The Hikaru Curse

III

The next morning dawns with uncertainty and uneasiness.

Now that some of the other consorts know my secret, I have mixed feelings about being here. I was perfectly fine carrying the burden alone. At least then I wasn't as embarrassed as I am now.

Wenning, Liang, and Hong-Rim make me feel safe. They have been kind to me since the beginning. But what if they betray me and tell Empress Alexandria everything?

What shall I do then? How can I protect my homeland from the empire?

"Stop spacing out, brother."

I blink a few times and look to the entrance of my palace.

My brother, Ryoma, stands tall and proud. His long black hair is neatly tied back. My brother wears red and white robes.

"My apologies, dear brother. I was only thinking." I unfold my favorite hand fan and delicately fan myself.

Ryoma sighs as he steps inside. "Genji, I know exactly what you're thinking about."

I nearly choke on my own saliva. I do not even own private thoughts it seems. "What of it?" I ask in an annoying tone.

Ryoma puts a hand upon my shoulder. "You cannot hide from the empress any longer. She will make love to you and she will find out the truth. Surely, father knew it would happen when he sent us." My brother's words weigh me down. He's right.

Alexandria will find out about the curse. She might go as far as to expose us to the world.

I don't want my family and country to lose their reputation. But there's nothing I can do to change that, no matter how hard I try.

Ryoma holds out a silk envelope to me.

The fabric is a deep crimson and embroidered with gold. The envelope belongs to someone in the royal family.

I eye the little rectangle of silk with disgust. "What is this?"

Ryoma takes my free hand and presses the envelope within my grasp. "A servant asked me to give this to you. She said it was important that you receive it."

I lay my fan down on the table so that I can take the envelope gingerly in my hands. I hesitantly open the silk packet and slide the parchment out. I fold my fan and unfold the letter. Just a glance tells me that a woman wrote the characters. I carefully read through every single one.

Dear Hikaru Genji,

I deeply apologize for my mother's behavior yesterday evening. It's not right of her to mess with me like that. But do not harbor any ill will towards her for your sake and mine. I, however, will not tolerate what she has done to you. I will secretly accept you as my lover if you meet me just outside your palace this evening. My mother has a council meeting and shall not disturb us. Do not think of our actions as betrayal. For any advice, seek my father.

Sincerely, Princess Yua

My eyes widen. "Brother, what should I do?" I shove the letter at Ryoma, forcing him to read it.

Ryoma rolls his eyes and smirks. "What do you think?" My brother annoyingly assumes I know the answer.

I hesitate, making sure my thoughts make sense. "A part of me wants to ignore the summons due to the curse. If she is meeting me at such an hour and at my palace," my voice trails off, "I fear what will happen." I flinch at the squeak of my own voice. I have never heard myself sound so weak before.

Ryoma shakes his head. "You cannot hide forever. And, truth be told, you might be better off with the princess finding out instead."

I don't understand my brother's words. Surely, I'm doomed no matter who finds out. I'll become the laughingstock of all China...and perhaps Japan. "Why do you say that?" I unfold my fan to hide my flushed cheeks.

Ryoma chuckles lightly before sighing. He seems to be looking in the distance, searching for memories long gone. "She has feelings for you and I know they're genuine. She's nothing like Nene."

At the comparison to my sister-in-law, I stop and think.

Could that be why Yua's eyes seemed to sparkle yesterday evening?

I know from experience that it's rare for nobles to marry for love. I remember how temperamental Nene was towards my brother when they first married. I shiver at the thought of that being me and the empress. I am still unsure if I should take this chance. "Are you suggesting I answer her summons?"

My brother doesn't say anything. He prepares a piece of parchment and a writing brush. Ryoma sits down and begins grinding the ink.

I sigh and sit down behind the desk reluctantly. I take a deep breath and begin crafting my reply, taking great care in choosing my words.

Princess Yua,

I am honored to be called upon by a beauty such as yourself. Your father has told me much about you. It would be lying to say I wasn't surprised upon receiving your letter. It would be even more of a lie to say I wasn't happy. Therefore, I have decided to accept your summons and I shall meet you outside my palace this evening at midnight, when the moon is at its highest. I cannot promise, however, that I will be able to satisfy you. But I will do whatever I can to please your desires. Please know that I carry no ill will towards your mother. I hope you are well and that you enjoy the time we shall have together.

Yours Truly, Hikaru Genji

I read over it to make sure there are no mistakes. My heart pounds against its cage of pure white bone so loud that I worry half of the empire can hear it.

Ryoma hands me an envelope made of white and gold silk. "Do you want me to deliver it?"

I shake my head. "If you deliver it to a servant and then to the princess, the palace maid or eunuch you hand it to could look inside and discover that I accepted the princess' summons. I would much rather send it to someone I trust and someone who wouldn't want to get the princess in trouble." I neatly fold the letter and carefully slip it into the envelope before tucking it into the inside of my robe underneath the belt. I escort my brother out of my palace. "Can I assume that you will be attending the council meeting this evening?" I ask casually.

"Yes. I am being forced to attend, but my opinion will not matter. I cannot disclose anything concerning the meeting. I just know that with Empress Alexandria, no one but her will get a say. All the ministers are considering alternate actions. I am not on their side nor do I agree with what I think the empress is going to do," Ryoma's eyes darken, "If anything dangerous happens, I swear that I will put your safety above all else. Never forget that." My brother bows in a farewell and leaves the harem.

My heart is filled with heavy emotions by the time I reach Nightingale Palace. I go up the stairs and wait outside the door.

One of the palace maids smiles. "Are you here to see Lord Wenning?"

I nod silently and follow the maid inside. I don't bother looking at any of the decor because I have something more important to do.

We stop at the table in the main room where Wenning is reading.

"Lord Genji has come to see you," the maid states.

Wenning closes his book and sets it on the table. He straightens up with a smile. "Thank you. You may leave," he turns to me, "Please sit."

I do as asked. "Wenning, I have a request I would like to make if you are willing to accept it." I hesitantly pull out the envelope containing my letter and lay it on the table. "Could you please deliver this letter to your daughter? She asked for a reply from me and I have written it. I do not trust any of the palace maids or eunuchs to deliver it."

Wenning stares fondly at the envelope. "It seems the empress has underestimated her. The princess came to me and sought my help in keeping her plans a secret between those of us on her side," he accepts the envelope, "I shall do as you ask and I promise to keep this a secret from the empress."