Fated To Love • GeminiFourth

7. In The Shadows Of The Palace

Gemini stood in the dimly lit servant quarters, staring at the flickering candlelight as if it held the answers to the confusion clouding his mind. The palace was grand, with towering red pillars adorned with golden dragons, intricate silk tapestries flowing along the walls, and the air thick with the scent of incense. Everything about this place felt ancient yet oddly familiar, as if he had walked these halls before.

But how could that be? He was just a simple palace servant, newly assigned to the royal family’s inner court. He had no memory of this life before now, yet every corner of this place tugged at something deep within him.

His duties that day were clear: assist the royal family during the morning ceremony, ensuring everything was in place for the presence of the emperor and empress. Prince Fourth—the emperor’s beloved son—would also be there. The very thought of the prince’s name stirred something in Gemini’s chest, though he couldn’t explain why.

The palace was buzzing with activity. Servants scurried about in silence, their heads lowered, their hands deftly arranging the ceremony’s offerings—fruit, tea, and flowers arranged in perfect harmony as was custom.

Gemini moved quietly through the crowd, careful not to draw attention to himself. He knew his place here; in the presence of royalty, a servant was invisible.

As he approached the main hall, the sounds of the imperial court filled the air—the click of wooden sandals against marble floors, the soft rustle of silk robes. The grandeur of it all was overwhelming, yet strangely familiar. Gemini’s heart pounded in his chest as he neared the entrance to the Hall of Heavenly Tranquility.

Inside, the royal family sat upon raised platforms. The emperor, Earth Pirapat, his imposing figure draped in robes of deep jade, sat at the head of the court. His presence was commanding, his expression calm yet severe, as if his very gaze could see through the hearts of men. By his side sat the empress, Mix Sahaphap, whose serene beauty radiated a quiet strength. Her hands rested gently in her lap, adorned with delicate jade bracelets that jingled softly as she moved.

At the center of the hall, seated in regal silence, was Prince Fourth. His dark hair was tied back neatly, his silk robes embroidered with gold symbols of dragons and phoenixes—signs of both power and grace. Though his face was calm, there was an air of detachment in his gaze, as if he carried the weight of the empire on his shoulders.

Gemini froze the moment he saw him. His heart stilled, and a cold shiver ran down his spine. There was something about the prince—something that stirred a deep, inexplicable ache within him. But the prince did not look his way. He remained focused on the grand ceremony, unaware of the turmoil stirring in Gemini’s chest.

The royal family’s trusted secretary, Joong Archen, stood to the side, his sharp eyes overseeing every detail of the proceedings. He was a tall, dignified man, and his presence commanded respect. “Your Majesty,” he said, addressing the emperor, “all is ready for the ceremony.”

Earth nodded, his voice deep and authoritative. “Proceed.”

As the ceremony began, Gemini remained in the background, attending to the needs of the court. He served tea and replenished offerings, all the while stealing glances at Prince Fourth. The prince spoke with the officials, his voice smooth and confident, yet there was a flicker of something deeper in his gaze—an awareness that made Gemini’s heart race.

Throughout the morning, Gemini felt an undeniable connection to Fourth, though they were worlds apart. The prince’s laughter echoed in the hall, filling it with warmth, yet it felt distant, as if it belonged to another lifetime.

After the ceremony concluded, Gemini hurried back to the servant quarters, his heart still racing. The strange pull he felt towards Fourth was growing stronger, consuming his thoughts. He couldn’t shake the feeling that he was meant to be more than just a servant.

Later that evening, as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting golden light through the palace windows, Gemini found himself in the gardens. He wandered aimlessly among the blooming flowers, trying to quell the chaotic thoughts swirling in his mind.

“Gemini,” a voice called softly, breaking his reverie.

Startled, he turned to see Joong approaching him. “You should be careful wandering the gardens alone. The night can be unpredictable.”

“Of course, sir,” Gemini replied, bowing slightly.

Joong studied him for a moment, his expression thoughtful. “You’re new here, but there’s more to you than meets the eye. The prince has taken an interest in you.”

“Prince Fourth?” Gemini’s heart skipped a beat.

“Yes,” Joong said, a hint of a smile tugging at his lips. “He’s always looking for new perspectives. Don’t underestimate the power of a servant’s insight.”

As Joong walked away, Gemini felt a strange mix of hope and uncertainty. Could it be possible that Fourth saw him as more than just a servant? Could he dare to hope for a connection that transcended their social standing?

The night deepened, and the palace quieted down, but Gemini couldn’t shake the feeling that this was only the beginning of something profound. Little did he know that the threads of fate were weaving their tapestry, connecting their lives in ways they were yet to understand.