EMPEROR \\ p.jm historical au

t w o

note: no rewriting was done here.
——

My personal maid, Hana, was combing my hair.

"You have beautiful hair, my ladyship, where did you get it dyed?"

"Ah, I've never dyed my hair before. I've always had this hair as long as I could remember."

Apparently, the emperor and noble justices invited all of their new concubines to dinner which includes me. I was put in this expensive dress that was a very pale pink with gold lining. Gold earrings hung down. My hair was put half up into a style with accessories in.

A palace servant came in and bowed. "Madam Bae, His Majesty would like everyone to be at the dining palace in a span of 10 minutes"

I sigh.

This is gonna be a long night.

—

Hana and I made it to the entrance of the dining palace. Funny how they have a whole building just for dining.

The guards let us in and I saw the dining table empty.

I sat down at the area where my name was. I took a look at the other names, taking a note to remember when they arrive.

Suddenly, I heard a scream in what seems like the kitchen.

I stood up and walked in the huge kitchen.

I saw a beautiful young lady clutch her hand as she hissed in pain.

"Are you ok? Here, let me see." I said and reached for her hand.

There was a big gash in it.

"What happened? It's gonna get infected if we don't treat it soon." I said.

"Hana, please fetch me a first aid kit." I requested politely while grabbing a clean cloth.

Hana gave me one.

"Thank you. You can go take a break for yourself. No need to stay with me all the time, Hana." I smiled.

"You're too kind, my lady. I can't accept though."

"It's fine. If you dont accept, you're declining my kindness."

She sighed in defeat. "Thank you then, Madam Bae. Please do call if you need anything. Hana will be taking her leave now." and she left.

I smiled in victory and opened the kit.

"What happened for this to happen?" I asked in a worry tone. The cut will definitely leave a scar after healing.

"I-I accidentally cut myself with a knife trying to cut those vegetables for the dinner. If I dont finish in less than 5 minutes for the last two dishes, I will be punished." She said in a scared tone as tears ran down her cheeks.

I cleaned up the wound before bandaging it up.

"I'll help you." I smiled.

Her eyes widened. "I-I can't let you do that ! I can't possibly let you help a useless maid like me."

"Well I've made up my mind." I stood up and took the knife. Sword skills and martial arts can be beneficial  in many ways. Like in cooking. I threw the vegetables in the air before slashing them all. I took a pan and caught them all from the air before it hits the ground. I place the pan on the stove to cook.

"Come on, lets do this together! I'm sure we can make it in time." I turned around to say to her. She wiped the tears on her cheeks and smiled before cooking the rest of this dish while I cook the other.

"What's your name?" I asked while putting some seasoning in the food.

"Jisoo. Kim Jisoo." she replied.

I was almost done before I heard the head eunuch yell,

"Here comes, His Majesty !"

We looked at each other real quick, eyes widened. I quickly plate the food before cleaning myself up. Just when I was about to walk out the kitchen, the Emperor came in the room. I stepped back and bowed.

Jisoo did the same.

"Greetings, your highness." We greeted the Emperor before standing back up

"My, why are you in the kitchen, Madam Bae?" The Emperor asked.

My head was turned toward him, but my eyes looked down.
I couldn't look at him in the eyes.

"What happened to your hand?" He asked Jisoo.

"I-I cut myself on accident. Madam Bae luckily helped me-"

I cut in, not wanting her to say what actually happened. Jisoo might get punished for allowing me, to help her. Knowing how ruthless the Emperor is, he would imprison her for this deed of mine. It would be better me then her.

"I.. I decided to get a cup of water from the kitchen. I saw Madam Gi help her bandage up though." I lied, hoping he would buy it.

Madam Gi is the daughter of a Noble from the state of Gi. It would be good for her name and her home state. I wouldn't be beneficial in any way. He wouldn't punish her either because of her status. Madam Gi might spark his majesty's interest for Empress of Bangtan.

Better than me becoming Empress at least.

I feel his gaze pierce through me. "Is this true, Jisoo?" he asked her.

Jisoo nodded her head up and down.

I felt his smirk. "Well then, Madam Bae. Let's go sit at the table, shall we?"

He held his hand out.

I looked up at his face. I slowly lifted my hand to accept. I felt my heart beat faster. His ebony hair looked so soft. His lips were full and plump. I didnt like this feeling. It made me feel gullible.

I looked down at his hand. I stopped myself.

My small hand was hovering above his.

I took back my hand before it could touch his.

"Lets go then, your highness." I smiled at him. I couldnt do it. I couldn't touch his hand.

We walked to the table. Everyone else was already seated, chatting with each other.

I sat down at my chair and the emperor did so too.

I looked down at my lap, thinking.

I feel really out of place. I come from a family of noble warriors and martial arts, not from a high ranked family. I'm not rich either.

I clenched my fists. I just want to go home.
I felt tears brimming my eye. I mentally laughed.
I sound like a 6 year old.

"Are you ok, Madam Bae?" I heard a voice ask.
I looked to my left side to see Noble Justice Jeon Jungkook.

"Ah yes. Thank you Sir Jeon. No worries." My eyes couldn't hold the water and it dropped.
GREAT.
I quickly wiped it. I covered my face with the drooping sleeves of my dress and looked away so that he wouldnt see me at this state.

I heard him breathe out, about to say something. His hand hovered above on head, about to comfort me, but just in time, His Majesty clinked his glass.

Thanks gosh.

I quickly got a hold of myself, composing myself.

I felt Jungkook's gaze soften at my state but I made sure to get a grip and look like I didn't cry.

"Welcome, everyone. Thank you for coming tonight." The Emperor said.

Not like we had a choice, I thought.

He smiled.

I felt some of the girls quietly squeal.

He literally smiled. Jeesh.

"I would like to make a toast, for a new beginning."

"Cheers !" everyone yelled, including me, and that was our first drink of the night. Certainly not our last drink, too.

——