Chapter Twenty Eight: Engagement Tea Ceremony

"Alright, Iolene and Lexi. This is Shu Lan's engagement tea ceremony. Please act as politely as possible. Iolene since you are using Summers as your last name. Don't be surprised if you get... Well Snubbed." Lei says as he shrugs his shoulders. "But I have spoken to Ning. She is now aware of everything. I asked her to help take care of you."

"I am really happy that Ning let us come. I hope that it keeps my mind busy... After what happened..." Iolene says with a small frown on her face. She hasn't stopped thinking about the ether... With many mixed feelings of curiosity of power and fear of never escaping. Not to mention almost killing Beau and Aaron...

Since then her dreams of the past have become more vivid. Now knowing that Iolene had an older brother at one point. Iolene looks down as she is too nervous to ask about him to Stein. She then shakes her head, hiding her nervousness. Trying to distract herself as she down at her dress. "Even letting me borrow her beautiful clothes." As Iolene spreads her arms out admires her clothes. A light pastel pink dress. Made of light fabric that looks like it flows like water as she walked.

"I am so excited..." Lexi says as sarcastically as possible. She decided to wear her traditional red priestess attire. Except for her face hiding helmet.

Lei guides Iolene and Lexi through the garden as they see a red and white gazebo. Where many nobles are dressed in different pastel colour dresses. The person who stands out the most is the Empress who sits on a replica of her throne on a special platform where she remains above everyone else.

Lei stops as he says farewell to Iolene and Lexi. Lei quickly passes Iolene a gift wrapped in fabric.

"You are not coming?" Iolene asks.

"It's a women's only affair. I will be joining my brothers. Have a nice time and don't touch anything..." Lei says with a cheeky grin as he walks off.

"Thanks, Lei..." Iolene says sadly as she didn't want to be reminded. She then quickly rubs her eyes as she hasn't worn eye contacts in a long time.

Lexi takes a huge breath in as many of the women are talking very politely and are quiet. Iolene looks around as she has always dreamt of going to events like this. The only event she has attended is a trial... And it wasn't a fun trial... Iolene shakes her head again as she tries her hardest to forget Akvor. Iolene feels cursed that he always lurks in the back of her memories.

"Hey, are you okay?" Lexi asks worryingly she gently grabs Iolene arm as she stands still.

Iolene then moves her gaze to Lexi. She smiles and nods yes.

"Come on! Time for YOU! To have fun." Lexi chuckles as they walk towards the party.

Ning meets up with the two as Iolene bows to her. Iolene looks behind Ning and notices her ladies' maids. Three beautiful young women wearing light yellow dresses.

"Good morning your highness... You look very beautiful like always." Iolene says gracefully. Lexi follows suit saying the same.

Ning dressed in a similar designed light blue outfit to Iolene only it was more elaborate with detailed flower embroidery and having another layer of flowing fabric. Her long navy blue hair done in an elaborate hairstyle similar to her mother. Even like the Empress, she is the only other person who has pure white face makeup like a porcelain doll.

"Thank you! I have heard that all morning. However, good morning Iolene and lady Lexiana. Welcome to the engagement tea ceremony. Shu Lan the bride is talking to the Empress at this present moment so we shall talk to the other noble ladies. Come along..." Ning then turns around gracefully as her dress waves around.

Iolene looks up at the sky not a cloud in sight. The grass is green and the flowers are in bloom. "Everything looks like a beautiful water painting." Complimenting to Ning as they enter the party.

"It is a beautiful day for a party," Ning says as a young girl stomps over to her. Unlike Ning, her dress is filthy and has been ripped. Her hair all undone and covered in dirt and leaves. Her servant running after her trying to clean her up. But the young girl keeps pushing her away.

"Fen..." Ning says in shock trying to remain calm. "That is un-ladylike... Mother is going to punish you for this!"

"As long as the punishment is more exciting than the party!" She shouts.

"Shhh," Ning says in frustration. "Now is not the time you silly girl. Go back inside and clean yourself." As Ning points to the palace.

Fen says "no" and storms off to the training arena, with her maid chasing after her. Ning clenches her parasol and faces back Iolene and Lexi.

"Forgive my little sister... I swear she must have been a boy in her previous life." She politely says as she leads them to the main party.

Iolene and Lexi remain quiet as they are in unfamiliar territory. Iolene has never been to a party before. She had only dreamt of it. Once being stuck in a priesthood and hospital settings... Meeting Empress Zhen and her family, Iolene never expected this in her life. But she knows she is very lucky. It took much convincing for her to attend the party. Iolene knowing that Stein clearly doesn't trust others or her... Lexi coming to Iolene's small rescue as she volunteered to guide her. While Stein looks after and trains Beau as he struggles to control his new powers. Aaron is with Mali training as he usually does in his free time.

"Iolene, Lady Lexiana meet Sazan Jona's daughter, Sazan Okimi. Heir to Unmei the southern city. Okimi this is Iolene Summers from Aquarius City and Lady Lexiana from the red priesthood." Ning says as Okimi bows and happily greets them.

