Chapter 10

Id performed in many magnificent places before but the Meru Palace, home of the Four Heavenly Kings, was right up there as one of the most impressive. Since it was in the god realm, it was untainted by the passing of time and looked like it was only built yesterday.

I marvelled at the beautiful architecture and the detailed decorations on the pillars. There were dragons carved in the wooden arches that looked so vivid, they could come to life at any moment.

Its beautiful here. I cant believe this is where Im performing, I murmured to Bo, not daring to speak too loudly. I might not like the crowds or the pandering to the press, but this was different.

She smiled. I promised I would get you far when I signed on as your manager, didnt I?

You did, I replied, feeling a wave of affection for her. She really did want the best for me, which was why I shouldnt blame her for accidentally cutting my date with Chiguo short. I was sure if shed known, shed have helped me have more time with him, but it was just nice to have something that was mine and mine alone.

If only it couldve lasted beyond one night but I wasnt so foolish to let myself dream of that. That was the only reason why I hadnt responded to his message, to save myself and him from the inevitable heartbreak at the end.

Though that hadnt stopped me from drafting several responses in my head. Nor from wishing I had the courage to send him one explaining the whole situation and why I was acting the way I had.

A servant greeted us at the top of the stairs with a deep bow. Welcome to the Meru Palace. We are very glad to have you as our guests. If you would please follow me, one of His Heavenly Majesties has granted you the honour to greet him.

That was unexpected. I glanced at Bo but she looked just as surprised. This wasnt on the itinerary but of course, no sane person would refuse the invitation of a god. Especially not a royal one.

I just wished I was better prepared. I smoothed down my dress, hoping it was appropriate. Id thought I was going to change before meeting any of the hosts.

This way, the servant said, leading us to another part of the palace with a wide stone staircase. The whole building was beyond stunning, and I found myself wishing I could spend more time enjoying it.

I was out of breath by the time we reached the top and my heart was hammering out of my chest with nerves. Id never met a real god before and it was terrifying enough to perform for them, but at least I was confident in my music. This was different, this was just me.

When greeting His Majesty, you will bow. If he bows, youll bow deeper. Youll only speak if spoken to and wont ask him any questions. You wont turn your back to him at any point. When you leave, you must bow again, the servant said.

I nodded at the rules. They were archaic, but that was to be expected, they werent just gods, they were kings. If the stories were true, they used to be mortal kings.

We reached a large open hall where a lone figure stood at the front with his back turned to us. I bowed so deeply, the blood rushed to my head. Your Majesty.

Welcome to the Meru Palace.

My head snapped up at the familiar voice and I stared right into the man Id been dreaming about. Chiguo?

I heard both Bo and the servant gasp, no doubt confused by my incredibly inappropriate outburst. Someone rushed towards me but Chiguo raised his hand to stop him.

Its okay. He turned his attention back to me. He smiled, his handsome face lighting up as he did. He didnt seem angry, but I knew that could just be a good mask. Mei, would you like to go on a walk with me?

Of course, Your Majesty, I replied, remembering to call him by his proper title. His smile fell away and I instantly worried Id said it wrong.

He gestured towards the patio leading away from the hall and I follow him, unsure what to say. Hed clearly figured out who I was and now I was here. At his palace. And all I could think about was how his hands had felt on my body. I felt slightly horrified thinking back to our night and the liberties Id taken. I made him buy pears in the supermarket.

I played a song for him. For a god of music. Maybe he was taking me aside to tell me he thought I wasnt suited to play at his banquet.

Mei...

I can explain, I blurted out. This was all incredibly inappropriate, but it was hard to reconcile sweet and funny Chiguo with Heavenly King Chiguo.

Hurt flashed through his eyes, and I realised that I might have judged this wrong. He paused and smiled. Theres no need. Youre an international pop star, you were just looking for some companionship, correct?

I didnt mean to deceive you.

You didnt. Youre Mei and Mimi. You never lied.

Just omitted. I gave him a curious look, trying to get my mind around the situation. But you... Youre a god. I had no idea.

Because I also omitted, he pointed out. Youre not the only one who wanted some time away from their life.

You didnt even change your name, I said, feeling foolish. How could I not have noticed? Then again, he used the same tactic that I employed not to get recognised. I should have picked up on that but Id been too busy thinking of my own secrets.

He chuckled. Thats because most people dont expect gods to pop up on dating apps.

They probably dont expect pop stars to either, I muttered.

Maybe not. But I promise, I get it, Mei. You wanted to be you. And knowing who you are doesnt change how much I enjoyed the other night. Nor does it change how much Id like to do it again.

I swallowed hard. You would?

He stepped closer and brushed my hair out of my face. Very much. And I hope that who I am doesnt change your opinion of me either. I havent thought of anything else since the moment you left me outside the supermarket.

My ears burned in embarrassment thinking about how I left him standing there. If only Id known...

A blur of blue burst towards me, tangling around me and knocking me off balance. I fell, only to fall in Chiguos arms. Memories of our night together flooded through me as the heat of his hands travelled through the fabric of my clothes.

Lulian! a woman called from near us.

The dart of blue returned, giving me a good look at it, and I felt even more dazed than when I saw Chiguo. That was a dragon. A real one, marginally bigger than the carved versions in the wood. And it was magnificent.

The woman bowed deeply. Im so sorry, Your Majesty. Lulian knows better than that. The woman gave the blue dragon a stern look who seemed entirely unaware of the situation it had created.

Chiguo gave her a nod. Its fine, we all know what dragons can be like.

Try having five of them, the woman muttered. Even so, my apologies.

They are accepted, Longmu.

The moment he said her name, I knew exactly who she was. Longmu, mother of dragons, and a goddess in her own right. If I hadnt been for Chiguo, she would be the most exciting person Id met today.

She took her leave, causing me to realise I was still clinging to Chiguo. That couldnt possibly be appropriate but I was reluctant to let go of him.

He smiled and helped me properly to my feet. Are you okay?

I nodded. Im fine. That was Longmu?

You know her? he asked.

Of her, more like. Her legend was one of my favourites when I was a child. One of my first songs was about her dragons. It hadnt been very good, though, so perhaps I shouldnt have admitted that out loud.

He raised a curious eyebrow.

I didnt realise one of them was real, though. I looked over to where the woman and her blue dragon were talking to someone else.

All five of them are. And they have a tendency of causing mischief, Chiguo said, gently putting a hand on my lower back. I dont need an answer right away. If you dont want to keep dating me because youre too busy, I wont bother you again. Just know I would love to see you again.

He left before I could answer and it didnt seem wise to chase after him with all the eyes on me. Including Bo. I was going to have an awkward explanation on my hands although part of me still couldnt believe this actually happened.

And that he wanted more. Not just another night together, hed specifically used the word date.

I had never wanted to say yes to anything so much in my life.