The Last Pearl (Stray Kids Bang Chan)

Chapter 9

In the next weeks I tried to get used to my life in the palace.
Getting used to the new, luxurious surroundings, learning the new rules and the most important, not getting lost in this huge building.

However sometimes Christopher took me around in some annexes when he wasn't bothered with his work.
He showed me some of the ornaments of the king and paintings of his ancestors he also told me lots of interesting stories.

My maids also helped me with not getting lost in the building and slowly I got used to the fact that somebody always accompany me wherever I go so I don't have to go alone.

I mostly spent my days with admiring the beautiful garden and exploring the library.

And in connection with my death, the maids and guards told me that they often met with somebody trying to sneak into the palace to kill me but the prince's ability of organizing and the soldiers' skills prevented them to fulfill their mission.
But I was still scared that I wouldn't wake up at a morning.

The week's special event however was when Christopher passed on the king's invitation to a family dinner.
He said he's going to introduce me to his family at this night, namely the king and Prince Lior.

Don't even have to mention what wave of anxiety took over me as soon as I heard the news.
The prince tried to calm me down with saying that nothing's going to happen, and he will be always next to me, and an extra guarding group will follow me everywhere.

I tried to calm myself down hearing these. But really, how does it feel to eat at the same table with the person who wants you killed?
I was also scared because what if the emperor wants to say bye to me with poisoned food?
The prince reassured me that he will do something about it.

So finally, that really not waited day came. The family dinner's evening.
I was actually trembling because of the anxiety.

Christopher tried to calm me down with holding my hand when we started our way to the king's annex of the palace.

The king sent me a dressmaker to create me a whole new dress to the night.
She made a nice dress, but it wasn't really my style, so I felt uncomfortable in it.
Of course, the emperor wanted to make the rest of my life feel terrible with this too.

I decided not to show him how uncomfortable the dress is to not give him the happiness of seeing me suffering. I won't show him my fear of death either.
Just to dig my own grave.

Since the dinner was held in another annex, we had to ride a chariot again.
But now we travelled with a closed one with no decoration to be less noticeable by the townspeople.

When we arrived at our destination maids greeted us at the door to lead us in.

Before we stepped in the dining room the prince turned to me.
"Please trust me."
He still held my hand but as soon as the door opened in front of us, he let it go.
I knew he did it to make his father less angry, as much as possible, but this was nothing compared to my presence, who dishonored his majesty in front of everyone.
And I still tried to hold my decision to not show him how scared I am.

When the door opened Christopher led me inside the enormous room.

A gigantic table with huge chairs.
On the walls big windows and the chandeliers hanging from the ceiling weren't small either. Everything was of course fully decorated with gold and lots of gems.

Across the entrance, at the end of the table sat the emperor on his nicely carved, throne-like chair.
On his right, Prince Lior.
This was the first time when I could look at him properly.
He seemed to be five years older than Christopher.
His features were completely different from the second prince's. It didn't come as a surprise since they weren't from the same mother.
Lior looked more like his father. Even an outsider could tell he was the king's son.