MemoryRedhorse

A great earthquake shakes the land. The statue of the White Dragon disappears. A prince is lost in a terrible fire. And the Red Lion plots to take the throne. 

In the midst of it all a young heroine’s heart is caught between her brave and devoted servant and a beautiful and beguiling teacher, as they embark on a bold and daring adventure into the center of intrigue that will take them all the way to the Imperial palace itself. Meanwhile, in the shadows, a cloaked figure watches their every move. 

Fun, funny, fast-paced and surprisingly wise and dark, this beautifully romantic epic, set in a fantastical China of old, is full of enchanting characters every reader will simply fall in love with!

The Heart of the White Dragon

The polished black pendant caught the fading sun's rays and flashed, catching MeiLan's eyes.  The distinct and stylized carving of a dragon was exactly identical to the white pendant that she wore around her own neck.  "Your majesty…" her brow wrinkled up, "What is that pendant you are wearing?"

The queen looked down and looked at the necklace in surprise.  It was the one piece of jewelry she never removed, and at times she forgot she was even wearing it.  "That is the Empress's Sigil," she replied almost absently.  "No one but the true empress may wear it."

MeiLan's hand moved reflexively to cover the pendant that was still concealed under her dress.  The movement was caught by Lusi's watchful eye, and in a flash, she was in front of MeiLan, pulling away MeiLan's protective fingers with one hand while reaching beneath the collar of her garment with the other.  Her fingers caught the chain and drew the white dragon medallion out into view.

Chapter Sixty-Eight: The Empress's Sigil