powers here.

They finished their rounds and Morax took her to a cart in a nearby village that sold meat skewers for dinner. The woman at the cart had greeted Morax respectfully, but happily. Liuying was in heaven. The heavily spiced chicken was perfectly cooked, tender and juicy. She could feel grease sliding down her chin but couldn’t bring herself to care. She finished with a deeply satisfied sigh. Morax handed her a handkerchief, and she wiped her hands and face well. That man seemed to anticipate her every need. He was also getting quite good at guiding her around obstacles as they walked. Her hand in his felt natural and subtle enough to not draw attention. It seemed they were often touching nowadays. It felt nice, grounding.

Next, Morax asked if he could take her to one more spot before they returned home and Liuying agreed. He transported them to a place up in the mountains. When they arrived, Liuying let go of Morax and took a minute to let her senses take everything in. Then Morax pulled on her hand to bring her down to sit on a rock next to him.

Liuying said, “This way of travel is really very convenient.”

“Yes, especially when you have a craving for something in particular. Thank you for coming here with me, Liuying. The sunset is really very stunning tonight. I’m sorry you cannot enjoy it.”

Liuying answered, “Who says I’m not enjoying it? I can tell the sun is setting. I can feel the warmth of the day dissipate into evening. The mist from the waterfall over there combined with the breeze feels cool on my skin. I can smell the pine trees nearby and hear the clicking of insects in the grass and trees. Do you hear that one that sounds like a tiny bell being rung over and over?”

Morax replied, “Yes. It is called a bell cricket.”

“I see. There are more here than in my homeland.” She fidgeted with her fingers trying to think about how to express what she wanted to say. “Morax…”

His deep, sultry voice responded, “Yes, Liuying?” It sent chills through her.

“I wanted to say thank you for listening to my ideas today.”

Morax tutted. “You have a brilliant mind, Liuying. If you are unused to being taken seriously, then there has been a great injustice done.”

Liuying hummed her thanks and continued. “I am impressed with your country. From what I have experienced so far, it seems the people thrive and live in happiness.”

“That is high praise. It has been my only goal. The people are tired of war. I wish for them to live in peace, and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen.” His words turned a bit dark at the end of that speech, and Liuying’s blood ran chill. Morax could be a bit… intense.

Liuying decided to venture something. “May I make a request of you, Morax?”

He said simply, “Anything in my power.” His open sincerity was really growing on her. She had been fortunate in many ways in this marriage.

She hoped she wasn’t overstepping as she said tentatively, “May I.. touch you?” Morax made a choking sound in his throat, and Liuying realized he might have misunderstood. “No. I mean… may I touch your face? I still don’t really know what you ‘look’ like. I only know that you are tall.”

Morax said, “Oh. I hadn’t realized… Of course, Liuying.” He moved closer to her and seemed to hold his breath in waiting.

Liuying reached out a tentative hand in the direction of his voice. The tips of her fingers lightly brushed his lips. They were relaxed, soft. Mmm. She applied a bit more pressure to his mouth and chin. He had full lips over a strong chin. Liuying brought her other hand up and framed the sides of his face with her palms. Her palms felt warm on his skin and his ears tickled her fingertips. The stubble of his jaw pricked her palms softly. She felt delicate cheekbones on a large-framed face, to match his large-framed body. She slowly dragged her fingers across the skin of his cheeks and up to his eyes. She felt the brush of his eyelashes as he closed his eyes under her careful administration. She touched his delicate eyelids, and his soft, furry brows. Liuying heard Morax let out a shuddering breath. He was shaking just the slightest bit.

Liuying froze. “Is this still ok?” she asked. She felt him nod, so she brought one hand down his thin nose, felt his nostrils. The moist, warm air coming out of his nose tickled her as he breathed gently. She felt she was getting a good idea of what his face was like. He had surprisingly delicate features for such a large man. She mapped it out in her mind, every curve and line, including textures and minute details. In her minds’ eye, there were colors… colors that she could not name, but beautiful colors nonetheless. Perhaps her brain assigned colors to the different textures to help her remember them. She would never know.

Liuying’s exploration led her up to his forehead and hairline next. She brushed her fingertips through his hair. It was soft, thick… luxuriant, really. She liked the feel of her fingers combing through his shortish hair. Even the sound of her skin scraping against the strands of his hair was somehow pleasing. Liuying indulged herself for a few moments there before feeling large hands enclose gently around her wrists. He did not pull down on her wrists, however, so she continued her exploration.

Liuying felt something cold and hard at the back of his neck. Curious, she reached both arms around further to find out what it was, bringing their faces even closer. Their mingled breaths warmed her face. The object was at the base of his head. It was small, roughly square in shape, made of smooth metalwork with some sort of square gem inset. Ah, a hair clip. It held his queue, a thin ponytail of hair that hung down along his back. She couldn’t stop herself from probing that strong back with her fingertips. His back was heavily muscled and felt comfortingly solid in her arms. Impossibly wide shoulders shrunk down to a lean waist.

By then they were practically in an embrace. Her arms reached round to his lower back while his hands rested gently on the outsides of her shoulders and upper arms. Morax breathed heavily into her shoulder. Warm, shuddering huffs of breath danced across her neck.

The thought occurred to Liuying that she had probably explored enough, that it was time to lean back now. But her body did not obey. Instead, she found herself moving her hands around the sides of his waist to his stomach. The tips of her fingers touched the hard ridges of muscle there, easily felt through the thin fabric of his shirt, then flitted up to feel his pectorals. Morax was breathing heavily, still touching her upper arms and elbows as she explored his chest. And then, to her utter horror, Liuying felt herself slowly, deliberately run her fingers down his chest, down his abdominals, and down further still. This was no longer just mapping out shapes with her fingertips, as she had done so many times before. It had become something… else, but she could not seem to stop herself from exploring these new feelings in her. He made no move to stop her, still breathing heavily onto her shoulder.

Morax’s shirt had hiked up some and she felt the bare skin of his lower stomach. It caused her mouth to water and she swallowed. Liuying’s fingers found a ridge on either side of his lower abdomen that together made a v-shape. She traced that v-shape down until she hit the waist of his pants. Almost in a trance, Liuying felt herself tuck her fingers under his waistband. It seemed that against her will, her fingers would follow that v-shape all the way to hell. But once she’d tucked her fingers in just the slightest bit, she felt the tip of something silky-smooth and hard as rock straining under the edge of the pantwaist. Wonderingly, she felt the rounded shape jump slightly at her touch.

This broke the spell for Liuying. She realized what she was doing and what she was touching. She jumped back from Morax, sliding off the rock and landing on the ground with a thump, her butt aching. By the Heavenly Principles, what had she just done? And just when she was beginning to gain his trust back. Dammit! Morax had made it clear what he thought of her physically, in no uncertain terms, on their wedding night. He did not want her. She was damaged, repulsive to the sighted. This was just a political alliance for Morax. And it was for her as well, wasn’t it? But here she was sticking her hand down his pants.

Liuying felt the heat of mortification spread across her face and she covered her face with her hands. She could still hear him panting heavily up on the rock in front of her. “Morax. I’m so sorry, I…”

She was interrupted by a flash of dark power and the sudden appearance of a person in front of them. This person grunted as they dropped to the ground in front of Morax and said huskily, “Rex Lapis, Mingyun Village is under attack.”

Chapter 27

Morax

Alatus really did have the worst timing. The glare the boy gave Liuying as he arrived showed Morax just what the adeptus thought of his new wife. He was glad she couldn’t see it. He would have to talk to Alatus about it later. Morax stayed sitting to hide his erect manhood as he replied, “I will return Liuying to the manor, and then come, Alatus. Gather the others and meet me there.”

As soon as Alatus had disappeared in a puff of black smoke, Morax stood. His cock felt painfully hard still. He took a deep breath, willing it to go down. He helped Liuying up, then began to tuck her into his side (not his front) for teleportation, when she cried, “Wait, Morax. Let me come with you.”

Morax tried not to let his voice show how much he hated that idea as he said, “It will be dangerous, Liuying.” He wanted to tuck her away in his manor where she would be safe. That house had shields and spells all over the thing. It was impenetrable.

Liuying answered with a bit of desperation in her voice, “I am a healer, remember. Put me hidden somewhere close by where your lieutenants know where I am. That way I can assist the wounded while you fight.”

Morax did have the ability to make very strong shields. He could certainly keep her safe on the battlefield whether at her side or far from him. But part of him did not want Liuying to witness this more uncivilized part of him. Just when he was beginning to make some headway with Liuying. She seemed like she was beginning to trust him. Above all, he wanted her not to submit to him out of a sense of obligation or fear.

His promise to Bolin returned to him then: Let her fly. He sighed deeply and said, “All right Liuying. I will place you near the battlefield. If you need me, just call my name and I will hear you.”

Decision made, Morax gathered his wife close to his body once again. Her delicate, probing fingers on his chest sent tingles through him. He set Liuying down on a mountain overlooking the battlefield, where he could now see between fifty and a hundred beings wielding otherworldly power wreaking havoc on the village. His quick eyes took the measure of the battle. The yakshas were there already. The sounds of weapons clashing and screams of pain reached his ears. His keen dragon senses could smell the blood from here. They had already killed many. Smoke reached his nostrils from several buildings engulfed in flames. This was wanton. This village did not have any strategic value, nor resources the enemy could exploit. They were simply here to kill, to destroy. Anger and outrage surged through him, quickening his pulse, making his muscles flex in readiness. These people were under his protection. Osial would pay for this.

Morax glanced back at Liuying, who was kneeling on the ground, removing bundles of herbs and medicines from her robes and sorting them in readiness. He braced his core and steadied his stance, ready to command the rock around them. “Rise,” he grunted as he used his flexed arm to bring forth six pillars hewn from rock around them in a large hexagon. Golden power spread outward from the cylinders, seeking their neighbors and joining together to create a shield around Liuying.

“Alatus,” Morax called.

“Yes, my lord.” The boy appeared kneeling before him, hand splayed on the ground in front of his downturned head. He was splattered in blood and debris already.

“Stay here with my wife. Protect her. Bring her wounded from the battlefield, and do anything else she asks of you.” Alatus made a grunting noise that sounded more like a growl, but nodded his head. Morax did not have time to worry about the boy’s feelings. He would obey.

Morax readied his spear and engaged his power, golden light blocking out his surroundings. He appeared in the center of the battlefield and took a quick look around him. Four of Osial’s adeptus surrounded an elderly man from the village, tearing his robe and laughing as he fell to the ground. Morax raised his hand, fury in his eyes, and summoned a meteor that crushed the creatures’ bodies into the ground with a sickening crunch. His spear was already twirling towards the next aggressor with inhuman speed, a slight smile on his face. He would tear them apart one by one.

Chapter 28

Liuying

Liuying could hear the sounds of battle coming from below. Clanging metal. Crackling fire. Both human and godly grunts and screams. She smelled smoke. The iron smell of blood and the acid tang of guts being spilt. Her mother had taken care to keep her away from this. But there was no way to participate in the world, to use her gifts for good, and not be a part of this.

Alatus grunted grumpily at her side. He was not pleased to be set to guard duty. Liuying could feel the ill will oozing off him, but he did not say a word. She did not need to see to sense the glare he was aiming in her direction. She finished laying out her medical supplies: herbs, cloths, needle and thread. It was lucky that she always brought her kit with her in case of emergency.

Liuying mustered her most confident tone of voice. “All is ready. Bring me the wounded, and then fetch water.”

She thought she heard a low, grumbled, “I’m not a servant,” before she felt a flash of power nearby. The hill around her fell quiet, but only for a moment before Alatus returned, placed two humans on the ground in front of her and disappeared again.

It was time to go to work. Liuying engaged her gift, taking in the injuries before her. One was a head wound, not too deep, but the blood flowed freely. She placed a hand on the wound applying pressure with a cloth as she assessed the other patient. This man had a nasty gut wound. His intestines threatened to spill out and the scent of putrefaction told her the gut had been perforated. She placed the hand of the first patient on a cloth on his own head and instructed him to apply pressure himself, while she turned her attention to the gut wound. She applied some pulverized echinacea to the wound, using her own power to enhance its anti microbial properties. Then she applied her healing power to close the bowel first, then the surrounding tissue and finally the stomach wall.

By then Alatus had reappeared with several buckets of water. Liuying washed her hands in one before moving on to the head wound, and used another for cleansing the wounds. It was a simple matter to close up skin with her healing abilities, but she decided to use needle and thread, so as to save her power for the more serious wounds she knew would come. She was just finishing sewing up the first patient, when Alatus appeared with several more patients.

This would be a lot easier with an assistant, or several. She would have to speak to Morax about it later. She continued healing body after body. Some were just humans and the heals were simple. But some were godly or adeptus and required special concoctions, or an extended use of her power. She was glad she had been saving her strength where she could, as the bodies just kept coming. Alatus’ fiery attitude toward her seemed to cool after awhile. He began taking initiative and assisted her by applying pressure to wounds and handing her ingredients she was searching for. He even gave her a compliment about her skill with a needle, which, after some thought, she decided was sincere.

After awhile, the noises from the battlefield below calmed down, but it would be some time before the wounded were all tended to. Bosacious appeared before her in high spirits from the battle. He appeared to be the last in need of healing, thank heavens. This would all be over soon. Bosacious gave her an oral account of the events in a lively tone of voice as she sewed up several large gashes on his arms and legs.

Bosacious’ booming voice seemed to get even louder. “And then Morax… oh you should have seen him. He was in his element today. Even in his human form he is a sight to behold. His spear was almost invisible, it whirled through the air so fast. Morax single-handedly cut a path right through the enemy ranks and we all just followed behind him cleaning up the stragglers. Many just ran when he appeared on the battlefield, eyes aglow with power. I’m telling you, the man is ferocious…”

Liuying felt a powerful presence appear behind Bosacious. Morax placed a hand on the adeptus’ shoulder and his narration trailed off. The familiar melodic voice of Rex Lapis cut in, exasperation evident in its tones. “Bosacious, what are you telling my new wife about me?”

Bosacious seemed to pick up on the edge in his tone. “Oh, um… nothing serious, Lord Morax. I was just recounting some battlefield tales.”

Morax sounded calm, but Liuying could hear his heavy breathing, feel the wisps of power emanating from him. He said, “Well, that’s enough. Liuying can see for herself the aftermath of that battle.”

Interesting choice of words, she thought. Liuying realized then she was quite covered in other people’s blood. Her chest felt wet and sticky. She wreaked of the sour tang of sweat and the metallic sting of blood. She felt Morax come up close to her, and a water gourd was pressed into her hand. Morax’s sonorous voice asked, “Are you hurt?” His hands had come around her upper arms as he took in the sight of her.

She took a drink, then answered, “No, no. Of course not, but you are. Sit here.” She could sense places on his body where he had received some deep scratches. They needed to be cleansed at the very least. He sat next to her while she tended carefully to the defensive wounds on his arms.

Eventually, he spoke to her quietly. “Thank you for all you did today. Alatus tells me you saved many lives.”

Liuying cringed a bit, then said, “That is high praise coming from someone who seems to dislike me so.”

“He’ll come round.” She felt a warm palm brush her cheek gently. “Alatus is slow to bestow his trust, but once you have earned it, you will have it forever. As you do mine.” That warm palm slid up into her hair, a surprisingly tender caress.

“Well, you two lovebirds,” a voice responded. Lovebirds! Liuying wished she could determine Morax’s reaction to this assessment of their relationship, but he made not a sound. The voice sounded like Menogias to her ears. “Forgive me for interrupting, but I must give a report. The enemy is no more. We have a few surviving minor god-minions of Osial’s in custody. You will have to come seal their power as you have the others at some point, but there is no hurry. Your wife here has finished tending to the wounded and we have put out the fires in the village. The survivors have been evacuated to Qiongji. They will be fed and housed there for as long as is needed. We will begin cleaning up the town and rebuilding tomorrow.”

Morax said, “Thank you, Menogias. We will postpone our war meeting until tomorrow morning so we all can rest.”

It was interesting to learn all the different facets of Morax. That sultry, melodic, almost hypnotizing voice of his was different now, in the setting of war. His deep voice was infused with command and authority. Those around him obeyed immediately, with absolute trust. The thought of someone disobeying or even hesitating seemed unheard of to Liuying. How had he inspired such devotion in those around him? It seemed the same with the workers at his estate.

Liuying’s musings were interrupted when she realized that the others had left and she and Morax were alone. She could hear him gathering her things for her and placing them in the small pouch she kept. He placed it in her hand. It was much lighter now. Her medications had been all used up. She would have to make more. Liuying felt his warm hand on the back of her neck, then the reassuring rumble of his voice. “Let’s go home, Liuying.” She nodded tiredly, and he gathered her to his chest.

They appeared in Liuying’s bedroom. The now-familiar smell of her room and the sound of the wind chimes outside felt oddly comforting to her. Morax was quiet. Perhaps he was having trouble calming down after the battle. He called for an attendant to ready some baths, then returned to her side silently. His reticence was unnerving her and she fidgeted with her hands. “Is something wrong, my lord?”

Morax answered, “Are you sure you’re all right, Liuying? You are covered in blood.”

“So are you,” she replied, puzzled at his concern. “It isn’t mine. It’s the patients’.”

“Yes, but…” He seemed to be struggling to express himself. “Was this your first time participating in battle?” he asked.

Liuying said, “I didn’t participate in it.”

“Yes, but the aftermath can be just as horrific, just as… unforgettable,” Morax replied. Ah, so he had guessed.

Liuying admitted, “You’re right. I have healed many nasty wounds before, but this was my first time doing battlefront healing. I have been realizing more and more that my parents have kept me… insulated from many things in the world. It was perhaps detrimental to me in some ways.”

Morax said, “I can understand wanting to keep your child from experiencing this particular reality.”

“Yes, but preparation is important too. Children should be allowed to experience the world. Not to mention, I am hundreds of years past what could be called my childhood. Things would have been different if I were sighted. The accident was a huge blow to my parents.”

Morax brought her back to the present. “You were unprepared for the reality of war, then. How do you feel now?” His hand had began caressing her lower back gently.

Liuying smiled. He may not want her romantically, but Morax certainly had quite a bit of caring kindness in him. He seemed to have a strong instinct to protect, but not in an overbearing way like she had felt at home. She sought to reassure him in answer for his kindness. “I am well, Morax. Truly. I may have lived a somewhat sequestered life, but I am no stranger to the realities of medicine. Healing can be traumatic in its own way, but I did not feel that today. Honestly, I was just happy to be able to help in any small way.” She found his shoulder with her palm and applied some pressure to reassure him. He really did seem worried.

Morax replied in a small voice. “That was no ‘small way’ that you helped today, Liuying. Compared to what you accomplished single-handedly in that little field, I am coming to realize that our wartime surgical accommodations are woefully inadequate. Many owe their lives to you after today, human and adeptus alike.”

Liuying appreciated the praise. He was being sincere. He was always sincere, she realized.

Morax continued, “The violence… it becomes a part of us, doesn’t it?” Liuying said nothing to that. “Sometimes I think I may be becoming something ugly. That the killing, day in and day out, has become such a part of me that it will never be dispelled. I do not wish to lose my humanity, such as it is. Do you think it’s possible, Liuying? To lose one’s humanity?”

Liuying said, “We are technically gods, my lord. We were never ‘human’ to begin with.”

“You know what I mean.” Morax trailed off lamely. He awaited her response. It was clear that this meant something to him. That something depended on her answer.

Liuying thought carefully before speaking. “Yes. I think it is possible to lose one’s humanity. If a person chooses to act according to their worst inclinations consistently, then the better part of that person will wither and die from disuse. I believe those of us in positions of power are especially vulnerable to it. In the case of us gods, it can be easy to value human life less than the godly. Humans live such short lives and are so easy to break, so seemingly helpless and small. It is a dangerous way to look at the world.” Morax hummed in response, waiting for her to continue. “And killing… Taking lives eats away at the soul like a rot, especially if one comes to devalue life in the process. But I also believe that no one is irredeemable. We each make choices every day, and those choices could always change, for better or for worse. Does that make sense?”

Morax took some time to digest what she had said. Then, in a voice so tentative she almost wasn’t sure it was him, Morax said, “Do you think me a monster, Liuying?”

Liuying startled. Morax felt like a deflated balloon next to her. Could he possibly think she had been talking about him when she had spoken? She said, “Morax, I was thinking of Osial when I spoke just then. He slaughters indiscriminately, takes pleasure in causing harm, and cares only for power.”

Morax said, “I have slaughtered just as many as he has. And if killing eats away at your soul, then there must not be much left of mine.” He sounded so despondent. It touched her heart.

Liuying stepped closer to him and found his biceps with her hands, willing him to look at her, to listen to her. “Morax, you need to understand. Killing itself is not evil. I have killed. I think most gods have in the world we live in. Would you blame the tiger for killing its prey. No. It is acting according to its nature as a predator. Even a hen will kill to defend its chicks. You are a dragon, Morax. Violence will probably always be a part of you. As far as I can tell, you feel remorse when you have to kill. You value life. And from what I’ve seen of the pride of your people, and the loyalty you’ve earned from your subordinates, you are a thoughtful and wise leader. All are equal in your country. You do not seek power. You seek to protect. That makes all the difference, Morax.”

