Flower In The Palace

by Jordan Silver

  “Should I awaken the bathing servant to see to your bath? Maybe she too has no need of sleep.” I glared him to silence and stepped into the water.

  “No, she’ll just prattle on nervously as she eyes my body.” Funny, I’d never paid much attention to the looks of admiration from the opposite sex, either servant or noblewoman.

  But now with my impending nuptials looming on the horizon and my new love for my Princess, I’ve noticed it more and more in the last few days. The only eyes I want on my naked form, are hers.

  I rushed through my bath and sat down to the breakfast that awaited me in my room. That’s why I like eunuch Van and have kept him around this long. He’s always thinking ahead and is rather quick on his feet.

  I forced a few bites down my throat more to pass the time than anything else. Though I couldn’t taste the food before me. “If you don’t stop you’ll choke and then there will be no Princess and no wedding.”

  “You may go get yourself ready for the day. If you take too long I’ll leave without you.” I know he was just as interested in the outcome as I was though he pretended not to be.

  He rushed from the room in haste, making me grin after him. I have to remember to reward him for all his hard work these past few days.

  He’s never had to play cupid before and though he gripes and moans with every breath, I knew he was having the time of his life.

  The selection was the biggest thing to happen in the palace in a very long time and everyone was excited, and that included the servants.

  Not since my parents’ own marriage many years ago has there been such an event in which the entire kingdom had an interest.

  Eunuch Van returned just as I was getting up from the table after picking at the food that didn’t seem to gain any taste the longer I sat there.

  “Let’s go.” I grabbed his arm before he got any farther into the room and headed outside. The day was just beginning so there was a flurry of activity as the servants went about their early morning duties. I barely noticed.

  Mother and father were already getting ready for the day ahead when I arrived and with a knowing look passed between them, father pointed to my designated spot.

  I sat there for the next half an hour vibrating in my seat as the time drew near. And when her name was announced it was all I could do to stay seated. It’s probably not fair to the other two, but I didn’t even spare them a glance.

  I looked up at eunuch Van with a silent grin and pointed. “She wore it.” My smile almost split my face in half it was so wide.

  For the first time since I’d met her she wore an item of jewelry and it was the necklace I’d sent her. She’d chosen a blue gown to match her eyes with white fur around the neck and cuffs of her outer vest.

  With the gems from the necklace sparkling as bright as her eyes, she was quite a fetching sight. I knew when father looked back at me smilingly that he’d seen the necklace and accurately guessed that it had been given by me.

  He shook his head with a grin and turned back to the beaded curtain where I could see the three young ladies sitting as they awaited his words.

  The Empress’s lips were pinched tight, which could only mean that at this morning’s meeting with the emperor she’d received some distressing news. Bad for her and her ilk, excellent for me!

  Of course I chose now to remember that she too might recognize the necklace and know from whence it came. Oh well, there wasn’t much she could do about it now. Now that the selection was almost over.

  I didn’t hear all that was being said since today mother did most of the talking and she only ever speaks in whispers. But I was pleasantly surprised when father left his place behind the curtain and walked over to stand before the three girls.

  I almost had a heart attack when he stopped before Princess Rowena, but I breathed easy again when he made his way over to the other girl as well. Maybe he was just thanking them for participating.

  It was a sad fact that the two of them will never be allowed to marry since they’d taken part in the selection. The other part of that rule I gave no thought to. It was the custom that I could keep them both as concubines if I so wished, but that was not an option I needed, nor wanted.

  When he reached my beauty and pulled her in to kiss her forehead I felt all the angst of the last few days disappear. It wasn’t like him to be so outwardly affectionate with anyone other mother and I and I got the feeling it was a snub aimed at the Empress.

  And then his words put paid to whatever hopes she might’ve had of derailing the situation, once and for all. “You’re more than worthy to be my daughter in law. Welcome to our family.” She curtsied and returned his praise without much fanfare.

  Anyone else watching may see the aloofness in her manner, but I also saw the nerves. It’s good that I was not the only one suffering from that malady.

  But I wanted to go to her to put her mind at ease. It was no small thing she’d just achieved and I knew once the reality set in she’d probably panic.

  I waited until she and the others were gone before leaving my hiding place and going to greet my parents. Now came the hard part.

  After today she will leave the palace and return home to her family until the day the official proposal was sent. I don’t see why that couldn’t be done here and now, but tradition and custom must be followed.

  Then there would be another short wait for the response from her parents and her as to whether or not she accepted me. After which, if she said yes, she’d be brought back here for the crowing ceremony where she will be crowned my Princess.

  I was more than slightly put out at the fact that she would be so far away for so long. I was not looking forward to the forced separation and had it not been for my wanting her to have this time with her family before she became mine, I would’ve tried to find a way to keep her here. But there’s no way I could let her leave without saying goodbye.

  “Father…”

  “I know I know, you want to see her before she leaves. Now that we’ve made the semi official selection I see no harm in it, but this time her lady in waiting will accompany her.”

