The last time I saw Awan was the day before her wedding.
She stood in the corridor wearing a bright red bridal gown, a gilded Golden Dangle Hairpin dangling against her temple, making her cheeks look like peach blossoms. I clutched the jade pendant hidden in my sleeve, a coppery, bitter taste rising in my throat—it was the betrothal gift I had given her when she came of age, and now it was to be returned in its entirety.
"Will Elder Brother come to drink the wedding wine tomorrow?" Her fingertips brushed over the twin-lotus embroidery on her bridal dress, her voice as light as spring willow catkins. "The groom says he will have your favorite Pear Blossom White wine prepared."
Chapter 21