The Wandering God

26 Stagger and Stumble Along 2/2

磕磕撞撞
Kē ke zhuàng zhuàng
Walk unsteadily (when drunk or in a hurry).
Stumble or stagger along; reel.

Zhangyu led me to the small stream that ran through the clearing we had made camp in. Beside the stream the path continued and we followed it. Just before we left the clearing we passed Linagyi on the long grass of the bank, snoring away, a now empty wine jar beside her.

We followed the path along the bank, under low hanging bows of trees. Presently though, the trees started to change, from those with leaves to those with needles, and I had to slow my walk, carefully picking my way forward with my bare feet. It was not the needles that littered the path that bothered me, but the cones, with their spiky edges and rough seeds.

"Dare I ask what happened to your shoes?" Zhangyu commented, pausing once more to help me step over a rock surrounded by fallen pine cones. A formidable obstacle.

"I left them behind," I replied. "They were too tall."

"If you enjoy fashion, I can have one of my tailors sent over. Or perhaps you could come to my courtyard for a fitting."

I laughed. "Thank you, prince. But the scholar's robes are more than enough. Your Uncle has already provided a tailor."

I thought once he had helped me over the rock he would let my hand drop, but the second prince kept it, tucked in the corner of his arm, as we walked.

The path grew smooth once more. I was grateful for it, as, despite my strength against wine, I was still quite drunk from the game earlier. The world seemed slightly tilted, the trees swaying, and despite the fact I knew both of these were illusions caused by drink, I could not keep my bare feet entirely straight as I placed them on the path in front of me.

I was almost grateful for the prince's arm.

In the silence between us, I could hear my own breathing, coming faster from the exercise, and the prince's slower, but getting more labored as the climb intensified. I could feel the warmth of his skin, through the thin material of his shirt, where my hand rested.

I took my hand from the second prince's arm.

"Are your feet hurting?" Zhangyu asked. "Perhaps, if we tie the laces tight, my boots might—"

"Why don't you tell me why you are being so charming today?" I asked, regathering my robes up over one arm so they would not drag on the ground.

Zhangyu laughed a harsh laugh. His copper eyes found mine. "Am I not always charming?"

I snorted, reaching out and grasping a tree to steady myself. "Please. You are obviously trying to win your way into my good graces."

Zhangyu stopped, waiting for me. He smiled slyly. "Is it working?"

I suddenly remembered having this conversation before with him, but in reverse, at the Midsummer Banquet.

I looked at the prince, to see if he remembered. His smile told me he did.

"Just tell me what it is you want," I snapped, pushing off the tree and swaying onward.

Zhangyu followed. "Fine. I confess, there is a question I want to ask you."

I knew it. "Ask it. But I might not answer."