  He lifted his brow as if expecting an argument, but I didn’t dare. I couldn’t thank him enough for choosing her for me. For overlooking the furor this will cause in the court among the ministers.

  I got down on my knees and gave him a formal bow and my heartfelt thanks. Now that it was truly over, and the choice had been made, I could breathe again.

  ‘”Thank you father, I can never thank you enough for all that you’ve done. No matter what life may bring, this will always be the happiest day of my life, and it was all made possible because of you.”

  “Get up son, no need to be so formal.” He helped me up and kept his hands on my shoulders. “She’s a very special girl. From what I’ve learned from her father and what I’ve seen with my own two eyes, she’s the perfect one to rule at your side when the time comes. Treat her well son, that’s all I ask.”

  Mother came forward to offer her congratulations and of course she was crying. “You wicked boy, when did you have the necklace reset? It looks lovely.” Of course she would figure it out as well.

  “The jewelers must’ve worked day and night to get it finished this soon.” Father took mother’s hand in his and brought it to his lips. “He’s his father’s son.”

  That made mother blush and it was time to make my escape. With father’s blessing I sent eunuch Van to arrange a meeting with my Princess who I didn’t think should be alone at this time. Not while I was sure she would be nervous.

  Me, I was too excited to be nervous any longer. I can’t wait for her to go home and return. In an hour I was once again waiting outside the Orchid Palace, my breath held until I saw her coming.

  We both smiled nervously at the other. “Princess!”

  “Shh!” She rushed forward the last few steps and had the temerity to place a finger across my lips as she smiled. “I’m not a Princess yet, the ceremony isn’t for a few weeks more
and there has been no official announcement as yet either.”

  “You’ve been my princess since the day we met.” I kissed her finger and she blushed. “Come!” I took her hand in mine and led her inside the Orchid Palace for the first time, with our servants following behind.

  I led her into the dining hall where I’d had a feast prepared for her and I to enjoy. “You must be starving. I didn’t have much to eat for breakfast either.” That was as close as I came to telling her that I shared her nervousness. I’m a man after all.

  Narrator

  “So that’s why he called Morgana back to the palace, why he reinstated his old position and gave him back his title. It was to make way for his daughter to enter the selection.” The livid Empress slammed her fist down on the arm of her throne in angry frustration.

  “What are we going to do? They’ve already chosen the Morgana girl…”

  “Do you think I will let a little thing like that stop me?” She turned furious eyes on her son.

  “No! I’ve already made preparations. Ever since the Emperor decided to interfere I’ve taken the necessary steps just in case something like this should happen. We’ve come too far to give up now.”

  The older woman got a faraway look on her face as she got lost in thought. It wasn’t long before a most sinister smile appeared. A smile that her son knew only too well. He’d seen it many times in the past, when they were in the middle of some plot.

  The last time he’d seen this particular one though was many years ago, when they’d tried and failed to have his half brother the crown prince ousted from his position.

  They’d failed then too and he’d had to spend the last fifteen years watching someone else take his place. His rightful place. So what he hadn’t been born of the former Empress? He was still his father’s firstborn.

  It wasn’t right that some antiquated rule had robbed him of his place on the throne. But now it was within reach again, all that power. He may never get to sit on the throne, but he can still control it from behind the curtain.

  His daughter was supposed to be an easy pick. They’d set everything in motion. But in the end his father had thwarted them once again. He looked at his mother now. The woman he both feared and revered.

  The last time their efforts were wasted, she’d gained the throne not long after. It had been through unscrupulous methods of course, but in all these years no one had suspected her part in murdering the former Empress.

  This time would be no different he was sure. He knew he could count on his mother to clean up any mess, to remove all obstacles. “Come, there’s much to be done.” He bowed to his mother and followed her from the room.

  The old seer looked up at the palace walls and wished she had the power to change things to come. But alas her power was not strong enough to defy fate to such an extent.

  She’d even thought long and hard over the years of refusing to take part in this scheme when the time came as she knew it would. But in the end, if she didn’t, the child would die for sure.

  This was the only way she could save the girl and the kingdom. And though it would bring heartache to many, she knew in the end all will be well. Still, it was a hard thing to face.

  Evil always left her feeling drained and though she was well acquainted with the Empress’s evil ways. This was by far the most depraved act she would be called upon to achieve. For the mere fact that the child was indeed, an innocent.

  As she made her way to the royal palace of the Empress, second in size and grandeur only to the Emperor’s, she braced herself for what she knew she was about to face.

  She’d already worked things out to her benefit and knew the other woman’s superstitions would play right into her hands. But she couldn’t be too complacent. The slightest mistake could bring disaster.

  “Your majesty, I have come as you requested.” She gave the formal bow and waited to be told to stand. “You may have a seat. How was your journey? Uneventful I hope.”

