Flower In The Palace

by Jordan Silver

  After all she was not much bigger than I, what harm could she possibly do to me? I relaxed as we headed back to the banquet and she placed her arm through mine this time instead of goring me with her nails.

  “Have you met Prince Jai?” Her question coming so abruptly out of the quiet startled me for a second. There was something about her sugary sweet tone that didn’t ring true. Almost like she was putting on an act of some kind.

  “No I haven’t! Should I have?” She got a strange look on her face at my answer and I got the feeling that she didn’t believe me. She truly is an odd one.

  “Who did you say you were again?”

  “I’m Princess Rowena.” She said the name with an air of pride but it meant nothing to me.

  I knew the names of the sons of the Crown Prince and that he had no daughters, so that meant she must be the daughter of one of the lesser princes.

  “I’m Mia! Why did you ask about the prince, was I supposed to have met him?” I wondered if I’d broken one of mother’s rules and not done something I was supposed to.

  There were so many rules and regulations it was easy for someone such as myself who was not accustomed to all the fuss to lose track.

  I looked over just in time to catch the look on her face and was taken aback. “No!” her answer was rather abrupt, almost as if I’d offended her somehow. But then she smiled and squeezed my arm when she realized that I was watching her.

  “I’ve never seen you here before, is this your first time visiting the palace?” There was something truly odd about her. Her lips were saying one thing but her eyes another.

  Her words were friendly enough, but her eyes seemed calculating, almost as if she was feeling me out. What possible reason could she have Mia? Stop imagining things.

  I was probably reading too much into it as mother is constantly accusing me of. Just my suspicious nature at work.

  “Yes it is…” Before I could say more a man in the uniform worn by the head eunuchs of the royal family approached us.

  He greeted her by name with a friendly smile, a smile that my discerning eye noticed didn’t quite reach his eyes. “And who do we have here?” He turned his attention to me.

  His smile this time was friendlier and I found myself returning it easily enough.

  “I’m Mia Morgana.” I bowed slightly, remembering my manners and that here this man outranked me since my family was no longer considered part of the nobility.

  I caught the quick look of surprise before he was able to hide it. “A pleasure lady Mia.” He didn’t say anything else as he walked between us back to the banquet.

  Princess Rowena didn’t seem too pleased with his interruption and flounced away once we reached the grounds. Marching back to her seat without a word of thanks or goodbye.

  It was then I noticed that her place was set much higher than mine and there were more than a few young women in between that she could’ve asked to accompany her. What was that all about I wonder?

  “Lady Mia, enjoy the rest of your evening.” He bowed formally and walked away with a smile, leaving me with my mother before I could correct him. Since my family had lost their station in life, I was no longer considered a lady.

  Back at the table my suspicious mind went into overdrive and it only got worse when I noticed the princess staring at me from her seat. Each time I caught her she’d look away, but she was too far away for me to read her expression.

  I thought up excuses for her odd behavior. My natural suspicious nature warring with my need to be more accepting, again as mother is always drilling into my head.

  I told myself that as part of the royal family maybe she finds it hard to meet and make friends. It didn’t look like she was conversing with the other young ladies at her table.

  In fact, the more I watched, the more miserable she appeared even from a distance. I almost felt sorry for her, but as I rubbed my arm where her nails had left a mark, my instincts fought the urge.

  I forgot all about the princess and our strange encounter once father and my brother joined us. The relief that they were both okay overshadowed everything else and I relaxed and enjoyed the rest of what turned out to be a very pleasant evening.

  All in all it hadn’t turned out as bad as I’d expected. I did quite enjoy the performances and the music. At home we don’t get to sit back and relax like this very often.

  Except on special holidays and of course my birthday, for which not only my parents, but my brothers go all out.

  And it was good to see the look on my parents’ faces as they laughed and whispered together. No doubt they were reminiscing about an earlier time, when life had been easier. When they had been a part of all this grandeur.

  Father never lets on, but I know it still cuts him to the quick that he’d been falsely accused and wrongfully banished all those years ago. And though I hadn’t been born then, it still angers me that my family had suffered such an injustice.

  For now at least, he seemed happy and more carefree than I’d seen in a long time as the evening wore on. I was itching to hear all about his meeting with the Emperor but knew better than to ask here.

  So instead I relaxed the hold I’d had on my nerves since the day father told me about the trip here. I too am very good at hiding my inner feelings and though I didn’t let on, I was rather nervous about what the royal family could possibly want with mine.

  As far as I’m concerned, they’d done my father a great disservice. And unless they were willing to make things right then there really was no reason for us to be here.

  I’d thought these things but dared not utter them out loud. Father would not have approved and mother would’ve fainted dead away.

  But as the two of them held hands beneath the table and whispered to each other every once in a while, I felt completely at ease for the first time since entering the city.

  I didn’t think of the young nobleman again until I was tucked away in bed later that night. I wondered if I’d ever see him again.

