Friends in the Fray

Wuxie scowled, turning slightly to glare at Minjun. "Oh, thanks. You're making it sound like I was just making things up. You know, for your information, I did eat the fruit. Sacrificed my life for the good of the continent and all that dramatic nonsense."

Dan, who had been unusually quiet, finally spoke up, his deep voice laced with dry humor. "I don't know if anyone's buying the 'I sacrificed myself for the greater good' speech, Wuxie. But you certainly sold it like a pro." He looked out the window, shaking his head in mock disbelief. "The Empress was practically nodding off during your soliloquy, I'm sure."

Wuxie sighed dramatically, slouching further into the seat. "I mean, if I didn't sell it that way, who would have believed me? It was either that or tell them the truth—which, trust me, would have been much worse."