When Liuying finished her speech, she realized that she could feel Morax bowing his head before her. He took a watery breath, and she could smell the salt of his tears. She could not stop herself. She reached for him, this god among gods who felt things so deeply. Liuying pressed her cheek against his sweaty, blood-soaked chest. His strong arms reached around her back and held her tight. They stayed like this for some time, until an attendant’s tentative voice broke in.

“My lord and lady, your baths have been prepared for you. You should probably come enjoy them while they are hot.” It was Shisui. At that moment, Liuying realized how very tired she was. Expending so much of her power had left her feeling drained. Her legs turned to jelly, but she did not fall. Morax scooped her up into his arms as if she weighed nothing at all and carried her to her bathroom. He gently set her down next to the tub and helped her remove her outer robe.

Morax’ deep voice echoed in the small room. “Do you need help with the rest?”

Liuying felt heat crawl up her cheeks. “No. I can manage. Go tend to yourself.”

Footsteps echoed through the room as he went to leave, but before he stepped out, he called to her from the doorway, “Liuying?”

“Yes, Morax?”

“Thank you.”

And then he was gone. Liuying removed her undergarments and got into the hot bath, all the while puzzling over what it was he had thanked her for. After a thorough cleaning, she laid down on the bed, not bothering to dress. With the adrenaline of the battle and speaking to Morax afterwards, she had been hanging on just fine. But now that she was alone, exhaustion enveloped her, heavy and inescapable. Her head started to spin a bit. Her limbs felt heavy. Liuying had never before felt this exhausted. The sweet release of sleep took her down into its cool embrace.

Chapter 29

Morax

Morax woke feeling tired and worn. He always struggled emotionally after a battle like that, and the news he’d received late last night was so very discouraging. The calm assurance needed in the action of battle required him to bury his feelings for a time. Keeping a cool head was essential in the thick of combat, but afterwards, his emotions always seemed to come crashing down. Foremost among them was guilt. He felt regret for the lives he had been forced to take. But more than that, he felt a deep, abiding shame for the satisfaction he had felt when he brought violence down upon his enemies. He had to be honest with himself that he enjoyed being in the heat of battle: using his skills to their utmost, the euphoria of being one with his spear, and the adrenaline of the high stakes involved. It seemed to be what he was made for… destruction.

His thoughts were brought back to Liuying’s face last night. Morax could not believe he had shared so much with her. He usually kept his troubles to himself. He was a rock. That was what was required of a leader. But with Liuying… especially now that he had ventured to share his feelings with her and she had responded with such perfect acceptance… with Liuying, he felt he could finally be himself. He had not thought he was capable of relying on another. It had been so many years since he had done so. But there she was last night, calming his every anxiety, easing his unruly emotions down to something that felt manageable.

‘In his nature…’ She had said that violence was in his nature, and that he need not feel guilt about it as long as he took care to use his power to protect others and not for personal gain. The thought resonated with something deep in his soul. Some part of him that he had been afraid to trust had risen up and affirmed her words. That woman was truly extraordinary. He had been right in his initial assessment of her character. Morax felt honored, fortunate beyond belief, to have her as his wife. She would make him stronger, better, than he was before. A bit of self-doubt crept up into his mind. Could he do the same for her? Yes. He would give her all the opportunities she had lacked in her former life. He would let her become whatever she wanted to be. And if fate permitted him this one boon, let her care for him in return. If she felt any small part of the affection that was growing inside of him for her, it would be enough.

Morax stood and began dressing himself. This morning would be the war council. It was long overdo. If the attack on Mingyun Village demonstrated anything, it was that they needed a plan for going forward. This reactionary warfare wasn’t getting him anywhere in the longterm. It might be time to do more than just defend.

Morax had just pulled on his robe when he was startled by the sound of a male voice coming from Liuying’s room. It couldn’t be… He inched closer to the door in his bare feet, careful not to make a sound. Laughing. They were laughing together. And that sultry voice was familiar… Menogias. His instant reaction was anger, but he took a deep breath to calm himself. He needed to do better than becoming some jealous brute. He rapped a knuckle lightly on the door. The door flew open an instant later. Menogias stood with a wide smile on his face.

“The sleeping dragon awakes! You are just in time to see. Lady Liuying is dressed for the war council.”

The adeptus stepped aside with a raised hand to reveal Liuying. Morax made a surprised noise deep in his throat. She was dressed in a stunning new hanfu, clearly designed by Menogias himself. The top was a sheer, deep red that faded to black at the wide sleeves. Black detailing at the neckline contrasted with her pale skin. The skirt was of the darkest shade of midnight black, tied at the waist with thick ribbons of red and grey, highlighting her curvy figure. Her hair was in a loop at the base of her neck, held by a ruby-studded hair stick. A small flower was painted in red on her forehead. The severe colors especially highlighted her coal-black eye sockets, with black veins spidering out from them. The effect was stunning. There was an otherworldly, demonic aura around her. Now this was a woman of consequence, not to be trifled with. It was so different from the muted, uncommitted colors of clothing she had arrived here with.

Menogias said in a lazy voice, “Liuying, I think you have temporarily robbed my Lord of the power of speech.”

Morax recovered himself. “You look… incredible, Liuying. This style suits you.” He found himself stepping closer to her and taking her hand.

Liuying said, “Well I do not know exactly how I look, but I am told clothing can alter one’s appearance greatly. You always have such a presence about you, Morax. It wouldn’t do for you to have a wife that couldn’t match you in dignity of manner. It seemed best to embrace my flaws and make them a part of my presentation, rather than trying to hide them.”

She sounded confident, sure. So she had decided not to hide anymore. Morax couldn’t be more pleased. He felt his cheeks rise with a wide smile. With his eyes still on Liuying, he said over his shoulder to Menogias, “I believe you have outdone yourself with this design, General. My compliments.”

Menogias replied, “It was all your lady’s idea. She asked me to use black to highlight the scars on her face. She said she wished to make an impression by your side. However, I’m afraid I may have done too good of a job. All will grovel in fear before the two of you.”

Morax touched her chin gently, gazing into her face and trying to read the emotion there. Liuying seemed proud of herself, but there was something else. She had been through so many changes recently. Was she handling them ok?

Menogias got the hint and said, “I will see myself out. I’ll see you both at the war council shortly.” He left mumbling, “I can’t wait to see the look on everyone’s faces when they see.”

Liuying brought her hands up to her eyes. Were they hurting her? He said, “Are you all right, my… dear?” Heavens, he had stopped himself just in time. He had almost said, ‘my love.’ She was certainly not ready for that. Liuying wiped a tear away from her black eyes, and alarm shot through him. “Liuying… what is wrong?”

Liuying said, “I’m sorry. I just… I was wondering what my mother would think of all this.” Of course. She was still in mourning for her mother. She had handled everything so easily. He hadn’t quite forgotten, but certainly had set that knowledge aside as each crisis arose. So much had happened in such a short time. Morax understood the depths of grief: the loneliness, the despair. It would not be dispelled easily, and would always be a part of her. He tucked her against his chest and held her tight. Her hair smelled of lavender. Liuying continued in a small voice. “Have you ever lost someone dear to you, Morax?”

He swallowed thickly and replied. “Yes, many times. I don’t know if I’ve told you this, but I am rather ancient for a god already. Most recently… my friend, Guizhong, the goddess of dust. We lost her in the battle to defend Guili Plains. It was a fierce and ugly battle. ‘Black dust choked the heavens and a thousand rocks splintered.’ Her death accomplished nothing, but her life… she saved many throughout her life. She was dear to us all.”

Liuying made a choking noise in her throat, and he held her closer to him, her soft flesh pushed up against the hard plane of his body. He could feel her tears wetting his robe. It was an odd reversal of last night. Liuying said, “Will it ever stop hurting?” His heart broke for her.

Morax responded honestly, “No. It does not.” She breathed a shallow breath into his chest. “The pain dulls, though, becomes easier to talk about. Your grief will always be a part of you, I think. But it does become bearable, Liuying. I promise.” He pulled away just far enough to see her face. He lightly caressed her hair, the back of her neck. Her tears had stopped already. She was a tough one, his wife.

Morax said, “You really do look amazing, Liuying. I think your mother would be proud of you for embracing your true nature. I know I am.” He pressed a light kiss to her forehead. A playful thought occurred to him. Perhaps he ought to lighten the mood a little. “But do you have enough secret pockets for all your knives and herbs…” He fingered one of her sleeves and then placed a forefinger in the front of her top and began to pull it open it peek down into her breasts. Liuying slapped his hand away, her smile setting her face alight.

Morax stepped close again and placed his hands on her waist. “You are doing well, Liuying. If you can smile, laugh and cry all in the space of a morning, you are handling your grief well. Just let your feelings wax and wane as they will. You are strong enough to handle whatever comes your way.” His hand brushed her back reassuringly. “And I will be by your side through all of it. You are not alone.”

Morax gazed down at her beautiful face. Those full lips begged to be kissed, but he would not take advantage of her in her grief, however tempted he might be. He cleared his throat and said, “I believe they await us in the hall. Are you ready?”

Liuying took a deep breath and replied with a confident, “Yes.”

Chapter 30

Liuying

Morax took her hand in his and led her across the manor. Liuying had learned the layout of the house quite well and stepped confidently next to the geo lord. She could hear many muted voices behind a screen as they approached. The scrape of a door pulled the voices out into the hallway to her ears. She could pick out several of Morax’s lieutenants by their voices. Morax stepped through the door first, pulling her in behind him. She stepped up by his side and immediately the voices stopped. She heard several intakes of breath, and one smug ‘hell yeah’ from Menogias.

“Wow. One is in shock at the change in appearance of Morax’s new wife.” The arrogant tone named Cloud Retainer as the source of the voice.

“Yes. Extraordinary.” A strong female voice. Bonanus.

“You look great, Lady Liuying.” A rumbled bass. Bosacious.

“It’s fine, I guess.” That was Alatus. What a funny boy he was.

Morax led her to the table and seated her next to him amid the continued whispers of those assembled.

“She looks so striking.”

“Try terrifying…”

“Hey. Don’t talk about our lord’s wife like that.”

They certainly were a bunch of characters, this found family of Morax’s. The shuffle of paper scrolls and wooden writing sticks brought her attention to the meeting at hand. A more somber feeling filled the room and talk died down.

Morax began speaking. “My friends, the battle went well yesterday, with minimal casualties as you know, thanks to Liuying here, but I am afraid the truth is that we have been bested again.”

“Bested? How?” The reactions of the lieutenants echoed her own feelings.

Morax continued. “Both Qingce Village and the food stores in Dihua Marsh were attacked while we recaptured Mingyun Village. The supply storehouses were burned and many were killed.”

A shocked silence fell. Liuying could feel Morax’s brooding anger build next to her like an electrified storm cloud. “These tactics are very different from Osial’s usual mode of operation. I have never seen him target supply lines or coordinate strikes before. His people usually kill indiscriminately, seemingly for their own enjoyment. But this was different. A simultaneous attack like this required forethought and coordination.”

Menogias spoke up then. “His sea beast followers are usually unreliable at best. I have a hard time seeing them pull off any plan that requires… restraint.”

Alatus’ husky voice added, “Could Osial have found a better way to control them?”

Morax said, “I have been suspicious of Osial’s intentions since the attempted abduction of Liuying.” She heard a gasp. Apparently he had not shared the event with them. Memories of their first meeting flooded her. In hindsight, it was hard to believe she hadn’t figured out who he was. He had dealt with the would-be abductors swiftly and brutally.

“What happened?” Bosacious asked.

Morax said, “When we went to Tuliang for the wedding.” It struck Liuying as funny that Morax seemed to remember the whole affair as a sure thing from the beginning. That’s not how she remembered it. “Before I had even met Liuying formally, I came across her in a field. She had been beset by five high-ranking minions of Osial’s. They were acting on orders to capture Liuying and bring her to Osial personally.”

Bosacious asked, “But why would he want her? The beast has never tried anything like this before.”

Morax said, “I believe he is seeking for a way to destroy me. He led a rather extended campaign against Tuliang when Liuying’s mother, Xianlian, was alive, perhaps with the same objective in mind. But Xianlian proved a formidable foe and he was unable to achieve his goal. When Liuying took the title of the new ‘goddess of poisons,’ apparently he decided she would suit his plans just as well and attempted to abduct her.”

Bosacious boomed, “So he thought he was kidnapping a blind girl and instead he got the Geo Lord himself! Hahaha! Serves him right!” His echoing laugh was as large as his personality.

Menogias said, “I see. So he seeks a god-killing poison, one powerful enough to work on you, Morax. Does such a thing exist, Liuying?”

She sensed everyone’s gazes turn to her. She had a brief feeling of unreality. She had never expected to find herself here, advising some of the most powerful beings in the land. No, not just advising, but helping. Making meaningful contributions. She was a part of their little group now. The thought sobered her. Liuying answered, “Yes. I’m afraid it does. Both myself and my mother had the knowledge to achieve this.”

Bosacious said, “So that’s what he’s after then. We had better guard Lady Liuying well.”

Bonanus spoke up then. “Whatever the beast’s plans are, it is certain that we are spread too thin. Our Millelith soldiers are spread across the land, guarding much more territory than we have the manpower for. If we let up in any way, they attack again. But this cannot continue forever. Our numbers are too few.”

General Menogias added, “Osial seeks to weaken Lord Morax on many levels. It is only a matter of time before he launches an attack on Liyue Harbor. It would be best to prevent this. There would be many casualties.”

Morax said, “Menogias is right. It is time to take the offensive.”

Indarius said, “Exactly how are we supposed to do that? Osial is the god of sea monsters. He and his host reside under the waves. They far outnumber us, and we cannot reach them in any case.”

They began to discuss the difficulties this reality posed. Menogias spoke, “We will have to draw them out somehow. Would mere talk achieve this? Taunts? Osial is known as a hothead.”

Morax said, “I don’t believe that will be enough. He has become more calculating than before, and he was ever fearful of confronting me directly. If he would, I could end this once and for all.”

Liuying had an idea occur to her then. Perhaps she was the key to winning this. She could make herself useful to Morax in the way he needed most. It was perfect. Excitement flooded through her at the thought. She raised her voice for all to hear, “Then use me.”

Morax responded in a low voice, with a hint of danger in it. “What?”

She had to convince him. Surely he would see the wisdom in it. “Use me, Morax. Use me as bait to draw him out. He wants me to give him the key to destroying you. His minions failed to do so quite spectacularly. They are not reliable enough. He will have to come out himself next time.”

Morax’s deep, melodic voice darkened dangerously. “No.”

Bonanus spoke up a bit tentatively, “It’s risky, but she could be right. It might be the only way.”

Morax said, “Absolutely not.”

Liuying began to argue, “But…”

“I said NO!” A loud shout, infused with otherworldly power, engulfed the room. Morax was breathing a bit heavily beside her. The others sat in shocked silence. Morax took a steadying breath, then continued in a normal voice. “We must find another way. What other ideas have we?”

The others slowly began conversing again, the shuffle of the scrolls adding cadence to their conversation. Liuying sat ruminating on what had happened. She had never heard him that upset. Was it because she had challenged him in front of the others? Perhaps she was not as much a part of this group as she had supposed. She was still an outsider, and certainly not equal to Morax. She hung her head in shame. Flashbacks of her many thwarted attempts to speak up back in Tuliang danced through her head. Perhaps things were not as different here as she had supposed.

Chapter 31

Morax

Morax placed his chopsticks down after his meal. The food had little flavor to him as he dutifully chewed, brooding over the day’s events. The war with Osial was not going well. More bad news had come from local villages. Osial’s demons would attack villages at random, slaughtering indiscriminately, then leave before reinforcements could arrive. They had no interest in gaining territory, but wished only to wreak havoc and death, destroying their resources and their morale. Morax’s generals had argued well into the afternoon, suggesting and rejecting numerous plots and strategies. Their options felt so limited. He could not fight enemies that hid from him in places he could not reach, and he could not predict where they would pop up next. It was infuriating. What was the point in having all this power if he could not use it to protect those he cared for? He wanted to eliminate this threat once and for all. But how?

His foul mood was furthered by the sense that he had done something wrong regarding his wife. Liuying had been unnaturally quiet during the second half of the meeting today, and had barely spoken to him since then. They sat in silence even now, both of them out of sorts.

Morax ventured to bridge the growing gap between them. “Are you well, Liuying? Are you disheartened about the war? I assure you I left plenty of Millelith in Tuliang, many of which are vision-holders. Your family is safe.”

“Thank you, Morax. I appreciate that, but I have not been worried for them.” She breathed in the scent of her tea before drinking, an adorable pout on her full lips. The space between them suddenly seemed like a gulf. Brow furrowed, Morax stood and walked to her side of the table and sat down next to her, taking her hand in his.

“Is it Osial? We will prevail in the end. I am sure. I have full confidence in my people.”

Liuying replied, “And in your own might.”

“That as well,” he said simply. He brought up a hand to rub the back of her neck. Her skin was smooth as silk there and felt warm underneath his fingertips.

Liuying said, “You have such easy surety, Morax. I suppose it comes with power like yours. I wish I had half as much confidence as you do, but I do not know how to come by it. My limitations are ever present.” She looked so uncertain as she spoke. He wished she could see the strength he saw in her.

“Is this what bothers you this evening?”

“In part.”

Morax gentled his voice, hoping to coax her into sharing with him. “And the other parts?” She shook her head, wisps of hair falling forward across her face. He tucked a stray lock behind her ear and leaned in closer. “You know you can confide in me?” A nod this time.

He waited. Experience had taught him that sometimes patience was all that was needed for someone to open up. Liuying’s voice was small when she finally said, “Did I bring shame upon you?”

All he felt was confusion. What could she be talking about?

Understanding that he needed more explanation, she continued. “A-at the meeting yesterday?”

Realization dawned on him. He had raised his voice to her for the first time yesterday. He had been an idiot not to realize. How to explain?

Morax gentled his voice as best he could. “Liuying, I must apologize for raising my voice yesterday. The fault is mine entirely. You must understand. The experience of having a wife, having something so precious to protect… it is new to me. I did not mean to shut down your idea, but the thought of putting you in danger. The thought of losing you… it terrified me. And I reacted.”

Liuying took a shuttered breath. He hoped she understood. He continued, “It does not excuse my actions. But I just wanted you to understand what was going through my head at the time. Please never be afraid to speak up in the future. I value your opinions and your contributions. I did wrong to make you feel otherwise.”

Morax placed his palm on her cheek, stroked his reassurance into her flesh. “I hope I did not frighten you.”

Liuying took a steady breath. “Of course not. I could never fear you, Morax. I understand.”

Relief shot through him. She was generous, his wife. He said, “I am glad. I never want you to fear me.” He felt her cheek lift in a smile, warm underneath his palm.

Morax thought of yesterday on the mountain, Liuying’s careful fingers exploring his body. The look on her face was pure wonder, excitement, and he liked to think a good amount of lust. Her gently parted lips and hooded eyes flashed through his mind, blackness beneath those thick lashes. He might be fooling himself, but she had seemed to enjoy it as much as he had.

Morax realized he had brought his face even closer to hers as he recalled those memories. She sat with her head hanging down in front of her a bit, seemingly enjoying the feeling of his hand drawing comforting circles on her back. Should he venture further? He placed his other hand on her stomach, feeling around to her waist. He brought his mouth close to her ear and breathed lightly into it. Liuying shuddered. His lips brushed her ear gently as he whispered into it, “May I kiss you, Liuying?”

She kept facing forward, but nodded timidly, her breath heavy. Morax moved his face lower and kissed her neck lightly below her ear. She jumped just a little bit, shivering. He realized that it must be a bit unnerving, being blind in intimate situations like this, not being able to see what is coming next, but only to feel it as it happens. He nuzzled his face into her neck, hoping the contact would reassure her, placing slow, gentle kisses there as he moved around to the front of her body.

Then Morax cupped her face in his hand, aware that it might be helpful to give cues by touch to hint at what his next movements would be. It seemed to be working, as she relaxed somewhat, nuzzling her cheek into his hand. Morax slid his hand down to thumb her chin, gaze locked on her beautiful lips and the heavy breaths issuing from them. He leaned in slowly and pressed his lips to hers.

The kiss was everything he knew it would be. Liuying’s full lips felt soft and sweet on his. She moved her lips tentatively against his and he took that as permission to deepen the kiss. Her mouth opened to him in acceptance as he felt her with his tongue, exploring the soft, wet succulence of her. Her tongue moved clumsily, but eagerly against his. Morax groaned in pleasure. She was utterly responsive to him, his wife. Their movements matched each other, giving and taking, mutual exploration.

Morax’s hands clamped around her waist, his thumbs circling gently. He nudged up her top and sought the touch of her skin on his hands. She moaned in pleasure, the vibration tickling his mouth as they kissed. Liuying seemed inexperienced, but more than eager. Her hands fingered his pecs as their mouths moved together. Finally, they parted for breath. He touched his forehead to hers and watched her face carefully, taking in her flustered appearance, the color on her cheeks. How he had been wanting this! His cock was rock hard, straining at the thin fabric of his pants.

He groaned her name, “Liuying…” A small smile touched her lips for just a moment. But as he leaned in for another kiss, she seemed to stiffen. He froze as Liuying turned her head to the side. Morax took a breath to steady himself and backed away. Perhaps he had pushed things a bit too far. What was she feeling? He searched her face for answers. Her cheeks were pink. She looked a little flustered, or maybe overwhelmed? This was new to her after all. He palmed the back of her neck and kissed the top of her head gently.

