The Royal Concubine (please read edited version)

The Encounter

   *This story is discontinued on this book. HOWEVER, there is a revised version with the same name. Please go to the new story to read. Thank you!*

       My personal maid, Shilla, along with Ajumni, prepared me with expensive clothes, jewelry, and facial creams. Meeting with the Emperor personally was a grand opportunity, something even my Ajumni could never obtain. My hair was pinned high on my head, giving me a major headache. The lovely scents protruding from my skin could attract the attention of anyone, perhaps even the Emperor.    

"My, you look strikingly gorgeous. Even you can't mess this up." Ajumni forcefully moves my chin in her icy fingers, looking at every inch of skin on my dolled up face.   

I turned to the mirror to now see my reflection; thankfully, I could still recognize it. Ajumni gave me her own dress, which was terrifyingly stunning. She muttered to herself that she could afford to buy a new one. Of course, with the new family status, she didn't mind giving away something as simple as a dress.     

"The royal palanquin for lady Hye-Rin," A young maid called from outside my room door, making my heart race. A palanquin is a large covered box lifted by workers, it would take me to the palace.  "Once you are settled in your new home at the palace, you will be thanking us," Ajussi excitedly claimed.    

"Even if I wanted to say my thanks to you later, I won't be able to contact you for who knows how long," I muttered to myself.  

My Ajumni grabbed my arm pulling me out to see the maid and my sad looking Ajussi at the door waiting for us. A small tear fell from my eye, but I delicately swiped it away. They didn't need to know all the fear captivated inside of me. I inhaled deeply before pulled away to the front of our house to meet a royal guard who would accompany the palanquin.  

I stood before my ride to my elaborate prison. To become a concubine. More like, The Royal Concubine. I heard from the scribes I would be the only one. It made me question what type of Emperor he was. I had never heard of an Emperor not having at least 20 mistresses at hand. It was important for him to produce an heir, yet Queen Min has never become pregnant, from what I have heard. 

Since hearing stories about Queen Min, I looked up to her as a woman. In her days, though very few, she has become quiet a powerful woman, unlike past Empresses. I strive to become a woman with the same strength and determination as her.   

After saying my goodbyes to my family and maids, I sat down in the palanquin. The work men were quiet the entire ride, as expected. It wasn't acceptable for a man and women to be alone together unless married. In this case, it wasn't doing any harm. I shyly look out the window of the carriage draped by silk, concealing me away from the public.    

It had been some time since I have been in town, because I wasn't allowed to exit my family's property without a maid accompanying me, as my Ajumni said. People wandered throughout the town square in bright colors that gave life to the dull shops.   

Once out of town, we travel down a stone road, which met with a large stone wall. I ducked my head back into the palanquin to not be spotted by a royal official. Soon the men slowed the palanquin to a halt and proceeded to set in gently down to open my door. Stepping out I was greeted by an older man who had a maid that looked similar to my age by his side.           

"Good morning lady Mo, we hope that you find your stay here as Emperor Min's Concubine fits your tastes" the man said with a small head bow. 

I also bowed to the pair in front of me with a warm smile, "It will be a pleasure to serve our great Emperor," I say smoothly even though the words tasted like poison.