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The Imperial Palace was quiet. High in the sky, the sun cast long shadows across the throne room. Sitting on his throne, the Emperor was silent, lost in thought. He had heard more disturbing reports of B??0??2ri Khan and his Shadow Warriors wreaking havoc all along the Silk Road. It was only a matter of time before panic and fear spread through the kingdom. And with panic and fear came instability and danger. This could not happen. He needed to protect his people and keep his kingdom safe.</p>

Hearing the throne room doors opening, the Emperor looked up. His chancellor was coming toward him, urgency in his steps. When he reached the throne, he bowed low. Then, straightening, he spoke. “Your Majesty,” he began. “A word in private?”</p>

The Emperor nodded, trying to keep his face neutral as the other officials and attendants in the room moved away. He had known the Chancellor for a long time. For him to look this worried, something must be truly wrong.</p>

Unfortunately, he was right. “Scouts have informed me that B??0??2ri Khan has infiltrated the city,” the Chancellor said, his voice urgent. “He assembles at the New Palace with a small group of highly skilled assassins.”</p>

The Emperor bowed his head in thought for a moment, his mind racing at the news. B??0??2ri Khan was bold to go after the New Palace. The building, aptly named, was new and not yet finished. Built in honor of his father, it was important to the Emperor. It was also less guarded, which made it an easier target. If B??0??2ri Khan were to take it, it would also make for a good statement of his strength.</p>

When the Emperor looked up, the kind expression he normally wore was gone. In its place was the expression of a fierce—and deadly—warrior. “Prepare my guards,” he said. “We ride to the site immediately.”</p>

“Your Majesty,” the Chancellor protested. “It is far too dangerous.”</p>

“Your loyalty and concern for my safety are greatly valued,” the Emperor said. But it was clear he had no intention of listening to his advisor’s protest. Motioning to the generals and other officials who had moved into the shadows to step forward, he prepared to give them orders.</p>

But the Chancellor interrupted him before he could start. “If I may be so bold, Your Imperial Highness??6??2.??6??2.??6??2.” he began, earning him a stern look from the Emperor. But despite the look, the leader nodded for him to go on. “Put me in charge of your Imperial Army. At least allow me to have them follow you and surround the New Palace.” The Emperor was silent as he weighed the Chancellor’s words. Taking the silence as an opportunity, the Chancellor pressed on. “Please consider your citizens. Your safety must be ensured.”</p>

The words struck the Emperor. While it was not what he would choose, the Chancellor was right. He was the Emperor. Throwing himself right into the enemy’s waiting arms without backup was a foolish maneuver that could leave the Empire without a ruler. No, the Chancellor was right.</p>

Turning, he gave his orders. “I am placing my chancellor in charge of the Imperial Guard. His command is my command.” As the generals and officers bowed in assent, the Emperor went on, his voice loud. “This brute who attacks our trade routes! This murderer who threatens our way of life! I will kill this B??0??2ri Khan as I killed his own father. With my own hands.”</p>

Without another word, the Emperor strode out of the throne room. Behind him, the Chancellor watched. For several minutes, he stood there, his eyes narrowed and his hands clasped in front of him as all around the room, officials and generals fluttered about. After a few moments, he moved to one of the windows. A flicker of approval flashed in his eyes when he saw the Emperor riding away from the palace, flanked by his guard.</p>

Turning, the Chancellor looked at one of the senior officers. “Assemble all Imperial Guardsmen immediately in this square. That includes every guard on every tower and every gate.”</p>

The announcement was met with shocked murmurs. “But who will protect the city?” the officer asked.</p>

“You question the judgment of His Majesty the Emperor?” the Chancellor snapped, his words harsh.</p>

Immediately, the senior officer shook his head. “Of course not, Chancellor,” he said, backpedaling. “I will see to it immediately.”</p>

When at last the throne room was empty, the Chancellor walked toward the throne. As he did, he lifted his arm and pulled a pin from the back of his neck. As the man’s body slumped to the floor, unconscious, a hundred small birds rose in his place. It had been Xianniang the whole time. The birds rose up and shot toward the open door. Soaring into the sky, they flew in a tight formation, shifting and twisting so they formed a long, dense shape.</p>