“Perhaps it is time to retire?”

Liuying sighed her relief. “Yes, that is a good idea, Morax.” She hopped to her feet and walked off in the direction of her bedroom.

Morax was left alone on the floor. He brushed his fingers through his hair and blew out a breath. He waited there in some bewilderment until his erection went down and then he stood to go to his room, thoughts of Liuying swirling through his head all the while.

Chapter 32

Liuying

Liuying woke with a headache, pain pulsing across her skull and down her neck. In her long life as a goddess, she had never before experienced such confusing highs and lows. If anything, sometimes it had felt difficult to make herself feel much of anything. But since coming here, she had felt such varied, new and confusing emotions. It had left her feeling rather tired. The reality of her new life was sinking in, but still felt unreal at times.

Liuying had come here expecting the worst from Morax. She had anticipated offering herself as a sacrifice in every way, seeking at every turn to please a volatile and dangerous man. Liuying had expected harshness, even brutality from her marriage. She would have born it gladly, as it meant life for her people. But marrying the dragon had been nothing like she had imagined. Upon coming to his home with him, she had found that he would not force himself on her. He did not assert even his will upon her, but rather allowed her to choose. She was coming to understand him better. Here in Liyue, she was increasingly finding that she had married a kind and considerate man. He was deeply respected by all, from lowly to high. Morax lived a simple life. He did not expect worship or sacrifice from his followers, as so many gods did. He was just willing to serve them… to serve her.

Liuying thought back to their various interactions. His constant consideration of her. His open sharing of himself. And—she blushed at the memory—the undeniable sexual tension between them. She began to wonder if there might be more to it. She had been so sure he had no interest in her after their first night in Liyue. Her face flushed again—this time in embarrassment—as she remembered prostrating herself on the cold floor before him… the evident displeasure in his voice and manner as he turned her down. She was so sure she had upset him, that he was disgusted by her ugliness.

But the man that had kissed her last night was not a man who was disgusted by her. Had she been so wrong in her assessment? It was hard to read people’s emotions without the ability to see facial expressions. She had gotten things wrong before.

Liuying greatly feared reading too much into Morax’s actions. She was beginning to realize that her feelings were involved, and she might be setting herself up for disappointment. She had to tread carefully. Morax was considerate of everyone. Perhaps he was just fulfilling his duty to her as he saw it. Liuying took a deep breath and placed a hand to her forehead. This was so confusing. It was all so new to her. She had never had a relationship with a man before. Her role had always been the sheltered, handicapped daughter. Liuying wished she had someone experienced that she could talk about these things with.

Liuying rose and dressed herself, turning down Shisui’s offer of assistance. Instead, she sent her new attendant to contact Alatus. She needed someone to accompany her to gather more medicinal herbs. Her stock was greatly depleted after the last battle. And now that she knew Alatus could travel as Morax did, he was the perfect choice to accompany her. She did not want to trouble Morax. And, she admitted to herself, part of her did not want to be around him with such confusing thoughts swirling around in her head.

When he arrived, Alatus grumpily grunted his assent and they were off. But unlike Morax’s embrace, Alatus simply scooped her up bodily, transported her to a field and set her down. She huffed out a laugh in her surprise. Alatus’ husky voice asked, “Does this field have what you need?” Liuying calmed her breathing and listened, smelled, felt the world around her. She breathed in the fresh air, picking up the scents of sorrel, peony and qingxin. And was that a willow tree over there? Perfect. Willow was a pain reliever and anti-inflammatory, just the thing she would need for her battlefield healing. Peony root increased circulation and relieved tension. Perhaps she could make some xiao yao san and send it to her father while she was at it.

“This is the perfect place to start. Thank you, Alatus.”

He grunted his assent and sat on a nearby rock, intently watching her gather her herbs. That boy was intense. Liuying passed a pleasant morning finding and picking what she needed. They had gathered from four different locations and Liuying felt she had almost everything she needed, when she smelled a familiar earthy smell. Mushrooms. If her senses were correct, it was a rare variety that wasn’t very useful medicinally, but was quite tasty when roasted. Liuying eagerly began gathering, hoping to supplement their dinner, when she heard the unmistakable sound of a human scream in the distance. The voice sounded young, like a child.

Alatus stood immediately, facing the direction of the sound, but did not move to help them. Why did he hesitate? Ah. It was because he was hesitant to leave her. The boy took his duties to protect her very seriously. Liuying sought to reassure him.

“Go and help, Alatus. It sounds like a child. I will be fine here on my own for a moment.”

With a flash of power, he was gone. Liuying sat in silence, straining her ears to understand the situation from afar. She hoped Alatus had arrived in time to help. He would know to bring any wounded to her, she was sure. Nothing to do, but wait.

After a time, Liuying sensed a presence nearby. The bugs and birds had quieted, and the light feeling in the glade had darkened to something sinister. Liuying hunkered down lower in the tall grass. She sensed a life force in the distance. It was decidedly not human… and it was powerful. The thing began to approach her silently. Closer and closer it crept. Its life force felt… slimy, slithery, wiggly? She thought she could hear wet limbs moving against one another. What was this?

Liuying felt the air around her shudder. And even though a moment ago the creature was still a good ways off, it suddenly stood directly in front of her. Found out, she stood to meet it. The creature’s stench hit her first. Rotting fish and low tide. Moist salt and umami. Uh oh. She knew who this must be. Her fingers found the knives in her sleeves. Up close, the wriggling bits she had sensed felt even more unnatural for a land animal. They must be tentacles of a kind. His entire head must be covered with them, reaching and caressing the air around him, slipping and sliding with wet squelches, even as he stood still. It was him. Osial. The God of sea monsters.

Her first thought was to send a poisoned knife flying right into his gut, but she knew the poisons she had anointed her blade with would not be strong enough for Osial. Engaging in battle would be suicide, a last resort. Should she call for help? Liuying doubted whether Alatus would be able to hold him off and she didn’t want the boy to be hurt. She held her tongue and waited for Osial to reveal his intentions. If he had wanted to kill her, he would have done so already.

Osial said, “Well, well. I have found a little fish. Would this be Morax’s new toy, then?” His voice was as slippery and slimy as the rest of him. She sensed his figure begin to pace around her. She imagined the pleased smirk he must have at having cornered her alone. Her blood boiled. This man had killed her mother.

He continued, “I admit I am surprised. A man as powerful as the Lord of Geo should have been able to land a hundred beautiful women. Why choose you? A plain little creature with ugly scars for a face, and blind at that. What was he thinking? I am honestly flabbergasted.” He contemplated her for a moment, then huffed an ugly laugh. “Perhaps only a blind girl would have his ugly hide! Hahaha!”

The knowledge of her own powerlessness was sinking in deeper and deeper. But she had her pride. He was clearly trying to provoke her, and she would not give him the satisfaction. Liuying would not deign to speak to this filth. She raised her chin and stood taller. She would wait. If he gave her an opening in his arrogance, all the better. Stabbing a being this powerful wouldn’t accomplish much, but it would be very satisfying.

Liuying sensed him come closer to her. The overwhelming stench turned her stomach. She resisted the urge to step back away from him. She would probably trip anyways. She was completely in his power.

A growl grumbled low all around Liuying. Did she imagine it, or was the earth shaking a bit? She could sense the immense power of the god before her. She was good and truly outmatched here.

“What? Don’t you have anything to say to me? No begging for your life, little gup?”

Liuying kept her peace, and did her best to still her trembling. She fingered the handles of her knives, readying to strike. A tentacle grasped each of her wrists, stilling her. Damn. He had sensed her intentions. His oily voice continued, “Ha. Well, at least you are a brave one, useless and ugly though you may be.”

Liuying flinched as she felt a wet, slimy tentacle caress her chin. The stench of rotten seaweed was completely overwhelming now. The terror was rising within her. She had the sense that Osial was enjoying himself. He was breathing in the scent of her fear as if inhaling the aroma of a fine wine. The monster continued, “You are going to come with me now, little fish, and teach me exactly how to destroy Morax.” His voice dipped so low at the name that it became a growl. Hatred dripped from every word.

The tentacle reached all the way around her throat, slippery and wet. It began to squeeze with surprising power. Something else wet caressed her cheek. With disgust, she realized that it was not a tentacle, but a human tongue. Liuying could no longer draw breath. The pain at her throat ebbed in comparison to the fire erupting in her lungs. Panic closed in on her, thick and cloying.

Dimly, she heard the oily voice croon, “Yes. We are going to have so much fun together…” Lights danced around her head, her brain screaming for oxygen. Her ears rang. She was going to lose consciousness. Part of her remembered that Osial planned to use her to get to Morax, meaning that she would probably not perish today. But another part of her felt only the panic of having no air, sure that she was about to die. Amid the pain and panic, she found herself vaguely amused that the last thing she would experience would be those pretty lights dancing about her.

Then, suddenly, the pain began to ease. Dim noises began returning to her ears, along with a painful ringing. With relief, she realized that she was breathing again. Her lungs heaved heavy gasps, as her body greedily soaked up the oxygen now available. The tentacle from around her neck slid down her front, slimy and limp. It had somehow been severed. Eager to understand what was happening, Liuying began to pay attention to her surroundings. The ground shook violently. Was there an earthquake? The ringing in her ears faded, and with it, muffled sounds grew into a terrible roaring. She had heard that sound before. It was… a dragon.

Chapter 33

Morax

Fire roared in Morax’s veins. Anger pulsed through him like a tangible thing. His dragon senses were alert to the world around him in a way his human form never could be. He was not even aware of when he had taken that form. He only remembered sensing Liuying’s fear from afar, sensing that something was amiss. And then when he transported to her location, he saw him. That bastard Osial had his filthy tentacles all over Liuying. He was hurting her, choking her. His beloved Liuying’s life was fading before his eyes, tears flowing and a distant expression on her beautiful face. All the while, Osial wore that disgusting, pleased smirk, like he was enjoying the hell out of the experience.

The next thing Morax knew he was in dragon form, and had swiped several of the bastard’s tentacles off with his claws. Liuying fell to the ground beside him. Vaguely, he was relieved that she seemed all right, but he did not seek to help her. The dragon in him had caught the scent of his prey, and he had to pursue. The need for violence hissed inside his skin, seeking to escape. He would not hold back.

Osial staggered backwards, putting distance between them, severed limbs flailing uselessly around him. Morax felt Osial begin to summon his power… he was going to teleport to escape. That could not happen! Morax leaped forward with a roar, swiping his claws with inhuman speed. But Osial was fast too. The bastard agilely dodged his blows. They continued their dance. Morax tried to move fast enough to keep him engaged, to not allow him even a moment to escape.

Occasionally, Osial shot a jet of super heated water, that Morax either dodged or took straight on, protected by his thick dragon hide. It wasn’t long before Osial’s tentacles had grown back, and that smug smile had returned to his face. Anger surged within Morax, but at the same time he knew this was an opportunity. Osial had avoided open confrontation at all costs in the past, especially on land. This was his chance. He could end this now.

A glance told him Liuying was recovering well. There was plenty of distance between them now. She would be safe. Morax sought out his connection with the earth and commanded, summoning a high wall of rock around where they were fighting. For good measure, he slapped a golden shield around Liuying. He and Osial continued exchanging blows. The water beast was surprisingly agile on land. Morax’s dragon scales were beginning to hiss and steam painfully. Apparently those jets of water contained acid. Lovely.

Once Morax thought he had a feel for the enemy’s movements, he feigned a swipe, then bit down hard with his teeth in the direction he guessed Osial would flee. He felt a satisifying crunch and knew he had aimed true. He ground his sharp teeth for good measure. Flesh oozed through his teeth greasily. The bastard tasted disgusting.

Morax let him fall to the ground with a wet plop. Osial lay unconscious in a pathetic heap of dragon spit, bones broken in too many places to count, bluish blood oozing out all over the ground. Morax felt no pity for him. This sonovabitch had destroyed so many lives. Human life meant nothing to him. Hell, no life meant anything to him. He was soulless.

Osial’s body shuddered, his godly powers beginning to heal him already. Morax phased back into his human form and summoned his spear. With a snarl and a quick jerk of his arm, he forced the spear down through Osial’s rib cage and deep into the earth below them, holding him in place. It was time to finish the enemy off for good. He would spread Osial’s ashes across the farthest reaches of the land, so there would be no chance of resurrection.

“Wait!” A wet-sounding female voice echoed in the clearing. He looked up to see two new figures standing nearby, sunlit against the green of the glade. The first was a woman with hair of seaweed, gleaming wetly in the sun. Green scales with a golden sheen covered her from head to toe. Fins hung limply from her elbows and along her back and tail. She was probably rather magnificent under water, but under the glaring sun here on land, she looked rather limp and tired. “Give me my husband and you will have your adeptus back.”

The second figure a step behind her came into view. Alatus. The boy that was so loyal to him had been impaled on the woman’s spear, a trident. She still held it, dragging Alatus along with her like some morbid leash. He stood by his own power, but his head sagged down in front of his chest, and blood poured from the wound, wisps of black power swirling forth around it.

Morax’s rage, momentarily calmed by his victory over Osial, surged forth again in full. His eyes bulged. His fists clenched. Here they were, playing their dirty tricks again! Hurting the people he loved! And avoiding the punishments that justice demanded! They were at an impasse. Morax knew he had lost.

With a snarl, Morax tore his spear from Osial’s chest. He straightened his clothes and summoned as much dignity as he could. He walked forward, leaving Osial behind him on the ground in a heap. Morax approached the woman, Osial’s wife, Beisht. She was trembling with fear, though that did not stay his anger, with Alatus bleeding at her side. As Morax approached, the woman let go of the trident and stepped back, making a terrified squeak. Morax lifted Alatus gently into his arms, and watched as the woman recovered her senses enough to scramble over to her husband and transport them both away. Defeat washed through him. He had come so close.

Morax carried Alatus over to Liuying, stepping through the shield he had created. He laid the boy down in front of Liuying, careful not to bump the spear still impaled through his stomach. Alatus mumbled the word ‘sorry,’ along with other words he could not understand.

Morax said, “Shh, shh, child. Be still.” He was surprised by the steadiness of his voice. To Liuying, he said, “Can you help him?” She nodded firmly.

Liuying immediately began touching the wound, assessing the internal damage no doubt, and getting out her herbs. Her neck bore nasty black welts where the tentacle had gripped her. Her face and clothes were wet with slime from Osial’s touch. The sight disgusted him on a very deep level. He ran his fingers through his short hair agitatedly.

How could this have happened? He would not let her leave his side after this. He needed to keep her safe… but he could not keep his promise to her if they lived like that. He wanted her to be free, to thrive and flourish. Damn it all! He would keep her by his side, he decided, just until Osial and that wretched wife of his were dead. Anger and adrenaline still coursed through him. Fear too. He realized he felt afraid. What might have happened to Liuying? He felt impotent, powerless to protect her.

Deep within his ruminations, he realized Liuying was speaking to him, and dragged himself back out so he could hear what she said. Liuying said, “You must remove the spear, Morax. You will need to break off the tip first. I will hold him still and be ready to close the wound.” Morax nodded numbly. He gripped the spear with two hands just under the trident and waited for Liuying’s nod before breaking it off. He pulled the remaining pole from Alatus’ body as gently as he could manage. It was not very gentle. Blood poured from the wound, and the boy groaned even in his unconcious state. Power flowed from Liuying’s hands into the boy and his breathing eased. She finished her work and laid him down gently, taking off her outer robe and placing it under his head.

Morax walked over to her and touched the marks on her neck gingerly. His voice was deeper than usual as he said, “How did this happen, Liuying?”

“Don’t blame the boy. We were tricked. We heard a child screaming, and I sent him to investigate.”

“A planned attack then.” She nodded in response.

Morax sighed deeply. “Let’s go home.” He lifted Alatus in his arms and told Liuying to hold onto him. Liuying placed her hands around his waist gingerly. Morax took them all to his residence, to safety.

Chapter 34

Liuying

Morax hovered by her side as she made Alatus comfortable in a guest bedroom. She explained to the attendants how to care for him as he recovered. The damage to his internal organs had been extensive and, divine being or not, he would need rest to recover fully. She herself felt exhaustion nipping at her heels. It had been precision work to heal Alatus, and the excitement of the day had worn her out. It had been a close one. How had Morax known she was in trouble? She huffed a sigh and wiped the sweat from her brow.

Morax’s deep rumble commanded her, “Come with me.” He took Liuying’s hand and she followed him numbly to her room. The scent of moisture in the air told her a bath had been prepared. He took her to her bathroom as he had that day after the battle for Mingyun Village.

She thanked her husband warmly. Liuying was growing accustomed to his thoughtful attentions. She stood waiting for him to leave so she could undress, but time stretched and he did not leave her. She felt his breath on her neck. He stood close, looming behind her in the humid bathroom.

Suddenly she felt his large hands on her shoulders. Shockingly, his hands slid down her front, barely brushing her breasts, and gripped the fabric of her hanfu. Reaching around her from behind, Morax pulled her top up out of her skirt and undid the inner tie. She stilled as he pulled the folds open and freed her breasts. Slowly, he slid the fabric down her arms and off her back, letting it drop to the floor. Her nipples peaked in the cool air. She had never felt so aware of someone’s gaze before. Morax’s hot breath caressed her neck as he took in the sight of her from above.

Her breaths came faster as she felt his warm, calloused hands caress the bare skin below her breasts. His hands slid lower, over her waist and down over her hips, pushing her skirt and underclothes down together. She sensed him kneel behind her and help her step out of her clothes. The cool air against her skin felt startling. She felt anguishingly exposed. Morax took a deep breath, and seemed to take a moment to calm himself as he took in her naked body. This felt completely different from the last time he had seen her naked. Before, she had made a misstep and it had colored the experience with embarrassment and shame. But this time, he had made this happen… like he wanted this. Confusion and hesitance flitted through her briefly, but Liuying decided to trust her instincts and let him lead.

Morax clasped her waist possessively, thumbs circling gently. She could feel his clothed chest against her back, his heart beating as fast as hers. Then, he surprised her by lifting her up and putting her in the warm water of the bath. She sat in stunned silence as gentle hands began soaping up her body methodically. As he did so, he murmured, “We have to get Osial’s stench off you.”

Gods damn it all! Had she misread the situation again?! But the other day, he had kissed her. There had to be something there, right?

Morax poured warm water over her hair and she couldn’t help but relax into his touch as he washed her hair. He massaged her scalp nimbly, fingers moving with deliberate softness. Liuying felt the tension of the day melt away under his careful ministrations.

After some time, Morax returned and took Liuying’s hand to help her out of the tub and onto a rug. He dried her hair with a soft towel. After carefully patting her skin dry, he stood still before her. Again, an awareness of her nakedness became all-encompassing. Her breasts felt full and heavy. Her nipples were erect little buds, but this time she didn’t know whether she should be embarrassed or not. What was the man thinking?

Morax began to finger her neck gently. She winced as a a little pain shot through her from the bruising there. Ah. He was surveying the damage, then. Morax finally spoke in a deep voice full of emotion. “Osial hurt you. Did he…” Morax’s voice caught. “Are you…”

It touched her heart to hear such a powerful man sound so fragile. She needed to reassure him. Liuying felt for his long-fingered hands and took them in hers. “I am well. Truly. You arrived in time.” He made a noise in his throat that sounded disbelieving, and placed a hand on her collarbone. “I swear it, Morax. I am well.”

Morax said quietly, “But that filth, Osial…he almost strangled you.”

“I am not so fragile as that. He was only enjoying frightening me. He would not have killed me.” She thought a moment, then amended her statement. “Well, he wouldn’t have killed me until after he got me to give up the formula for my god-killing poison. Or at least until after he gave it a good try. He would not succeed. I intend to die before revealing that information.”

Morax’s hand drifted a little lower on her naked chest. He leaned his face in closer to hers and whispered onto her lips. “My dear, if you are trying to reassure me, you are doing a terrible job.” Liuying’s heartbeat quickened, her breaths shallow in anticipation.

“I…” She trailed off as Morax cupped her breasts with both hands and kneaded gently. His thumbs brushed over her taut nipples, sending shivers down her spine. His lips brushed hers softly, chastely. His lips pulled back and hovered for just a second—an uncertain, interminable second—before coming together with hers again more firmly.

His tongue sought hers, stroking and searching the inside of her mouth. Liuying’s lips knew this dance now. She responded in kind, kissing his delicious mouth with urgency. Gods, he tasted good. He smelled of sandalwood, clean earth, a bit of sweat. His hands stroked down her naked body as his tongue stroked her mouth. He cupped her butt with his large hands and squeezed.

It felt so good, she couldn’t help herself. Liuying rubbed herself against his muscled thigh wantonly. Her body sought more. More touch, more friction, more of him. He lifted her by her buttocks until she straddled him. Then, still kissing her hotly, he carried her to the bed.

Morax set her down on the edge of the bed and stood in front of her, still fully clothed. Her body felt full and hot and yearning. She heard the rustle of cloth and realized that Morax was undressing before her. It had been many years since she had wished this badly for the sense of sight. She wished she could see the taut body she had felt with her fingers before. She wanted to take him into herself in every way possible.