Iolene looks at Okimi. She is wearing a different style of outfit. A bright red kimono embroidered with gold small flower patterns with butterflies. Clearly standing out of the crowd.

Ning then quickly leaves wanting to speak to other nobles. "Enjoy yourselves, ladies!"

"You look very beautiful my lady. I love your outfit!" Iolene says as she walks around Okimi looking at her traditional wear.

"Thank you." As she chuckles. "You look beautiful as well. I love your hair... It's as if your head is made out of spun gold. Is it natural or do you have some wonderful hair colours like those in Mille Voix?" Okimi then takes a sip of her tea.

"Oh! It's natural! Born with it..." As Iolene grabs her hair and strokes it. She has always loved her hair and fashion. So excited that a noble lady giving her a compliment makes her happy.

"My lady red priestess..." Okimi then walks closer to Lexiana. "What is a priestess like you doing here? I thought you would be home now that the war has ended."

"I was sent away to other countries to see how they are faring. You know the good old priest travelers..." Lexi trying to preoccupy herself by looking at everything else. She is only in the party to keep an eye on Iolene. She felt sorry for her as Stein hasn't stopped bothering her since the accident. He now has Aaron watching her sleep. But Lexi has come across him just sitting outside her door. With him proclaiming that he trusts her enough just to sleep in the bed.

"So tell me Lady Okimi what is Unmei like? I have read stories about it. The garden of love, the tower of thunder, the Light of Tsuki." Iolene sounding diplomatic as she tries to stand tall.

"Unmei is a beautiful place! We do have our cultural differences but there are many ideas that we share. The Light Tsuki is especially amazing... Seeing the moons Drakkus and Abandon lighting the Tsuki plant. Incredibly amazing! The flower blooming once a year at the perfect time at night. The sparkles and gold aura as the flower glows. The smell is so sweet..." Okimi looks so excited as she spoke about her home.

"That sounds wonderful!" As Iolene couldn't hide her envy. Knowing that the Tsuki flower there is only one recorded and found in the world. It was once called the Iolene flower named after the founder. Since Iolene was an influential figure they changed the name to another important figure in Unmei.

They spoke further discussing both Aquarius City and Unmei. Iolene trying her hardest to sound like she has lived a normal life. Using most of her book knowledge and her experience working at hospitals and healer clinics.

"How interesting!" Okimi says. She was going to talk more but got quickly requested to see Shu Lan the bride. "I must go now. Wonderful meeting you!"

"She sounds so lovely!" Iolene looking at Lexi.

Iolene having gained more confidence she introduces herself to a few noble ladies. Like with Okimi she remains with good posture and has kind manners. They seemed so friendly until they heard the word Summers their expressions changed. Theirs faces glared at Iolene as they examined her up and down. They didn't even tell her their names as Iolene introduced herself first.

"A bastard?" One of them says. An extremely tall woman with a long face looks at Iolene with discontent. Wearing a light pastel green dress with her hair tied up onto a bun. She stares at Iolene as she wanted her to answer the question.

"What is a bastard like you doing here?" Another asks. She looks like Iolene's age of fifteen. Looking like the woman next to her they must be siblings.

Iolene stutters, not knowing what to say. She really wanted to say Ovideus but she knew that would not help either...

Iolene tries to regain her confidence and stands tall. "I was invited by Princess Ning. I am friends with her brother Prince Lei."

"Oh! Princess Ning and Prince Lei! Friends?! Doubt that..." The tall one says.

"Are you going to convert Prince Lei? Make a man out of him? By request of the Empress?" The younger one asks as she laughs.

Iolene looks at them with raised eyebrows. "I don't understand what you mean?"

"No better! She is Fa Guirens' mistress! Or Yui Meilings woman mistress. The best way for a bastard to get into these parties. Sleep your way in!" The taller one then adds on.

"I don't know who they are?" Iolene says as she shrugs her shoulders.

It was at that moment when Lexiana sees a unique table of food. She grabs Iolenes arm and pulls her away from the ladies.

"What are you doing Lexi!?" Iolene says as she tries to pull from Lexi's iron grip. Lexi then points to a three-tier serving platter.

"Look!" As Lexi without hesitation takes a few.

Iolene looks at her so confused as Lexi opens her hand to give her a tiny brown coloured cube. Iolene looks at Lexi's face and sees that she is so excited that she looks like she is about to cry.

"It's CHOCOLATE!" Lexi says as she happily eats the small cube.

"This is chocolate?" Iolene then looks at the cube closely. She has never eaten chocolate before. But reading her books she knows of their existence. The books didn't do it justice.

Iolene eats the cube. It was for a moment as she savors the taste. Creamy and rich and gentle to chew. She looks at Lexi with wide eyes as she chews. Lexi nods to her with excitement.

"This is a delicacy from the Red Empire. Became scarce during the war... Not surprising that the Lan-Se royal family get their hands on it." Lexi then stuffs her face full of chocolate.

"Eat more delicately Lexi..." Iolene remarks.

