May 12
Bamboo Palace
Time of Kyoshi
Reign of Mamoru-Hiroki VII
Dear Diary,
It is with a tired hand that I pen these words. The people of the Earth Kingdom whisper of the extravagant parties and festivals thrown by my father, Mamoru-Hiroki VII, but I am here to tell you that, while lavish, they are nothing short of exhaustive. The starched manners that must be used! They are the true reason for my fatigue. A princess can only portray a false image for so long. The most successive cure for such is a long soak in my bathing pool, accompanied by my collection of fragrant oils and perfumes. I do enjoy my baths, for Father had my pool crafted of gold tiles, accented with studs of emerald and ruby so that the whole thing glimmers and sparkles in the candlelight. I shall bathe and return to you.
-o-o-o-
Like an animal that has shed its skin, I feel renewed now in my silk sleeping garment, free of my heavy sashes and gown, the moisture in my hair being delicately sponged out with a towel. This action is performed by none other than my attendant, Liu, loyal and modest. I do prefer to remain in my jewels, however: my pearl ankles bracelets, rings of diamond and sapphire, and the long jewel strands for my neck. But they are bothering me presently, so I ask Liu to remove them. She does, my devoted servant, and takes an ivory comb to my hair. More about today's events. Father announced today at a most lavish supper – in the presence of his council, various members of the court, and several heads of our nation's army – that he is building a new palace. For me! In honor of my fifteenth birthday! It is mostly completed; to this I am dismayed, for I shan't be able to select the gems and precious metals that I would like in my apartments. I trust Father's judgment, however. There will be a total of seventy rooms, as well as a banquet hall and two lush gardens. Perhaps the best part of all, however, is the fact that it will be nestled in the mountains, completely secluded. Can you imagine? Naturally, it will take many months to complete, but I am in no hurry.
And so I, Sayuri-Yasuko, first daughter of King Mamoru-Hiroki VII and Queen Yasuko, shall have a palace to call my own. Liu has just tucked away my comb and lit the large candle above my bed, for I do prefer a bit of light while I sleep. It smells of almond oil. It is time for me to now go. See you in the morning.