Chapter 88

Aurelia greeted Sojobo with a bow and smiled, "What brings you out here?" She embraced the Tengu king, who blushed at the attention.

Sojobo collected himself, "A little birdie told me you were to be married. You and your groom were unique enough for me to leave the mountain for a few days." He paused and ran a finger down his long nose. "I also wanted to thank you for handling the clockwork guild. The machines have been banned, as per the order of the emperor."

"I should think so. The Machines went crazy. They were using the souls of the Huli Jing to power them," Aurelia opened the parasol and slung it over her shoulder.

"Foolishness, the Huli Jing's power almost rivals that of the Tengu. How many people died?"

"I don't know. We wound up taking a hundred and fifty when we left the city. They are now on the way to Shadowfen with us, along with a pair of Huli Jing."

Sojobo bowed to the princess, "The emperor did not find any survivors. He feared no one escaped. I will pass that on once the wedding is over," He paused and stared out across the moonlit water, "Are you nervous or scared?"

"No, Zinjo and I have grown a lot since we left Shadowfen. We've had our ups and downs, but I can't imagine my life without him. I doubt Zinjo is nervous or scared, either."

"Did you plan on having it on the boats?"

"Well, we were supposed to have it in Antilla, but things went sideways, and we had to leave all of a sudden."

Sojobo laughed, "Decided to route out some more evils, did you?" His massive wings flapped. "Or was it something more personal?"

"The bishop captured my mother, and the Huli Jing tricked them. We used the distraction to pull her out of hot water. We even made peace with each other in the end," Aurelia twirled the parasol with her hands.

Sobojo held her hands, "I shall name you my daughter, for I have none of my own. I offer to make your soul a tengu upon death if you so desire."

"I'll do it if Zinjo can come. I don't think an afterlife would be any fun without him in it," Aurelia's voice grew fierce and determined.

Then let me offer the gift of dry land," the Tengu king Waved his hands, and great waves hurled the boats across the water. The wind was fierce enough to deafen Aurelia, yet she heard Sojobo's voice clear as a bell, "Sleep, Aurelia Dusk of Shadowfen. All will be well in the morning."

Aurelia noted the boats remained unfettered by the giant waves. She shrugged and curled up next to her mother and passed into the world of dreams.

***

Excited hands shook Aurelia awake, "Wake up, Aurelia. You have to see this?" Sophie's voice squeaked with glee, "The goddess has produced a miracle for us. Your wedding will take place on home soil."

Aurelia batted her hand away, "It wasn't the goddess. Sojobo took us home when he came to visit last night," She grumbled.

"Who?" Sophie asked.

"We will have a long chat by the fire when we deal with our problems," Aurelia pulled the blanket back over her and tried to sleep again.

A deep sigh came from Ayasu, "I will not tolerate my Zinjo to be married to a layabout. Ayasu lifted her future daughter-in-law from the simple cot and set her on her feet."

"How strong are you?" Sophie asked with an awed expression on her face.

Ayasu grinned her cat-like grin, "Strong enough to birth Zinjo into this world and take him out if necessary."

Aurelia stretched and yawned. She almost reached for the enchanted leather armor, but Sophie slapped her hand away, "Your armor could use some repair work. You won't need it..."

"She will need it. She and Zinjo have decided to honor Kianzangi by dueling before the ceremony," Ayasu beamed with pride.

Sophie appeared horrified, "My Aurelia is no fighter."

"Kongamato might disagree with you," Ayasu retorted.

"Enough," Aurelia growled, "Can you two give me a few moments to gather my thoughts." She stretched out again and yawned. "I am tired and grumpy, and my stomach feels queasy."

Ayasu and Sophie exchanged excited glances, "Have you needed the chamber pot more often as of late?" Ayasu asked.

"Or has your monthly visitor gone on a long nine-month vacation?" Sophie leaned on Ayasu's shoulder with a foolish grin on her face.

"I haven't had time to think about such things as of late. We will know in the next couple of days. If I do not menstruate in the next few days, we will know for sure." Aurelia wanted nothing more than to focus on her duel with Zinjo. The ritual was important to him. "You both are sworn to secrecy. If you tell him, he will refuse to duel me, and he is excited to see how I've progressed as a warrior."

Ayasu nodded, "Your concern for my son's happiness fills me with pride," She rubbed Aurelia's stomach, "Best get used to this. People will want to...," An angry hand brushed the elder lioness away.

"Stop that at once, lest Zinjo sees it." Aurelia snapped. She wanted children without all the annoying attention that came along with it.

Sophie hugged her daughter and pretended to scold the Lioness "Ayasu, it's her wedding day. She has enough to contend with at the moment. We can shamelessly tease her about it later."

"You both are impossible," Aurelia slid the satin dress over her slender form and tousled her dark hair until it pleased her. "Now, let us shop for my wedding gown, and we need to find Tang Sai."

"You need a bridesmaid?" Ayasu asked.

"Not really. The Huli Jing are tricksters and shifters. I would like to know where she is at before I make her an imperial spy," Aurelia stared down at her dress and sighed, "This seems like such a silly thing to wear now, but Zinjo is enamored with his suit, and I will not deprive him of a chance to wear it."

***

Much to the surprise of Aurelia and company, Tang Sai greeted them at the door, "I heard everything you say," The fox woman complained, "Am I so untrustworthy," She reached out to touch Aurelia's stomach.

"Not you too," Aurelia growled.

"Relax, princess/ I'll be able to tell if you are for sure or not." Tang Sai closed her eyes and smiled. "Oh, that's interesting. Too bad you don't trust me enough to tell me the truth."

"Can we please focus on the wedding," Aurelia took a seat on a bench, "Swear you will keep your knowledge secret until I am married, or else everyone will make the day about me when it should be about Zinjo and Ime"

Tang Sai nodded, "Very well. Where are going?" she asked

"Wedding gown, of course," Aurelia pointed to the seamstresses. And the four women strolled to the shop together.