A Reality better than the Dream

9.- Her friend King Meng - A new approach

After some time, Iris went out to watch the scene of the high mountains and sat silent on a piece of wood. How did that happen, to meet here, in her "own place", that "barbarian" after so many years of distance?! Such a coincidence or, better, a bad luck! He was a great emperor but an uncivilized man!

In the meanwhile the old man and Oren were still sitting inside.

Saint: Why is she afraid of you? I felt it.

Oren did not answer. What could he say? Nothing. He only shrugged. The old man sighed and hesitated before he speaks.

Saint: I know that my life is much simpler and easier than yours. I have nothing in my hands and so nobody can gain anything from me. But yours is very difficult. Everybody seeks for your attention, power and help. You have to distinguish, among the innumerable people you meet, those very few who are worthy of your friendship or love... Oh, I know it well... very well... But you cannot avoid it. You have to make this choice, you cannot live like me. Or else you will miss any chance of happiness in your long life... This longevity will be a problem then...

Oren gave him a friendly look, but said nothing. The old man was indeed very clever and could feel the reality around him. This woman, finally, was just the opposite to what he had imagined back then. Destiny had brought them closely recently, after so many years of distance and indifference.

Saint: I believe that she will decide to leave tomorrow... What will you...?

Oren (interrupting him): I am sure, too, that she will leave soon. I will accompany her till she reaches a safe place, saying a lie about a task I have in the town and then I will come back to you again.

Then, the Emperor went outside to meet her. He approached her and stretched his hand giving her something.

Iris: Ooh... what is this?

Oren: A medicine for your leg's pain!

Iris: My...? How do you know it?

He smiled calmly.

Oren: I am experienced in such things and I have began to understand your character.

Next day, Iris announced her departure, because she had a great concern for her grandmother's anxiety about her safety, although she had the habit to stay there for some days. So, she promised to the old man that she would visit him soon. Of course, nobody believed her excuse, but her explanation was quite reasonable. The emperor was sure that she wanted to avoid him and the old man the same, but he didn't know the reason. However, the emperor got up with her and she could not believe that he was coming with her... but he had an excuse and, so, she could not resist more, despite her doubts.

She was really a very good rider and without the burden on the horse she would have avoided the criminals... But undoubtedly she was reckless as the general had said. They both were silent. He could feel clearly her distance and fear towards him. It was really unpenetrable. He had to try hard to approach her little by little.

Oren: Queen, would you mind if we go more slowly? I very rarely enjoy this thick forest, because I am continuously occupied with my obligations.

Iris could not avoid him, since she was indebted to him. So, they were discussing about her life as a queen. But he was always cold to anybody, why was he behaving like this now? Her leg was paining now only a little. She had kept it secret, not to find herself again in his embrace on his horse, but he... Despite her difficulty, she admitted that he gave her advises, very useful for a queen. But the man...! Could he not understand that his past bad behavior could not be forgotten with only a kind common socializing?!