~ 𝑪𝑶𝑴𝑰𝑵𝑮 𝑺𝑶𝑶𝑵 - In the heart of an ancient Chinese dynasty, a young emperor reigns with wisdom beyond his years but carries a heart heavy with unresolved grief. Years ago, he lost his beloved under mysterious circumstances, a loss that has...
As I entered the emperor's chambers the next morning with a tray of freshly prepared breakfast, I felt a mix of apprehension and duty. The events of the previous night, particularly the unexpected and prolonged embrace while the emperor spoke through his sleep, had left me deeply unsettled. It was an experience I never thought I'd encounter, especially in such an intimate, uncontrolled manner. The palace was indeed abuzz—whispers and glances followed me as I moved through its corridors, and I knew all too well that this place had eyes and ears everywhere.
The way servants treated me had shifted overnight; whispers turned into glaring eyes and hushed tones as I passed. The council's scrutiny since the dream had been intense, but now it felt as if every move I made was being watched and judged. Stepping into the emperor's room, I was painfully aware of how these new rumors could twist the nature of my service into something scandalous.
Noticing the emperor stirring awake as I placed the tray on the table, I forced my hands to steady as I poured him some herbal tea. My mind raced with how to navigate this interaction, striving to maintain professionalism despite the growing rumors.
"Good morning, Your Majesty," I greeted him, keeping my tone neutral and respectful. "I've brought your breakfast."
The arrival of the council member, just as the emperor was beginning to enjoy his breakfast, added another layer of formality to the morning. Her announcement that his parents had arrived visibly shifted the emperor's demeanor from relaxed to more composed and regal.
"Oh, early—thank you," he acknowledged my efforts with the breakfast before turning his attention to the council member, who had maintained a careful stance, her eyes flicking briefly in my direction with a mixture of curiosity and caution.
"Your majesty, your mother and father have arrived," she informed him with a composed expression.
He rubbed his face, a gesture indicating his need to transition swiftly from the privacy of his chambers to the public role he was obligated to perform. With a nod, he replied, "Let them wait for me at the sitting area with some tea. I have to get my hair washed and prepared."
