Page 12 of Betrayed By Dragons

Swallowing, I return her greeting. "Lady Tsing."

"Busy morning?"

"Always."

She lowers her voice and glances around. "A busy two weeks, then, as well."

Internally, I groan. I deserve this confrontation, though. Tsing and I were in regular contact before I left for the summit, and my silence since my return was unfair.

Honestly, the biggest surprise is that she's waited this long to seek me out.

"My apologies."

"You can make it up to me at dinner tonight." She raises one delicately arched brow. "Like you promised?"

We were supposed to dine together the night before I left for the summit, but I was detained by last minute business. I offered her a raincheck. That all seems like a lifetime ago.

Exhaling, I steel myself.

My commitment to my fated mate is absolute. Lovely as she is, Tsing doesn't tempt me in the slightest. But my change in circumstances is not her fault.

"Unfortunately, that won't be possible."

"So it's true." She stops walking.

I pause, glancing around. I can't do anything in this castle without drawing attention to myself, but as discretely as I can, I pull her over into an alcove.

My heart hammers behind my ribs. "Tsing..."

Rather than vindictive, her expression is open, though. Almost kind. "You found her."

My fated mate.

Is there any point denying it? The very idea of trying to lie about finding the other half of my soul sends a pang searing through my chest.

I scan the area again before letting out another breath. "Who told you?"

"No one--it's just a rumor that's been floating around the court."

That it hasn't made it into the tabloids yet is a minor miracle--and a relief.

"Please don't tell anyone." My throat bobs. "The situation...it's complicated."

A spark lights in her eyes, but she schools her expression quickly. "I am the soul of discretion."

I'm not so sure about that. But she is a friend, and I trust her as much I could anyone with their own vested interests in the running of this kingdom.

"Thank you. And..." I swallow again. "I'm sorry. You should have heard it from me directly."

"I understand." One corner of her lips curls up into a rueful smile. "Your life has never been your own, Jianyu." She brushes her hand against mine briefly before pulling away. "I'm glad you found something that's just for you."

The irony is a knife in my chest.

Ember is mine. But she'll never, ever be mine alone.

"Thank you," I manage to get out.

"I'm still going to hold you to that raincheck on dinner." She smiles as she begins to back away. "I have a few policy issues I'd like to bend your ear about."

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