Butterfly Aubade

第十九章 [ Chapter Nineteen ]

第十九章

A few more weeks had passed and I still woke up in the middle of the night with dreams of Lan Xing and her eerie laughter. Her face would distort into the black shadows and fade into blood. I sweated and panted and then came to my senses. Such memories of Fang Hua still remained in the back of my mind and what she did for me. In silence I would pray at the temple for her soul and happiness. Wherever it is that she went after death.

That morning I woke up to an excited Chun Hai who had a huge smile drawn across her face. I sat up, letting my loose black hair fall down into its pin straight neatness. Curious as to what she was so happy about.

"What's all this excitement about?" I murmured as I sat down before my dresser, letting Chun Hai arrange my hair in it's usual elaborate fashion.

"I heard that by midday, the prince will be returning." She said with a smile.

My heart skipped for a beat at the sound of his name. I watched as Chun Hai picked up her speed and continued to lavish my hair with the most beautiful pins and jewels she could find. She knew I wanted to look my best for him. The nagging belief that he would be gone had been erased from my mind and I was quite happy.

I donned a blue dress with green dragons dancing across it; beautiful white petals surrounded the patterns. I hadn't cared about my appearance since the start of my marriage. Though I found it funny that I did now.

Before long, both Mi Xue and Ruo Jian were awake and I entertained them. They were getting bigger by the day and eventually would crawl about on the floor. I kept a keen eye on the pair. Although they babbled, occasionally, I'd hear a word or so spill out of their pretty little lips.

By noon time, I quickly carried Ruo Jian in my arms as Mi Xue was swaddled in Chun Hai's arms. I did my best to rush into the main throne room. The Dowager empress was seated on her throne with a cup of tea in her hands. I quickly carried Ruo Jian on my hip and bowed before her. She called for me to rise and Chun Hai. I saw a glint of pride reflect in her dark pupils. Although she did not spend as much time with Ruo Jian as I had seen, she still doted on him. Perhaps it was because he was her first grandson.

The sound of drums could be heard and I saw troops file in from the distance.

It seemed like forever, thousands of ant like men pouring into the gate. Many looked tired, distressed. Battle wounds marked a few, scars as well. This was my first insight on the bloody corruption of war.

My heart lurched as the final man appeared. He wore his armor and rode majestically on his black stallion. He looked exhausted and gaunt from all the troubles he might have faced through war. Many eunuchs helped him down and I watched him stride toward us slowly. A smile radiated off of his lips when he saw Ruo Jian. He kissed Mi Xue on the forward and patted him. He did his best to bow but the Dowager Empress looked too worried as she got down from her pedestal and checked him all over, not caring who was watching.

"Get all the troops food and prepare the prince a dinner in his quarters. Make room for Lady Ai Xue and prince Ruo Jian and princess Mi Xue." She ordered.

The servants scampered off with a bow and were gone within seconds. The Empress Dowager took her son by the arm and helped him walk toward the pavilion. I rushed behind her and walked closely. Followed by Chun Hai that slinked quietly without a sound.

The fresh air was pleasant and filled my lungs nicely. I took a seat down next to Ming Zheng. It was strange, I had expected Huan Yue to be around but I suppose her pregnancy was at its most important peak. I was a bit nervous, if she was to give birth to a son, my son would have a rival. At least she was only a princess right now.

I was silent for the whole time as tea was brought and a few pastries were set on the table. Ruo Jian hungrily gulped down what he could eat while Mi Xue had begun to take her afternoon nap. I listened intently as to what had happened across the border. He said that was an attack from a group of wild nomads and I was in no surprise, it they were barbaric people that did not settle for rest. He spoke of the great defeat and losses that both sides suffered through. Although he managed to disperse the group of people, it did not seem like the empire would be rested completely. The threat would always remain but if kept under tight reigns, things could be fixed.

The Dowager Empress seemed content with an answer.

"It is near dinner time; shall we go back to your chambers and eat there?" His mother asked with her eyebrows arched.

"I think I will be fine mother, I would just like to have some alone time with Ai Xue and our children." He murmured softly as he downed one more glass of tea.

