Fresh Embers of Love

Chapter 22

The Phoenix Kun Ji held a piece of fabric up to the light of the sun, studying it intently. The bright light could reveal any imperfections in the stitching, and give her an idea of the thread count in the weave.

She had spent the last several days helping Mother redecorate her room, and now she had been tasked with her own room. Mother had insisted that girls needed to know how to properly furnish a home, and everything that entailed.

In preparation, she had learned about silks and cottons, which weaves were used for which functions, which colors were best suited for which purposes. She had memorized the Eight Trigrams Chart of Feng Shui for proper placement of furnishings. She had learned the eight classes of wood used in furniture production, and how to best care for each.

She had learned so much, in fact, that she had no idea what she wanted for herself. She had too many ideas of what she might like. They lacked cohesion. She put the fabric down, holding it in her lap, and sighed tiredly. This fabric was good quality, it was pretty, but she didn't know if she wanted it.

Outside the gate of the palace, Kun Ji could hear the rambunctious voices of her brothers growing near. The gate opened, and Kama and Itachi walked inside, accompanied by Fuzang, the Dragon Prince. Kun Ji sat up straighter. Mother had said that she must always make a good impression on others.

"Kun Ji, look who we brought!" Itachi yelled out from the gate.

Kun Ji rose from her seat, and bowed formally. The Prince returned her bow, and smiled at her. She returned his smile reflexively. He seemed different today. More... relaxed? She was used to seeing him frown. His smile was actually quite nice.

"Welcome, Prince Fuzangloong" she said pleasantly.

"Thank you, Cousin Kun Ji" he replied graciously.

He walked over to the table upon which she had her materials laid out.

"What is all this for?" Fuzang asked her curiously.

"I am redecorating my room" Kun Ji informed him, "but I haven't gotten very far" she sighed again.

"What is causing your problem?" Fuzang asked. "I can get you whatever you need" he offered considerately.

Kun Ji felt herself blush, and looked down at the table. She didn't know what to say. It was nice of him to offer, but he couldn't possibly fix her dilemma.

"At least let me offer you this" Fuzang said.

He reached into his sleeve and pulled out a lump of gold, holding it in the palm of his hand. The metal began to bend and twist, forming itself into the shape of a small Phoenix. He placed it on the table in front of her.

Kun Ji caught her breath. She reached for it eagerly, inspecting it, admiring its delicate beauty.

"Thank you!" she exclaimed in delight.

"Do you really like it?" Fuzang asked seriously.

Kun Ji nodded rapidly. "It's beautiful" she whispered, looking up into his face. His eyes stared down into hers, holding her gaze.

"Hey, Fuzang! Catch this!" Itachi yelled.

A piece of broken masonry about the size of her fist went sailing past her nose, making her jump back.

"ITACHI!!!" Kun Ji yelled ferociously, turning on him with an angry scowl. "How DARE you?" she growled. "You almost took my head off!"

She turned back to Fuzang anxiously.

"I'm so sorry for my brother" she began apologizing. Then she noticed what Fuzang was holding.

He had actually caught the rock that her brother had thrown at them. He glared at Itachi menacingly, and clenched his fist over it, making it crumble into dust. He shook his hand, scattering the powdery remains.