Shangri La Pt. 1

78: Tenderness

As the following morning began to rise, every thought of festivities had vanished and all servants and soldiers returned back to their usual selves as they traveled around the palace so early in the morning. And though it appeared calm and normal to someone who doesn't serve in the palace, there has actually been quite an important issue taken hold. 

"Your Imperial Majesty..." the physicist started as they were sheepish towards the Empress. 

"Well, get on with it." the Empress demanded as she didn't seem amused by these certain events. 

"Forgive me, but it seems His Imperial Majesty, the Emperor, has become poisoned due to all the festivities, and he is now in a coma. His breathing seems a bit abnormal at the moment–and I fear it could get worse–but for now he should be fine. It is uncertain when he could wake up, and it will also be impossible to keep his physical state healthy due to being in a constant sleep." the physicist explained with a worried tone.

Though it appeared almost impossible to judge or sense what she was feeling, the Empress remained calm and quiet as she appeared to be in deep thought about this situation. 

"I see... meaning he will not be able to take on any responsibilities during this time of sleep?" 

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty. I will have someone watch over His Imperial Majesty at all times until he awakens. But this also means that if His Imperial Majesty is in a deep sleep, then the Scholars must know to give you the position to take full control of the palace." the physicist inclined. 

Hearing those words made the Empress want to give off an effortless smile, but she had to remain subtle and unnoticed by these words. 

"I see, very well, then we must have someone deliver a message to the Scholars, whom I believe I have the perfect candidate to do so. You may be excused." the Empress commanded as she walked past the bowing physicist and left the chambers.

The second she left the chambers, a smile grew on her lips as she knew this was all part of the plan for her. 

'Hmph, serves him right for drinking like a fish and acting a fool in front of me. Not the first time I've seen a man become a fool before me, but now this means I have full control over the palace, just like I wanted. And this also means that the wedding will end before it ever starts.' the Empress thought, greatly pleased by this outcome of her own husband. 

"Your Imperial Majesty." a voice spoke, instantly causing her to get out of her thoughts and look before her to see one of her most trusted soldiers approaching her. 

"Ah– It seems you've done what I asked? Did you find anything useful for me?"

"Yes, Your Imperial Majesty, and I think this is far more than you expected." the soldier spoke as they pulled something from their robes to reveal to the Empress. The Empress gazed down at the small item in the soldier's hand and seemed more pleased than before. 

"Aha~ This is quite unexpected indeed."

( Meanwhile... )

As the sound of faint chirps of birds were heard off in the distance, this sudden feeling of warmth wrapping her body caused the Princess to start waking up. And as she started to use her other senses, she could instantly smell something refreshing–like freshly grown mint–wafting around the room and making her want to open her eyes. 

'Mmmh... that smell... it smells like– Ah–' As she opened her eyes, she could feel a splitting headache erupt and her thoughts were interrupted in an instant. 

'Ow– I suppose that's the last time I will drink so much in a while– Hm? Wait– Why do my arms feel... so cold? Ah–' 

Right away, Momo looked down at herself to see that though she was wearing clothes, none of them were covering her arms, and that wasn't the only thing she saw. As she looked down at herself, she right away saw what could only be described as small pink circular smudges over her collarbone and near her shoulders.