16. Jasmine

Farisa landed, as did the other dragons giving guests rides, telling me others must've decided it might be fun. We slid off her back.

I went over to her head and stroked her face. "Thank you, lovely one. That was one of the most wonderful experiences in my life."

She nudged my belly and gazed at me with eyes that seemed to see right to my very soul. Could she sense the jumble I was inside? I was desperate to help my sister, and I was rapidly becoming desperate to be with Boshun forever.

"Is there a way?" I whispered near her ear. "Is it wrong to ask for something solely for me?"

She huffed softly, and I took that as a no. Life had cursed him to remain with the lamp and me in the village.

"If you'll all come inside," one of the staff called out, waving from the edge of the field. "We've prepared a feast that will amaze you."

Boshun held out his hand, and I linked our fingers together. We followed the others toward the castle, but before I stepped inside the enormous open double doors, I looked back.

Farisa watched us still, and I swore I read sadness in her eyes.

We went to the dining room and the staff brought out course after course, lowering each plate in front of us. I could barely eat anything. The knowledge that I'd have to use a wish before midnight was gnawing through my bones.

Leaving the dining room, we settled in the huge front parlor with some of the other guests, though we sat apart from them while they played cards and other games at tables, the women's laughter trilling out, followed by the low chuckles of their escorts.

I fiddled with the jewels in my basket. So much wealth; it would help me and my sister for years.

But it couldn't make her better.

"I don't need these," I hissed. "I just want my sister to be healthy. Why can't I trade them for something like that?"

He put his arm around my shoulders, which helped me feel a little better.

And then it occurred to me.

"I know what I want for my first wish," I whispered.

He rose and took my hand, tugging me up off the sofa, and we left the room. Outside, we strolled along a path weaving through beautiful gardens, only occasionally passing anyone else. Finally, we settled on a wooden bench inside a gazebo overgrown with honeysuckles that perfumed the air.

He pinched his eyes closed for a moment, and I knew why. Once I made my wish, there would only be two left.

When he opened his eyes, he cupped my cheeks as if I was the most precious person in the world, stroking my skin with his thumbs. "What is your wish, tiny one?"

"You can't heal my sister."

He shook his head. "I'm sorry. I would if I could."

"I know. Damn rules."

A hint of a smile curled up his lips before they smoothed. "What can I do instead?"

"I wish everyone in the village magically had plenty of food, housing, clothing, and any medicine they need, forever. That no one ever goes to bed hungry or shivering again."

"So it shall be," he said softly. He gave me a quick nod. "Done."

Nothing felt changed, but I could picture the family living in the shack beside mine, their bare cupboard suddenly overflowing with goodies. Three crusty loaves of bread sitting on the counter, still warm from the baker, and fresh meat filling their cold box. Fruits and vegetables sitting in baskets on the floor, and blankets, piles of clothing, and mittens to keep tiny fingers warm in the winter placed neatly inside their bureaus.

They'd smile with joy. They'd cry like I did right now.

It was time for the average person in the village to get a small taste of what it was like to live like their king.