A Reality better than the Dream

7.- An absence - An increasing interesting

Emperor Oren was sitting in the Great Hall, receiving the greetings of the noble visitors. His appearance, although simple and in dark blue, was magnificent and some noble women around were trying to approach and flatter him, but his stare was strict and unapproachable. They could not accept that a man was able to resist their beauty and charm. Other women avoided such an approach, because they found it futile with him, despite their secret stares towards his direction! The emperor suddenly thought of Queen Iris, her exquisite beauty with the simple manners, her independence, devotion and bravery. But why did he think of her just now that these ones were trying to attract his attention? He admitted that she was way different than them and he wanted to meet her again... he was unreasonable, of course, because he had humiliated her back then and now... but no, in fact, it was not unreasonable... on the contrary. He sighed with his thoughts, which made his stare more dark and self restrained than it was before. The others could not understand this change in his attitude.

Finally, Queen Iris did not come. General Sheng and a minister were representing her and greeted him with respect. After a while, Emperor Oren was discussing with General Sheng about the war and many other things. Suddenly, the emperor asked:

Oren: Have you any problems in your kingdom?

Sheng immediately understood the hidden meaning of the Emperor's question.

G.Sheng: No. Our kingdom is now in peace and without severe problems.

Oren: Oh, so it is! This is good (he said with expressionless face).

Sheng sighed heavily understanding well that the emperor wanted to learn the reason of her absence.

G.Sheng: Emperor, I am a soldier and I am used to speak straightforward. My queen did not want to come today, because she dislikes traveling, socializing, crowds and festivities. That's all... She also knows that I will tell you the truth. But she thinks that, sending me, she honors you a great, because... (he sighed again)... as she says... "I am the best man and her best friend"!

He looked at the emperor and found out that the emperor's stare was in some way amused and curious – not at all being insulted.

Oren: Is she always like this?

G.Sheng: Yes, always. She didn't want to make an exception for you... don't take it as an insult. She is a very lonely person, she loves her home and her friends, but... mm... I tried to persuade her, however it was as if I was speaking to a wall! We have repeated this scene so many times, that I think I must no more ask her about her decision... it is always the same.

Oren: Like a wall?! (he smiled). But... how is she with her friends? Distant?

G.Sheng: Oh, no, not at all. She is quite lovely and affectionate... But, emperor, why should I burden you with all this? You have more important things to think and to do.

Oren: Don't worry. This is a rare opportunity for me to entertain!

G.Sheng (surprised): Entertain?! How?

Oren shrugged, but said nothing more, smiling very slightly. Only then General Sheng was hit by a sudden thought that Emperor Oren might be interested in Iris... this would be something very amusing, indeed! Should he live to see such a thing? The Emperor was a fascinating man, but what kind of a woman could stand by his side? As far as the General knew, he had not met till now such a woman suitable for the Emperor... in fact... only Iris suited this position. The Emperor was a complicated man and he was fearless, not only on the battlefield but also towards the women. That's why he didn't need neither their flattering nonsense or their vulnerability and weakness to confirm his manhood nor their provocative manners to be challenged. And much more he hated their pretense and plots. So difficult he was, that he had thrown out of his palace or at least of his apartments all the female servants, because they were always trying to allure him with their tricks and charm. Only in the outer apartments of his palace somebody could see such ones, but even there only a few.