Liuying reached her hands out eagerly, feeling him as he undressed. He slowed his movements, allowing her touch to become a part of them. His chest was bare already, muscles straining and hard. The hard plane of his abdominals was as she remembered it, as she had reimagined many times since those stolen moments next to the waterfall. Liuying touched his hand as he held the waist of his pants and pulled them down over his legs. She mirrored his movements with her hands, taking in every graceful move of his lean body.

Morax stood naked before her. He took her hand in his and gently kissed the inside of her wrist. He placed her hand on his chest again and waited, still beneath her trembling fingers, giving her tacit permission to explore. With this wonderful man before her, offering himself to her in this most intimate of ways, Liuying felt suddenly emotional. Tears pricked her eyes.

Morax, the emotionally sensitive man that he was, noticed the change and knelt down in front of her. He touched her face gently. “Liuying? Are you all right? Is this… what you want?” He sounded uncertain. She found it adorable.

In response, she moved her hand down his stomach and cupped his hard cock with her hand. Wondrous! It was huge! It felt silky smooth and hard as a rock at the same time. He felt so good in her hand.

“Yes, Morax, this is definitely what I want. I don’t think I’ve ever wanted anything so much in my life.”

He sighed a sigh of relief and leaned in to kiss her again. Liuying gave his cock a stroke before a thought occurred to her and she stilled. She had been carried along in a haze of desire, but Liuying realized now that she needed to address this. She needed to know where they stood.

“But, Morax, is this really what you want?”

Morax purred his response. “You have your hand on my manhood right now. Can you not feel how much I want this? How much I want you?”

She didn’t want to break the mood, but she realized she needed this reassurance. Liuying let go of his magnificent ‘manhood,’ as he called it, and continued imploringly, “Morax, I don’t want you doing this out of a sense of duty or something. I thought… on that first night… that you didn’t…”

Gods this was harder to get out than she thought it would be. She felt foolish for stumbling over her words so ridiculously. Morax just waited for her to finish.

“I thought you didn’t want me… that you weren’t attracted to me.” He seemed dumbfounded. Why was he making this so hard?

“…because of my face.”

She gestured to her eyes limply, all too aware of the horrendous black veins that reached out from her eye sockets. She felt relieved to have spit it out. Morax’s response was not at all what she expected. A deep, warm chuckle issued from him.

“Truly? That’s what you thought?”

Liuying was the one that was dumbfounded now. “Y-yes? Was that not correct?”

Surely he was just putting up with her despite her appearance. And yet, she had never known him not to represent the exact truth.

Morax placed a hand on her bare shoulder and spoke clearly and slowly, as if it was very important to him that she understand. “No, my wife. That is not, and never has been true at all. I’ve wanted you from the moment I first set eyes on those full, delicious lips of yours.”

He touched her lips lightly with his fingers. She sucked in a shocked breath. “You are beautiful, Liuying. Utterly stunning. And everything you’ve done and said since that first moment I met you has made me want you more and more. These past weeks, I have barely slept at all. For every time I drift off, I dream of you and wake up painfully hard and wanting you.”

Liuying took a shuddering breath. She knew he meant every word. Morax leaned forward, took her chin in his hand and kissed her again, this time so painfully tenderly, that it sent chills down her body. Slowly, he pushed her back down onto the bed and knelt on the bed above her. He took her hand and placed it on his hard cock again.

Reassured, she allowed herself to be in the moment again. Liuying explored the feel of him. She loved how the skin moved over the hardness underneath. Nothing in the world felt like it. She enjoyed stroking it up and down, feeling the shape of it and how it pulsed and hardened as she moved. Liuying found herself making little whimpering noises as she stroked. Touching him was turning her on so much, the wetness spreading between her thighs.

Liuying quieted her voice and listened for his reaction. Little huffs of breath and occasional deep moans told her he was enjoying it. She got a bit more aggressive with how she held his cock. Squeezing hard as she moved up and down. Caressing the tip gently and grabbing it hard again. His moans grew more frequent and louder. Gods, it felt good to hear his sensuous voice get louder for her. She was going to get addicted to this.

Morax leaned down over her, his hands braced on the bed making indentations on either side of her head. She let go of his cock and spread her hands on his chest as he kissed her wetly, their tongues moving together with urgency now. She was feeling so needy. They pulled apart and he placed his forehead to hers, panting. “Liuying, my love?”

In a dreamy haze, she answered, “Yes?”

More. She needed more of him. He seemed to sense her need and kissed her again, hand cupping her breast, thumb flicking her nipple in time with their kisses.

When they stopped for breath, he asked, “Are you new to this?”

“Yes,” she said simply. She was too turned on and desperate for him to feel self-conscious about it.

Morax stroked her head, her hair, her neck, with one hand. “Then I will be gentle with you.” He gave her a peck on the cheek. “I am going to take good care of you tonight.”

He pulled away from her then, moving down the bed. She pouted at the sudden absence of him, muttering, “But where are you going?”

He answered her question by spreading her thighs. She felt his finger begin to stroke her gently there. And oh gods, she thought she might die. The pleasure! He came back up and kissed her neck as he stroked. She felt slightly self-conscious at the thought of his feeling how wet she was. But the thought was exciting as well.

He hummed his approval. “You’re so beautiful, Liuying.” He kissed down to her breasts. “You’re so sexy, you’re driving me mad!” He took some time licking and sucking on her nipples as he stroked her. She gasped and surged her hips up to meet his hand. She felt she could not take much more of this.

“You’re so resposive.” He licked her nipple again, and she moaned loudly, thighs squeezing his torso above her. Morax kissed down her stomach until his mouth reached her most private place. What was he… oh gods! He clasped her hips to hold her still when she bucked, and used his tongue to stroke where his hand had been. It felt so different, so good. She realized she was drooling and sucked up the saliva.

Morax didn’t stay long, but came back up to kiss her mouth again. “I should be more patient, wife, but I cannot wait any longer. Let me be one with you. Please.”

The pleading note in his voice broke her. He was as desperate for her as she was for him. They had no need to worry about contraception. Offspring among gods was so rare that it was intensely sought after and something that would never be purposefully prevented as it was among the mortals.

She placed one hand on his strong back, and one on the back of his neck, and pulled him down to her. She felt his hard cock nudge at her entrance, heard him moan her name as he slowly, so slowly began to push inside her. To her surprise, she was able to take his large dick. She felt no pain at his entrance, like she had expected, but only the most wondrous feeling of being filled and stretched by him. She loved feeling him around and inside her, their bodies joined in the most intimate way.

Morax shuddered above her. His large body covered hers completely. She stroked his back, his neck, his sides, as he braced himself over her. He shook with the effort of staying still for her, allowing her body to get used to accommodating him.

But she was not as patient as him. She could not wait any longer. Liuying thrust her hips upward impatiently, pushing him the rest of the way inside her. Morax groaned loudly. She ground her hips around a bit, enjoying the feel of his thick, hard cock inside her. He groaned again. He seemed to have trouble catching his breath, and it pleased her to have the power to affect him in this way. It pleased her to give him pleasure.

He began to move then. He pulled his long cock almost all the way out and then thrust it in again. He continued repeating the movement, creating the most wonderful friction inside her. She felt something building and building deep inside. These feelings were all so new to her. All she knew was that she needed him to continue. She needed more and more of him. Her body was building up to…something.

Morax was thrusting fast now, making the most delicious noises of pleasure as his body joined with hers. The sound of their coupling was wanton and erotic, all groans and wet slapping of skin against skin. He began moaning her name with each thrust as she moved her hips up to meet his, panting with pleasure. With a surprising crash, she climaxed, pleasure shooting through her body in waves. She forgot to move, to breathe, as he emptied himself inside her with a grunt. He shook with pleasure above her as she clung to him from beneath.

Their breaths gradually eased, aftershocks calming. Their bodies relaxed. Morax began whispering her name like a prayer, and kissing her face gently. Her mind felt hazy, her body sated. She heard his deep voice whisper, “My love,” in between placing gentle kisses on each of her eyelids.

He disappeared and then returned with a towel and gently wiped her body: where she had been smeared with their combined fluids, and where his seed had leaked out of her onto the bed. Satisfied that she was clean and comfortable, Morax settled in next to her. He pulled the blankets up over them both, and touched her back to indicate that she should snuggle up next to him.

Liuying settled her face against his chest happily, as he put his arm around her and held her close. She felt so safe and comfortable in his arms, warm against his skin. Morax’s breathing evened out, and she felt herself begin to drift off.

It wasn’t until she was almost asleep that she realized. He had called her his ‘love’ several times during their love making. That thought ran confusing circles in her head until she fell asleep.

Chapter 35

Morax

He woke to the steady beat of Liuying’s heart next to him. A wonder. Her breathing was steady, her chest rising and falling slowly. He reached a hand over to gently stroke his fingers through her shining black hair, splayed over her bare shoulder. The small muscles around her eyes twitched adorably as she slept, deeply emerged in her dreams. He wondered what Liuying dreamt about. Did she see anything in her dreams? Any images or colors? Or did her dream self rely on her other senses as well as her waking.

Morax took a deep breath. Relief flooded him. For so long now he had been unsure of her feelings for him. He supposed he still wasn’t certain. He couldn’t be until Liuying said the words herself. But the evidence was clear that some things had changed. He had certainly gained some measure of her trust, her affection. He closed his eyes in remembrance. Her sighs of relief and the way her body relaxed under his touch. The way her hands had sought his skin, and she had pressed her supple body against his, eager for more contact. The possessive way she clutched his back as he took her, nails scraping his skin in her pleasure. The way she had seemed to breathe in the scent of him like a fine wine, relishing every instant. He was hard again just thinking about it, his flesh awakening eagerly.

Yes. Liuying had opened up to him emotionally and now physically as well. Morax hummed in smug contentment. She was his to protect, to love, to cherish. The dragon within growled in pleasure.

She stirred underneath his hand, her breathing becoming shallower as she emerged into wakefulness.

When her eyes slitted open and recognition dawned on her face, he moved a stray lock of hair from her forehead and placed his hand on her warm cheek.

“Good morning, wife.”

Her responding smile lit his heart with happiness.

“Good morning, Morax.”

The affection in her voice as she said his name broke something open wide inside him. This woman. There was nothing standing between them now. He vowed to communicate his feelings better to her in the future, now that he knew she would receive them. She would feel cherished every moment from here forward.

His voice sounded deep even to him as he rumbled, “How are you feeling, Liuying?” She stretched her arms above her head like a cat, scooting his hand aside. Then settled her head down into his shoulder, as he placed his arm around her. She only hummed in response to his question. Perhaps Liuying was slow to wake. Adorable.

He said, “You don’t actually need to answer. The truth is you are glowing with contentment.”

“Pff.” Liuying made a noise into his shoulder. “Someone has a high opinion of themselves.”

Morax chuckled deeply. “Did you find my performance… inadequate? Your moans and screams would indicate otherwise.”

Liuying playfully slapped him on the stomach in response. He took it as his cue and placed his arms around her, lifting her over onto his body in an embrace, and tenderly kissed her lips. Her response was immediate and passionate. Their tongues danced together, slowly, deeply. He stroked her back, her neck, her hair, the gentle curve of her ass. Each touch communicated the love he felt for her. It was as if his emotions had been pressurized, waiting to be released, and now that they had, he could not hold back. They parted, gasping.

He gently touched her face hovering above his. “I love you, Liuying.”

She sucked in a breath, making a face of reticent disbelief that almost made him laugh.

He continued, happy to give the reassurance he knew she needed. “Truly. I have cared deeply for you for some time now. I was only waiting for you to give some indication that you might accept my love before I expressed it.” She just stared at him, mouth agape. “You don’t have to say anything back. I expect… I demand nothing from you. I wish for you only to be as you are.” He stroked his thumb across her bottom lip. “And for you to allow me to be by your side, and to love you.”

Silence still. A small doubt began to grow inside him. She didn’t seem like the type that would give her body to a man without the existence of some attachment between them. Surely.

“What are you feeling, Liuying? You are as still as a statue.”

“Oh!” An embarrassed flush shot up her cheeks. “I’m sorry. I’m just having a hard time absorbing this information.”

His doubts weighed heavier by the moment. “If my love is unwelcome, I will withdraw and we can reestablish a marriage of convenience…”

“No! No, Morax. It is not unwelcome.” He sighed an inward sigh of relief before she continued, scooting down his body and placing her chin on her hand atop his chest. “It is just… surprising to me that a god like you, the Dragon himself, could possibly feel anything for me. It seems incredible. Almost too incredible to be true. But you are always sincere, and I DO believe you…”

Her flustered little speech was too much for Morax. She was too adorable. He barrel-rolled their bodies over and braced himself on his forearms, biceps flexing, so he could hover above her. He kissed her forehead gently.

“It should not be so unbelievable to you that someone should love you, should adore you wholly.” He gave her a small peck on the nose. “You are everything to me now, Liuying. I have felt fleeting affections for women before, but never anything as all-encompassing as this. Having you in my life has felt so right, like something essential has clicked into place, something that has been missing.”

She took a shuddering breath underneath him.

“I love everything about you, Liuying. Your brilliant mind. Your willingness to sacrifice for others. Your fierce loyalty to the ones you love. Your bravery and daring. Your stubborn perseverence.” He punctuated each attribute with a kiss to her face. “Your delicious body.” He stroked her from her hip up her side to her breast, drinking in the sound of her sigh, her heavy breathing. He leaned his face in close to hers. “Your lips…”

She surged up to meet him, kissing him back with a passion he now understood he could not live without.

“My love,” he whispered onto her lips.

“Morax.” She placed a hand on his chest. “I care for you too. Deeply. But it is hard to understand. My life has been so sheltered, with only my parents and servants. I feel… unsure what it means to love.”

He sought to ease the confused emotions on her face, smooth the scrunched skin between her brows. “Take your time, Liuying. You do not need to know everything now. Let’s just enjoy one another, and… see where it takes us. Okay?”

She nodded determinedly, his brave girl. “Yes. I can do that.”

His gaze swept down to her beautiful breasts, so soft in his hands the night before. “Now that you’re awake, there are a few things I very much want to do to you.”

A mischievous smile turned the corners of her lips, and she reached to pull his head down to her.

Chapter 36

Liuying

They had made intense love for several more hours, where they had explored positions on the bed that Liuying had never even thought to fantasize about. She sat at her dressing table, brushing her damp hair. She enjoyed the feel of the thick strands between her fingers, the satisfaction of making them all straight and orderly in her hand.

What an intense day it had been yesterday: the sudden appearance of Osial, those moments she had been sure death would follow, tending to Alatus’ injuries, and then, of course, bedding the dragon. She had never bedded a man before, much less a god. What she had expected from the gossip of the village women had been a tolerable experience at best. Painful at first. More usually something to endure for the sake of one’s husband than something to be enjoyed oneself. But being intimate with Morax had been nothing like that. The unspeakable pleasure he had made her feel… it was mind-blowing. She knew he must be experienced in this matter, but she had never expected the way he had been able to anticipate her every need. He played her body like a musical instrument, eliciting pleasure from her with every stroke, every touch. A master musician at his craft. He had relished the power he had over her, stroking her higher, then backing off and allowing the anticipation to build. She had never experienced such pleasure in her life. And the gentle care and tenderness he had shown her had touched her heart.

And then, Morax had revealed his true feelings to her. To say she was shocked would be an understatement. He was not a man to speak untruths or half-truths, or to intentionally mislead in any way. He had been straightforward and honest in all their dealings. It must be true. He loved her. She felt a smile stretch her lips. This intelligent, capable, kind, dangerous person, loved her. Desired her. Wanted to know her and be with her. He forgave all her shortcomings. He didn’t even see them as such. Wetness pricked her eyes, and for once the sensation was not unwelcome.

She sighed deeply, grounding herself in this moment. What a turn her life had taken. Somehow, understanding that Morax loved her changed something inside her. Something she didn’t understand clicked into place. He trusted her, valued her contributions, and did not expect the self-effacing false modesty that had become such a part of her previous life.

She would show herself worthy of this remarkable man’s love. And she knew exactly how to proceed. There were only a few more tests left to run until her latest innovations would be ready. Then she could show Morax and begin large scale production of her newest concoctions.

Chapter 37

Morax

Liuying had disappeared after their coupling. Morax hoped that she was not feeling any regrets. He decided to check on Alatus. The boy seemed to be much better. He had been told that the wound was closing up already, despite its depth. The child slept soundly. No doubt his body was reserving its energy for the healing process. Alatus’ hair splayed across the pillow messily, but his face looked peaceful in its stillness. He was so young, relatively speaking of course. He still had the full cheeks and smooth skin of an adolescent. And despite his years of experience in this world, his heart matched his face, still that of a young man. Perhaps he would stay that way forever. Some did.

Morax moved to check the wound himself, pulling up the side of the bandage to sneak a peek. He was shocked to find a faint golden glow emanating from the wound. It snaked small tendrils out from the puncture site. It felt slightly warm to the touch, but there was no swelling or redness. Surprising. Did Alatus have some innate healing ability? Morax doubted it, but it was not unheard of. He was young enough for new powers to still be emerging. He would have to keep an eye on the boy.

Morax had a long day ahead of him. There had been many attacks of late. He needed to check on the recovery efforts in each location, set extra Millelith to guarding the places still in danger. He knew his duty to Liyue, but he also knew his duty as a husband. He had to check on Liuying first and be sure that all was well. He could not help it if his heart leaped at the thought.

He found her hard at work in her poison hut. He stood in the doorway for a moment observing her. Her lower lip was set in a permanent pout as she leaned over her work in intense focus. It was adorable. She seemed to move about the space effortlessly as she worked, the locations of all her ingredients memorized by her fingertips.

She paused. “Are you going to keep watching me from the doorway like a creeper, or come in and say hello?”

He chucked deeply. Sassy girl.

Morax couldn’t help but move to her then, place his hands around her waist. “You seemed so focused, I didn’t want to interrupt.”

She placed her glass beaker down, wiped her hands on a cloth, then turned to him. Her hands upon his chest felt so right. It seemed amazing to him that he had only confessed his true feelings yesterday. She leaned her face up to his, weight shifting to her toes to reach him, and sought his mouth with hers. He returned her affection gladly, tongues teasing tenderly until they broke apart for breath.

Morax asked, “What are you working on so intently today?”

“That,” Liuying replied coyly, “you will have to wait to find out. I should have a surprise for you very soon.”

“Hmm,” he rumbled, attention focused on placing a stray strand of hair behind her ear. “I look forward to it, Liuying. You are brilliant. Truly.”

A becoming blush reached across her cheeks.

“What do you do today, Morax?”

He scraped a hand down his face. “There were several more attacks overnight. I must organize the relief efforts.”

Liuying sighed. “Gods. His attacks seem to be increasing in frequency, don’t they?”

“Yes. Yes they do. To be honest, the toll is getting steeper and steeper. I do not know what will become of us if I do not find a way to face him myself soon.”

Liuying hung her head, drooping like a wilting flower. It stung his heart.

He stroked her cheek gently, willing reassurance into his touch. “Don’t despair, my love. We will find a way.”

Liuying said, “It is just disheartening. You were so close this last time. You had him in your dragonish claws. He was finished. And if it weren’t for me…”

“No, Liuying. None of this is your fault. He would not have even been in that exposed position in the first place if it weren’t for his desire to claim you.”

Liuying cringed a bit as she spoke, “Perhaps… perhaps we could use that to our advantage, to get him to expose himself again.”

Dread sunk deep into his stomach. This goddess and her self-sacrificing tendencies. He could not help the desperation in his voice. “Please, no, Liuying. Please don’t speak of it. I cannot bear the thought of putting you in danger like that again. I could not stand it.”

Liuying quieted her voice then. “But as things stand…”

He pulled her into a tight hug. “I know. I know. We will find a way.”

He placed a kiss on the top of her head. “Alatus looks better. He still sleeps, but the color has returned to his face.”

Liuying said, “Yes, I think he will recover well. And soon. His body is very resilient.”

“I have faith young Alatus will be up, scowling and brooding again very soon.”

Morax was rewarded with a soft chuckle from his wife. She pushed his shoulder lightly. “Come now, he isn’t all that bad.”

Morax said, “It does seem the two of you have come to an accord of sorts.”

She responded, “Yes, I think we understand each other better now.”

He leaned in closer. “All who know you must come to love you, wife.”

“Morax… I have never felt as seen as I do when I’m with you.” He kissed her again, letting his passion show through his touch, his tenderness. She responded in kind.

Liuying mumbled between kisses, “You should go… we have much to… accomplish today.”

Grudgingly, he pulled away, releasing her hand slowly. “‘Till tonight, then.”

Her voice was sweet with a quiet anticipation when she responded, “Tonight.”

Chapter 38

Liuying

Pleased with her day’s work, Liuying dressed for bed. She twirled the nightgown lightly, feeling the soft fabric swish against her thighs. She hardly needed anyone’s help to dress anymore, as she’d learned the layout of the manor, the placement of her things within her bedroom and bathroom. It was a good feeling. She experienced the world around her differently than the sighted. Every aspect of daily life and every interaction with others reminded her of that fact. She was constantly having to explain her life experience to other people. It was clear they never fully understood and it was exhausting. It just added a layer of awkwardness and difficulty to every interaction. It felt amazing to be able to manage herself. Like having a moment to yourself after a day of having to please others.

Liuying stepped carefully through her bedroom and rapped her knuckles twice on Morax’s door, trying to quiet the butterflies in her insides.

