Guangfeng was pacing in his study with his hands clasped behind his back when his fourth brother came in. The third prince looked up and studied Guangzhu. “Did she say anything?” he asked anxiously.

The fourth prince grimaced. “Well...yes. She shouted at me and kicked me out and doesn’t want to speak with me anymore either.”

A hint of worry flashed across Guangfeng’s hazel eyes. “Did she at least explain why?”

“Sort of, but I don’t really understand it. She said women aren’t inferior to men and that where she’s from they can do whatever they want. She also said you didn’t consider her thoughts and feelings and ideals.” Guangzhu shrugged and lifted his hands in a helpless gesture.

Guangfeng rubbed his face with one hand. “I just wanted to keep her safe. If she was betrayed once she can be betrayed again by the same person.”

“About that...she said she can keep herself safe.” Gaungzhu sighed. “I don’t envy you. Your fiance is pretty, but she seems difficult to deal with.”

The third prince let out a sigh of his own. “I suppose I should go see if she will let me in. We won’t get anywhere if we don’t try to talk things through.”

“Good luck with that. I heard she’s the dragon priestess? Seems you’ll be marrying someone who outranks everyone, even the emperors.”

“Her rank doesn’t matter. I’m more concerned with not sabotaging myself and ruining our chances to have a happy marriage.” Guangfeng sighed and rubbed his face again. “Thank you for trying. I guess I’ll have to take care of it myself somehow.”

“Maybe you could get permission from father to go back to her country for a visit?” Guangzhu suggested.

Guangfeng gave his brother a tense smile. “That’s actually a very good idea. I’ll try it. Thank you, Guangzhu.”

The fourth prince nodded his head. “You’re welcome.” He turned and left Guangfeng to his troubles.

Guangfeng thought for a bit longer before leaving his study and going to get his horse. He headed into the palace to speak with his father.

In the emperor’s study, Guangfeng spent over an hour speaking with his father, Emperor Xiong Lijun. It took the time to convince the emperor to give Guangfeng a few days off, but the prince managed to succeed. Once he had acquired permission to not show up for morning court for a few days, Xiong Guangfeng headed for Crystal Moon Residence to speak with Yuelan.

***

Yuelan frowned at Chung Soo. The steward had just come to find her in a part of the garden filled with trees, all the leaves having already turned shades of red, yellow, and orange. “His Highness the third prince wants to come in and speak with me?” she repeated. “I’m fairly certain I said I wouldn’t be seeing anyone else today, no matter who they were.”

The eunuch wiped his forehead with a handkerchief. His mistress looked more angry than he’d ever seen her. “You did, but his highness was most insistent. He says he wishes to repair your relationship and that he will wait outside until you permit him entry.”

“Well, then he can stay there. I don’t want to see him.” Yuelan crossed her arms and glared at her steward.

“His Highness asked me to deliver this letter. He hopes you’ll at least agree to read it.” Chung Soo held a letter out to Yuelan.

“Fine.” Yuelan snatched the letter from her steward and started to read it:

"Yuelan,

I realize that things are different where you come from and that those differences are causing difficulty in our relationship. While I still don’t understand why you are angry with me, I want the opportunity to learn what it is that bothers you so much. If it’s possible, I’d like to visit your world and see it for myself. Perhaps understanding you better will help me keep from upsetting you again.

Guangfeng."

Yuelan finished the letter and snorted as she crumpled it up. The words repeated in her head a couple of times before she uncrumpled it and read through it once again. This time she sighed. Long He, how much longer do I have to stay here without going home? And when are you and Byakko coming back? She wasn’t expecting an answer, so when she got one she squeaked and jumped.

It should be possible for you to go back in two days. You won’t be able to stay for more than a day, but it should be alright for you to go for a short visit. The dragon’s reply made it sound like he wasn’t at all surprised to be contacted.

How did you...Long He! Are you close enough to be reading my mind?

Amusement rippled through the dragon’s mental voice as he responded. Not really, no. But I can hear you through the bond when you reach out to me.

That would have been nice to know. I didn’t know it worked over longer distances! When are you two coming back? And would it be possible for me to take Guangfeng with me when I go home? Yuelan sounded tired and resigned. Guangfeng was right. How they were raised was very different. Taking him home with her would be the best way to help him understand.

It should be possible. I will let you know when we return tomorrow.

Alright. Thank you, He. Yuelan turned to look at Chung Soo. “Tell his highness to return at nine in the morning the day after tomorrow. I will fulfill his request then.”

The steward bowed and went back to the gates.

***

When Chung Soo returned without Yuelan, Guangfeng felt his heart sink in his chest. “She still refuses to see me?”

The steward lifted his hands in a helpless gesture. “My lady said to return at nine the morning after tomorrow and she will fulfill your request then. Your Highness, please go back.”

Guangfeng sighed and nodded. “Alright.” He mounted his horse, nodded to the steward, and then headed back to his palace.