The boats didn’t stop for the first four days of the journey and Yuelan spent the time reading the books that were available on Leila’s boat. There was a decent variety of them: poetry from all the kingdoms as well as the Hechuan people, studies on nature and magical creatures, notes on how to form bonds and care for magical creatures. There was a lot that Yuelan had been interested in before. While she read, Byakko stayed in her lap or on her feet and Willow stayed by her side.

The evening of the fifth day the boats moved to the banks of the river and everyone disembarked. Yuelan looked around and saw an anxious Guangfeng hurrying over to her.

The third prince wrapped his arms around Yuelan and hugged her for a moment before letting her go and looking her up and down.

“I’m fine, Guangfeng. I spent the last few days reading or enjoying the scenery,” Yuelan reassured him. She smiled up at him. “Thanks for worrying about me, though.”

Guangfeng returned her smile with a smile of his own that was full of relief. “None of the men seem interested in knowing what’s going on. They just follow the women. It’s odd.”

Yuelan shrugged. “The Hechuans are matriarchal. The women are in charge.”

“They had mentioned that before. I just found it strange. It’s very different from what I’m used to.”

She smiled and took his hand to walk toward where Leila and some of the others were working together to get fires built. “It is different. Everything here is different from what I’m used to, but different doesn’t make it bad. How did things go for you in court?”

Guangfeng grinned. “I managed to get the majority to speak favorably of the idea and Father Emperor said he would write the decree. It should be official by the time we get back.”

“Congratulations. That means you’ll be granted the title of crown prince, too, doesn’t it?”

“It does.” The third prince studied her in silence as they sat down on a log that some of the men had moved to be close to the fire. “Your marriage to me won’t affect whether or not I become crown prince now, so you’re free if you want to be.” His words were quiet and he sounded sad.

Yuelan studied his face carefully. “Thank you, Guangfeng. That means a lot to me.” She gave him a small smile. “For now, I think I’ll leave things as they are. You’ve done a lot for me and I haven’t been very good at being nice to you. I’ll give it a try this time.”

Guangfeng stared at her for a moment, then grinned and hugged her close. “I’m glad your culture doesn’t mind hugging before marriage,” he whispered.

Yuelan hugged him back and giggled at his comment. “You still have to behave though. At least when we’re in public. Though the Hechuan people don’t seem to mind too much.” She nodded toward where she could see a few couples hugging each other or cuddling on a log.

“Which means the only one who might care is Willow and she’s pretending not to notice.” Guangfeng looked around and caught sight of the maid, who was looking up at the tops of the trees nearby and indeed pretending like she didn’t know that Guangfeng and Yuelan were hugging.

“Willow won’t say anything.” Yuelan giggled. It actually felt kind of nice to cuddle with Guangfeng and she rested her head against his chest.

Leila walked over to the two and smiled. “Alright lovebirds, it’s time for us to have a chat.”

Yuelan blushed and pulled away from Guangfeng, who sighed and looked resigned. “Is this about the next two days of the trip to the temple?” Yuelan asked.

Leila nodded. “Yup. The boats will stay here and wait for us. The next two days we’ll be going on foot. It’s going to be dangerous, since there are many creatures who have lost their senses around here. Yuelan, you’re not trained to fight at all, are you?”

“No, I’m not.” Yuelan shook her head.

“Willow has had some martial arts training,” Guangfeng offered. “And I have had quite a lot of it.”

“Good. Willow can stay next to Yuelan and you can take up the rear. I’ll take the front since I know the way.” Leila didn’t bother asking and just gave instructions.

“Byakko will stay next to me as well,” Yuelan added.

Leila studied the sacred beast with a slight frown. “I’m not sure it was a good idea to bring him. What if he turns on us?”

Byakko growled at Leila. Tell the foolish human that I am not like those beasts who have gone insane. I am stronger than they are and contracted to you. Nothing can harm my mind.

“He says he’ll be fine. Byakko is one of the four sacred beasts and has a contract with me,” Yuelan translated.

Leila still looked doubtful. “I’d still feel better if we left him behind.”

“I can’t. I’ll need Byakko’s help in the temple. We’ll also have to find the Azure Dragon before we get there.” Yuelan’s voice was firm. “I need them both to complete the ritual in the temple.”

Leila grimaced. “Fine. We’ll head for the temple and hope nothing happens to you and that we find another dangerous beast to try and kill us along the way.”

“Everything will be fine, Leila. You just need to trust me. I can fix the problem. I did it in Zhongshu and I’ll do it here in the Barren Lands too,” Yuelan coaxed.

“We leave at first light. Make sure you get a good hot meal and plenty of rest.” Leila stood and went to go carry out her other duties.

Guangfeng looked down at Yuelan. “You seem more like the priestess than you did when I first met you.”

Yuelan smiled at him. “I’m getting a little more confident and comfortable with it.”