  The thought that I might not left a lingering feeling of sadness that followed me into my rest. He had been quite beautiful!

  Narrator

  That night was the beginning of something that had been written in the stars for time immemorial. The great seer sat in the darkness of her little cottage in the woods and nodded her head in approval. As first meetings went that wasn’t so bad.

  All the players in what was to come had met in some way or another this night. The wheels were in motion and there was no turning back.

  Leaving the comfort of her old rocker she made her way across the room to fling open the door to let the cooling breeze in.

  Outside the night sky was bright, the moonlight beaming down on the lush vegetation that surrounded the cottage.

  She could see the birds bedded down in their nests for the night and hear the melody of the bullfrogs in the small stream a little ways away, and the crickets in the grass and brush.

  As she stood in the doorway gazing up at the stars she prayed for the strength and guidance to tackle what she was about to face. It wouldn’t be long now before she was called to the palace. She must be prepared.

  Nothing must go wrong, one wrong step can bring catastrophe and offset the balance of the nation. The betrayal to come will cut deep, but she was ready and willing to do her part to see things turn out right.

  Though she felt a bit of sadness for what was to befall the young lovers in the not too distant future, she comforted herself with what was to come thereafter.

  If they could make it through the darkness, their reign will be remembered for generations. Her part, though significant, was just a drop in the bucket compared to theirs.

  She searched them out now with her special powers. The innocents alone in their beds, unaware of the darkness that would soon hover over them.

  Her heart did ache now as she looked upon them. From the looks on their faces, even in sleep, they thought of each other, as new lovers do. The girl! Oh the poor beauty! Even n
ow, before she knew what laid ahead, frowned in slumber.

  Not for the first time the old seer wished there was another way. Wished that somehow she could snatch the child away before tragedy struck. But she knew that she too had to be patient, had to endure. Just as they will.

  Turning away from the door she went back into the cottage and started gathering all that she would need.

  Tomorrow she would see about choosing a spot for the grave that would be needed. Though she had a little tie still, she liked to be prepared.

  She looked into the small, unused bedroom that she had already prepared in advance. There were still a few things needed for her guest but that could all be taken care of later.

  After making sure that all was as it should be, she set out from the hidden dwelling for her home closer to the city.

  No one knew of the cottage as it was hidden well away from the trodden path and there were no other dwellings around for miles.

  She’d already posted talismans that were enough to keep trespassers away. Besides, no one ever ventured this deep into the forbidden forest. That’s why she’d chosen the place all those years ago after first having the prophetic dreams.

  She’d wasted no time back then, not once she understood. And even though it had started long before the girl child had been born, she’d spent the time between then and now preparing. She knew, that for her, this would be her greatest task.

  Though the day had been for Jai and Mia as it was the first time they met, there had been another awakening and rebirth for more than the young lovers. Another relationship, broken beyond repair many years ago, had been mended.

  The old Emperor with his succinct no nonsense way had quelled whatever grudges his old guard held against him with his first sentence.

  “Dunal, my old friend. I did you a great injustice all those years ago. But it was the only way I knew to keep you and your clan safe.”

  “Your majesty?” Dunal was surprised by the unexpected words. The Emperor nodded his head and pointed to the seat before him offering it to the other man. Something not readily done in the presence of the great ruler.

  Dunal took the offer though, since his limbs seemed to have gone weak. Of all the things he’d expected to hear from his sire upon their first meeting after these many years, this was far beyond his wildest imaginings.

  “I knew you were innocent back then, but I discovered Prince Loren’s dark plot too late. By the time I understood what was afoot, the only thing I could do to save you from those unsavory scoundrels who sided with him was to banish you.”

  “Had I not done that, you and your whole clan would’ve been wiped out.” Dunal sat dumbfounded at this news. All these years he’d harbored a feeling of betrayal that had cut deep.

  He’d been sure back then, that the emperor trusted him and would never believe the things that were said about him. But after he’d been ousted and stripped of his title, he’d believed the other man had been mislead by the lies and deceit.

  Now here he was saying that he never believed it. “Your majesty, I would rather have stayed here to protect you and the Crown Prince with my life.” The words were heartfelt and true. And Dunal fought back the old bitterness at the ones who’d caused so much sorrow all those years ago.

  “I know it and that’s why I had to be so harsh in my dealings with you back then. I knew had I shown the slightest weakness you would’ve defied me and stayed.” The Emperor went on to share much of what he’d been thinking back then.

  Things he’d dared not share with the man he’d seen as more than just a protector, but as a friend. Dunal took it all in, feeling the heavy burden of regret leave him at once. The emperor’s next words had him lifting his head in greater surprise.

  “I’ve called you back here now at this time because I need your services. I’m not long for this world. In fact the Crown Prince has been the de facto ruler for these past many years and doing a splendid job of it.”

  “I wanted to abdicate and give him the throne but you know that son of mine, he wouldn’t have it. But I’m getting old and my mind isn’t as sharp as it once was.”

