This was the chance that he’d been waiting for, and so, after making his servants gather the essentials that he would need for a trip to the United States, Jiāoào and his small entourage started their journey. On October 8th, they left his family’s second home without informing anyone that he would be leaving and made their way to Shanghai. His plan was to book passage on a seafaring vessel that would take him to the United States. He was eager to claim his prize. Unfortunately, in spite of his impatience to arrive in Phoenix and acquire his soon-to-be mate, Jiāoào found himself facing several unexpected delays. “What do you mean no ships can set sail?” A growl gurgled from within his throat as he glared at Maddison, who had prostrated herself before him. “Well?!” “I―th-there’s a storm, Lord Jiāoào.” Maddison’s voice quivered as she spoke. Fear permeated her being.
