The Black Chinese King

e clutched the jade pendant Mei Lian had earlier pressed into his palm, its cool weight consoling him amidst the problems. The pa

he maid who had warned them earlier. "This way!" she hissed, beckoning

dden corridor were damp and cold, closing in on him as he moved swiftly through the narrow space. When they finall

e dawn," she whispered. "If they catch y

alone to face her father's wrath, but he knew she was right. He

into the shadows, va

The grand throne room was eerily silent, save for the occasional shining of candle flam

ow and thunderous. "Consorting with a foreigner, defy

resolute. "Father, I have always honored our lineage. B

the hall, their disapproval was for sure. Jiang stood at the Em

ove is a fleeting illusion. What you

ered, her voice was bold. "Why did our ancestors fight for the ones they

he honor of our house? Will you throw it aw

an shot back. "He has a warrior's spirit, a heart t

onfined to your chambers until you come to your senses.

was led away, she cast one last glance at her father. "I wi

ike a heavy cloak. He had taken refuge in a small inn, his mind was racing with thoughts

ilence. Kwame got tensed up, ready for a fight, until t

. His old friend from Ghana, a skilled

trouble," Wilson said, his voice was calm but urgent.

a bit. "I need your help. Mei Lian is in danger. I

uickly. But know this, my friend, d

"For love, I would defy

space where her jade pendant had once rested. She had given it to Kwame in the hopes that i

he turned, her breath was caught. It was her

the

with an expression both stern and sorrowful. "You have

softly. "But I cannot

's face. "Love is a rare thing in this world, child.

fragile hope. "You... you do

en the light in your eyes when you speak of him. But your father will not yield ea

clenched into fis

Lian's hand, a folded piece of parchment. "Then take this. It is a pas

h hitched. "Moth

press said with a sad smile.

ity. They had gathered a handful of trusted allies, rebels, outcasts, and those who owed Wi

se went high. He clutched Mei Lian's jade pendant,

ang watched from the shadows, a cruel smirk on his

yes followed their every step. And in that moment, the fate of the

contin