Upon the Emperor's Lap

The Court

I then stopped and turned back.

"Both you and I know that I am not the criminal. So you better pray that I am not proved innocent. Because if I am, you will meet your end fast. And when that happens, don't come begging for me."

I saw him gulp hard.

Once I got to the other side of the door, I noticed that the place was dimly lit.

Seriously?! Is this a part of the Palace, where the King resides?

As if reading my mind, the one who bought me in replied.

"This is not the place where you are going to be asked to testify, dear." He said.

I nodded in understanding.

"This room is called, The Final Inspect. Our duty is to ensure that, whoever goes past this, well... in a pleasant, make sure that they don't have the element of surprise." He said.

"Oh." That was all I could manage.

I looked around. Like mentioned, it was quite dark. But slowly my eyes were getting around, and I started to make out the very few details my eyes allowed me to.

"And as for you," He said ad brought me back.

"Yes?" I asked.

"This is for you." He said, and I was given a... black bag?

"This is what criminals wear in the court, until the Master, who is the King, asks them to take it off." He said.

"Oh. Seems very pessimistic." I said.

"Are criminals not?" He asked, and I remained quiet.

"The black cloth represents the fury of nature that has befallen of you, because of the crime you have committed. And for the cloth to be taken off, is a mercy from the Master, who has given you a glimpse of light." He said.

I had always hated all of these. Why me?

"So, I have to wear it?" I asked.

"Not an option, dear." He said.

"So, I am convinced a criminal?" I asked.

"I hear your little speech out. You may be innocent. Then you can only blame your luck. Because not many, who has gone in, come out unscathed." He said.

"My luck indeed," I said, wearing the cloth.

After I had worn it, I could feel his hands on my head.

"What are you doing?" I asked.

"A final blessing, dear." He said.

"Any use?" I asked.

"I see in you, my daughter. Though not this beautiful and not this witty, you remind me of her. So, I am giving you a final blessing, in case the God decided to have a tea-time from all the worldly matters, and suddenly come across an old man's words." He said.

"Well, if God decided to take a break from the worldly matters, I don't think that he is going to hear your prayer," I said, and it was quiet for a while.

"You were supposed to thank me for my blessing and move on forward, dear. Not to point out my mistake." He said.

"Oh, I shall keep that in mind," I said.

"Now I am feeling bad, for talking like that to you." He said, and I smiled, though I was unsure, whether he would see it or not.

But something told me, he would know.

"Like all good things, our little time has come to an end. Please move forward." He said and I could hear the sound, and see the little rays of a light that passed through the cloth.

"Have Faith." And those were the last words I heard from him.

And truthfully speaking, I couldn't actually see him properly too.

Guess, I will never know the last person, who gave the faith to move on.

As I stepped out of the room, my surroundings became warmer, and I could feel two people coming closer to me.

Probably guards.

With my one sense closed, the others have heightened.

I could feel the breaths of the people that have been kept in forcefully, the light footsteps that the guards around me keep up with.

And beyond everything, I could feel the magnificent aura of that one person, at the far front of the hall, with whom my distance, was decreasing.

"Take off the cloth." The owner of the magnificent aura spoke and the guards hurried to do the tasks.

It took a few moments for my eyes to adjust.

I was suddenly pushed down to the ground.

"Pay respects to the King of the World, worthless wench." One of the guards said.

"Now, now, now. We don't want any degrading words in my presence, do we?" The King asked, with a tint of mockery.

"Yes, Your Highness." Even the guard's voice changed when they talked with the King.

"You may stand up." The King said and again, I was forcefully made to stand.

"Thank the King for his mercy, you worthless- woman." He said, trying to swallow some of the words that escaped his mouth.

"And I thought I told you that I would not tolerate such words, didn't I?" The King asked, his words now filled with cold and unsympathetic tone.

"Guards, you know what to do." As some other guards came and dragged the guard away, the situation finally dawned upon me.

If this is how he treats the people loyal to him, what will be... my end?

"And about you," He then turned his attention to me.

"What do my fellow ministers have to say?" He asked.

"The first impression I had of hers was, how could such a beautiful and delicate lady do such a heinous crime?

But then it came to me that, whoever was behind her, wanted to make use of that pretty face, seduce men and cover up her tracks. And such a disgraceful crime deserves no mercy." A Minister said.

"What about working as a low-level slave in my household?" I heard one of the men say, and his lustful meanings gave me goosebumps.

"You mean, so she can help in your other wants?" Another asked.

These men! Don't they have any idea that they are currently in court?!

"You can keep those thoughts aside, Minister Zelret. Not while my sister is alive." Another.

Wow! Now they bring family matters into the court.

"What about me? Don't I have a say in this?" I heard a feminine voice that rang throughout the entire hall, the same voice that shut the mouth of these bastards for good.

"Yes, my dear Cousin Sister. You do have a say in this matter, as well." The King said.

"Well, I..." She said and lifted my face by my chin, making me look into her eyes.

"I would like to have her as my Head Secretary."

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Yes, I decided to take off hiatus, so I will be deleting the Announcement now. 

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Last updated on 05/06/2021