  He stopped speaking and sat in deep contemplation with a wan smile on his face. As if remembering the days gone by. The long days of his reign.

  “The palace is about to undergo another great upheaval. As you might have heard since returning to the capital, my grandson Prince Jai, who will be named Crown Prince after his father takes the throne is to be betrothed soon.”

  “I’m sure I do not need to tell you the power struggle that will ensue. Though his father may sit on the throne for many years to come, whichever bride is chosen will some day become the empress and will wield great power from the time she’s chosen.”

  “Already the vultures are lining up and I’m afraid things might get as dark as they did back then. Prince Loren is still up to his old tricks, but he is my son. I should’ve had him put to death long ago, but my heart is too soft I guess.”

  Now the silence that fell was tinged with bitter regret. Dunal was wishing that he’d destroyed that blight when he had the chance years ago. And the Emperor was wishing he’d had the heart to give the order back then.

  There was much he needed to put right before leaving this realm. But a son, no matter how hated, is still a son. And the thought of committing filicide always left him cold.

  “I’m afraid that when I’m gone he might make another play for the throne and shed his brother’s blood. This is my reason for calling you here today. I need you to protect my son and my grandson.”

  Dunal was nodding his head even before the old man had finished speaking. There was no question that he would do his sire’s bidding. “I will do as you ask Your Majesty.” He got to his feet and bowed before the Emperor.

  “By the way, I hear you have a daughter.” From the twinkle in the other man’s eye Dunal knew what was coming next.

  “Yes Your Majesty, it is so. But alas, she’s not a suitable match for the future Crown Prince…”

  “Your title will be restored, that’s already been taken care of. All your holdings and the monies they’ve entailed over the past fifteen years are there as well.”

  To say that he was shocked would be a grave understatement. Dunal’s head all but spun on his shoulders at this magnanimity. He dropped to his knees once more, with his hand over his heart in profound gratitude.

  “Still, your majesty…”

  “I know. My father gave yours that title even though it was unheard of. He defied the imperial court to make his trusted guard a Duke after he was wounded and retired.”

  “I have called you back here after all this time because I cannot leave this earth unless I am sure that someone I trust is protecting my son and grandson. Please for the sake of past friendship do not deny me.”

  The words touched Dunal more than all the wealth that was just thrown in his lap. Friendship, love, these things have always meant more. It’s the way he’d taught his children as well. To seek the heart, more so than gold.

  “If you need some time…”

  “No, there is no need. I will do as you ask.” Once again he bowed and offered his gratitude to the ruler whose favor he’d thought gone forever.

  “I will speak to the Crown Princess Consort about adding your daughter’s name to the list of those noble young ladies that will be in the running. The Empress will not be pleased but I’ve already out maneuvered her and she has no say in the matter.”

  The Emperor set his face in cold hard lines as he spoke about the wife he should never have had. It was a bitter pill to swallow knowing that she had had a hand in the uprising that had almost taken his son, and later caused the death of his mother, the former Empress.

  He was too old now to do much of anything about all she and her son Prince Loren had done, but he could still safeguard Crown Prince Kai and Prince Jai before he left this world.

  The two men spent the next few hours bringing each other up to speed and sharing a few laughs at reme
mbered times shared together.

  They spoke of others who had gone on to the hereafter and still others who were yet in the Emperor’s service.

  In the morning Dunal would have much to share with his family, especially his son and daughter. Thinking of his little Mia brought a smile to his lips.

  The girl didn’t stand a chance of winning the young Prince’s heart, not with her brash ways and assertiveness. But it would be a good experience if nothing else.

  That night he’d joined his wife and daughter at the banquet table feeling lighter than he had in many years. He’d only told his wife that all had gone well, but saved the telling for later in the privacy of their home.

  In the morning Dunal sat his family down and repeated all that the Emperor had shared with him the night before. They were no interruptions, but the smiles on his children’s faces added light to his heart.

  As expected, Mia decried the decision to add her name to the list of selection, because as she put it, she was no delicate flower and she had no interest in the throne.

  In her father’s mind, that was exactly why she would be the perfect fit. And even though he knew the girl didn’t stand a chance, he could only wish that his beautiful child, already a princess in his heart, could one day sit on the throne of the nation he loved so dearly.

  As thoughts of the dark deeds and intrigue he himself once faced intruded, he was secretly pleased that his child did not have her heart set on such a thing.

  Still, she could not outright refuse to take part as she was now insisting, as she begged her father to take her home this instant. No, that’s not quite accurate. It was worded more as an order than anything else. Something he’s used to from the little miss.

  Not wanting to start a war at the breakfast table, Dunal wisely decided to leave it to his wife to handle the recalcitrant child who had more airs than any princess he’d ever met.

  Prince Jai

  “Eunuch Van, what have you learned?” It was the morning after the banquet. After a restless night spent tossing and turning on my bed. Thoughts of her plagued me throughout the night, robbing me of sleep.