2 | Mulan

Mulan stood on the balcony of the Imperial Palace, watching the lanterns drift like fallen stars over a city at peace. Below, courtiers laughed. Above, the banners of the three kingdoms hung still and hopeful.

Mulan turned to Shang. His expression was unreadable—general to general, husband to wife. Mulan 2

And for the first time in weeks, Mulan felt the ghost of Ping stir in her chest—not as a disguise, but as a truth: that the greatest battles are not always fought with armies, but with the courage to choose what is right over what is easy. Mulan stood on the balcony of the Imperial

“You’re brooding,” Shang said, leaning on the rail beside her. His wedding band caught the firelight. “It’s your best skill.” Mulan turned to Shang

“I would have you look at their faces,” she said. “Not at the treaty lines on a map.”