The silence that followed Cāng Jì's whispered declaration of monkey-hatred was the kind of silence that preceded explosions.
The grizzled monkey who had just committed the ultimate offense scrambled away with a nervous chitter, disappearing into the canopy with the speed of someone who valued their continued existence. The monkey children who had been grooming the Dragon Prince's hair released his sunset locks and backed away slowly, their eyes wide.
And then the other monkeys started laughing.
It began as a snicker from somewhere high in the branches. Then another. And another. Within seconds, the entire Over-Canopy was erupting with chittering, howling, absolutely unhinged laughter.
"Did you see his face?!"
"The mighty dragon got peed on!"
"His robes! His beautiful golden robes!"
"I am going to die! I can't breathe! This is the best trial ever!"
