Call of the Night

Part 6

"Diao Chan?" I called. I've been running around the palace looking for her. I picked a kimono for her to wear since I though it would suit her well. The Emperor put us in to different chambers. Not only different, it was n the opposite side of the palace. Accidental meeting would be impossible. Lin Shao says he saw Diao Chan by the training hall.

How odd it is for her to be there? All there is to see is sweaty men. She's all over the place.

When I turned around the corner I saw Diao Chan peeping through the cracked door. A smile curved in the corner of my mouth when I decided to surprise her.

"What are you doing?" I say.

Diao Chan cringe in surprise and accidentally slammed the heavy door shut. Even I was shocked by the rumbling noise. I couldn't help but surprise myself too. The two doors opened ones again and the emperor appears in a perfect shape, beside him was a heaving man that I'm not familiar with. Diao Chan stepped forward to catch the Emperors attention. Seeing the two of them together is like seeing the moon and the stars at night. Its blinding!!!

The man with the Emperor eyed Diao Chan with admiration. "It is an honor to finally meet you royal concubine. You live in the palace but we were not granted to meet you" he bowed to Diao Chan with respect "Indeed, you are beautiful". Diao Chan blushed shyly.

Something in my chest sunk mercilessly. Even though Diao Chan stood before the emperor, his eyes were fixated on me. He did not deny his relationship with Diao Chan and just stare at me. I feel ashamed and just stood there. I couldn't help but feel out of place.

I turn my heel and walk off. Knowing that I'm not fit for a wife hurts. Back then I was confident to be a wife but for only one man, Xi Guang. If it was his case he would deny being Diao Chan's husband immediately.
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I sat quietly by the open window. The kings terrace is as tall as I remember. There was no light coming from it. It was almost as if no one was there. No sign of life or death. It was a peaceful night. Xin Wei is not outside my room. I told Hui Lang to put Xin Wei in the main court beside the king. Diao Chan is very frightened of Xin Wei. It should be easier for her to visit me now.
I watch the stars in the sky. The moon is round and bright. The cool and fresh air entered through the gap of the window bars, making curtains dance. I rubbed my shoulders, trying to ward off the cold sensation in my skin. As I reach for the window seal, I felt every hair in my body stood to its end. From the corner of my eyes I saw a shadow move. I froze in place. I close my eyes for a moment, trying to convince myself that I been having unwanted delusions because I am tired. I have witnessed many things since I've stayed in the castle and some of those things are spirits wondering about at night. They mean no harm but I do not wish to see nor befriend them. A shrill run down my spine as if a cold hand.  When I look at the direction of the movement again, sure enough it was no illusion. A huge dark shadow of a man stood firmly in the wall. I clutched on my shawl that wraps around my shoulder. I was in the verge of crying. I looked up at the kings terrace hoping that he'd be there as my witness. I slowly got up from my sit. Avoiding eye contact of whats within the chamber. I keep reminding myself that it can't harm me. With a trembling hand I reached out to push the door but was horrified when a single sound of a creak, in a quick moment every lights that kept the room bright was blown out. Nothing is familiar anymore. Only pitch black of darkness remains. I swallowed hard and give the door harder push. But before it could crack it open, two hands embraced me from behind.

I struggle to escape its clutches. One arm wrap around my waist and another is on my chest. It was a firm hold that I cannot break. I felt a soft texture on my neck. The embrace tightens. It was frightening. The creatures built presses on my back. If I'm not struggling I would assume it is a spirit of a nicely built man. Even though its dead it is warm.

"Ah..." My voice is caught on my throat that I cannot make out a decent word. "Help...... Please" only a hoarse can come out of my lips.

Rattle!!! The door slides open. Lin Shao appeared and all the lanterns lit brightly. I fell on my knees when the arm that kept me caged disappear.

This time it was Lin Shao's arms that wrapped arounds me. I weeped and weeped in his somewhat broad shoulder. He rubbed my back gently and careful while whispering comforting words in my ear. Sob...Sob... Hick...Hick. I was so scared that my chest feels tight and its hard to breath.

"It's alright now. Please calm down" Lin Shao's arms tightens around me. It made me feel secure, safe and comfortable. I know that nothing is there to harm me anymore. I was not able to deny the feeling of a bit of dissatisfaction knowing that it was not the emperor who came and wrap his arms around me though.

My grip loosen from his clothing and I gently pushed him off. "What was that thing?" i asked as I wiped my tears with my sleeves.

"I'm not sure, my lady. All we know is a stranger has been seen wondering in the palace" he said and tucked a strand of my hair back to my ears.

"Where's the emperor?" It took a lot of self endurance to keep myself from saying Why didn't he come to check on me.

"Oh..." He scratch neck and aver his eyes from me " He went to check on your sister my lady"

He went to check on her first? I felt ashamed of myself. I also worry about Diao Chan yet I am thinking so selfishly. I cannot deny the feeling of fear from the thought of being put aside. I know that I am simply a decoy from formidable suitors and was not considered fit for the title. But I didn't expect it to be so early. Does Diao Chan also has the ability to see the emperor at night without the effect?

My legs are still trembling yet I managed to stand. "Let's go to Diao Chan's chamber Lin Shao" I say with a straight face.

"But my lady..."

"NOW!" My voice was commanding.

Reluctant to meet my gaze and to do as I say Lin Shao says "Yes, Imperial Concubine"

Deep inside I am afraid to find out the King and my sisters relationship but I must know since her safety comes first. If there is something going on between them then what would I be to the emperor. Why has he not dismissed me yet?

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