When the Crown Falls

Chapter 16 - Change of Hearts

EMI AINU

After days of normality returning to the inner palace, things became a routine. However, something had changed, subtle but undeniably noticeable.

Tenji, who had been nothing but a distant and cold husband, started to show signs of change.

Gone were the cold and detached interactions. Instead, they were replaced with a softer tone in his voice. He started asking about my well-being, not in a mocking of indifferent manner, but dare I must say...perhaps a show of concern.

I was convinced he was out to find the best way to rid of me, but he started to pay attention to me during court sessions and no matter how much I try to deny, his gaze started straying to my direction more often than before.

Whenever our paths crossed, Tenji no longer dismissed my presence with a simple nod and walked away.
He would approach me, surprisingly not to belittle or make a mockery of me, instead, he would initiate a conversation that was not just about court affairs.
He would enquire about my day, or the most mundane things, like my food choices or which books I favored.

I figured he needed something from me so I still carefully valued the wall that stood between us—not letting myself to indulge in the short taste of paradise which he could take away at any given moment.

But I admit, for many times, I found myself peeking through that wall in hopes that the boy on the other side would finally give me the everlasting value that I craved.

I let myself be completely absorbed in the world the book in my hand painted for me as I indulged under the sunny golden rays that casted throughout the palace during a warm midday.

Having finished my morning tasks, I decided to escape the heat and read under a large tree near the pond.

The crunch of leaves underfoot and the gentle splash of water in the background faded to the back of my mind. This until they got closer.

I paused, somewhat surprised that the warmth of the sun was momentarily blocked, but even more when I realized the presence that was standing before me.

Tenji was staring at me, his presence looming in contrast to the usual casual and ambiance I was in.

I was still not used to him approaching me so casually, let alone seek me out amidst the peaceful setting.

The silence between us stretched as for some reason, both of us became completely still.
The sound of the trickling water and rustling leaves grew louder by the second.

Should I say something? I contemplated.

But what?

Tenji cleared his throat, sparing us both from the awkward silence. "May I sit?"

Every fiber of my body tensed as he whispered the request. I never would have thought I would live to see him ever ask for permission.

I managed a nod and gestured to the spot next to me, not completely trusting my voice.

He settled down on the grass and stared at the pond ahead. I opened my mouth to ask him why he is here but he beat me to it. "I was looking for you."

"Why?"

I had grown accustomed to him ignoring my presence, treating me with barely concealed disdain and contempt. This sudden change in attitude was jarring, leaving me feeling like I was in unfamiliar territory.

He turned to me again, the intensity in his stare almost startling, yet a million thoughts passed behind those gaze before he spoke again.

"I needed to see you."

His words felt heavy. He needed to see me? The blunt honesty of his words made me feel vulnerable.
I tried to brush it off, but I could no longer ignore my racing heart.

"See me? Is there anything you need from me, Your Majesty?"

He paused, followed by a sigh as he looked away. And I immediately felt confusion and regret swirling in my chest.

Did I say something wrong?

"Must every encounter between us be about palace matters or my needs?'

No... that wasn't what I meant-

"Our previous encounters have left little room for anything else, Your Majesty."

He sighed, his shoulders sagging slightly.

"I know our previous encounters have not been pleasant. But I hoped that-" he paused, breaking his sentence.

Hoped what? Tell me.

"But that does not explain why you disappeared without telling anyone where you were going."
He redirected the conversation. The sudden shift in his tone made me almost wince, the walls built up between us again.

I steeled my emotions and pushed away the conflicting feelings I felt earlier and replied with a measured tone.
"I needed a moment of silence and solitude. I found it here."

"So you just leave whenever you desire? Without any regard for your safety?"

He was pushing a nerve. Again, he was turning the most trivial things into an argument.

"My safety is none of your concern."

"None of my concern? You are my wife!"

"Your Majesty, we are not to argue about this." I slammed my book close and stood up in an attempt to leave, until a painful grasp around my wrist pulled me back.

"Sit back down. We are not finished." he tightened his grip. "You cannot do whatever you want, wherever you want just because you desire to. You are the empress! You are not in a position to-"

"I am within palace grounds, Your Majesty!" I yelled, the pain on my wrist reeling in the frustration.

Instinctively, Tenji raised his other hand and I immediately braced myself, not knowing why.

A moment of silence and I opened my eyes. He had stopped midway and stared at me with widened and rattling eyes.
Both of us were confused, surprised that it got to that point.

Tenji was everything of a vile man, but he had never laid hands on me in a fit of anger.

Suddenly, a familiar voice yelled from the distance.
"Your Majesty, is everything alright-" Sujin cut off his own words upon seeing us.

Tenji finally freed my hand as they glared at each other. "We are fine. Leave us."

"No!" I accidentally yelled with a rattled voice. "Escort me back, Sujin."

"Emi-" Tenji reached for me but I slipped past him.

As I tried making sense of the situation, my feet instinctively ran and led me towards Sujin.
He caught my shoulder and stepped in front of me. Sujin was glaring straight at Tenji and only God knows what went through his mind.

Tenji gritted. "Move aside, Eunuch."

Sujin shielded me even more.

"I said get out of my way, Sujin Seimu. That is a command!"

"Enough!" I shouted and grabbed Sujin's garment.

"If you'll excuse us, Your Majesty. I unfortunately need this knight to escort me back to the inner palace. You've said it yourself, my safety is a priority."

Without another word, I turned and walked away fast while almost dragging Sujin by his sleeve.

As the distance grew, relief slowly washed my chest.

Tenji's cold voice cut through the warm air as he called out for the last time. "Empress!"