The Dowager Empress didn't push him further to accept her request as she decided to let him retire into his quarters. I was surprised that he wanted my presence with him but I didn't refuse it.

It had been the first time in a long time since I had ever visited his chambers. They were usually closed away for his own private affairs. Who knew what had gone on in his room but I did not want to provoke my imagination to think of other possibilities. The room was vast in size, two times larger than my own and had been draped with fine silks. It was a dark room but it held a patriarchal tone that reflected the character of a prince.

We sat down and I had Ruo Jian in my arms. He yawned as he stared at the food hungrily.

"What would you like to talk about?" I said softly. I place Ruo Jian onto the floor besides Mi Xue to play with. The two were caught up in gurgles and babbles.

I quickly helped him undress the thick armor that had been wrapped on his body. Under it, I saw his clothing but within a second I noticed bandages. I widened as I pried a little more.

"Are you alright?" I said as I gently tapped his chest.

"Yes I am ... fine." He said as he flinched at the touch.

"You need to get your wounds cleaned." I muttered and nagged him like a child.

"It can wait. I haven't seen you in months and the first thing you do is come back to me demanding to fix something." He joked.

"It's for your health." I said with a roll of my eyes. He was such a child sometimes. Though his stubbornness was no match to my pig headedness.

"I'll let you tend to me later. I was wondering how the court was doing without me." He said curiously, his eyes glittering.

"I'll tell you while we eat." I sat myself down and used my chopsticks to eat the food. Although I didn't have as much of an appetite as I should, I was more excited to tell him of what had happened during his departure.

I watched him eat hungrily as his eyes darted at me for a reaction. When I had finished my share of food I set down my bowl and utensils. I proceeded to speak.

"I have heard that Huan Yue is pregnant again. The harem has been restless with fickle concubines fighting each other. Most of it has been hard to settle with but I am sure a few have been resolved. I've been spending most of my time invested in Ruo Jian and Mi Xue." I confessed as I looked down at the pair who were both getting sleepy.

I called for the servants that stood near the door entrance for a something for the children to rest in.

"Huan Yue... yes I had received notice before I left but I hadn't thought it true." He murmured in thought.

"I have heard that she has secluded herself so that her pregnancy may go smoothly." I spoke stiffly.

He saw the residing fear that lingered in my eyes and chuckled. I frowned.

"You don't need to be afraid. I do not think her title will last long when I become Emperor." He said casually.

"What do you mean?" I was tentative. Unsure if I should even question out of reality.

"I could easily make you my empress." He stated straightforwardly.

I gasped just a bit, "What but ... why, how. I mean Huan Yue has always been the princess here."

Although I never liked Huan Yue. She was still bestowed her title and I couldn't rip it away from her without looking like a dishonorable wench.

"It is my choice to take whoever I wish to be an Empress. My mother does not have much power over me. Soon she will have to agree to the choices I make. I know you have a clever brain in that head of yours. Plus your company is the most soothing. And you provided me my first son. A rightful heir to the throne." He smiled.

I couldn't have felt happier. It felt surreal.

"Thank you ... but." I couldn't accept his offer.

I saw him frown quizzically at me.

"She was still given the right as princess so I don't think I could claim the title like that selfishly." I said humbly.

"And how wrong I've been. I thought you wanted power so you're just happy to be by my side?" He teased.

"Yes, why else would I tend to you and fuss over you if I didn't care." I said crossing my arms and sighing.

"Hearing that makes me very happy." He replied and kissed me on the lips. I indulged in his touch. It sent shivers down my spine and I couldn't help but crave for more. But innocence seemed the most pure and beautiful.

That evening I fell asleep listening to the quiet sounds of nature and the chirping of the birds. I watched his chest rise and settle. Although I left him alone for now with his wounds. I would have them checked in the morning so that there would be no infection.

---

I woke up to a frantic eununch that had burst into the room. I sat up with my undergarments while he threw himself before me and Ming Zheng. His face was pale and nervous.

"Speak up." Ming Zheng muttered groggily.

"Princess Huan Yue is in labor."