FORGOTTEN EMPRESS

Chapter 2

What is the point of living?
What is the use? Why do I keep dragging my existence? Ha! I could not help laugh at myself bitterly, the great General Shi first daughter, Milan the Empress of Lichen dynasty who appears to be mighty, untouchable and happy is actually been mistreated and unhappy, the irony.
“Your Highness, General Shi is here to see you” the palace maid announced
I guess it is time to put up another show, thanks to my right-hand woman Hishi, putting on my heavy call of a cloth with over a million layer within it.  Waving my hand for them to let him in, the door opened with my father in his official uniform but without his sword because weapons are not allowed in the harem.
“Greetings to her Majesty” My father bowed
Rising to his feet lowing himself as he sat on kneels on the pillow cushion, while a white sheet is placed in front separating us from properly seeing each other because I was not allowed to see any other man if the Emperor was not there.
Raising my right hand out as a sign for the servants to leave us
“Father, how have you been?”
“You do not have to be so formal, we are alone” I could not see my expression, but he sound pained
“As the Empress, it is my duty to represent the Emperor and the dynasty with utmost dignity both outdoor and indoor”
"If I knew making you into an Empress will turn you into this lifeless, miserable, robotic-
“ Father plea-
“Let me speak” My father bellowed
“My cheerful daughter who was so full of life, joy, and radiant is nowhere to be found. I don't know what he is doing to you, but I promise I will do everything back to bring back my lit-
“ SHE DEAD! SHE DIED THE MINUTE SHE BECAME THE EMPEROR'S PROPERTY” I screamed from the pent-up anger I have kept within me for years. But there is no use getting angry at my father, he only did what I asked of him even after his warning,, but I was a foolish teenager blinded to see the monster behind those smiles. 
I tried to make out the outline of my father expression, but the white sheet was not letting me do so. 
“We both know the only way to get out of this marriage is by death. If I leave, the reputation you fought so had to build will crumble, and I love you too much to do that. I chose this part for myself,, so please let me walk it and wear whatever consequences that follows. I am not your little girl anymore, but I still love you, no matter what” I could feel the tears about to fall and the crack in my voice, but I have to maintain myself, I cannot cause a war for myself and more deaths.
Silence
The room is silent, my father sighed in defeat I guess he did not say anything after my speech but just bowed and walked out. 
Taking a minute or what seems to be a minute to compose myself, I walked out of my room intending to take a walk to clear my head, I need privacy, but I spoke to soon for as the moment I step out into the garden the maids were behind me following and monitoring my movement in a not subtle way. I could not blame them, it is their duty
Closing my eyes, breathing in and out
Peace
Peace
Please pea
"Your highness”
Ignore
"Your Highness”
Ignore
“My Empress” 
wincing as if I have been burnt I opened my eyes praying it was just my imagination, but it seems the universe hates me
“Greetings your Majesty” my maids bowed 
", Please rise” he ordered
Beside him was consort sung who was clinging to him like a parasite giving me a glare
“My Empress, I did not know you were here. Good thing, join us for dinner” He did not wait for my response and moved ahead with consort sung holding her in a very loving manner while she giggled like a teenager. I trailed behind like the unwanted being I have always been in this Palace until we reached the garden.
The Emperor and consort sung sat together while I the empress was cast aside watching them feed each and play with each other
“My Empress apart from just idling away, what exactly do you do in the palace”
Consort sung giggles like a fool that she is while her hands moves from his forearm to his chest
“Everything that is required of Empress” I replied curtly in no mood to talk, I came out to clear my mind, but it seems I will not be able to do that
“Nonsense! You do nothing. I see nothing, it seems like the work is too much for you, I might have to give the responsibility to Noble consort sung if I do not see improved” he smiled like the monster he is. I forgot she was now a noble consort, from a concubine to a noble consort she is sure talented.
But how nice will it be to be without any responsibility? No planning of banquet, selecting of consorts, organizing the foods, being in charge of finances, arranging the harem meeting, not having to meet with the Emperor frequently, making sure the consorts get their clothes and provision, selecting court ladies.
It sounds really nice, it sounds wonderful!
Without thinking, I faced the Emperor unknowingly with a smile on my face
“That sounds nice”