| INTIMACY | - HPxTMR

Chapter 8 [Uncle]

4th August 1997- Monday

The 4th of August was supposed to be a day of celebration in the Court. There would have been a gathering, the first of its kind that he would have observed, with guests from outside of the Palace in attendance. But unfortunately, the woman it was for had fallen ill during the night, more so than usual. She was a frail woman, barely making appearances outside of the morning greetings, however, she still held prominence in the harem.

Noble Vanity, despite her rank, usually received a birthday celebration fit for Concubines. She would be one, after all, if the pregnancy of her daughter early on in the Emperor's reign hadn't left her weak and sickly, her death frighteningly imminent. She was one of his first, and therefore, held more prestige than most.

Instead of an empty celebration, each of the concubines was instructed to pray at the Hall of Worship for her quick recovery, along with her teenage daughter, Sylvania. The girl hadn't left the building since she had received notice of her mother's condition if the gossip was to be believed.

It was to the sight of the girl crying that Harry walked in on, and he rushed to her side, robes becoming crumpled as he knelt. Despite having never met her before, Harry placed a comforting hand on her shoulder and allowed her to bury her head in his neck when she leaned upon him. It was a daring gesture that could have gotten him heavily punished, but luck was on his side.

" I'm so worried." The Princess gritted out after a few minutes of sobbing, sniffing wetly and leaning more of her weight on him. "She looks so frail recently, even the Healers said that it was worse than they were expecting. It's dreadful to think about, but I am close to believing that she may pass soon." She broke down further, the tiara upon her head tilting to the side. His hand ached to right it, but it wasn't his place to do so.

" Princess Sylvania..."

The princess continued to sob. " Please, don't speak. I would prefer it if we just sat here, paying respects before my mother's altar. I am in no need for false assurances, I am old enough now to understand the concept of sickness and death." Harry did as was asked, and remained there, with the Princess almost hanging from his neck. No other concubines walked into the Hall during that time.

The girl, Harry internally referred to her as such although she was only a few years younger than himself, sniffed harshly as she drew away, her pale blue eyes rimmed with red. " I'm sorry for keeping you for so long. You are free to go now, you spent longer here than any of my fathers' other concubines had. Thank you for that." She smiled at him softly, turning back to the altar.

Harry raised into a kneeling position. " I have yet to say my prayers, and wish your mother good health."

" Prayers are not needed, your presence has been enough. It is more than anyone else has given, and magic will know that. Again, thank you, but I do wish to be alone."

Reluctantly, he stood and left, the princess staying put on the cold, marble flooring. " Then, I wish both you and your mother well, Princess Sylvania. I bid you farewell."

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9th August 1997- Saturday

After the morning meeting on Saturday, Harry decided to wander the Court, having not explored its entirety yet, despite living in the harem for around three weeks. He took two of his new maids with him, Anya being too busy to join him. The pair were named Giana and Orla, both with brown hair and dark eyes, and similar personalities. They liked to gossip about his every move to each other, although acted perfectly cordial towards him to his face.