Not all who wear the face of a human are human indeed. If you want to know what a person truly is, then you should stand with your back to the person, spit on the ground, bend down, and look at them through the gap between your legs. Empress Zhang Li can see what Amira is as she watched her. Coiled up in front of her grandson is a creature that she never wished to set her eyes on its kind again. She could see Hai nu shen’s reflection in Amira’s eyes, and that is something she cannot fathom.

“The legend of the reincarnation of Hai nu shen is true?”

Amira heard the hiss of a snake, and her heart stilled. She could feel evil eyes on her. She brought out a little cracked mirror from her purse and raised it like she was trying to adjust her hair. A thick black smoke immediately covered the gateway to the other side, preventing her from seeing through. But not before she caught a reflection of the deadly viper is known as the Oudu.

“Mama, can you sense an Oudu in this hall?”

“Yes. I can always smell a black witch from a mile radius. Their disgusting odour has been in my mind since that night they eradicated my family. I could perceive it since we entered this hall, but I cannot pinpoint the source.”

“I know where it is coming from. Empress Zhang Li. She is an Oudu.”

“What? Are you sure?”

“Yes. I saw the snake in my makeup mirror.”

“You tried to see her with a mirror? Never do that again. Amira.”

“Why?”

“Because she is deadly. Be careful not to get on her radar. She may attack you if she perceives you as a threat. Our family are white witches. We have no other power than healing the sick. You lack the power to fight her back, so stay away from her sight. You hear me?”

She looked at the Empress’s glare and nodded.

“Mama, I need to use the restroom. I will be right back.”

“Be careful.”

***

Amira wandered into the main house on her own. She got lost in the colourful dragon painting covering the roof of the cosmic living room of the traditional Boryan courtyard style house. The exquisite design is a glamorous display of Oriental woodwork, calligraphy, artworks and ornamental plants. Dramatic gold and white marble sculptures beamed at the gigantic gold lantern style chandelier hanging from the ceiling in the middle of the room.

She looked to the right, and the family portrait on the wall caught her attention. The Forth Lord was in a black Bordu tunic suit with a shiny black dragon embroidery to the left side of his chest. He looked stoic, and his face held command as much as his stance. Her eyes moved to his beautiful wife standing beside him in a black fitted cross collar satin dress with dragon embroidery scattered around the bodice. Her hands were on the twin girls, Lilian and Vivian, who were in a pink Bordu dress with floral upper design and satin skirts. Her eyes beamed as they settled on the boy standing beside the Forth Lord.

“Prince Wang.” He is in a long Cream Kimono and pants, and his shoulder-length silky dark hair was in a loose, curl bun. She looked closer and noticed his long lashes and the frown etched on his forehead. She carefully massaged his forehead as if she was trying to ease the frown.

“His frown is because he was not interested in taking the family photograph.” She heard the deep voice behind her and turned around to see Emperor Déwei Li standing behind her. She bowed deeply.

“Your Majesty.”

“The tension in there is heavy, huh?”

“Yes, your Majesty.”

“I understand. It is not a crime to escape for a while.” He pointed at the photograph. “He hates ceremonial things like taking family portraits and elaborate birthday celebrations.”

“Why?”

“He is a self-acclaimed minimalist, but the imperial lifestyle does not permit that individuality.” She smiled and moved closer as she studied him intently.

“Now I understand his frown.”

His Majesty’s brow raised at her translucent emotion. “You like him, huh?” She smiled shyly and shook her head. “If you dislike him, then why were you smiling at his photo?”

“Because he is interesting.”

“How?”

“Everyone else is in pretty and shiny clothes, but he is wearing something that looks like pyjamas and yet, he is more beautiful than them all.”

“That is his pyjama. He refused to change.”

“So he beat two glamorous dresses, a luxury Bordu suit and two dramatic and too much pink floral dresses in just his nightwear? He is the most attractive in this family.”

