A Reality better than the Dream

19.- More familiarity

Iris, next morning, entered the study to meet the emperor. She didn't want to make him think that she avoided him. In fact, it was a pleasure for her to discuss with him, despite her anxiety of that past event and her fear towards him.

Emperor Oren was sitting there before a desk and was thinking that he wanted to pass as more time as possible with her in private, not only together with the others around them. Or else he would not be able to come more closely to her. Would she come today? Or else he would have to act more aggressively, to penetrate her indifference. He would do it undoubtedly, but this slower way was more proper for her. He needed her trust to avoid any further misunderstandings between them. Suddenly, he saw her slender figure entering the hall, wearing a very nice gown with light blue-green color and black straps. Her beauty was not exactly provocative, but her mind and character were prominent, something you needed integrity to face properly. Iris approached.

Iris: Emperor (she bowed). You look worried. What's the matter?

Oren: Oh, never mind. And... don't bow to me as long as you live in my palace. I would say nowhere, only if the formalities are necessary... Mm, for the time being, I am concerned about a problem by myself... Are you tired? Yesterday afternoon, we were discussing for long about the battle's schedules. Perhaps, it was exhausting for you. But now we have a clearer perspective for the place and the time of the war. Mm?

Iris: Definitely... But I have noticed that you have put more guards around your palace. Why? Is there any new danger?

Oren: The precautions are always beneficial.

He obviously didn't want to explain.

Iris: But... also General Sheng seems to be worried! Is it accidental or you two know something I don't know? However, I am his queen and he has to inform me if something bad happens.

Oren: He is not only a general but also a father for you, isn't he?

Iris (sighing): This all happens only because I am a woman or else he would inform me!

Oren was smiling and got up.

Oren: You must accept that nature causes some differences in all the aspects, this is not bad. But not only this, you yourself have considered him a father and all your close relations are not only queen's relations but also family's ones. Am I right?

He touched with his hand her cheek to caress it.

Iris: Emperor! You touch me again... have you got used to behave like this?

Oren (indifferently): No, not at all. I never behave like this...

Iris: Then...? (looking at him questioningly).

Oren: Don't I have the right to forget for a while that I am the emperor?

She had flushed and felt inconveniently, not knowing what to say or to do.

Iris: You look strange, indeed! I have always been remembering you as an unapproachable strict figure... But, finally, you don't seem to be so terrifying as I had imagined.

Oren: Terrifying?! I didn't know that I had such an influence on the others. Perhaps, it is due to my position...

He immediately thought "This Tangren had accurately conceived this reality about the emperor's influence!".

Iris: Not only. It is also your character, strict, silent and distant. Everybody says so.

Oren: Oh! Is it bad that I am like this?

Iris: Oh, no! I didn't mean that. I only gave you an explanation. Why should you be different? This character of yours has not at all affected badly your governance as an emperor. You have undoubtedly benefited mostly the world.