A Reality better than the Dream

16.-The second visit in emperor's kingdom

The emperor had received their message and is waiting for them. The queen seems to be not only tired but also worried.

Oren: Queen, you look worried.

Iris: Emperor... (she is bowing). I am worried because of all these problems. My debt to you is too big. I don't know how I will repay you back. It is not only the value of the stuff but mainly your kindness and good will.

Oren: Do you still live in the dreamland of the youth?

She raised her stare questioning.

Iris: Is this a dreamland?

Oren: Mm!

Iris: Do you mean it or you are teasing me again?

Oren: You can go rest now, we'll talk later. You look very tired.

Her rooms had a very nice light and she could feel convenient and pleased. Perhaps, they were the best rooms of the emperor's palace, except perhaps the emperor's apartment, of course. She had not even the courage to change her clothes, so tired she was. The female maid found her sleeping with the clothes she wore during the journey. After some hours, Iris woke up, changed her deformed clothes and headed to the hall to meet the emperor. He was in the great hall of his palace alone holding a paper. She approached him and bowed politely to him.

The emperor noticed that she was holding a small box in her hands with great care and respect. What was that? After a while, she stretched her both hands, holding that box. It was a nice small box made of dark wood with drawings on it.

Iris: Emperor, my teacher in scriptures, the great Hermes, had made for me this simple jewel, made of the trees on the highest holy mountains of our land. It is said that it is protective for the one who wears it. I gift it to you to express my gratitude.

Oren could not decide what to do, to accept or not such a precious gift. He was hesitating.

Oren: But...

She was smiling.

Iris: It is only a simple gift. I only hope that it is really protective. Our tradition says so.

Oren: But it is a personal gift from your teacher.

Iris: Exactly. That's why it is valuable, at least for me.

Oren: You honor me...

He took the gift and wore it around his neck before her. She seemed to be really pleased. He was thinking that she was a sensitive woman, she could estimate the value of the help and the kindness. Just the opposite than he had imagined when he had insulted her back then. He bowed slightly to show his respect, because of the real value of her gift. This gift was made of her teacher, a saint, and his paternal love for her. Then, they sat to discuss about the incident in her kingdom.

Oren: Now you must tell me in details what has happened.

She described the situation, paying more attention to her conclusions about the schemers. She also referred to a strange unknown man, perhaps a servant, who was very skilled in martial arts and killed a suspicious invader and then disappeared running after the other invader. Oren knew well that this man was one of his confidants, but he hid it not to make her angry about his secret interference.

She also informed him about the marriage proposal of Prince Kandik together with his help. Of course, she didn't know that the emperor already knew it from the beginning.

Oren: I had foreseen that he would repeat his proposal.

Iris: But how had you foreseen it?

Oren: Because I know him well. He is lustful, persistent and dangerous. He will never let you free as long as he has such... mm... passion.