  The old seer removed the shawl and cape she’d used to cover herself before entering the palace through the secret passage the Empress had made ready for her arrival.

  “Yes your majesty all is well with me. May I inquire as to why you beckoned me here with such haste?” Her stomach, though accustomed to much, curled at the sickening smile that crossed the other woman’s face.

  “Last time you refused me and I told you what would happen if that should happen again. Luckily your assistant took care of things very well back then, but as she is no longer with us, you are the best one for the job.”

  The old seer’s facial expression did not change as she kept her gaze trained on the floor. She’d hated to get rid of her assistant, but the girl had been so easily corrupted by the Empress and her offer of gain, she’d had no choice.

  Their craft was supposed to be used for good, but she knew that like a wild animal, once they’ve experienced the taste of blood, it gets easier each time. She’d had no choice but to dispatch the girl after the evil she’d done and felt no guilt.

  At least she’d suffered less at the seer’s hand that she would’ve if it were ever known that she’d played a part in the demise of the beloved Empress all those years ago.

  She’d also done it to protect herself and the two young lovers whose lives she had to watch over. Had her apprentice been found out there’s no doubt that she too would’ve been drawn into the mess and been killed as well. Then who would’ve been left to protect the young Princess?

  She listened now as the Empress laid out her plans for the girl. How meticulous she was. She had to pretend not to know why she’d been called, and so she asked all the right questions, giving nothing away.

  “It must be done in such a way as not to raise suspicion. Though I wish it to be as painful as possible. That will be a lesson to her father for daring to stand in my way.”

  “Do you understand me?”

  “Yes your majesty. But if I may, we must not do this in haste. We must gauge the time…”

  “I want it done as soon as possible, she must not be crowned.”

  “I understand your wants Your Majesty, but if not done correctly we leave room for mistakes. What does it matter if she’s crowned or not as long as she’s dead? This is too big a deal for it to be handled carelessly.”

  The Empress gave the words much thought, and though she wanted things done now, there was a ring of truth in the old woman’s words. Last time she’d acted in haste and the uproar that followed had almost brought the palace to its knees.

  “Can you guarantee me her death?”

  The old seer just nodded her head in answer, willing herself not to show her true feelings. The meeting came to an end and she was only too happy to escape.

  PRINCE JAI

  “I hate that you must leave. I wish we could have one more day at least.”

  “I too share your wish, but the sooner I leave the sooner I will return.”

  We had finished our meal just a few minutes ago and were walking in the garden. In a short while she will be leaving to go back to her family home until her return on the day of the ceremony.

  “But two months seem so long. You must promise me that you will take every care while you’re away from me.” I stopped and turned to her with her hands held fast in mine.

  “I’ve been doing that very thing for the past fifteen years Jai. I’m sorry, I meant Your Highness.” She blushed prettily and looked down at her feet.

  “No, I like hearing you say my name. No one has called me that in a very long time. I give you permission Princess.” I loved the smile that crossed her face even though she blushed harder.

  “Two months, I guess I can spend the time writing poems for you.” I turned to start walking again with her hand still held in mine, while our retinue, kept pace, a few steps behind.

  Now that the time was drawing near for her to go, a fear had started growing inside me. I didn’t want to let her out of my sight. I promised myself that once she became my wife, we’d n
ever spend another day apart.

  But I knew tradition must be followed and my father and grandfather had already done more than enough to bring this about, so I daren’t ask for more.

  “What will you do while you’re at home?”

  “I guess what I always do, read…” She didn’t say anything more. “That reminds me.” I turned to eunuch Van and beckoned him forward.

  “I’ve chosen some more of my favorite books to share with you.” I took the package from him and gave it to her. Her eyes lit up as she accepted the gift and I was pleased that I could make her that happy with the small token.

  “Thank you, I’ll have something to keep me occupied while I’m gone.” She passed the books to a servant as we turned to walk back the way we’d come.

  I saw her retinue coming. The men and women who would escort her from the palace, some of who would be staying with her until her return, and a wall of sadness enveloped me.

  “I guess this is goodbye.” I wanted to hug her, but that wasn’t allowed. So all I could do was squeeze her hand with meaning and take a step back as the court ladies ushered her away.

  “I want you to go with her!”

  “You know I can’t Your Highness. Do not worry, your father have handpicked everyone that’s going with her she’ll be in good hands.”

  That may well be true but this fear that was growing inside me wouldn’t let up. I looked at eunuch Van almost helplessly.

  Sometimes the crown is more of a hindrance than a help. There’s so much that I’m not allowed to do. Like following her to make sure she’s safe.

  “Besides, her father is the best fighter in the land I’m sure he won’t let anything happen to his only daughter.” Now that he reminded me it went a long way to easing some of my worry.

  I watched until she disappeared inside before turning to head back to my palace. I already felt the loss like a live thing the farther I got away from her.

  Since my days as a child who still cried after his mother’s skirts, I don’t think I’ve ever felt this desolate at the thought of not seeing someone.