Conquering the Emperor

The journey so far had been peaceful just as Ren had predicted and I was relieved. Ren seemed to be in a good mood as well and judging from some conversations that he had with the soldiers, he knew some of them.

“This is for you…” Ren said as he handed me a small drawstring cloth bag.

“For me?” I said, a little confused. I reached out my hand and took the small bag from him.

“You were bored, right?” Ren asked, perceptively.

“Thank you…Ren…” I said with a smile.

“I’ll see you when we’re at the palace,” Ren replied before closing the window to the carriage.

Ren was gone and suddenly I felt kind of lonely. I was alone once again in the quiet carriage with the sounds of horse hooves beating against the dusty road as company. I looked down at the small drawstring cloth bag that Ren had placed in my hand and began opening it.

I laughed a little to myself when I saw what was inside. It was a small wooden puzzle game that was common in many towns including my own. I used to play this when I was a kid because it was perfect for someone like me. Since I grew up separated from the other villagers, I didn’t have any friends growing up. This game was perfect because it was designed so that you could play it alone.

I wonder where he got such a thing…

…

We arrived safely back to the Imperial palace without incident. I sighed loudly when Ren helped me off the carriage. It was good to see Ren again and, I couldn’t believe I was saying this but, it was good to be back to the imperial palace. It wasn’t my home, but for now, it was where I felt safest.

Within the high walls of the imperial palace, I felt like there were no threats from enemy attacks. My body still trembled in fear whenever I thought of the ambush that took place when Ren and I were on our journey. We were lucky to survive the ambush; however, who knows, we may not be as lucky next time.

I was led back to the White Lotus Palace immediately after arriving back. In the mist of all the hectic things that accompanies our arrival, I lost sight of Ren and didn’t get a chance to speak with him before I was taken back to the White Lotus Palace.

Auntie was there to greet me immediately upon my arrival. Her smiley face made me feel a little better. She quickly bowed and waved for the other attendees to attend to my things, not that I had many to begin with.

“Welcome back, My Lady White Lotus,” Auntie greeted me with a warm smile as she ushered me quickly inside.

“Thank you…” I replied vaguely.

“You must be tired from the journey. You look exhausted. Girls, bathe and change Our Lady into clean and beautiful clothes at once!” Auntie said as she clapped her hands.

Auntie was right, I was very tired from the carriage ride. Although I did not do anything particularly tiring, I still felt tired. I could use a warm bath, so I let the maids do what they did best. Going along with whatever they had in mind for me seemed to be the best course of action for now.

During the bath, I wondered where Ren is right now. After the bath, the maids dressed me in beautiful clothes made of silk and adorned my hair with matching hair ornaments. Then came the earrings and high platform shoes that matched the outfit. Lastly, the powder and make up.

When the maids stood back so that I could admire my own reflection in the mirror, I thought that this was truly excessive considering that it was close to dinner time. I didn’t have any plans to see anyone or do anything else for today, as far as I was aware.

I went to the dining room and sat down on a chair at the large round wooden table. Auntie was already there waiting for me.

“I’ve prepared many healthy dishes for you, My Lady,” Auntie said as she gestured for the maids to bring in the dishes.

I was shocked at the amount of food that was prepared. I looked at the seemingly endless array of dishes that were being placed on the round table. This was clearly too much for one person. There is no way that I can finish this much food by myself.

Then a thought struck me…

“Auntie, is Prince Ren joining me for dinner?” I asked. I heard the slightly hopeful tone in my voice, and I disliked myself for it.

“I am not sure. I have not heard anything from the crown prince’s palace…” Auntie replied with an apologetic smile.

I bet I looked like a woman pining for her lover at that moment. Talk about misconceptions and misunderstandings…

“Oh…never mind me,” I quickly said to brush the topic aside.

I reached over to the chopstick and began eating. The food was delicious, as to be expected of food in the palace. However, no matter how many dishes I tasted, the food did not taste as rich as the meals that I ate with Ren. I wondered where he is right now…

Ren seemed in a hurry and very busy when we arrived back at the palace. It was my best guess that the emperor probably summoned him. Hopefully, nothing serious has happened on top of the ambush that had taken place. Shin travelled back with us as well, but he disappeared along with Ren the moment we arrived back at the palace.

My worries filled my mind and soon the delicious food started to lose its flavor. I was so lost in my thought that it took me a short moment to realize that Auntie had been saying something to me and that I ought to listen.

“My Lady?” Auntie called me with questioning look on her face.

--To be continued…