Disclaimer: I do not own FMA...although I do own a poster of the original FMA :3 Its on mah wall over mah bed x3 Tehe...
Chapter 6 - The Start of a Long Day
The sound of a door creaking open in the early morning had every castle guard jumping out of their dreams. They immediately knew who had just awoken, and if caught asleep on the morn of the castle invasion they would likely never again see another sunrise. The Xingese bodyguard protecting Ling was feared by many in the land, but only the castle guards knew the truth to Lan Fan's gender. It struck more fear into their hearts because of the information they now held, and every one of them realized she wouldn't hesitate to permanently relieve them of their duties if caught napping. Lan Fan was like their queen, their empress—even if she didn't know it herself.
Dim light flooded the Emperor's hallway on the west wing. Not a noise penetrated the stillness as Lan Fan's hawk eyes scanned the corridor. Without breaking the silence, the Xingese guardian glided down the hall with baby Zhi Xiang in the sling she had made from one of the pillowcases. Ten castle guards in rows of two greeted her when she neared Ling's chambers. She was mildly pleased everyone was alert and awake.
She relieved eight of the ten, not because she doubted her abilities, but because Ling's protection came first. She would not take chances, especially not with the small new bundle on her back. Zhi had still been sound asleep when Lan Fan awoke early that morning, stretched out with an empty milk bottle in her hand. Lan Fan smiled behind her grandfather's mask, though her body remained tense for any possibility of attack.
Ling usually stirred an hour after Lan Fan did, around first light. Now that he was Emperor he would probably not take long considering the day ahead of him. A messenger had been sent out after the hall was finally scrubbed cleaned. That message would go to Alphonse and May first, who were temporarily residing in Xing's far east, then to Zampano and Jerso who were usually never far from the couple, then to every brother and sister Ling shared his father's blood with, and then finally to Edward Elric himself. Edward was not essential in fighting but his common knowledge and intelligence would be of good use. His presence was not demanded though, not when he had just settled down with his two children and the auto-tech.
Ling would also call on the Amestrian military if...—if shit were to hit the fan.
Lan Fan remembered that saying from Amestris and it finally made sense. She would never understand why someone would throw waste at a fan but the saying fit.
Zhi curled into a tighter ball behind her before settling down again. It still hadn't dawned on Lan Fan that she was now a mother, that she made a promise to stay with this child as long as need-be. That could be ten years or more. Where would she be then? Would she be dead? Replaced for her age?
I will be by Emperor Ling's side, her mind's resolve was firm, but the problem reeking havoc on her was if she'd still be the faithful servant or something more.
Fantasies, Lan Fan chastised herself with a firm shake of the head. She ignored the curious looks from the guards and concentrated on being realistic. She would never be anything but the Lord's bodyguard, and when she finally got a hold of her wild imagination, she would be so much better off. Ling would have to wed soon, and preferably within the season. The stress of the horrendous event that occurred last night and the hunt for the murderers would push the expectations back only for a short while. An heir was needed if Ling did not take the Philosopher's Stone meant for his father.
When he binds his life with another woman, you'll have to protect that new Empress as well. Lan Fan heard her heart's bitter tone and her mind didn't reprimand her. It was indubitable and the image it conceived killed what little good mood she had.
You could always pretend not to have gotten there quick enough...if something were to happen..?
The shock of that thought left Lan Fan breathless and cold. What was she thinking? She would let an innocent woman die because of the petty spite taunting the evil in her? She couldn't believe herself.
Just as she was about to order one of the guards to stab her through-and-through her left arm as punishment, the massive door behind her lurched open. She turned on her heels to come mask-to-chin with her lord. Before her stood the true ruler of Xing and he looked every bit the part. Lan Fan already missed his tousled morning hair, his obnoxious yawning, and how he muttered nothing but "coffee" near ten times each sunrise before he uttered any other word.
His only slip up in his Kingly façade was that he smiled that lazy smile of his and breathed her name in such a soft whisper it sent shivers down her spine.
"My Lord," Lan Fan cleared her throat. "The guards and I are here to escort you to the throne room."
He seemed to wake up at the mention of other guards and quickly resumed his superior stance. "Of course," he agreed with a curt nod. He followed the trio of guards in silence, his magnificent yellow, orange, and red robes swishing around his feet. He appeared to be floating as he descended the stairs and passed each corridor. All the maids were simply engrossed with his grace and each palace guard reveled in his magnificence.
The throne room was the jewel of the Xingese palace. Five small marble-carved balconies lined the room on each side with one large balcony facing the throne, each twelve feet above the throne. They would be empty today, for only those who received the Emperor's missive would be invited into the room.
The throne in and of itself was enough to be the Jewel of Xing. The back of the high chair was solid gold, crafted in Xingese markings. The fore golden poles holding up an exquisite canopy were carved in delicate deigns that stood out against the red silk fastened to them. The canopy was made from the same red silk, patented with the Emperor's mark of a golden dragon on the front for all to see.
