~ 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...
The palace corridors were quiet as I wandered through them, the stillness of the night wrapping around me like a heavy cloak. Sleep had eluded me for hours, my mind restless with thoughts I couldn't seem to quiet. I hoped that a cup of herbal tea might help calm my nerves and grant me some peace. Things had certainly improved since the last humiliation from the servant—her behavior had changed after the emperor himself had scolded her. She seemed to have given up her petty torment, or so I thought.
I entered the dimly lit kitchen, the warm glow from the lanterns casting soft shadows across the room. The kettle of hot tea was already prepared, and I quietly poured myself a cup, grateful for the small respite in the dead of night. With the cup in hand, I turned toward the door, ready to head back to my chambers, when the creak of footsteps stopped me in my tracks.
Several servants entered the kitchen, their faces unreadable but their eyes glinting with something unsettling. My heart quickened as I instinctively stepped back, their hands behind their backs as they exchanged knowing looks. The door clicked shut, sealing us inside the quiet kitchen.
I moved to pass them, my chest tightening with unease. But before I could make my way out, one of them shoved me back, her eyes blazing with jealousy. I stumbled, and another quickly kicked the back of my knees, sending me crashing to the floor. The porcelain cup shattered beside me, and the hot tea splashed across the floor, but that was the least of my worries.
I looked up, the jealousy and anger in her eyes unmistakable. She loomed over me, her expression twisted with rage—rage that had clearly been festering for some time. The fact that the emperor had gifted me the royal garment, a symbol of respect, had made her envious beyond reason.
For a moment, we stared at each other, the tension hanging heavy in the air. Then, suddenly, I felt a splash of warm liquid hit me, drenching my face and clothes. The sharp metallic scent filled my nostrils—animal blood. I gasped, my hands flying to my face as I realized what they had done. My heart pounded as I struggled to process the humiliation, the disgust. They had covered me in blood.
Before I could even react, another harsh kick connected with my ribs, forcing the air from my lungs. I curled in on myself, trying to shield my body from the next blow, my breath coming in shallow gasps.
"Do you think you're special now?" she sneered, her voice dripping with venom. "Do you think wearing that garment makes you one of us? Makes you more than what you are—a lowly servant?"
