SONG SUGGESTION: "Locked Out of Heaven" by Bruno Mars
The sound of Kryptosia patrolling outside the garden blends in with the night nosies in Xanadu. But Daji and I are making our own noise in our room. No, not that kind of noise. Instead, it's the noise you make when you've had a little too much plum wine for courage.
"Are you telling me there is no one in this entire kingdom who can operate the transmitter while Wan Hu takes a break?" Daji tries logic. "Maybe we should recruit him some help."
"It's well known that he works alone. Won't it be suspicious if he hires help?"
Daji has the perfect comeback. "Won't it be suspicious if the acting emperor fills in? I don't think Abora and Kubla Khan entirely approve of your plan."
I sink down on the bed, trying to come up with a counterargument. But she's good. "And how do you know that?"
"The subtle cues at dinner. They littered the table like the grains of rice from our meal. Honestly, Van, you can be so oblivious."
