Empress Ying

V

The person who screamed my name was none other than my father. He was anxiously looking at his surroundings.

Him: Come in, quick.

I entered and he rashly closed the door behind me. Memories came up and I was shivering a bit.

Him: Everything is fine. Your mother is absent... My wife is absent. You're safe here. Yu'er what happened to you?

I was about to cry. He held me in his arms and calmed me. I told him everything that happened. My brother, the rape attempt, my murder... I couldn't take it anymore.

Him: Yu'er, you know you shouldn't talk about this to anyone. I can understand how horrible you feel but still, I can't let you stay here. It would be too much danger for you. I can help you find a rich foster family. I don't want to see you suffer like this. You have to live well. Wait for me. In three days come to find me at this location. Until then, take the little money I have and find yourself somewhere to sleep.

He hands me some copper coins. I could see that he saved up this money for a long time.

-Thanks father but I don't need it. I already have money.

He frowned but didn't ask any questions.

-Here I can give you some.

He stopped me right away and told me that he does not need it.

I did as he said. Father gave me details about the location and the time I had to be there. Soon I was on my way. I found a cheap inn to stay during that time.

[...]

Today was the day. My father arrived with two well-dressed people. Alone by looking you could see they were well-respected.

Father: What are you waiting for? Bow down! This is Duke Qi from the Ice Kingdom and his wife!

I rapidly bowed down. How could my father find such noble people to adopt me?

The woman: There is no need, stand up. *Turns to her husband* Look at how cute she is!

They seemed very nice. The wife made me feel so comfortable. It was a long time since I felt like this.

Duke Qi: Yes indeed she is very lovely. Would you accept us as your foster parents?

I looked at my father and wanted to see his reaction. He looked a little sad but then said:

-What are you waiting for? They are asking you.

I did not want to get adopted. Seeing how I was hesitating the woman then said that they would treat me like their own children and protect me. I was still scared. I didn't want the same to happen again. I don't want to get sold again.

-I, ... I don't want to be betrayed again.

The duke bowed to me and assured me that this type of thing will not happen under their supervision. In the end, I accepted. My father hugged me very tightly.

Father: Take care of yourself. Live the life you want to live. You are the only one who can achieve that. Never, never ever trust a person completely and do never share your dearest secrets. They will come to bite you when you don't expect it. I love you and always treated you as my own daughter. This is my time to tell you farewell.

After that, we left. Me, and my new parents. As I looked back, I could see my father crying. I was crying too. I hoped I could see him again, in the future. However, I knew too well that it was adieu.

The journey was long and tiresome. First, we used a carriage which led us to the border of the continent. I saw the sea for the first time in my life.

-so much water...

Duchess: Yes indeed, you will see way more in the future.

We were boarding a ship to get to the ice continent. " Kodaina Umi", is what the locals call their nation. It is kind of poetic, it directly translates to vast seas. 

The Earth Kingdom is called under different names across the globe and within the continent. This is because contrary to other nations, the Earth Kingdom constitutes of different small states with different regimes and ethnicities. In the not-so-old past, we were fighting each other to get the whole continent. However, since all states kind of had the same strengths, the war didn't continue for long until we had to coexist in peace. The region where I grew up called the continent "Da shili" or great forces because of its past.

I think that how locals call the name of their country is important. It shows how solitary the community is.

We arrived at a big castle.

Duke Qi: This will be your new home from now on. Let us introduce you to the rest of the family.

We entered the living room. Five children welcomed us:

Welcome mom, dad and our new sister!

So my foster parents do have children. Then why bother adopting one?

Duke Qi proceeded with the introduction. Three girls and two boys. The girls all seemed in their teenage years and the boys had my age and older.

Duke Qi: This is Mikoto our oldest daughter. She is 17 and about to get married. The next in line is Akame, she is 15 and loves stitching and building stuff. She is our little designer at home. Then we have Yona a little trouble-maker. She likes to hang out with her twin brother Yoto. They are both 12. And lastly, we have the little baby of my wife Hinata.

Hinata: Hey I'm not a baby! I'm already 10!

I laughed. He looks very cute indeed. I'm saying that even though I'm like, only one year older.

It was time for me to introduce myself.
- I am Ying Yue and I'm 11 years old.

I wanted to say where I come from. However, at this moment I wasn't even sure if my name wasn't a lie in itself.

Duchess Qin: Welcome to our family! We will make sure to treat you well. You may be wondering why we adopted you even though we have so many children. It is because we fostered a boy who just looked like you several years ago. As we saw you, we thought maybe you belonged together.

I looked at them perplexed. 

- ...someone who looks like me?