When the Crown Falls

Chapter 4 - Fated Mistake

EMI AINU

A woman’s laughter pierced through the bitter fragrance of the room’s atmosphere.
I woke up to an empty bed after my wedding night and was told by the Emperor’s servant to have breakfast together with Tenji.

Despite the uneasiness from last night’s realization, I went to look for him after he decided to make me wait for over an hour, only to find him in his chambers with a woman in his arms. The room was filled with an unpleasant fragrance from all the burning incense.

I looked at Tenji who was sitting on a silked futon, the woman’s arm draped over his chest as he whispered luscious words to her ear, not even caring about me; the wife, standing before them.

I cleared my throat which halted them. “I assume we were supposed to have breakfast together, Your Highness.”

The woman looked up, her eyes widened when meeting mine. She quickly attempted to rise to her feet but Tenji’s arm around her waist tugged back,  keeping her in place. His eyes found hers, his intense gray colored pupils fixed upon hers when he spoke, “Have you been standing there long?”

My brows furrowed, a harsh blow of his words tugged on my patience and I worded out, “I have.” 

He chuckled as he held the woman  in his arms, his hand tracing mindlessly back and forth across her shoulder. “Well, apologies.” he drawled out. “We got…slightly distracted.” The woman’s face reddened and she looked away.
The implications of those words were clear. I knew he wanted to get a reaction out of me, and he nearly did. Even so, I expected him to have at least the decency of sending out a word through one of the thousands of servants in this palace.

I remained there standing, not uttering a word. The door suddenly opened and another unknown woman brushed past me and stopped in the arms of the crown prince, not even bothering to show respect to me as she rested her cheek against his shoulder. She eyed me, a look of mild curiosity in her face. “Who is she, my lord?” She asked with a seductive pitched voice as she played with a lock of  Tenji’s hair.

He looked back at her, a lazy smirk etched on his face as he replied, “That my dear, is my wife.”

The woman giggled at the revelation. Of course they knew who I was, rumors spread ten times faster in the palace, there was no way they were oblivious of the fact of our marriage.

The one sitting on his lap leaned forward with a suggestive smiled on her face. “Is that so?” she muttered, a hand lightly traced up Tenji’s chest. “And is she as obedient and demure as rumored?”  The words tugged on my gaze and it shifted to her. She merely smirked and turned away, snuggling herself against Tenji.

“Don’t mind me asking, Your highness,” the other one spoke “But your wife has a delicate look to her, don’t you agree?” she chuckled and continued, “Tell me, have you made your new princess squeal yet, my lord?” The was she emphasized the word sent another wave of giggles from the other woman.

“Your highness,” I interrupted. “I shall inform the cook that you will not be joining breakfast.”

Tenji looked up towards me, irritation visible in his gaze. He sighed, “That seems to be the case.” he said dryly.

However, before he could say anything else, the woman sitting on his lap spoke up once more. “Won’t you stay a little more, my lady?” That smirk of hers failed to hide the intention behind those words. “Your husband would certainly appreciate it, wouldn’t you, my lord?”

“I could never have been more pleased. However, I have things to tend to.”

I refused to even spare one last glance at the women. “I shall take my leave, Your Highness.” I turned around, pausing halfway through the door, “Enjoy your breakfast.” and muttered before it shut close.