Their laughter was short-lived as they looked up and found the two identical girls in pink floral Bordu dresses scowling at them. Her brows creased as they began crying and ran away.

“I am sorry, your Majesty. I did not mean to upset them.”

“You did nothing wrong, Amira. You were only admiring the one you like.”

“I don’t like him, your majesty.”

“So you hate him?”

“No… I mean, I like the prince but not in the way you are thinking.” She flushed and nervously brushed her hair back.

“What way am I thinking?” She scratched her hair in frustration, and he chuckled. “It is obvious you like him. It is not a crime to like him, Amina. Despite the bad blood between the elders, you two must not be enemies. You could be the unifying force.”

“Unifying force? How?”

“Your mother wants to protect Hai nu shen temple, and my son wants to destroy her temple. You two could be the compromise in this situation.”

“I don’t understand what you are saying, your majesty.”

“You know my son is fighting your mother because of the temple.”

“I know. It is giving my mother many sleepless nights because our people died while fighting, and my father’s relationship with the Forth Lord makes things worse.”

“The elders think that a marriage between you and my grandson will unify us and heal the land. Wang will be the custodian of the Throne after my son Huang Jie Li. Don’t you think your relationship with him can help keep Hai nu shen temple safe and fulfil your mother’s wishes? You would be in a better position to help your people. You are young, but you seem like a sensible girl who could do a lot of good with that power. Of course, I won’t force you to be with him unless you want to. That is why I must know if you like him enough to marry him.”

She exhaled and looked at him in the photograph.

“I find him attractive and… charming but, I do not know his character. I perceive the character as the most important factor when meeting people. He seemed cheerful, but there is just something dark about his aura that I cannot figure out.”

“You are correct. Wang is no ordinary boy. My grandson has a dual personality. You can liken it to yin and Yang. Wang appears cold because his darker personality is dominant. The rare warm side of him appeared today when he set his eyes on you. You invoked his light by overshadowing his darkness with your light. No one has ever done that. That means you have power over his soul that no one does. I believe you can use that side of him positively. He needs you to keep that light in him alive, and you need his power to shine a light on your people.”

“You think he likes me?”

He turned to her and held her gaze. “He wants to meet you privately. Do you want to meet him? I could introduce you if you would like.”

“Amira! Amira!”

They heard Mr Akimitsu screeching from behind, and they turned around as his scornful steps came to a halt before them.

“Your Majesty.” He bowed deeply. “I am sorry for my daughter’s misbehaviour.” He grabbed Amira’s arm. “What is this I hear about you calling the princesses ugly?”

“What? No, I did not.”

“Yes, you did.”

“She did not call them ugly, Mr Akimitsu. She was merely admiring this photograph. She thought Prince Wang looked better than everyone in the photo, and we can all agree.”

“I know my daughter, your Majesty. You don’t have to defend her. I know she has a sharp and dirty mouth. She got it from her mother.”

“If his Majesty said she didn’t do it, then she did not.” Nafy cut in as she walked towards them.

“I never called them ugly. I said the prince is best looking in the family. They overheard and took offence.”

“Do not get smart with me. There is no difference between saying the word and insinuating it.”

“She only described what she saw. You expected her to lie?” Asked Nafy.

“I expected her to keep her opinions to herself. Everyone knows the twins look weird, but no one is stupid enough to say it out loud except for your daughter. She has only been here for a few minutes and aggravated the entire family.”

“Well, that was not her… intention.” Said his Majesty.

“Thanks for defending her, your Majesty. But that does not mean she was not wrong.” His glare lowered to Amira. “And you, young lady, need to come with me to apologize to the beautiful princesses, and after that, I will teach you a few lessons.”

“You can save her punishment for when we get back home.”

“This is not your business, Nafy. Stay out of it.”

He bowed before the Emperor and dragged Amina behind him. Nafy made to go after them, but his Majesty’s raised hand halted her movement.

“Can you spare me some minutes?”