Before the throne was yet another magnificent creation. Matching the polished marble flooring, a large table, stretching ten meters and with the with of three, could seat fifty people. It was enough for every clan's chief when important meetings were held. Today the table would be full, but not with the chieftains regulating the majority of the Xingese people.
Guards were stationed at every balcony, as were they standing by the thick columns supporting the palace. Not only did they carry the bronze meter-long swords they usually were armed with, but now they possessed steel spears that were as long as they were. Their armor had been increased as well. They wore the outfits of battle and none would be seen walking around without it.
"I want to be informed immediately when some one comes within sniper range." Ling demanded and the guard closest to the door took off to inform the servants. Xing had long since upgraded since the return of Ling. They kept most things traditional, but weapons had been the first to be advanced. Trading had also been been established with Amestris, and Führer Grumman even opened up a railway for easier transportation. With the help of alchemists, the railroad was almost complete.
Ling glanced around the immense room and held back the sigh that was threatening to undo him. Though he did take every clan under his wing, he knew they still hated him for obtaining the throne. He was not naïve to think his siblings couldn't possibly be the murders who struck his palace last eve. If it came to be that one of his brothers or sisters did attack him, their betrayal would not be taken lightly. The clan would be abandoned and pushed back to the borders of Xing, and their chief as well as his sibling would be executed without mercy. It was barbaric but necessary if Ling were to make any kind of example of himself.
A soft noise captured Ling's attention. It was the infant on Lan Fan's back, who remained shadowed by the throne. She slid closer to the chair before untucking Zhi from the sling and cradling her in her arms. Ling focused back to the closed doors and leaned onto one arm. His mind raced, but not with the thoughts of the day ahead or even of the night before. He thought of the wife he would have to take when all this was over.
A scowl marred his features. He didn't want some princess from the neighboring country anymore than he wanted the chamber-pot maid in his own palace. Yet, he would have to choose somebody. He didn't have centuries...
Unless I take the Philosopher's Stone...No, Ling mentally shook himself, remember the last time you took the Stone?
Ling wanted to bellow out his frustration. Normally he would've taken off somewhere to calm down, to think things out without all eyes on him. He had gotten so good he had even managed to outsmart Fu, but of course he would get lectured the entire night.
Again Ling glanced over at Lan Fan, now back to her statuary pose with Zhi back in the sling. The baby was surprisingly quiet, even awake. It stared back at Ling with huge brown eyes surrounded by thick black lashes. It was so tiny, yet it had the heart of a lion. If only his warriors had the strength this little infant possessed. Lan Fan would make an excellent mother.
Yes, she would...possibly to the future heir...? The question left open for possibilities, but Ling already knew the outcome. She would refuse. She had grown up an orphan and became independent. Her suto-grandfather was the only person she let into her life, and he was taken away from her only recently. She wouldn't allow another person to come into her life and let them be taken away. Her courage for stepping up for the infant not only astounded Ling but confused him.
He opened his mouth to speak, then closed it. He thought about what he was going to say and opted to try again. He closed his mouth and thought of something else. He figured if he just started talking he'd find the right words.
"Lan Fan," he spoke quietly, ignoring the two guards at the foot of his throne.
"Yes, my Lord?" she answered quickly and came to stand directly beside his chair. This was the part Ling should've said something, but instead he was caught up in her twinkling chocolate eyes. He couldn't gauge her expression through the mask but her eyes said enough. She was weary, tired, angry, but determined to not let a single person slip through he fingers. She had the job of judging each individual that passed through the palace gates.
"I...um—" A ruler does not stutter! Ling composed himself swiftly before Lan Fan passed judgement on his lack of speech.
"I wanted to ask you something." He stated imperiously. Lan Fan would surely not settle for a weakling, so with that he manged to make himself taller in his seat. He made himself the epitome of regal, sublime, noble and all things magnificent.
"Anything, my Lord," Lan Fan nodded, her hands flexing at her sides. Often did she do this when wondering something. What could she be thinking?
"It is my duty to—"
"My Lord!" The throne room doors slammed open with a thunderous crack, and instantly Lan Fan reacted. Her dagger was unsheathed and she was crouching in front of Ling before the xinshi could get his words out. He paused at her abrupt movement to protect the Emperor before continuing with his news.
Lan Fan sank back to the shadows of the throne as the young boy exclaimed, "We have travelers fast approaching! A large group, my Lord!"
"How many?" Ling questioned, drumming his fingers against the arm of his chair.
"Five!" the boy exclaimed, holding up his pale, tiny hand.
"Do you know who?" Ling rolled his eyes.
"Oh, um, the Jian prince, the Tai prince, the Zhen princess, and Mr. Elric and Princess Chang!" The small xinshi counted his fingers as he named off the guests.
"Interrogate them before they step foot in my palace, except Chang and the Elric brother," Ling instructed without turning to face Lan Fan. She was off in a black blur, and Ling sighed as he dismissed the xinshi. Today was going to be a long day...
So sorry for the delay! Life is crazy right about nao! Hope you guys enjoy,, and you're never going to guess the spin i have in store for u!