“Enter,” the familiar, deep voice responded. Gods, she was coming to adore that voice. Liuying heard him jump up to standing and cross the room to her. She felt a warm palm close on her upper arm.

Morax said, “Liuying, my love. You look incredible.” He leaned close to her and touched his cheek to hers. His breath puffed warmly, lightly along her cheek. Lowly, he whispered into her ear, “Delectable.”

It sent shivers to her toes. As upright as this man always was, he could sure be wicked when he wanted to. She felt with her fingers along his arms up to his chest and shoulders. She was quickly becoming accustomed to the feel of him. The hardness and warmth and life of his body. She knew the layout of his body as she knew the layout of the house: the height above her that his lips stood at, the breadth of him, and where to reach for his hands. It was amazing how quickly, how naturally it had come to her.

She reached for his jaw and guided his face down to hers. The feel of his lips on hers was becoming a necessary part of her life. She kissed him freely, wantonly. It was a gift to feel safe and loved, to be able to give this part of herself to someone. She felt his breathing quicken, languid movements giving way to slightly more frenzied ones. He stroked up and down her spine through the thin fabric as they kissed. Occasionally he would pause and press his palm up against her firmly, pressing her body into his. Each touch was a brand, a claiming.

Her tall body fit against his frame perfectly. Her breasts draped across his chest. Her hips pressed up against his, his cock straining hard against her. Liuying took a step toward the bed, but he grabbed her hips and pulled her back up against him. The feel of his hard cock against her made her moan.

He continued to kiss her, his open mouth pressed against hers, tongues tasting, searching. She became aware of his hands touching her thighs, grabbing hold of the hem of her nightgown and inching it up. She pulled back enough for him to remove it over her head and throw it to the ground. She did the same to him, pushing his robe down over his strong shoulders and letting it fall to the ground. Her underwear was off before she knew it. But instead of inching towards the bed, Morax just held her where she was and began touching her there, standing right there in the middle of the room. She took the hint and reached for his dick, stroking it in time with his touching, both of them panting and moaning, while standing in place.

Morax moved to stand behind her, out of reach of her hands, but still stroking her higher and higher. Not fair. He kissed, sucked and licked her neck from behind. He reached his free hand around and up to her breast, and flicked her nipples twice. It was too much for her. Liuying came undone there standing in the middle of the room, cool air all around her except for the hot, hard body at her back.

Morax cooed praises into her ear as she came down from her high, “That’s it, my love. Well done.”

Then, more urgently he said, “I need you, Liuying. I need to be inside you right now.”

To her surprise, he put his large hand under her thigh and lifted it up into the air. He found her entrance from behind and thrust his cock up and into her with a wet slide. Even after feeling loose from her recent orgasm, she felt stretched, filled to the brim with him. He stood still for a moment behind her, breathing in the scent of her neck, enjoying the feeling of oneness.

Then he began to move. Deliberate, hard thrusts that stroked her higher and higher once again. He held her firmly in place by her hip and her raised leg, balanced on one foot as he thrust into her. Liuying let her head fall back onto his shoulder as she reveled in him. In the feel of his large, hard cock inside her. The delicious grunts he made behind her. The hitched breaths that told her he was in as much ecstasy as she was. It felt like they were flying. The pleasure coursed through her whole body as her climax neared. Morax thrust hard one last time and froze, jerking slightly as he emptied his seed inside her in little bursts. She came around him, quivering and spasming with the pleasure of it.

He kissed her shoulder, while lowering her leg to the ground. Then he turning her to face him and held her tight against his body. Their breaths slowed together as they came down from the high together. Her legs shook, but he held her up firmly against him. She noticed after a moment that he was shaking slightly as well. Alarmed, she asked, “Morax, are you okay?”

He chuckled. “I am, wife. I am. It’s just…”

She was beginning to worry. “What is it?”

He felt her startle and stroked her hair calmingly. “It’s nothing to worry over. I’ve just… It’s never felt this good before.”

It took a moment for realization to dawn on her. “R-really?” It was alarming, but also satisfying, that such a strong man should be reduced to a quivering mess by her. He scooped her up from behind and carried her to the bed, laid her down gently and crawled in next to her. She settled up against him, her head on his broad shoulder, as he tucked the blanket around them.

Morax said, “I think what we have together is something beautiful and unique.” He touched her nose with a fingertip playfully. “I think it is different because of what I feel for you, Liuying. It was only a physical act before. But now it feels like more than that. Almost… spiritual.”

Liuying mumbled her reply into his chest with a yawn. “I think I… understand what you mean.”

He rumbled his assent and gathered her closely as they drifted off together.

Chapter 39

Morax

“Well, this should be interesting,” Menogias mumbled at his side. “I cannot wait to find out what your wife has come up with now.”

Morax hummed his assent. He ran his hand through his short hair with a smile on his face, anticipation and pride building inside him. Earlier that day at the war meeting, Liuying had announced that she had come up with an idea that would help with the war effort. She had asked them all to gather later that afternoon for a demonstration. He remembered the confidence she had shown in her announcement. Liuying was a born leader, the kind of person that troops would follow, knowing that she would choose wisely and act in their best interest. Someone you could trust your life to. She was confident, intelligent and pure in heart. She was beginning to command respect in her own right. Her participation in battlefield healing, and her miraculous healing of Alatus had gained everyone’s gratitude and lifted their spirits. They had healers of their own, of course, but none as skilled or powerful as Liuying. Her healing had provided a safety net for their forces at a time when the situation was looking more and more desperate. Morale had been low, but Liuying’s presence had breathed new life into their forces.

Just in time, thought Morax. He had the growing feeling that Osial was planning something big. He knew his forces were spread too thinly, but could not bring himself to call back any of the Millelith he had sent for protection of neighboring kingdoms. And Osial’s knowledge of Morax’s troop deployment, presumably due to the sheer number of minions he had at his disposal for scouting, had made countering his attacks difficult. They were pinned down and everyone knew it.

Liuying was just the person to shake things up. Morax and his lieutenants stood about now, watching Liuying shuffle around various vials and weapons on a table. He had no doubt that her idea would be brilliant and game-changing.

She cleared her throat and the chatter died down, a grim expression on her face. All eyes were on her expectantly.

“My friends, I think we are all aware of the dire situation we find ourselves in. This war with Osial has no end in sight. Our numbers dwindle. Our supply shortage has been rectified for the moment with the aid we’ve received from Tuliang, but the new influx of supplies will not last forever. Osial has a numerical advantage. His place of retreat is completely inaccessible to us, and that will not change. He has us pinned down strategically. We are spread too thin across Teyvat, but unable to concede land to Osial’s violent hordes for moral reasons. We could gather the people to strategically defensible positions, but the enemy would burn the land and resources left behind. And it would only pin us down further, effectively cutting off future supply sources.”

Grumbles of assent echoed through yard. They had discussed this many times, but even so, a cloud descended upon the group. Even Bosacious’ eternal optimism seemed to have dimmed considerably as the hopelessness of their position set in.

Liuying continued, “Furthermore, Osial’s minions seem to have all been granted some measure of divine power. A seemingly endless horde of monsters and demons ascend from the ocean depths. Our Millelith are strong fighters and well-trained, renowned across the land for their fighting spirit. But they remain mortal, and at a disadvantage to those with divine power. We have Morax, the dragon, with us, of course…”

Bosacious perked up at this, his booming voice echoing through the clearing. “And a more ferocious beast there never was seen on any battlefield in history!”

Liuying smiled at the Marshal’s enthusiasm, but grimaced as she continued. “But Morax cannot be everywhere at once.”

Menogias sighed next to him, and whispered into his ear, “Is she trying to crush our will to fight? Morale is low enough already without this little speech…”

Morax placed a reassuring hand on his friend’s shoulder and nodded back to Liuying. A light had entered her expression. She had primed them. It was time for the reveal.

Liuying lowered her voice in the silent clearing, her hands moving emphatically as she spoke. “What we need, my friends, is something to level the playing field. Something to allow our Millelith’s fighting spirit to shine!”

Menogias drew in a breath beside him, excitement thick in the air.

“Observe.”

Liuying picked up a vial with her long fingers and held it up for them to see. Inside was an amber-colored liquid. She held the vessel away from her face and unstoppered it, then placed it on the table in front of her. She pulled up her sleeves, revealing pale white forearms. With one hand she picked up a glass stick and carefully dipped it into the liquid, retrieving a single drop. All eyes followed the droplet as it clung to the glass rod. She moved it slowly, deliberately towards her outstretched arm.

Morax’s heart dropped. Oh no. She’s not going to… With an audible sizzle, the small droplet plopped down onto her beautiful skin. The gasps and small cries of his companions echoed around him in shock. Blackness spread across her forearm from the contact point, completely out of proportion to the amount she had placed on herself. The smell of burning flesh turned his stomach. Morax let out a loud groan. By the Heavenly Principles, why did she insist on torturing herself this way?Liuying seemed cheerful. She even had a small smile on her face, the masochist.

“As you can see, it is quite potent, and quite efficacious against those of divine origin.” A deep black hole had formed on Liuying’s arm. The blood itself had been eaten up by the poison, leaving only dead flesh. She did not seem to even notice the pain, a pleased smile on her lips. Meanwhile, torment tore through him at the thought of his beloved wife’s damaged body. Why did he have to fall for a woman with such self-destructive tendencies.

Liuying continued, “I believe only the smallest amount will be necessary to achieve results with Osial’s minions. I suggest we equip each soldier with a diluted version of this poison. If I dilute it with oil, it can be wiped onto the tip of a blade. We will need to train the soldiers in the handling of poisons, as a touch of this would be fatal to a mortal. Extensive training with how to wield poisoned weapons will also be required. It is well that they have all trained with spears already, as this will keep the chances of self-harm to a minimum.”

Hums of approval from his officers. The din of hopeful, approving noises was growing. It was dawning on them. This would change everything. Their force would become truly formidable with this new power. Loss of life would be minimal.

Liuying raised a finger. “You must know. I do not give this power lightly. The secret to harming immortals has been guarded well by myself and my mother. I will not release the formula or ingredients, and the moment the war is over, I will bury this secret again. I do not believe it is meant to be spread abroad and used indiscriminately. I give it now because our need is great. And because… your leader has gained my trust.”

Morax could not mistake the softening of her countenance as she spoke of him. Through a lump in his throat, he replied, “Of course, Lady Liuying. We will heed your warning in this matter. And… you honor me.” He found his own voice gentling as he spoke. A moment passed between them, pregnant with emotion, with the potential of their union and their future together.

Oblivious to the atmosphere, Menogias near shouted, “Brilliant, Lady Liuying! This would allow the soldiers to go against Osial’s demons themselves, rather than focusing on crowd control and defensive stalling tactics until a yaksha arrives. This will free our leadership to take more strategic positions, instead of having to face every enemy themselves.”

“It is just what we should have expected from the Goddess of Poisons,” said Alatus, pride in his voice. Apparently Liuying had won the boy over already.

Discussion broke out about the tactical options that would be open to us, and how to train the troops to properly wield this new power. Liuying had a pleased smile on her face, but her brow was creased a bit. The pain of her injury must be making its appearance. Morax made to cross over to her, but as he did, she steeled herself and began to speak again, all eyes on her, waiting for the next miracle.

“That is not all I have for you today,” Liuying said. From her sleeve, she brought out another vial. This one shone with a pale blue light.

“The poison, I had already perfected before I came to Liyue. All that was required was some experimentation with dilution. But this… this is brand new.” She held out the vial for all to take in.

“The idea came to me after the last major battle I took part in. I had never used my healing that extensively before. In Tuliang, we have many skilled healers and my usefulness was in my poison-making abilities, like my mother. After all the healing I did at Mingyun Village, I was exhausted. Terribly so. And that exhaustion lasted longer than I thought it should. At first, I chalked it up to inexperience, but I began to realize that something was different about that exhaustion. It was then that I examined myself and determined the cause. My power was not being replenished well because it was still being sapped from me. I had not only healed the soldiers then and there, but I had left some of my power with them, to continue assisting in their recovery. With some experimentation, I soon discovered that I could place my power, not only in a living being, but in inanimate objects as well. The result is that I discovered how to place some of my power into a vial of healing solution.”

Here, Liuying placed a drop, equally as small as the poisoned droplet, onto her damaged forearm. Immediately, brilliant light shone from the spot. When the light dimmed, he could see clear, undamaged skin. He placed his hand over his mouth. Astonishing.

“We should also equip the Millelith with this healing solution. I propose that Morax place shields in several spots across the battlefield for the soldiers to retreat to in case of injury. There, they could treat themselves with this solution and then return to fighting. With these two concoctions at their disposal, the mortal Millelith will be able to conquer even the strongest of Osial’s demons.”

Loud cheers erupted at this. It was just what was needed to turn the tide of this war. The group descended upon Liuying, who looked a little dazed by all the attention. She was thanked and praised. Cloud Retainer complimented her methodology. Bonanus kissed her on the cheek. Morax winced as Bosacious clapped her hard on the back and then scooped her up into a large, four-armed bear hug.

Warm pride spread across his chest. This woman was extraordinary. They were fortunate to have her on their side.

Menogias walked back towards him after offering his share of congratulations to the woman of the hour. He chuckled warmly at his friend. “You are grinning like an idiot.”

“Do I not have reason to?”

Menogias replied, “Yes, you lucky bastard. Yes, you do.”

Chapter 40

Liuying

The following weeks were full of frenzied activity. Liuying began producing her concoctions on a large scale, but had to do everything herself so as to protect the formulas. Morax worked hard with the yakshas training the troops in the new practices. A good number of battles had taken place with the new methods in place, and they had gone extraordinarily well. The remaining problem was not knowing when or where Osial would strike next. But with the mortal Millelith able to hold their own, it was easier to maintain a solid presence across the land. Spirits were high. It was finally beginning to feel like they were getting somewhere with this war. And it felt good to be a part of it, to be contributing so greatly to the protection of those she cared about. Liuying was beginning to realize that it wasn’t just her husband that she cared for. The yakshas and their boisterous bickering. The illuminated beasts and their proud posturing. The people of the harbor going about their daily lives. They were a family. Their loyalty and devotion to one another was evident.

Liuying and Morax stole time alone where they could, making love when they were not too exhausted and lying together sharing secrets when they were. Morax was a generous lover and a very thoughtful man. He had many ponderings in his heart that she could tell he had longed to share with someone. She felt privileged to be his confidant. They often discussed this and that long into the night. It was a joy to feel the intimacy and trust between them deepen and grow.

Tonight, Alatus had interrupted their evening time together with a curt knock on the door and a request for them to dress and follow him. Morax had helped her to dress quickly and then took them to the new location. When they arrived, she could sense Alatus’ presence already waiting nearby.

An evening breeze cooled her skin, leaving prickles on her arms. The air tasted of salt and sea grass. They were at the shore. She felt Morax’ heat leave her side, but he took her hand in his as they walked closer to the water. The waves sounded in alternating crashes and whispers.

The soft grating of sand against shuffling feet brought her attention in the direction of Alatus. “Look,” he said.

Morax made an emotive grunt at her side. He was usually eloquent and quick to describe things to her. A bolt of alarm shot through her body. What were they seeing?

Her patience broke then and she asked, “What is it? What do you see?”

Morax placed a reassuring palm on her back. He answered in a deep timbre, “It is… corpses.” Liuying sucked in a shocked breath. “The water is covered with the floating dead bodies of sea creatures and beasts, Osial’s soldiers.” Now that she thought about it, the smell of the ocean was off. She could smell the iron tang of blood from here.

“What does it mean?” Alatus asked.

Morax hummed in displeasure. “We cannot be sure, but I assume it means that Osial has lost his patience. Perhaps some more of his sanity as well.”

The boy echoed Liuying’s thoughts with his words. “Lost his patience? The water is black with blood. There has been a massacre!”

Morax responded calmly, “Osial has ever placed little value on life. As the ruling God of the Sea, the number of creatures at his disposal is near endless.”

Alatus muttered, “My gods. It doesn’t matter how effective we are on the battlefield. How will we ever win this war?”

Morax said, “I think at this point our choices may be to maintain this status quo forever, constantly defending and rebuilding, or… to take a gamble.”

Liuying reached for his chest, needing to feel his warmth underneath her fingers. She joined the conversation then, her shock ebbing. “A gamble? Do you have something in mind, Morax?”

He turned his body towards hers and took her hand in his upon his heart. “No, wife, but you do.”

A smile split her lips as she realized what he meant. He tapped her affectionately on the temple.

“I’m sure this enormous brain of yours could be put to the problem.”

Relief washed over her. She had certainly gained his trust fully and completely. They were doing this.

Chapter 41

Morax

Morax stood atop Mt. Tianheng, arms crossed atop his chest. The wind ripped at his robes, pressed pinpricks of dust into his skin, but he was unfazed. The discomfort felt removed from him as he sent his thoughts afar. Liuying was down there even now, innocently collecting plants by the shore.

He had approved Liuying’s plan, but it was putting him in the most acute pain to be apart from her now. To know she was in danger, maybe afraid, without him. His godly eyes watched her from afar. He watched the sea gather its waters offshore, an ominous glow emanating from the deep below.

His enemy was approaching. Morax felt his heart sink to his toes. The air felt thin and it was suddenly hard to catch his breath. This was a gamble. There was so much that could got wrong.

Morax tapped his fingertips together, one by one. Thumb to first finger, thumb to middle, thumb to third, thumb to pinkie. It was a self-soothing gesture he had not had cause to use for many an age. He took a deep breath and let it out shakily. He had to have faith in her. She could handle this. Being a god himself, he had no one to pray to as he watched events play out.

The god of all sea beasts appeared on the shore. His slick, oily tentacles flailed around his head, making a kind of sickly grey halo. Liuying froze, sensing his presence. Even from afar, he could sense her pale face, her terror as Osial approached. Morax clenched his fists at his sides, physically restraining himself from going to her.

Osial moved towards her slowly, cautiously. He probably expected Morax to descend upon him at any moment. But he would keep his distance, holding to the plan. Brute force was not what was needed here. That had been his approach for too long, and it had not won them this war. He would trust in Liuying’s cleverness and capableness.

They appeared to be speaking to one another. Liuying stood with her back straight, a still figure in the distance. The waves of the shore crashed behind her. He waited with held breath.

It happened in an instant. Osial leapt forward at her, wrapping those sickly tentacles around her body. A scream was cut off suddenly, and then Liuying’s figure was being dragged towards the water, her legs splayed out kicking in front of her. The waters gathered again with a pale light, this time around the struggling figure of his wife, and then they disappeared under the water.

It was done. He would soon receive a list of demands. He prayed their calculations were correct and Osial would keep her alive to obtain his demands. He prayed Osial’s temper would not get the better of him; that his fear of Morax would prevent him from giving in to his zeal for torture; that he would not touch her… Fuck. What had he done? His breath came faster and faster.

Morax felt wetness drip from his knuckle. He realized he had clenched his fists so tightly that his nails had dug into the skin of his palm and drawn blood. Golden ichor, the divine blood of the gods, dripped from his hand in tiny rivulets. Even as he watched, he could not unclench his fingers.

The pain centered him some. After all, he had his part to play. And if Liuying could handle this situation, could walk into danger bravely, for his sake, for the sake of their people. Then he could damn well back her up. He shook out his hands, unclenched his jaw, and summoned his power to him. He had work to do.

Chapter 42

Liuying

Liuying suppressed the urge to call out again. More attempts would not change the fact that she was utterly alone. There was no life to gauge her surroundings with, just dead stone. Right now she needed to pay attention to her own body. Osial had been rough with her, dragging her down to his dwelling beneath the waves. She had struggled, which had only made it worse. The tang of terror still sat thick upon her tongue. She needed to take this moment alone to tend to her many small injuries, physical and mental, before he returned for her. For what came next.

Liuying took a deep breath, let the bad feelings fade, and allowed her curiosity to take over as she healed her wounds. They were deep, deep under the waves. She had been able to breathe air the whole way down, so Osial’s power must have accounted for that. Now that she was in a building, she could feel the air flowing through the room directionally. If she listened carefully, she could hear the air moving through some kind of vent in one of the walls with a slight whistle. Technology then, not divine power, accounted for the air she breathed.

Liuying had felt the pressure building and building as they descended, beyond what she thought possible in this world. They must be very deep. What must the place look like—a castle under the waves? The stone underneath her bruised bottom felt all too ordinary, though damp and musty-smelling. She could smell and hear salty ocean water moving gently around her in all directions, but stronger from above. Just outside the stone must be the ocean deep. She wondered if there were whales or giant squid or some other extraordinary deep sea animal outside her cell. The quiet plip-plip of water dripping from the ceiling did not inspire confidence in her safety there under the immense pressure of the ocean deep, protected only by a bit of worn stone.

When they had arrived, Osial had dragged her to a cell, thrown her to the ground, and clicked the lock into place, mumbling all the while about ‘having a good meal before he played with his new toy.’ Liuying tried not to think too much about the implications of that statement. Considering her current situation, honestly she felt rather calm and centered. Osial would not get the better of her in the end.

Not knowing how much time she had alone, Liuying went to work. She removed her shoes and got to her feet. She began feeling the cold stone floor around her, inching across the ground with her arms outstretched. Her cell seemed small, maybe fifteen chi across at the most. It was utterly empty, without even a cot or pile of straw to sleep on. The walls were the same cold stone as the floor. Morax could tell her what manner of stone it was, but she could not tell. It was solid, but old and not well tended, and the dampness had affected it. A layer of dust and crumbled sand coated the floor beneath her feet. It was a good sign for what she needed.

