When the Crown Falls

Chapter 6 - A Sword's Loyalty to the Crown

EMI AINU

Later that evening, the diner was being prepared in the royal dining hall.
The long table was set elegantly with fine gold-trimmed plates and shiny cutlery glimmered as the light from the chandelier reflected off them.

The smell of various dishes and spices wafted through the air, creating a delicious aroma of the soon-to-be feast.

Tenji sat at the head chair and I next to him.
The doors of the dining hall swung open and commander Seimu  stepped in, his silver-colored hair shone from the distance and he wore a fresh set of clothes, preferable than what he had worn previously. His eyes scanned the room before it landed on us and he walked towards our table.

As he approached, the servants in the room bowed their heads respectfully an stood at attention, while others marched out to leave only a few inside. The commander halted on the side and lowered his head. “Forgive me for arriving late.” Tenji glanced up from the table and nodded in acknowledgement. “It’s not an issue.”
He then gestured for commander Seimu to sit on the empty seat next to him―opposite to mine. “Take a seat. Only six years and you are acting like we have not been friends since early age.” Tenji laughed as commander Seimu sat down.

His eyes then flicked to the servants standing nearby and commanded for the wine to be served. The servants quickly responded, moved to the table and began to pour red wine; directly from Crotia itself. The aroma from the alcohol laced through the air, only adding to the mouth-watering sight of the glinting red surface.

“So, Sujin.” Tenji spoke up, turning to the commander. “How was your journey back?”

“Bumpy, to say the least.” The commander replied. “The roads are more perilous these days compared to six years ago.”

Tenji nodded, twirling a fork between his fingers. “You’ve been away for quite a while,” he observed, sarcasm laced his tone. “Who knew the admirable nobleman would suddenly charge into battle? Father had to order he imperial guards to drag out the ladies flocking around the palace, demanding to withdraw you from the war.” Tenji laughed. “Even I was surprised.”

Commander Seimu laughed with him. Me, feeling out of the conversation of the two, merely raised my cup to my lips and took a clean sip of the imported drink.

“I had almost forgotten how annoying you could be, old friend.” Sarcasm returned with Tenji’s remark yet the commander merely snorted, picked up a slice of meat and took a bite. “Oh, please. You know very well you missed me.”

“More like I enjoyed the peace when you were gone.” Tenji teased back, causing the commander to laugh.

The meat was halfway into my mouth when his words immediately stopped me. "Well, I am happy you finally found the woman whom you married.”
I felt Tenji’s gaze flick towards me for a moment, his amused expression turned into a bored smile at the mere mention of our marriage. “Ah, yes.” he replied. “This is my wife, Emi Ainu.”
Well, at least this time he acknowledged me as his wife.

I raised my head and smiled at the commander. “It is a pleasure to finally acquaint with you officially, commander.”

He smiled politely and softy bobbed his head. “It is an honor for me, Your Majesty.” Sujin Seimu was portrayed in many ways and I was far from discovering the true version of him. Noble Ladies talked as if he was an angel that descended from heaven. Knights told tales of him like he ascended from hell. And the Sujin Seimu in front of me  was neither of the two. He was a mystery, an unknown entity with a raging secret inside of him, and my soul was craving to unravel that thrill.