Mulan & the Jade Emperor by Vivienne Savage

When an Imperial decree summons the men of her village to war against the north’s terrifying beastmen, Mulan can’t allow her little brother or ailing father to join the fight. Dressed as a man, she enlists in the army. The jade wyvern statuette that she finds along the way to report to camp seems an innocent gift to return to her mother if she survives the war ahead.

Confined as a harmless jade statuette, shapeshifting Prince Cheng has fought every day to escape the uncle who usurped his throne. Unfortunately, the cruel emperor has an unlimited font of energy from which he draws his strength, siphoning the prince’s vitality to unnaturally prolong his life.

Then a spell goes awry, and the prince’s wishes are granted, landing him in the hands of a woman with the power to break his curse and restore him to the throne.

And claim his heart.

This is a new standalone related to the Once Upon a Spell series for adult readers and lovers of strong female characters, and twisted folk lore.