Feeling with her fingertips, she traced along the seam where the wall met the floor, paying special attention to places that felt uneven or crumbled. Finding a particularly large crack, she dug her fingers into it and pulled back and forth on the wet stone. A medium sized chunk of stone came loose fairly easily in her hands. She dug into the groove with her fingers, loosening and removing the crumbled sand from the hole. That should do it.

A muffled sound of footsteps in the hallway made her jump. She was out of time. They had searched her and removed all her weapons and poisons, but as she had planned, they had not discovered the small vial she had hidden in her undergarments. She placed it carefully in the opening she had made, returned the stone to its place, and brushed the moist sand and dirt back into place around the rock so it looked natural again. She put some distance between her and her handiwork, sitting back against the wall to look like she had been resting.

As the sound of the key in the lock outside reached her ears, she realized that her dirty fingers would give her away and hastily rubbed them against the inside of her robes. She was probably pretty filthy already, so she hoped the dirt under her fingernails would not seem out of place.

The door scraped open, and a presence stepped into the room. Not Osial. No, she would recognize the scent of decay that clung to him. It must be one of his soldiers.

The woman had a hiss of a voice. “Time for your interrogation.” The pleased note in it made Liuying think she must be smiling. She grabbed Liuying by the upper arm painfully, barely giving her a chance to stand before pulling her along behind her.

Liuying was dragged along a long corridor and up a staircase before being deposited on the floor of a large, open room. She heard the slithering sound of tentacles moving from somewhere above her: Osial on his throne. Several feet shuffled on either side on the throne, attendants maybe. She began to realize that the scents of blood and putrefaction, old and new, lingered in that chamber. There were dead or near-dead bodies in that room. She could hear chains moving against stone. Oh gods. Osial’s torture and interrogation chamber was in his very throne room. It spoke to the kind of ruler he was and utterly disgusted her. She wondered how long those beings had been there, wounded and staving, hovering on the brink of death.

Dread sunk her heart. Had she made a miscalculation? If the bastard left her here to languish in his throne room instead of returning her to her cell, all would be lost. No. She had to keep faith. It was done now and there was nothing she could do to change it. She had only to endure and hope that it came right in the end.

Osial stepped from his throne and down the steps to loom tall above her huddled figure. His oily voice echoed through the great chamber. “Trying to figure out where you are, little blind girl?” Osial scoffed, “I still cannot believe the great and terrible dragon, Morax, chose this… weakling.” He kicked her hard in the stomach. “…this useless little bitch to be his queen. In my kingdom, you would have been put down at birth out of pity. What a disgusting little creature you are.”

Liuying was used to pitying whispers and stares, but due to her sheltered upbringing she had not yet had to endure outright mocking. She found herself unmoved by it. Osial was a pathetic bully and she found that his opinion of her did not matter to her at all.

Osial continued his little monologue. “And to let yourself be captured so easily. Did you think that you could defend yourself? That you are anything without Morax? You are worse than a useless waste of space. You will be his ruin. You will bring him down to nothing. I saw the way he looked at you. He will kneel at my feet to see you safe!” Osial bellowed a laugh that echoed through the chamber, the smell of his salty, putrid breath wafting outward with it.

A rough humanoid hand grabbed her chin bruisingly and brought her close to his face. She held her breath as he spit into her face with the force of his words. “And I will finally, finally destroy him utterly. I will flay his skin from his body. I will spread acid across his flesh and watch it sizzle. Then I will remove his bones one by one, and scatter his bits across the ocean to be devoured by my children.” Osial was practically panting and drooling with anticipation, the sick bastard.

Well, this was getting colorful, wasn’t it? He could talk as long as he liked, Liuying thought, as it was saving her from worse treatment.

“Well, shall we get started, then?” Osial said. Damn.

A tentacle wrapped around her throat and lifted her into the air. Her feet dangled and pain spread through her oxygen-deprived body. He walked across the room with her hanging next to him and then she found herself gasping for breath facedown on a cold, hard surface, while her arms and legs were being stretched out and shackled down. Her face was pressed against the cold stone.

Liuying felt her clothing being torn from her, and real fear began to sink in then. This was it. She did not know exactly what Osial would do to her, but he seemed intent on indulging his every sick whim. She could hear him breathing hard already, excited at the prospect of violence. She had discussed this plan with Morax. She had thought she could endure pain, thought that Osial’s wants would tend to tortuous violence, and not sexual violence. Word was that he had eyes only for his wife in that way. But there, nearly naked and spread on a table, she felt less sure. She was utterly vulnerable. She was in imminent danger. And she was terrified.

The sound of metal against metal echoed through the quiet chamber as some instruments were sharpened. Then, silence. The air was pregnant with terrible anticipation. Liuying felt Osial lean in close to her ear, his breath hot and wet on her face.

“There are some things I would like you to know before we begin, little goddess. I am not stupid. You seemed to want to be captured there acting like a clueless idiot on the shore. So, because of my magnanimous nature, I obliged you. This little plan you and Morax have hatched will lead only to your deaths.”

Liuying said nothing. The panic crept deeper and deeper into her soul. She had been too obvious. She knew deception was not in her nature and yet she had tried it anyways. This was not good. She felt Osial’s proximity lessen as he backed away.

He said, “You perhaps plan to ambush me at the prisoner exchange, imagining my forces depleted since you found the evidence wash ashore. Oh yes, I know everything. But you and your arrogant husband are mistaken yet again. The army I have been breeding down here is nothing like anything you have seen before.”

“Enormous creatures that can fight on land or water, all imbued with my godly power. All little mimics of me. They will destroy you and everything you love. All we need is a way to weaken Morax and get him exactly where we want him, which is where you come in.”

Then a sweaty hand began to stroke her hair, almost lovingly.

His voice sounded almost sweet as he said, “How like Xianlian you appear…”

No! Do not let him mention my mother. Rage flickered in her, but the terror and fear of defeat still loomed large. He knew all of their plans and had been preparing an army of giant beasts! Osial seemed to know exactly what to say to unnerve her, to hurt and terrify.

Osial continued, “You have the same hair.” He lifted a strand to sniff it with a loud inhale. “But she was a fighter. She fought mightily with her poisoned knives and her spear. And you… you are nothing but a cripple. No fight. No spirit. Just impotence.”

She tried not to let him rile her. Tried not to feel shame at his words. But it was difficult. His words rang true. She knew she was just a shadow of her mother, had always known it. All her efforts amounted to nothing in the end. She said nothing, but her breathing was labored, thick with emotion. Osial grabbed a fistful of hair and pulled hard, forcing her face up towards his.

“But you know, in the end, your mother’s spirit didn’t amount to anything either. She died a stupid, pointless death. The battle was over, my objective achieved, and she threw herself at me for no other reason than an emotional outburst. I tore her head from her neck with one hand.” Liuying gasped. She did not want to hear this.

“I can still taste the spray of her blood on my face, and the beautiful look of her pale skin splashed with red. Mmmm.” Osial breathed contentedly in wistful remembrance. “I do hope your blood tastes the same. My only wish is that she could be here to see her daughter follow in her footsteps.”

The sound of steps echoed on the stone floor as Osial paced around to the other side of the table. She could feel his eyes watching her closely. Liuying strained her ears, her senses to determine where Osial was now, what he was doing. Panic seeped through her. It felt as if her heart had stilled, as if her blood had stopped flowing.

The darkness seemed to close in on her, reminding her of that time when she was small and newly-blinded. These panicked moments had been more frequent then, but none of it compared to this moment, with the sound of footsteps drawing closer. To her shame, she felt hot tears trickle down her face, stinging her eyes.

Osial leaned close and said, “Ah, now we see the coward in you! You are all the same in the end: sniveling, crying cowards.” He took a deep breath next to her ear. “Ah, the sweet smell of your terror! It is delicious and delightful to me.”

Liuying’s breaths came harder and harder. She felt like she could not get oxygen to her body, like the blackness would swallow her whole. Somewhere in the back of her mind, the thought flickered that this panic, this terror was feeding Osial, nourishing him. It took conscious effort, and several tries, for her to take a true breath. Then she slowed her breathing gradually, slowed her heart rate, caught a hold of herself. She felt her connection to the realm of the living return. What she felt was something that existed only in the moment. She was still Liuying. And he could not take that from her.

Then the feel of cold metal touched her skin, just a light caress, dragging her back to reality. Osial scraped the blade slowly down her back as if choosing carefully where to begin, as if savoring the sound, the sensation. The first cut came then: a sharp pain followed by the light trickle of her blood down her skin. Osial shifted behind her, then she felt a tongue lap at the blood on her back. Disgust and anger spread through her then! Her fury fueled her resolve. She would endure this. More cuts, crisscrossing one another on her skin, like a morbid work of art. The pain began to multiply. Her back throbbed. She was unable to determine where each cut was now, just agony on top of agony. Her skin felt like fire and she wished unconciousness would come. She tried not to think about how much there was left to endure.

Osial seemed very pleased with his work. “You heal so quickly! We should be able to do this for a good, long time.” She cursed her gift inwardly.

Liuying attempted to focus on anything, anything but the pain. But her thoughts felt sluggish and slow. She focused on the cold stone beneath her cheek. Her memory returned unbidden to that moment with Morax long ago, before she knew of his kind heart, when he tried to help her understand his connection with the element of earth. She focused her attention on the stone beneath her face. What kind of history, of life did it have? She was not calm enough to hear the story of its history, but it would only be more pain, wouldn’t it? …the pain of others before her, on and on for many iterations on this instrument of torture. She wondered if the stone felt sadness at the use it was being put to. She settled into a kind of oneness with the stone. She felt comfort from its gentle presence below her. Perhaps being wedded to the Lord of Geo had changed her. There she lay in a kind of peaceful oblivion with the pain far away until she lost consciousness much, much later.

Chapter 43

Morax

Morax paced back and forth forcefully, his lieutenants and generals keeping their distance, as they prepared for the upcoming battle. He swore he could almost feel the pain his wife was enduring at that moment. He couldn’t believe he had let her go, knowing full well this would happen. What had he been thinking?! Yes, he had desperately wanted to end the suffering this war was causing. The people had been suffering and dying for so many years now. And the violence had seeped into his very soul. He wanted to end it himself, by his own sacrifice, not by Liuying’s! But they could think of no other way. Osial was ever wary of him, wily and hard to pin down. Decisive action was needed, and this was all they could think of. Damn damn damn!

His fuming was beginning to affect the elements around them. The ground rumbled and quaked. Cries of surprise and fear echoed. He felt a hand on his shoulder. It was Indarius, smelling faintly of burnt charcoal, as she always did. “Have faith, Morax. Liuying is strong. She can do this.”

Morax’s reserve and stoicism cracked entirely. He turned to his friend, his hands raised palm up in the air as if in supplication. “What kind of husband, what kind of man am I, that I would let her sacrifice herself like this?”

Indarius scrunched her brow at Morax’s outburst, and replied gently, “The kind that trusts his wife and see’s her as an equal. Liuying is capable and strong. She has just as much of a right to sacrifice herself for her people as you do.”

Morax’s own voice sounded entirely foreign to him as he whimpered, “I can feel her, Indarius. I can feel her suffering. And it has been so many hours already.”

His friend sucked in a breath in empathy. “She will make it. She will prove to herself her own strength, and come out with more confidence in the end.” She gave him a hug and a comforting pat on the back, before returning to her preparations. She was overseeing the making of flame arrows for the battle.

Morax knew Indarius was right. He would respect her decisions, but that didn’t stop him from feeling Liuying’s pain and panic. He sent a silent word of comfort to her and tried to turn his attention to restocking and distributing more of Liuying’s potions, to honor her sacrifice. Together. Together they would be victorious.

Chapter 44

Liuying

Liuying lay face down in her cell. Her cheek pressing against the cold stone felt all too similar to the torture she had endured, but her back hurt too much to rest in any other position. She was exhausted, depleted from the pain, and the energy it took for her body to heal itself from the horror it had endured. It had been hell. She did not know how long she had lain on that table while Osial indulged his lust for violence—one could not call it an interrogation as he had not even asked her any questions—but it had been long enough for her to get very, very hungry. She guessed it might have been a couple of days, and who knows how much longer she had spent laying on this cell floor unconscious and recovering. She ached everywhere and stunk of sweat, blood, and perhaps sourer things.

Liuying gingerly tried to lift to her elbows, eliciting involuntary, raw sounds from her parched throat. Her wounds had mostly healed over thanks to her godly power, but she ached all over. She felt so weak and heavy, but the movement was helping, as if her body was beginning to remember how it was supposed to function. Lifting her head sent shooting pains across her skull and down her neck.

She heard the scrape of metal against metal and terror shot through her. Was that demon sending for her again already? She was not at all sure that she could endure any more. Frozen on her hands and knees, she waited. A person entered the room silently. Liuying waited for a blow or to be grabbed and dragged away.

Instead, she heard a soft voice whisper to her quietly from close by. “I see you are awake already. You endured it well.”

It was a woman’s voice, but not quite human. The voice was deep and a bit hissy. And she had the same salty scent as Osial, but less putrid, like fresh seaweed and umami, rather than seaweed that had been sitting on the beach rotting. It was pleasant. A cup was pressed to her lips. Water, thank the gods! She gulped greedily. Belatedly, she realized that it did not taste entirely pure. It had been laced with something. She winced at her own lack of caution.

The woman hissed, “Be at ease. I have only added some white willow and feverfew for the pain.”

Liuying was impressed that even a sea creature would know her medicinal herbs. Her throat was beginning to feel better already. She gulped down more water. When the empty drinking vessel was taken from her hands, something soft and squishy was placed there instead. The slight smell of yeast reached her nostrils. A mantou bun! She dug in ravenously, thoughts of propriety long forgotten. When she had finished that one off, another was placed in her hand. After she had eaten her fill, Liuying remembered her manners.

Her own voice sounded raw and foreign to her ears. “Thank you again, Beisht. My name is Liuying.”

The woman seemed surprised. “You know of me?”

“Yes. Morax told me your name. I know you are the goddess of sea serpents, but I know nothing of your history.”

Beisht sighed heavily. “It is good to know I am remembered. Serpents are shy creatures, quick to hide. Sometimes I feel invisible next to a personality as large as my husband’s.”

Liuying asked, “Why help me?”

The woman waited a long moment before replying. “My husband was not always the way he is now. He was always a violent man, but he did not used to… revel in it so.” Her voice was forlorn, utterly devoid of hope.

Ah. Liuying understood. The difference in their scents had told her everything she needed to know. That extra putrid, foul odor that Osial had—Liuying had never experienced it before. But if she compared it to the cleaner, purer, but so similar scent of the sea creature next to her now, she understood what the difference was… madness. Osial may have been a regular god like the rest of them once, but he had gone mad, decayed into a shell of what he once was.

It explained a lot. She had heard of this happening before. Time was not always kind to the long-lived. But witnessing it in person was a different matter entirely. Osial had laughed joyfully like a child as he had sliced her open on that table. Her mind returned to that beach in the night, lifeless bodies apparently covering the ocean horizon, the iron tang of blood strong enough to overpower even the salty spray of the ocean. What must life be like for this woman? To live beside such a being, perhaps to love him still. To be forced to witness his deterioration into madness.

Beisht noticed Liuying’s musings and interjected. “It will happen to me too, you know. The sickness.”

Liuying was startled. “What do you mean?”

Beisht continued, “This is the fate that awaits many of us Gods. The humans are so insignificant to us, especially those of us who rule the deep. I go years without even thinking of those little smooth-skinned creatures with the lifespan of ants. But the truth is that we depend upon them. The humans determine our natures and our fates.”

Liuying understood how divine beings like her became linked on a spiritual level with the hopes and fears of the humans. Her status as the Goddess of Poisons wasn’t her own doing, though she had learned at her mother’s hand. The humans worshipped the gods, linked them in their minds with something they desired or feared, and this became in indelible part of who the gods were. The emotions and passions of the humans became part of their spiritual identity. But did this mean that they determined the gods ultimate fate as well? She had not considered this.

Liuying said, “Do we not choose our own destinies, the same as any other being?”

“You young gods never understand. Your mother was destined to die by violence, by my husband’s hand or someone else’s. The nature of a poison deity is that of betrayal and underhandedness. It will come back round eventually. This will likely be your fate too, if you do not succumb to the sickness first. Gods that are feared and despised by the humans inevitably grow mad. All that terror, superstition and dread sink into our psyches and become part of who we are. We are soured by it like milk left out in the heat.”

Liuying’s anger at the mention of her mother was quelled by Beisht’s unemotional tone of voice. She discussed death and madness as simply as if she were explaining an academic concept. She seemed utterly without hope.

Liuying asked, “But what about my husband? While not as old as Osial, Morax is still very old, even by god’s standards, and he has not succumbed.”

Now some emotion entered Beisht’s voice. The mention of Morax elicited a sudden rage out of her.

“Ha! Gods like Morax are too blessed, too privileged to be affected by time like the rest of us. Morax is the God of Money, of Contracts. He is diligently worshipped out of love, not fear. He is trusted and sought out by every greedy little human trying to increase his wealth. His name is blessed every time a crop or a business venture succeeds. As time goes on, he will only grow in strength and vitality. While the rest of us are cursed. Cursed by the humans’ fear and stupidity.”

Morax had told Liuying of Beisht’s devotion to her husband and her hate of Morax, but hearing her voice now… She sounded so sad. Could she be swayed to their side? It seemed worth a try.

“Beisht. You needn’t stay here, deteriorating by his side. Perhaps there is a way to end this compassionately if you help us.”

Spittle splashed her face as Beisht hissed at her. “How dare you! Do you think I could betray my beloved? The companion of my heart for many ages past? No. I will never help you. I will never help you to kill my husband.”

Liuying cursed herself for her choice of words. She raised her hands in supplication.

“NO! No, Beisht. I did not mean it that way. Not to end your husband’s life, I meant to end the war.”

“And do you think your husband, the DRAGON,” she spat the word with venom, “…intends to end it any other way?”

Liuying sighed. “You are not wrong. But he can be swayed. He is a reasonable man.”

Beisht’s wet voice dripped with disadain. “You are too blinded by inexperience and lust to see the truth of it. Your husband is just as much a killer as mine.”

Liuying paused. Beisht was an intelligent being. She had spoken straight to Liuying’s insecurities. She was inexperienced, but if she did not stand up now and discover what she was capable of, then when would she ever? And as for the other accusation, she was also very much in lust. But what she felt for Morax was so much more than that. She admired him, understood him, and loved him in ways she was only beginning to understand. She knew that together they could find a way to end this war in a way that would be true to who they were. Morax was a good man. And she began to realize that they owed this woman that much whether she helped them or not.

Liuying took Beisht’s slick hand in hers and declare, “I swear to you. We will be judicious and compassionate. We will find a way to spare Osial’s life. You need not have faith in Morax, who you clearly have complicated feelings about, but have faith in me.”

Beisht tore her hand away. “Nonsense. I do not know you. The wife of the dragon is my enemy. There is no way around that fact.”

Liuying said, “And yet you are here helping me…”

Beisht replied, “That is more about who I am than who you are.”

Beisht spat on the ground in front of her and swiftly left the room with a clang. But her words hit a chord deep in Liuying’s soul. That same truth applied to their decision about what to do with Osial.

She knew what she had to do.

Chapter 45

Liuying

Liuying had allowed herself some more sleep after her visit from Beisht. She would need her strength. She had no concept of day or night down here at the bottom of the ocean, but she assumed they would not come for her again too soon. They needed her to keep her life and her sanity after all for a trade with Morax. Osial was probably around there somewhere plotting his next move and preparing his army of sea beasts to ambush Morax. Fear crept upon her again. They had not accounted for this. Osial had outsmarted them again. She had seen what his beasts could do, and that was just the average oceanic minion. What Osial had described had sounded terrifying. But there was nothing for it. There was no way to contact Morax and warn him. She had to just have faith in his abilities. She would stick to the plan.

Liuying took several deep breaths then got to her feet gingerly. Her clothing fell around her in tatters. Not much was left after the torture. Strips of bloody-smelling clothes hung around her body with much of her skin exposed. She stepped carefully to the door and listened for any guards outside. There were none. Apparently Osial wasn’t too concerned about what a little no-account goddess from a small land could do to him. He would soon learn better.

Liuying felt around her body for a patch of clothing large enough to use for her purposes. She found a spot on her backside and ripped it with shaking hands until it came loose in a large square. She tore a few thin strips from the tattered section at her knees and twisted them into a small strap. This she tied to the larger piece in knots and created a makeshift face mask. Liuying tied it to her face tightly, taking several deep breaths to test for gaps. The smell of her own blood and sweat was strong and tangy, turning her suddenly too-full stomach. But it would do. Satisfied with the fit of her mask, Liuying listened again to be sure she was alone. Silence.

She moved to the wall feeling for where she had found her little nook. Removing the rock and reaching in, Liuying pulled out her little glass vial. This tiny glass bottle was one of her proudest creations. One of the most difficult things about the art of poisons was the delivery method. Poison can be used for murder, but one would have to have the victim’s trust to administer it. And if you already had the victim’s trust, it seemed there would be other ways you could do the deed. She didn’t know. Murder wasn’t really her specialty. Typically poisons are used to enhance weapons. Blades: swords, knives and spears, can become much more deadly this way. But ranged weapons could be even more effective delivery agents of poison, as it lessened the danger to oneself. She had even heard of poisons being used to adorn the tips of small darts that one would blow out through a small tube. Simple and effective.

