Descendants of the Dragons

The Imperial Scheme

The grand halls of the imperial palace echoed with life as Prince Kael, Princess SoKael, and Mei Lin arrived. The air was thick with anticipation, the looming Spring Festival adding to the excitement. King Aldric had summoned them with an eagerness that was both fatherly and strategic, his gaze lingering on Mei Lin's slightly rounded belly as they entered his presence.

"Welcome, my children," the King said, his voice resonating with warmth, though his eyes betrayed a deeper calculation. His gaze settled on Mei Lin, a small smile playing on his lips. "It seems congratulations are in order. The news of a new princess has reached even my ears."

Mei Lin lowered her head respectfully, feeling a mixture of pride and anxiety. She had known this moment would come, but standing before the King with the knowledge of what she truly carried was overwhelming. Kael, ever the protective husband, stepped closer to her, his hand subtly resting on the small of her back.

"Your Majesty, it is an honour to be in your presence," Kael responded, his tone respectful yet guarded. He knew his father well enough to understand that this meeting was more than just a family reunion. The King's mind was always at work, calculating every move to secure his throne and lineage.

King Aldric's smile widened as he looked at Mei Lin. "I have heard of your remarkable work at the military camp, Mei Lin. Your skills have not gone unnoticed. In fact, I believe it is time to acknowledge your contributions properly."

Kael and Mei Lin exchanged a glance, both unsure of what the King was leading to. "As of today," the King continued, "You will be raised to the status of an Imperial Consort, and I shall appoint you as the Imperial Physician. Your work is too valuable to be left in the shadows. This also means, Kael, that your wife will be expected to stay close, ensuring that she remains under our protection, especially during this delicate time."

Mei Lin's breath caught in her throat. The elevation in status was an honour, but she knew it was also a way to keep Kael and her under closer scrutiny. The King had always been a master of political manoeuvring, and this move was no different. For Kael, it meant a stronger tie to the palace, binding him more firmly to his father's side.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," Mei Lin said softly, bowing her head. "I am honoured by your recognition."

Kael, however, was more cautious. "Father, we are grateful for your generosity, but I must express my concern for Mei Lin's health during the pregnancy. It would be best if she remains in a calm and stable environment."

The King waved his hand dismissively. "Nonsense. She will have the best care here. Besides, the court must see that the imperial family is strong, united, and thriving. The announcement of a princess is exactly what we need during these trying times."

Kael clenched his jaw, but he knew better than to argue. His father's word was final, and challenging him openly could jeopardize their precarious situation. He nodded slowly, conceding to the King's wishes.

As the days passed, the news of Mei Lin's elevation spread through the palace like wildfire. Her new status as an Imperial Consort and the King's acknowledgement of her pregnancy sent shockwaves through the court. While many offered their congratulations, others were less pleased.

Whispers of jealousy and resentment echoed through the palace corridors. The concubines of other princes, particularly those vying for favour, eyed Mei Lin with thinly veiled contempt. They had once seen her as just another concubine, but her sudden rise threatened their own positions. Women of the court, drawn by Kael's power and stature, began to throw themselves at him, hoping to catch his eye and perhaps weaken Mei Lin's hold on him.

But Kael remained steadfast. His loyalty to Mei Lin was unwavering, and any advances from other women were met with cold indifference. Mei Lin, however, was not immune to the tension. She could feel the eyes of the court on her wherever she went, and the presence of the King's guards, assigned to her for protection, only heightened her anxiety.

The other princes, particularly the second prince, began to notice the unusual attention their father was giving Kael and Mei Lin. It was one thing for Kael to be favoured, but the King's protectiveness over Mei Lin was puzzling. They knew their father was not one to show concern without reason, and it made them uneasy.

The second prince, always ambitious and quick to sense a threat, was particularly suspicious. He watched as the King's guards followed Mei Lin, noting the heightened security around her. It wasn't just because she was carrying a princess, he realized. Something more was at play, and whatever it was, it threatened his position.

That evening, the second prince met with his wife, Princess Leira, in their private chambers. She was just as sharp and cunning as he was, and together, they often plotted their rise to power.

"Something is off," he said, pacing the room. "Father is hiding something. He's too protective of Kael and that woman. It's not just about the baby. There's more."

Princess Leria smirked. "You think he's finally going to name Kael as his successor? It's obvious he favours him, but this... this is different. Perhaps Mei Lin's pregnancy is more significant than we realize."

The second prince paused, his eyes narrowing as he considered her words. "You might be right. If she's carrying perhaps a prince?..."

"Then we must act," Leria interrupted, her voice cold. "If she bears a dragon, Kael's position will be unassailable. We cannot let that happen. We must ensure that the child is never born."

The second prince nodded, his mind already racing with possibilities. They would have to be careful, and subtle. One misstep and their plans could unravel. But if they succeeded, they could remove the threat before it fully emerged.

Meanwhile, Mei Lin remained oblivious to the danger growing around her. She focused on her duties as the Imperial Physician, her belly slowly swelling with the weight of the life inside her. She knew Kael was worried, but he kept his concerns to himself, not wanting to burden her.

As the Spring Festival approached, the palace buzzed with preparations. It would be a grand affair, with nobles from across the kingdom arriving to celebrate. But beneath the surface, tensions simmered, alliances shifted, and the seeds of betrayal were sown.

The storm was coming, and Mei Lin was at its centre, unknowingly carrying the fate of the empire within her.