Ascending Fates: Rise Of The Sun God

Chapter 3: The Long wait

Part 1

It's been over three months, and still nobody's come to see me. Mae thinks this as she stands by the window in her room, looking out over the vast ocean on the Northern side of the island. Thick fog and low hanging clouds float above the water, covering most of the view, as is normal for an early winter morning. I was expecting at least Father to come visit after they walked me back here, but nothing. The only people that talk to me are the guards, and then some of the other kids that live in the Palace. Mother told me most of them are my other cousins. The older ones are just as spiteful as Fuji, probably more so now that they know I killed him. They come every other day, just to bang on the door and insult me, calling me a "traitor" and "murderer." That I should have "just died with dignity."

She turned away from the window, walking around her bed barefoot, then sitting on it while resting her chin in her left hand. Do they think that I wanted to kill him? That I would do it purposely? Did none of them know what he was doing to me? Or did they just not care, like Grandfather? She laid down on her back, holding both her palms to her forehead while letting out a long sigh.

Mae: Speaking softly. "All I ever wanted was to meet the rest of my family. After Mother told me that Fuji was my family, I hoped the others would be different. Nice. But after meeting Miroku, and Grandfather, it feels like they're all going to be that arrogant and cruel. As if it runs in our family."

Suddenly, three loud knocks came from the entry door. Must be one of the guards. Mae thinks this as she gets up and walks over to the door.

Royal Guard: "My lady? Your breakfast."

Mae: "Hold on."

She stands about three feet away from the door in the short entryway hall. As she presses a small tile on the wall, a cut out hatch in the door falls open, then stops flat with a mechanical snap. The guard set a tray down on the new surface. Sitting on the wooden tray was a brown ceramic plate, covered in a mixture of diced chicken, rice, eggs, and topped with various spices. At least the food here in the Palace has been really good.

Mae: Now picking up the tray. "Thank you."

The guard simply nodded and began to walk away. I have to ask him.

Mae: "Wait, guard?"

Royal Guard: Stopping in his place. "Yes?"

Mae: "Where is my Father, Akio?"

Royal Guard: "Ahh, so you're his daughter. Well, the Chancellor was sent on an important job on the Continent a few months ago by our King. Probably something to do about those damn rebels."

Mae: "Chancellor?"

Royal Guard: Seemingly glad to just be talking. "Yes, he's the Chancellor of technology and commerce. He heads all of the research, production, and trading on the Island. He also keeps a good relationship between your family and the other Nations of the world." He looks down the hall to his left, seeing something that scares him pale. "But I've spoken enough, my lady. I should be going."

Hearing the fright in his voice, Mae did not question him as he walked towards what he saw. She sets down the tray on her table, hearing the guards' steps fade and stop abruptly. She hears a familiar, menacing voice chastising the guard loudly. This sends shivers up her spine as she quickly walks back over to the tile in the wall. Before she could use it to shut the door hatch, the sound of heeled boots was already right outside the door. Then a slender, pale hand adorned with multiple gold and gemstone rings reached around the edge of the opening. Mae had not noticed these in their first meeting, how could she have, standing under that light.