But the problem at hand for Liuying had been much more complicated. How does one deliver poison to a large number of people at once. Short of a massively powerful shrapnel bomb (which, if you had access to, would greatly lessen the need for poisons to begin with), Liuying could think of only one method. If you could separate a liquid into tiny enough droplets, the air could carry this poison for you. But the droplets had to be very small indeed.

Thinking about a sneeze had given her the idea. Before you sneeze, you take in a deep breath, fill your lungs to capacity and then expel it all at once, out of a small cavity. After some experimentation, Liuying had discovered she could ‘shrink’ the air, or compress it, into a denser form by using a bellows that only allowed the air to flow one way combined with the weight of large stones above the chamber. She placed this compressed air into a tiny glass vial and sealed it tight with a cap that screwed downward into place.

All she had to do was place a needle inside that could pierce the cap when screwed down all the way, and three you have it: compressed gas escaping from a tiny hole causes the liquid inside to be expelled with the gas in tiny little droplets. Her experiments had shone that the droplets stayed in the air for minutes to even hours, depending on the liquid used. It was perfect.

Even her most deadly god-killing poison was not concentrated enough to kill or completely incapacitate a large number of gods in a large area when spread out this way, but that was not the goal anyways. Her goal was to hurt them, to cause a ruckus, to make the place temporarily unlivable. They would have to vacate the premises and with Liuying herself in tow, they would have to make for the surface to keep her alive. Sending Morax on a rage-fueled revenge slaughter was not their goal. They wanted to make a trade, her life for Morax’s. But she would change the game.

Liuying held the vial gingerly in one hand. Listening for the sound of moving air, she moved quietly towards the air vent and felt with her free hand to locate it. The vent was a hole high up on the small wall. It didn’t even have anything covering it to hinder her. Once she was ready, she took a deep breath, checking her mask one last time. This would be the worst for her since she was closest to the poison source. But her built-up immunities should mitigate the pain. She hoped.

Here goes. Liuying twisted the cap down hard until she heard a pop, then the hiss of air escaping. She dropped the whole thing down the vent and was pleased to hear rolling. The more distance put between her and that thing the better. With her eyes shut tight, she hurried to the other side of the room. And waited for the sound of screaming.

Chapter 46

Morax

Morax tapped his chin, his gaze sweeping over sun-speckled Liyue harbor as he thought. Was there anything he had overlooked? He tried not to take anything for granted when it came to Osial. The beast was as unpredictable as he was unstable. And despite that, he seemed to have a plan up his sleeve for every occasion.

Morax had ordered most of the Millelith to the harbor in anticipation of the battle. He had left enough to defend the places he felt were most vulnerable, but the majority were here. Spread out before him, his forces appeared as little ants in neat, long rows along the shoreline. Their spears were sharp and prepared with the poisons Liuying had supplied them with. Together, they had amassed what resources they had. Cloud Retainer stood with the other adepti manning the ballistae she had created with Ghizhong years ago. They weren’t of much use against small enemies, the kind Osial usually threw at them, but he had decided to prepare for every possibility. He hoped it would be enough to protect the harbor and its people while he dealt with Osial himself.

It had been several days already since Liuying disappeared under the waves. Waiting in readiness had proved difficult for the soldiers, but their discipline was holding. For Morax himself, the waiting was torture. His beloved wife was down there, trapped underneath the waves with his enemy, suffering all manner of afflictions. And there was nothing he could do about it. He was impotent, powerless to help her. He felt every minute of his long years in his body then. It was difficult to summon the hope that this ordeal required of him. Thankfully, the agony he had sensed from her had dimmed some time ago. He felt a growing vitality in her, far away though she was. The time for waiting must surely be drawing to a close.

Suddenly, Morax’s attention was drawn to the water. The play of the light on the surface was changing. Something was happening. He summoned his power and shifted to the shoreline. Next to him, his generals surveyed the water carefully.

Bosacious asked, “Is it time?” with excitement in his voice, ever ready for a fight.

Morax held a hand to stay his questioning. All was still for a moment. Then a deep rumble emanated from below the water. Bubbles began frothing the surface as creature after creature emerged from it, all along the rocky shore. They were Osial’s minions for sure, humanoid figures of varying shapes and sizes with aspects of oceanic creatures. Among them, he saw fins, scales, crab legs and pincers, tentacles, spikes, and the smooth, slick skin of sea snakes and eels. The sheer number and variety of traits among them was astonishing. Some had eery, hanging lights attached to their heads. Many had rows and rows of sharp shark teeth. Gasping and wretching, they sought the land. Liuying had done her work well. They looked to be in great distress.

Morax heaved a small sigh of relief. Their numbers were great, but it was nothing his Millelith and adepti couldn’t manage. They seemed to be recovering already and were engaging in battle with some of his troops. Best of all, they seemed in confusion and unable or unwilling to coordinate their efforts. They engaged in random little groups, easily overwhelmed. It was going well already.

Morax scanned the ocean for signs of Liuying or Osial. He had put up a shield all the way around the harbor, out as far into the water and as deep down into it as he could manage. It was the largest shield he had ever created and it had taken hours to erect. It shimmered in an enormous dome, golden and strong around the shoreline and out into the ocean. He had had to literally create an island for his shield to reach out far enough into the ocean to encompass Osial’s domain. He remembered the feel of the power flowing through him as he summoned the stone up from the oceanic depths. The stone had resisted him, unwilling to take on the new role being thrust up into the light. Large stone pillars now stood in various places around the harbor and on the island, helping to anchor the shield in place. They would perhaps change the shape of the land forever, but that was no matter now. They would keep Osial from escaping, and force him into a fight.

Bonanus slapped him on the shoulder and shouted, “It’s Liuying!”

He followed her pointed finger out beyond the rising sea beasts. A tentacled figure hovered above the water, the slick scales of a snake-skinned woman beside him. Osial. His aura was black and fierce, glowing with power. Morax felt he could feel Osial’s furious gaze on him from across the water. Wrapped tightly within his tentacles was a tall female figure with black hair. Liuying!

They locked eyes, but Osial did not approach. Morax felt his fury grow inside him, twisting his insides. He knew his murderous aura matched that of Osial’s in that moment. He ignored the gasps around him as he stretched his arms out to the side and rose up into the air. He began sliding through the air above the harbor to meet them. But something else was happening with the water. Bubbles appeared in the green foam of the surface below him. The slick skin of a tentacle reflected the sun as it moved along the surface of the water. This creature had to be enormous. There were more of them, emerging from the water below him. They appeared just as Osial did in his sea beast form. What trick was this?

The creatures kept emerging. Ten, twenty, thirty… fifty or more, all enormous sea beasts with reaching, tentacled arms flailing. Each limb, each sucker moved with a mind of its own, seeking prey in that unnerving way only the tentacled could. Osial watched on with a sickly grin as the monsters reared up above the water.

He thrust his spear hard into the head of the creature below him. The collision sounded with a wet smack, sickly black blood seeping from the wound into the water around them. The force of the blow pushed the creature under the water momentarily, but it emerged again. Morax’s spear that had penetrated so deeply seemed to have been pushed up again by the creature’s springy flesh, hanging limply. It seemed unharmed. Damn.

Morax looked up at Osial. The beast looked as smug is if he’d already won, the bastard. He did not know by what sorcery Osial had caused this to come to pass, but Morax realized with dismay that he would not have to fight one Osial, but fifty.

Chapter 47

Liuying

Liuying’s aerated poison had worked exactly as she had hoped it would. Her eyes and nose still stung and dried blood was caked on her face from the damage done. But her lungs were already beginning to recover. She gulped swallows of fresh air greedily.

Osial had been furious.He had appeared in her cell soon after the screaming had begun, gasping and grunting in pain. He grabbed her roughly, nearly squeezing the air out of her with a tentacle as he rushed towards the exit of his home. The delicate flesh of sea creatures had seemed to respond even better to her concoction than her drier skin had. She could still feel the welts on his wet skin under her fingertips. He smelled wetly of blood, and the wheezy wet rasp of his breathing told her he was in respiratory distress.

Their exit had been hurried and chaotic. The sounds of confusion and dismay had echoed all around her as the numerous residents of the fortress pushed and fought to escape the poisonous air. Their ascent up through the water was much faster than their previous descent had been. Osial hadn’t caught his breath until they had been above water for several minutes. Once he could speak again, Liuying received a long stream of creative insults and expletives.

Liuying attempted to assess her situation. They had vacated the fortress entirely. A battle had already engulfed the shore. The sounds indicated many figures moving back and forth in fierce fighting. But amid the chaos, she felt the undeniable pull of a familiar presence in the air high above. It was Morax! Thank goodness. They seemed to have things well in hand, but there was more to come. Liuying had not forgotten Osial’s promise of an army of giant beasts. Sure enough, it wasn’t long before great rumbling began echoing beneath the waves, followed by the crash of great beings surfacing. Liuying realized with a start that their scent matched Osial’s almost exactly. Her heart sunk as she took in the sound of their great numbers, and the seeming enormity of each individual beast. It was like nothing Liuying had ever witnessed or heard of before.

Liuying grunted as she was squeezed tighter by the tentacle around her waist. Osial hissed venomously into her ear.

“That dirty little trick of yours will change nothing, little goddess. You will hear the death cries of your beloved before joining him yourself.”

Chills went down Liuying’s spine. The sheer hatred and animosity in his voice frightened her.

Liuying felt the painful suction of each cup of Osial’s large tentacle as it vacuumed onto her bare stomach through her shredded clothes. Osial held her firmly in place without any effort at all. Her body ached and sagged, but the adrenaline of the battle was keeping her upright.

If all had gone according to plan, Osial was trapped within a barrier of Morax’s power, which she knew from her own experience to be impenetrable. The Millelith and adepti were busy defending the city against the onslaught of Osial’s soldiers, which left Morax to defeat an army of giant beasts alone.

The now familiar ear splitting roar of a dragon echoed around and inside her. She felt his fury in her very bones. The crashes and screams indicated that Morax was engaging in battle with the newly emerged beasts, already in his dragon form. The sounds and smells of his battle were telling. With talons and teeth, he swiped and tore and ripped. He threw beast after beast into the rocky cliffside, where they exploded with a wet splat. Long minutes stretched. Torn limbs and bloodied chunks went flying into the ocean all around him as he fought with a ferociousness she had never witnessed before. But there numbers were great and as she listened, it seemed to her that Morax the dragon began to be overwhelmed. His roar was mixed with gargles of water and sounded from the ocean surface. Liuying’s heart leapt up into her throat. Morax was being dragged down into the water.

She heard a creak and a pang as if a giant crossbow had been fired. She could not determine from where that shot had come, but she prayed that someone was helping Morax with his desperate struggle.

After several agonizing minutes, Liuying sensed Morax reemerge from the water with a gasp in his human form. He rose up into the air and continued to fight. Concerned, Liuying noticed that his powerful aura seemed diminished. He must have used up enormous amounts of power to create and hold the barrier, and the fighting had been going on for a good amount of time now.

Time passed. Liuying’s body ached, stinging painfully where Osial’s tentacles were still suctioned onto her body. Osial had brought them to an off-shore shoal and stood in knee-deep water watching Morax fight from a distance. He began pacing agitatedly, dragging Liuying along with him almost as if he’d forgotten about her. She was drenched and cold. Beisht had come close and placed her hand on his back as if to comfort him.

Osial was grumbling as if to himself, concerned, his arrogant posturing gone. “How can this be? That bastard is still going. Surely even he must run out of power eventually.”

Beisht spoke in her oily voice that was now somewhat familiar to Liuying. “Morax tires, husband. I sense less power emanating from him. Look, his pace slows.”

Osial watched Morax fighting for awhile, then turned to his wife, a vulnerability in his tone that she had not heard before. “I must act now, Beisht, while he is weakened. If I do not destroy him today, I never will.”

Beisht answered with remorse in her voice. “If you must do this, be careful. A tiger is most dangerous when cornered.” She stroked his arm lovingly and leaned in to kiss him on the cheek. It felt strange to witness such an ordinary, affectionate interaction between them.

Beisht held Osial’s hand. “Let me fight beside you. We have more of a chance against him together.”

Osial had a gentleness in his voice when he answered, “No, my love. I’m afraid I would be too concerned with protecting you. You are a good fighter, but that bastard is ferocious. It will take everything I have to face him alone. You must stay and guard the little blind wife. She is your bargaining chip if I fail.”

Osial turned to Liuying, wrapped with one of his tentacles, as if remembering her existence. He lifted her high off the ground and dropped her at Beisht’s feet. She landed on her bottom with a splash, and climbed to her feet drunkenly. The exhaustion was certainly catching up with her. Her body’s needs screamed for attention. Her torso felt raw, bruise atop bruise atop bruise. She was sure her skin was a myriad of interesting colors.

Liuying heard Osial wade out into the water and disappear underneath it. Her mind brought back to the present, panic began to spread through her numb, slow-thinking body. She tried to call out to Morax, but he was too far away and her voice was croaky with disuse and the abuse it had received from the poison.

She felt a hand grab her face, clasping over her mouth tightly. Beisht’s voice said, “There will be no warning him. This is between your husband and mine.”

Liuying nodded as best she could under Beisht’s hand, and Beisht let her go and stepped aside. She was grateful she had been allowed the dignity of standing on her own two feet. Together, they waited to see whose husband would prevail and whose would die.

Chapter 48

Morax

Morax had fought the beasts back from the shore enough that he felt he could take a short break. He soared above the water, the wind buffeting his scales. With one eye on Liuying’s location on the shoal, he scanned the water from above, surveying the situation. Osial had disappeared from Liuying’s side, and was now underneath the waves, invisible to him, and no doubt concocting some new horror for him to face. At least Osial was contained within the shield somewhere. He would not escape this time.

Morax had fought in many battles in his long life. But this fight had turned into something more akin to a nightmare. The krakens kept emerging from the ocean surface. They were disturbingly accurate clones of their master. Many had retreated below water after taking a blow from him. But they returned once they had recovered enough to continue fighting. These bastards were hard to take down. The loss of limbs did not seem to bother them. And worst of all was that the gentle sway of the water gave no support for his powerful blows to land. It felt as if he was just pushing them down to reemerge again later. He hated the sea, he thought grimly.

The only way to destroy these slimy bastards was to pick them up bodily and rip them into pieces. It was tiring work, and it began to feel difficult to keep his heavy body aloft. His power was depleting. It was not a problem he had faced in a long while.

Deciding to change tacks, Morax released his dragon form and took up his human skin once more. It was easier to move now, but he still needed weapons to wield. His spear, though powerful, was only a pinprick to these creatures. The kraken’s numbers were growing and they were beginning to approach the shore again. He summoned his power over geo, strengthening his connection to the earth and allowing it to build. He gathered the spirit of the rocks to himself, feeling their strength, their firm, undying splendor. Time and elements may change their form, but the stone endured. He felt a kinship with the earth, so like him in nature. It would answer his call.

Floating above the ocean, Morax raised his arms, aglow with power. The stone responded. A rumble began beneath the waves. The water splashed here and there agitatedly. Slowly, the seafloor rose. The water parted and stone emerged in a wide circle underneath the remaining beasts. The stone smelt of salt and sand, long submerged. Surprised, the creatures flapped on the ground briefly before getting their tentacles underneath them.

He moved towards them and they darted quickly across the land to avoid his blows. Apparently, they could still fight quite agilely on land. It was time to end this by whatever means necessary. Morax raised his arms high above his head and summoned a weapon. It was a spear made of stone, but enormous in size. In length it matched the height of a small mountain. With as much force as he could muster, Morax slammed the stone spear down into the earth he had raised, impaling a beast right through the eye. It flailed weakly as it lay pinned against the stone until it’s life was spent. This would do.

Spear after spear, he summoned. He used every muscle in his body and every bit of godly power to launch the enormous lances. Thrusting, throwing. Huge pieces of rock slammed into the stone, one after another. They stuck there, enormous pins in a strange, gargantuan pin cushion. It did not take long before all the beasts were impaled to the sea floor. Finding no more adversaries, he released his hold on the stone of the sea floor and watched it sink under the waves to return to its natural position. The water whirled violently in response to the changes. Large waves crashed against the shore, where the Millelith had retreated back up the bank. After some time, the water settled, calming back to its usual jittery state. The stone lances stuck out far above the water, so large they were in size.

He could feel the subtle, but persistent pull of exhaustion weighing down his limbs. The day was nearly won, but one battle remained. Just as this thought went through his mind, Morax felt a pain blossom in his chest. Looking down, he saw the barbed edge of a metal fishing harpoon thrust from just under his ribcage. As the realization dawned that Osial had gotten the better of him, he was yanked backward and down towards the water. He managed to grab one huge gulp of air before wet darkness enveloped him. He watched the rays of sunlight disappear as he was pulled down through the water.

Morax could not help the edge of panic that coursed through him. He had never felt comfortable in the water. The weight of it was pressing in on him harder and harder with each moment. Golden ichor, his lifeblood, poured from his wound leaving a sickening trail through the water above him. It was oddly beautiful, the golden liquid smeared across the water and spreading its silky tendrils out amongst the light-dappled water. It felt as if exhaustion and despair were weighing him down as much as the hook was pulling him.

But somewhere inside, Morax realized that this was a crucial moment. He could not let himself be dragged any deeper or he would not be able to get to the surface again. Liuying’s beautiful face popped into his head. With her eery, blackened eyes, keen intelligence and humor shining out. He could not give in. He had to return to her.

Strengthened by his determination, Morax took hold of the harpoon where it protruded from his back and grit his teeth. With one great shove, he yanked the harpoon out from his back. The downward force of the hook tore through his hands as he let it go, the water slowing the descent of his body. He struggled to remain conscious amid the searing pain. With some chagrin, he noticed his insides floating in the water around him. Grimly, he felt the gaping hole in his abdomin. He watched as the ichor poured forth from his wound out into the water around him. His life force felt weak and dim. He floated in a haze of pain, disconnected from the world around him.

An angry roar sounded in the water beneath him. Its tones sounded close to his ear, though it issued from far below, carried swiftly by the great underwater pressure. He tried to snap back to his senses, to will his body to move. He could not fight Osial under water. This was the home of the sea beast, where Morax’s movement would be slow and uncontrolled. He needed stone, and air.

Summoning every last bit of strength he had, Morax kicked his legs. The wound in his stomach made each movement agony. It was an interminable crawl upwards towards the light. But somehow, he inched his way skyward, gaining speed as he neared the surface.

Morax emerged with a splash, gasping for air. He somehow managed to get aloft again and made for the shoal. All he could think was to get to Liuying.

Chapter 49

Liuying

Terror clogged Liuying’s throat. Morax had been injured and pulled under the waves! No one knew the limits of his power, but how much could one man endure? Osial was an even more ancient beast than Morax was. His power was built upon the humans’ fear of the vast ocean: the unknown, deadly depths. Osial’s evil spanned back as far as human beings have been alive. It wasn’t until much later that the humans began making use of the treasures of the earth for bartering and trading. Morax’s essence and power as a god was borne of this development. Which ancient power would prevail?

Liuying’s hope dimmed and terror closed her throat as she couldn’t help but imagine the worst. What would the world be like without Morax. The thought terrified her. He was the steady force that kept chaos at bay. He checked the strong and protected the weak, preserving a kind of delicate balance.

But worse, selfishly, was the thought of her own life without Morax. It felt like she had just barely discovered something to truly live for. Liuying realized then that she had been asleep her whole life. She had trudged through each passing day, dead to the beauty and possibility of it all. In Liyue, she had found a home where she was cherished, where she didn’t have to fill some role, but could truly be herself. All because of that extraordinary man. He had caused her to awaken, to stand up and live her life the way she wanted, to choose for herself. Liuying wanted him to be a part of her life, every second for the rest of her long life. She wanted to know him better and to deepen their relationship with the passage of time and shared experience. She could not lose him now.

The sound of a splash caught her attention and she sensed Morax’s form emerge from the water and take to the sky. She exhaled a breath she didn’t know she’d been holding. He was alive. But concern knit her brow anew as she took note of him. His life force felt dim, so dim. Morax was usually such a powerful presence, but the being before her felt spent, his power flickering as if he barely lived.

Morax moved slowly across the air towards her position on the shoal, and she stepped forward. Beisht hmmphed unhappily beside her, but said nothing. Liuying reached out to him with her power instinctively. If he could get to her then she could save him! She just needed to touch him! It felt as if Morax was almost to her when, with a splash, a great, grunting being emerged from the ocean behind him. With a great wet slap, Morax was slammed into the water. The great whap of his impact on the watery shoal sent a chill through her. The tannic smell of blood and guts reached her nostrils. Her healer’s sense told her there was a great, gaping wound in his belly. The injury seemed tainted with Osial’s unholy power. Liuying clenched her jaw. She did not know Morax’s limits, but this would be a mortal wound on any other god.

The scene was silent except for the light whispering of water on the shore and Morax’s sweet, deep voice groaning in pain. Osial’s manic laughter bounced across the water. He knew he had won.

