Chapter Text
"You are, of course, permitted to visit him," the king says.
Pain lances through Gao Jianli's heart, as sharp and fresh as it was on the first day.
"Where is he?" the musician demands, forgetting where he is and who he is speaking to. There is no sword at his throat, no shackles on his wrists but nonetheless Gao Jianli understands that he is about as safe as a fly in a spider's web.
"The gentleman of Yan has been laid to rest outside the city walls." The king's voice is stately and just a touch pained, totally appropriate for the occasion. "The grave is unmarked, an old peach grove stands in place of a monument. Such a loyal man should be commemorated with the fruits of longevity, don't you think?"
Gao Jianli is barely listening, his heart is beating like a drum and his thoughts are galloping. Laid to rest. His beloved Jing Ke is buried in one piece. Not left out in the open to be torn apart by wild beasts. Not burned on flaming pyre, the ashes scattered to the four winds. With his body whole and un-mutilated, Jing Ke's spirit will able to enter the afterlife. Gao Jianli will be able to see him again. The musician's hands tighten around his ji zhu, taking comfort in the familiar weight of the lacquered wood. He had not let go of his instrument when the guards dragged him into the throne room, kicking and screaming. Had clung to it reflexively, like a mother with her suckling babe, even while he was consumed by a fear so extreme it had bordered on divine madness. He had been prepared to beg for his life. How could he do so now, when he knew Jing Ke was waiting for him?
The king rises from his dais and walks down the steps. He uses the end of his own silk sleeve to wipe away Gao Jianli's tears. "If it suits you, we can visit his grave today and make sacrifices," the king says gently, "I think it would be very fitting for you to compose a song in his honour."
You want to hear me play. Gao Jianli realises. You want to dip your fingers in my grief and sample it like a fine wine. He feels wild. Like a man-eater. He wants to tear out the king's throat with his own teeth.