They were a signal.</p>

And down in the New Palace construction site, B??0??2ri Khan saw it. A smile spread across his face. Xianniang had done it. She had convinced the Emperor to leave his palace open and unguarded and race right into his trap. The man was a fool. And now he would pay. Signaling to his Shadow Warriors, B??0??2ri Khan watched as they slipped into the scaffolding along the west watchtower and disappeared.</p>

Mulan pulled Black Wind to a stop in front of the Imperial City gates. They had ridden hard from the Mountain Steppe Garrison, and the horses and their riders were tired. But spotting the gates open and unmanned, she and the other Imperial soldiers instantly went on the alert. Mulan’s body tensed and she felt her skin prickle. Something was wrong. Spurring Black Wind on, she and her fellow soldiers raced into the city.</p>

Citizens jumped out of the way in fear and surprise. The soldiers didn’t slow until they reached the main square of the Imperial Palace.</p>

As they entered the square, Mulan pulled back on Black Wind’s reins. She slowed the horse and looked over her shoulder at Commander Tung. He met her gaze, her worry mirrored in his eyes. The square should not have been open. The gates shouldn’t have been unprotected. Where were the men who were supposed to be guarding the Emperor and the palace?</p>

There was the sound of creaking wood. Whipping her head around, Mulan saw the gates to the square shutting. A moment later, the doors slammed closed. They were trapped!</p>

“Ambush!” Mulan shouted to the other soldiers as the nervous horses nickered and shifted on their feet.</p>

Unsheathing his sword, Commander Tung yelled out orders to the soldiers, moving them into formation. Just as he finished, dark figures appeared on the balconies that ringed the square. A moment later, the figures shifted and came into focus, revealing themselves to be B??0??2ri Khan’s Shadow Warriors. They leapt from the balconies, landing on the ground with dancer-like grace, their swords already raised for battle.</p>

The commander turned to Mulan. “Protect the Emperor!” he ordered.</p>

Mulan didn’t hesitate. Jumping off Black Wind’s back, she raced across the square. Her arms whipped her sword through the air in precise and fluid motions as she fended off the attackers. Behind her, Commander Tung called for the others to keep her path clear. Instantly, Honghui, Cricket, Po, and the rest of the soldiers ran ahead to fend off the warriors in Mulan’s way.</p>

Clear of her attackers, Mulan entered the palace in search of the Emperor. Quickly, she made her way to the throne room. As she ran, she silently thanked Commander Tung for his leadership and preparation. He had spent their journey to the capital describing the layout of the palace to her in case they were separated. She turned left and right and then went up a flight of stairs, reaching the doors to the throne room. Pushing them open, she walked inside. The outside noises of battle faded as the doors closed behind her. Spotting a figure on the throne, she hurried down the long room and then bowed.</p>

“Your Majesty,” she said, her racing heartbeat slowing when she saw the leader safe. “I am Hua Mulan from the Fifth Battalion. I’ve come to protect you.”</p>

“Impossible.”</p>

Mulan’s head lifted in surprise when she heard the familiar female voice answer. Looking up, her eyes adjusting to the darkness of the room, she saw that it was not the Emperor sitting on the throne. It was Xianniang. The witch stared back at her. Then the woman stood up and spoke again, her voice laced with disbelief. “A woman leading a man’s army.”</p>

Mulan’s eyes narrowed. The witch could think what she wanted. The truth was Commander Tung, Honghui, and all the other soldiers had accepted her. And they were counting on her now. “Where is the Emperor?” she said, unsheathing her sword and advancing toward the throne.</p>

But her steps slowed as she came closer to Xianniang. Pain and grief were etched on the witch’s face, making her sharp features oddly more beautiful. She looked vulnerable—and scared. Mulan felt the urge to ask her what had happened. But she didn’t need to. She knew without words. B??0??2ri Khan’s victory might be approaching, but Xianniang was alone. In so many ways.</p>

“You were right,” Mulan said, lowering her weapon. “We are the same.”</p>