Liuying bit her tongue hard, tasting blood. He was so close to her, so close. She felt the weight of Morax’s gaze, direly wounded, and lying limply across the sand of the shallow across from hers. Just a small stretch of water separated them, she could feel it.

As Morax laid there struggling to breathe, there was movement in the water. Osial raised himself up in his beast form, heaving his massive body up above the waves, water coursing off his large body and falling back to the ocean in large plops. What was the sea bast going to do to her husband next? She dared not make a sound, listening with all her might to discover what was happening. The squelch of tentacles taking hold of wet skin, and then the sickening crack of bones and the ripping of sinew echoed in her ears. Tears tasted salty and wet upon her lips. Osial was tearing Morax in two. His body, structurally weak already with the massive hole in his stomach, broke into two parts and dropped to the ground. The smell of ichor became overwhelming as it poured forth from his body into the salty sand around him. It was surreal, horrific, like a bad dream hearing those two separate parts hit the ground a second apart. She pictured in her mind the shape of his beautiful body, the very perfection of the male form, separated into a torso and legs lying limply on the ground.

A little belatedly, Liuying screamed the horror of this moment into the sky. No! This couldn’t be! Morax’s life was ebbing to nothing. She could sense just the barest lick of his presence. Her body was moving before she knew what she was doing. She was in the water, moving forward off the shoal into the deeper water seperating them. She moved her arms and legs wildly, scrabbling desperately to move forward. Vaguely, she registered the fact that she had never swam before, that she did not know how. But desperate need surged her onward.

Moments stretched long in futile struggle, but eventually she felt sand beneath her feet, moving gently with the waves. She crawled onto the sand before Morax’s waning power. She moved her hands blindly, searching for his body. Her shaking hands touched his face first, felt his shoulders with their arms laid gently across the sand as if in repose. She felt down to where his torso ended. The gory smell of torn flesh and intestines mixed with sweat and salt. There was no time to think. Liuying felt across the sand for his legs. Grabbing hold of his thighs, she got to her feet shakily, feeling down to his ankles. Sand slipped beneath her feet as she sought for purchase on the moving sand beneath her. Inch by agonizing inch, with tears streaming down her face, she pulled her husband’s legs across the sand and aligned them with his upper body.

With a desperate cry, Liuying threw herself down upon his chest. with her hands splayed across his broken body, she poured her power into him. She felt his bone and sinew and muscle knit together in a rapid frenzy. She froze in this position with her head thrown back as she pushed more and more of her godly power into him. The powerful torrent of her chi overwhelmed every other sense. Her consciousness was a misty haze, but slowly, she began to realize that the flow of her power was lessening. She was reaching her limit. Liuying didn’t know what would happen to her when it ran out, but she didn’t care. A ragged scream tore from her throat as she forced every last bit of her life force into Morax.

The last bit of her fading consciousness prayed that what she had done was enough. Then she felt nothing. Liuying was but an empty vessel.

Chapter 50

Morax

Lights danced behind his eyes. Memories scattered and coalesced across his mind. He remembered with a rush that he was finished. Osial had dealt him a killing blow for certain. Morax had felt every rip, every tear of his muscles and organs as Osial had ripped his body apart. Though he was no stranger to physical pain, this had been an agony unparalleled. The terrible, wet, snapping sounds of his breaking body still echoed in his head. Memories of pain haunted his recently severed torso, but he realized grimly that they were memories only. Now he felt light as a feather.

Was he dead? He had never really worried over whether there was an afterlife for the godly of Teyvat. His life had felt long enough already, and he did not fear its denouement. But now that it was time, regret and sadness filled him. He mourned the life he could have had with Liuying.

But wait. Surely death did not taste of sourness, sweat and blood? Other senses began to return to him, the sense of his body having a form and presence. He felt his chest rise and fall minutely, though it felt as if there was a heavy weight on it. There were distant sounds, hazy sounds. He felt sand underneath his fingertips, though he still could not move his body.

The sounds grew louder and focused into words. He recognized Osial’s voice and Beisht’s speaking in a hushed exchange above him.

Beisht sounded panicked. “I don’t understand. Is she dead? You won. Why did you kill her?”

Osial replied, “I did no such thing, woman. She crawled onshore, dragged the two halves of his body together and collapsed on top of him. I guess she wanted to join him in death and so she… did?” Osial sounded bewildered.

Morax’s hazy mind seemed to take too long to understand the words and their meaning. The warm weight covering his body, he began to realize, had texture: soft fabric and hair splayed across his chest. Liuying!

Osial had begun a low growl that ascended into a shout. “It doesn’t matter. I have won. The Lord of Geo is finally dead and gone! And now there is no one to stop me from taking whatever I want! This world is mine!”

Maniacal laughter echoed too loudly in Morax’s ears. But with every second he felt his strength returning to him. He opened his eyes with a pulse of golden light. With Liuying clutched carefully in one arm, he rose up into the air and grabbed Osial’s throat with his other. The muscles in his arm pulsed with power. He felt whole, born anew. How this miracle had occurred did not matter now.

Morax slammed Osial into the ground. Beisht’s shocked scream sounded far away to him. It was over before he knew it. Above him, high in the air, he summoned gigantic spear after spear. He poured all of his newly regenerated power into them, and all at once, he thrust them down. Down through Osial’s body, deep, deep into the bedrock below. Osial’s splayed body pulsed and spasmed with the destructive power coursing through him.

With a soft moan altogether unbefitting his loud personality, Osial lapsed into unconsciousness. A true death for a god this powerful would require a complete dismantling of his person. But for now, he was defeated.

Morax sighed relief and turned his attention to Liuying. She did not move. Her face was a mask of white stillness, her blackened eyelids closed over her blackened eyes. No expression on her brow, but complete relaxation.

Healers. He summoned all to him. Healers. Now. Morax dropped to his knees, laying her body carefully before him. He stroked her black hair away from her dirtied face.

He felt the presence of his generals appearing beside him. Bosacious. Bonanus. Indarius. Alatus. Menogias. Along with them, came other figures. They knelt around his wife, their grim faces focused on their work, their limited powers pouring into Liuying.

Finally, one of them lifted his eyes to meet Morax’s.

“She lives.”

Morax’s sigh of relief was amplified by those around him.

“It was close. It seems she poured all of her power, all of her life force, into another, leaving nothing for herself. But as she is, she will recover her power. It will just take time.”

Morax nodded numbly. She had saved him. His life had been utterly spent and she had sacrificed herself to bring him back from death. Morax scooped her up into his arms as gently as he could. They had scraped by. It was time to go home. Time to heal from all of this.

Chapter 51

Liuying

Liuying awoke to the sound of a loud, sonorous snore. Disoriented, she lifted her hand to wipe her face. Each movement required so much effort. She must have been very deeply asleep. She felt around with her hand to discover the source of the sound. Her fingertips felt the familiar thick texture of Morax’s hair. His head lay on the edge of the bed, his body off the edge. He must be seated in a chair.

Liuying gasped as a rush memories flooded back into her mind. Osial! The fight! Morax! Morax was snoring by her side, so her healing must have been effective. What had happened to Osial, to Beisht? Was it all over?

Her voice sand paper, she tried to speak. “Mo-rax…” He moaned. Louder, she mumbled, “Morax.” With a snort, he lifted his head beneath her hand.

“Liuying! Thank goodness you’re awake.” The excitement, fondness and relief in his voice was evident. It brought a smile to her lips.

Liuying asked, “What happened? I feel like my body has been pushed through a sieve and then mashed together again.”

Morax chuckled warmly.

“Colorful description, wife.” He sighed. “It is over. You have been asleep three days.”

Her stomach grumbled in affirmation. “Three days!”

Morax clasped her hand in his long fingers and stroked gently. His voice was tight with emotion. “I thought… I thought I had lost you.” The silence was pregnant with the emotion of that sentence.

Liuying replied, her voice raspy. “I thought the same.”

“But we are here now. We are home and it is all over. Our people are safe.” Morax’s usual eloquence seemed to fail him in favor of simpler speech, but the meaning was conveyed just the same. He patted her hand. “Let me get you some food.”

He made to leave, but Liuying clasped his hand tighter.

“But Osial? Beisht? The others?”

Morax hummed with affection. “You almost died, and still you have only thoughts for others. All is well, my love. It was a difficult fight all around. We lost a lot of men to Osial’s hoards, but not nearly as many as we would have without your potions. All of our generals are wounded, but well and recovering. Osial is dead, but not completely destroyed yet. That task is ahead. Beisht has stayed by his body, refusing food and drink these three days. She mourns, but she will survive.”

All seemed resolved then. She should be happy. Relieved. But Liuying felt the pull of something unfinished.

Liuying asked, “What will you do with him?”

Morax’s voice hardened as he replied, “I must destroy him utterly. His body will be burned to ash and sprinkled across the land and sea so that he may never be resurrected again. In time a new deity of the sea may arise, but it will take centuries. And that new god will be their own person, unburdened by the madness. It would be a new start for that realm. Or perhaps the mortals will move past their fear and no new god will be created. They do seem to need us less and less as time marches onward. Who is to say?”

“But he is ill, Morax. Insane. Is there no way to show compassion? For Beisht’s sake?”

Morax sighed. “You seem to have a soft spot for Beisht. Would it not be better for her to live untethered to that beast? To move on with her life?”

Liuying considered this. “Perhaps, but that is not for us to decide. And from what I know of her, I think she will mourn her love for the rest of her days, no matter how many they may be.”

Morax made uneasy movements with his hands. “What are we to do with him, then? He must be destroyed so as to never harm another innocent. Too many have died at his hands. Too many mortal families have been ripped apart and lives destroyed. The terror he has wrought has spread far across the land. If there is even a chance of his returning, the mortals will continue to live in fear. Frightened people do not flourish. They do not innovate and grow. They wither.”

A heavy silence settled in the room. The breeze tickled the chimes outside the window, gentle notes drifting through the air inside the manor.

Liuying felt Morax’s presence grow nearer, his breaths slowing. She stilled, reveling in the feel of his face close to hers, of his breath warm on her cheek. Their lips met softly, communicating all that they felt for one another; the emotional ups and downs of their rushed union; the trust and intimacy that had grown between them; the fear and anxiety of the last few days; and their hopes for their shared future, now protected by the actions they had taken together. Liuying felt pride at her part in it all, at what they had accomplished.

She placed a hand on Morax’s chest and pushed him back gently, as ideas coursed through her mind. There was always a solution. Always another option. If an action did not sit well with her conscious, there was no reason to be bound to it. She was free to make her own choices. They were free to decide a course of action together.

Liuying said, “I am confident I could craft potions strong enough to keep him calm and docile, happy even. Enough to imprison him and give him a good quality of life. This way Beisht could live with him and care for him. Using your power, we could imprison him in rock in his underground stronghold.”

Morax said, “Fair enough, but it may take centuries for a god like him to return to consciousness from the state he’s in now. And there is always a risk something may go wrong and we may have to face him again.”

Liuying rested a finger next to her mouth in thought. Morax placed a warm kiss on her pursed lips. He murmured, “You are adorable when that big brain of yours is working hard.”

Liuying pushed him back again, trying to ignore the enticing feel of his hard chest under her fingertips.

She continued, “I could revive him, as I did you. You were dead and gone as well, and I brought you back with my power.”

She could sense him shaking his head before she even finished her sentence. He clasped her hand harder. “Please don’t, Liuying. Please promise me you’ll never do that again. I almost lost you because of that. And I had just barely slipped away. Osial has been dead three days already.”

Liuying harrumphed, knowing Morax was right. “Well, I can at least administer some prolonged healing, bit by bit, that will help revive him faster. For Beisht’s sake.”

Was that doable? It was not something she had attempted in the past. But it seemed the same sort of concept as reviving the godly who have spent all their powers, and that is something she had done before. Yes, she could do it, she was sure. And if worse came to worse, Beisht would wait as long as necessary for Osial to recover.

Morax said, “Yes, I am sure there is nothing that is outside your capabilities, Liuying. I still doubt whether death might not be the more compassionate option for Osial. But let us sit down with Beisht, present the different options, and let her choose.”

Liuying felt for Morax’s broad shoulders and pulled him in tightly to her chest. “You are the wisest, kindest man I know of, Morax. You show compassion even to your mortal enemy. I am the luckiest being alive.”

Morax stroked down her back. “I believe that may be more due to your influence than you realize, Liuying. But thank you for the compliment.”

He leaned back and stroked her face with one finger, his deep voice a pleasant rumble against her chest. “I do believe we will accomplish many great things together, my love.”

Liuying felt her eyes burn with tears of gratitude. “Yes, Morax. Yes we will.”

He scooted the chair back and rose. “Now, you need nourishment. I will bring you some food and tea. And once you are recovered enough and willing, there is nothing in this world that can stop me from locking us together in our bedroom for the foreseeable future.”

Tingles of anticipation shot through her body quite wantonly. She had adapted well to married life, that was for sure. The door closed lightly behind Morax, and Liuying sighed in contentment.

Chapter 52

Morax

A breeze stirred Morax’s hair as he stared out across the harbor. Nearby bamboo scaffolding creaked in the wind. The clattering and scraping of saws and hammers punctuated the calm movement of the wind through the trees. Morax found that he paid more attention to sounds lately. He had spent time imagining what daily life was like for Liuying. The sighted depended so on their eyesight. Morax had found that giving heed to his other senses had opened up his reality to something more rich and layered than ever before. Liuying had changed him in many ways.

The humans were hard at work, scurrying around and building up their little city. Liyue Harbor had changed so much already in the month or so that had passed since the great battle. The new peace had brought forth the people’s creative spirit. They looked to the future now, instead of just their own survival. Just as he had thought they would, the humans were thriving in peacetime. They were growing into something more.

Morax felt a familiar presence approaching. Bosacious came up beside him and clapped him on the shoulder hard. The force would surely have knocked a mortal over. The yaksha had never been aware of his own strength.

“My Lord! We have fulfilled your every order. The Millelith will continue to train and stand in readiness to defend the kingdom if needed. But they seem to be enjoying their more domestic duties now as well.”

Bosacious gestured to a pair of Millelith guards helping hold up a plank as it was hammered into place, and another helping a woman carry her groceries. Their faces looked relaxed, their smiles wide and genuine. He felt a smile split his own lips in echo. Their calm demeanor was not something he had seen in the people in a long while.

“Yes, all is well, Bosacious. All of my people have surpassed themselves in the fulfillment of their duties.” Here he clapped his general on the shoulder in return. It was always wise to give affection in the way the receiver would understand and appreciate best.

Morax continued, “We have achieved our goal through much toil and strife, and we are all stronger for it. I am content.”

Bosacious’ booming voice lowered a bit as he said, “It was a close thing, though. If not for your lady wife, we might not have pulled through.”

Morax rumbled his assent. “If not for my lady wife, I would not have ‘pulled through,’ as you put it, my friend.”

Bosacious moaned animatedly. “Don’t remind me. I have never been more terrified in my life than when I looked over to see you being ripped in two like that! I thought it was over for all of us. But what a tale to tell, eh! They’ll be reciting the story for generations of how the Dragon and the Goddess of Poisons teamed up to defeat the great Sea Beast once and for all!”

Morax said, “I am fortunate indeed in my choice of wife. I have never been happier.” He paused, a wry smile on his lips. “But do not forget the songs that will be sung of the Lord of Geo’s famed adepti generals.”

Bosacious said, “Ay! Of course, my lord! I think we’ve become minor celebrities of a sort. We receive praise and thanks wherever we go. A woman bade me bless her baby just this morning. I can’t say I haven’t been enjoying it! The five yakshas have been drinking in taverns and celebrating with the people for months now!”

“The attention is well deserved, my friend. I thank you most sincerely for the loyalty you have shown me.”

“Enough. Enough, my lord! You know I am a simple man. I do not know how to react to such praise.” Another hard clap on the shoulder. “Come now, I will return to my duties and leave you to your thoughts.”

Morax nodded in farewell. They really were in a good place. Liuying had been working hard at the challenge she had set herself. Together, they had returned to Tuliang to obtain herbs and some formulas of her mother’s to aid in her task. Bolin was still grieving his lost wife, but seemed pleased to see his daughter happy. Liuying had been working hard in her workshop since. She had obtained a knowledgeable herbalist assistant, and that seemed to be helping things move along faster. But she still worked herself too many hours in a row without breaks, and still, she tested her concoctions out on herself, stubborn girl. Morax grunted in frustration, a familiar rumble in his chest. He did worry for her. But he trusted her. Liuying was the most intelligent, capable person he knew.

And she kept surprising him. The rapport his wife had developed with Beisht had certainly been a surprise. Morax knew Liuying was a compassionate individual, but still. Beisht was a prickly, angry old sea serpent. She aimed her ire at all around her. Even Morax had trouble having patience with her, despite his many years of experience. But somehow, Beisht and Liuying seemed to want each other’s company. They met weekly to talk about Liuying’s progress with Osial’s treatment and have tea or drink wine. The pair also travelled together down to Osial’s home under the waves to check up on his condition. Beisht seemed to soften some when Liuying was around. It was clear the two women trusted one another.

Morax would never have predicted it, but this merciful arrangement seemed like it would work. As Liuying had guessed, Beisht had chosen to revive Osial and become his caretaker. Morax had spent weeks and immense amounts of power turning Osial’s lair into a secure prison, or he supposed he could consider it more of a treatment facility. It was now heavily fortified with his shields, grounded to the sea floor around it. By infusing the rock beneath the ocean with his power, he had been able to basically breathe life into the domicile. It would repair itself if any cracks appeared over time. He needed only to visit occasionally to recharge the power there, and the containment would hold indefinitely. With Morax’s clean, golden power suffusing the place, instead of the putrid, oily insanity of Osial’s, the castle beneath the waves felt cleaner and brighter already.

Liuying was making progress helping Osial to recover bit by bit. She had confidence that she would be able to treat his condition and ease his madness somewhat. It would be enough for him to have some kind of a life together with his beloved in their home, even if it would not be enough to restore him to what he once was.

It was such a relief to have the situation definitively concluded. Finally, the world could live in peace. Now that it was all over, Morax found it easier to look on Osial with pity. Gone was the fiery fury of righteous justice that Morax used to feel. Now that his people were protected, he could see Osial for what he was: a pitiable being of mental illness. Morax made a mental note, they would have to keep an eye on Beisht as the years progressed. Experience told him that she might be susceptible to the same kind of spiritual rot that Osial had experienced. Well, he and Liuying would be there for Beisht if and when they were needed.

A burst of power behind him drew his attention. It seems he had another visitor. Morax turned to find Alatus, with Liuying on his arm. The orange of the setting sun over Liyue Harbor reflected in her black, mirrored eyes, resplendent against her pale face. The smile on her lips drew his attention to her mouth. That beautiful, full upper lip pursed as she made a pout, pretending to be upset with him. But the hint of a smile on one side gave her away.

“What are you doing up here? It is getting late. Have you forgotten your wife in your triumph?”

Her teasing brought a smile to his lips. He had been doing that much more lately, Morax noted. Liuying’s voice had true confidence in it nowadays. She was secure in his affection for her, and in her own worth. Warm satisfaction and pride suffused his face.

Morax rushed to his wife’s side and took her hand, with a nod at Alatus who left with a wink. That boy seemed more at ease as well, more present and involved with those around him. All the adepti adored him, the youngest of the group. He believed Liuying was coming to see him as her own son. It would not surprise him if she presented him with adoption papers at some point.

He walked Liuying to a boulder and helped her seat herself next to him. He reveled in the feel of her warm skin against his palm. She laid her head against his shoulder. He knew well now how to ease her head into the crook between his shoulder and neck where she would be most comfortable. Their bodies seemed to fit together now with a smoothness that made him wonder that they had ever been apart.

Liuying nuzzled her face into his neck, her warm breath tickling the stubble along his sensitive skin. The sensations were quickly too much for him, and he reached for her face, sweet and beautiful turned up toward him.

Morax kissed his wife’s mouth gently, tenderly. He sought to communicate all that he felt for her with each touch of their lips, each intertwining of tongues and breath. They parted and he sighed in satisfaction. His many years of weariness seemed to melt off of him at the anticipation of her.

He stroked her cheek lightly and asked, “Is there anything you would ask of me, my love? I would give you anything your heart desires.”

Liuying held him tighter, her arms around his large torso, and huffed a light laugh.

“Anything, huh? Shall we rename Liyue Harbor to Liuying’s Harbor?”

Morax didn’t miss a beat. “Of course, my dear. It would please all to utter your name daily, and to have it written upon every official document in the country.”

Liuying said, “And every court summons… every deed of land or sale of livestock. Ugh, no thank you.”

They laughed aloud together, their intermingled voices creating a chorus that tinkled in the wind.

Liuying took his hand in hers, intertwining their fingers. “No, my husband. It is only you, only you I desire.”

A typically charming answer. He rewarded it with a kiss to her forehead.

He answered, his voice a pleased, deep rumble. “Then it is me you shall have, my lovely Liuying. My attention. My heart. My body. My soul. All the long years of my life… are yours.”

Liuying said, “And I shall give you the same in kind. My joys and my sorrows. Every bit of myself, I will share with you, Morax.”

He pulled her onto his lap and held her close to him. These vows felt sacred, like their marriage promises renewed, but more meaningful this time around.

Morax lowered Liuying gently to the soft grass below and they made love under the evening sky. They shared freely of themselves with one another, intertwining their bodies and souls. As they would ever after.