"No... This is a dessert of my people!" Lexi laughs as she reminisces about her home. She never realised how much she misses it. She remains quiet as she thinks of her sisters and mother... She hasn't communicated to them much... Shd reminds herself that she needs to send letters to her family. They must miss her... Especially Jamil.

"Lexi? Are you okay?" As Iolene taps her shoulder.

"I'M FINE!" She says as she stands straight. "Lets go!" As Lexi sneakily stashes chocolate into her bag. My goodness, I am becoming like Iymp... But it's chocolate... It will be worth it!

Iolene avoids the two noble ladies as she introduces herself. Some taking her fake bastard status better than others. She is the only bastard there, but she is quite surprised by how many mistresses and wives are amongst her. As peaceful as this party looks, there is much animosity. Especially when it comes to the subject of their husbands...

Iolene thinks to herself as she knows one day she will have to get married. And not only that she must bear children. This thought sends a chill down Iolene's spine. Akvor wanted to marry her for part of this purpose. The thought terrified her back then and still does... Iolene didn't mind the idea of a wedding... But the marriage is a whole different story. Who would she have to marry? Will she not have a choice in the matter? Will her future husband be loving and faithful? Iolene didn't know...

Iolene's thoughts were then disturbed by the Empress clapping. She stands as she casts a shadow onto her followers. Shu Lan remains kneeling next to her throne smiling.

"Noble ladies it is time to gift and give blessings." The Empress then faces her new daughter-in-law. "This is a gift for you and my son."

Servants walk out carrying a large chest. They open the chest in Shu Lans's direction. A large smile appears on her face. The ladies trying to look and see inside, to no avail. Shu Lan then stands and bows low to the Empress. "Thank you, your majesty. I shall serve you and the future Emperor to the best of my ability. I shall be tied and wed. I hope to bear many children and carry your bloodline through to many generations."

Everyone except the Empress claps in response. The Empress raises her hands and then asks everyone to line up and give her gifts.

Iolene stands there feeling awkward as the mirror of Epithymia was meant to be the main gift.

The Empress claps her hands again as everyone lines up to see Shu Lan. Iolene and Lexi get pushed far to the back. It felt forever until they reached Shu Lan.

"May you have a wonderful and happy marriage!" As Iolene hands her the gift that she has been holding throughout the party.

"Thank you, my dear. I hope you have been enjoying yourself!" Shu Lan says happily. It didn't take much for Iolene to realise how exhausted she is. Unlike the Ning and the Empress, she has no make-up to hide the bags under her eyes.

The ladies including Iolene and Lexi kneel in rows before a table that has been set up quickly by the servants. It was painful for the two after a while. Iolene trying her hardest to hide the pain. As Lexi pokes at Iolenes' feet. Iolene lightly screeches as she pokes Lexis' toe. She opens her mouth in pain but no noise comes out.

"You two are funny!" As a young woman laughs across from them. She sounded so quiet Iolene didn't almost hear her.

"Sorry!" Iolene says as her face becomes bright red from embarrassment. Avoiding Lexi as she chuckles next to her.

"No thank you! I needed a laugh." The young lady says happily. "It's been a while since I had a laugh." She looks so shy and meek. Wearing a kimono simular to Okimi only light yellow.

"I am Saiko Aika." Still sounding shy and meek. Iolene and Lexi introduced themselves.

"You are Prince Chengs' betrothed?" Iolene asks innocently. She looks down the table and sees they a re far away from the Empress and Shu Lan. Iolene couldn't help but notice Aika is lonely. She isn't speaking to anyone else and Iolene didn't notice her in the party.

With hesitation she nods yes. Iolene felt sorry for her as she relates to her on a unique level. Akvor wanted to marry her... It was until her family found out and tried to sneak her away. However he found out and in a drunken rage attacked her. That was how the trial began... Iolene looks down at the table as her mind thinks back to that scary point in time. She didn't even notice her special clay teacup was placed in front of her.

Lexi gently pokes her as Iolene regains her attention. They both look at the other noble ladies seeing what they are doing.

"You need to turn the cup two times clockwise and sip." Aika showing them what to do. Iolene and Lexi sigh with relief. The tea is thick and warm! Would be amazing for a cold winters day.

And like that the ceremony was over. The Empress leaves first as everyone bows as she exited. Following Shu Lan and Princess Ning. They left the gardens as the other noble ladies sigh in relief and begin laughing. Iolene and Lexi meet up with Okimi and they walk with Aika near the pond. As they see the noble ladies who made fun of Iolene earlier.

"It should have been me marrying Chin!" The woman says trying to be discreet while crying. Her sister tries to comfort her. "I am more beautiful than that plain dragon face!"

"Oh, I know! You deserve him more dear sister! Don't worry your time will come!" As the smaller one wipes her older sister's tears.

"Who are they? Do you know them Aika, Okimi?" Iolene asks them.

Okimi looks at them and scoffs. "That is Hua Mingzhua and Hua Linghua. Daughters of Hua family, one of the wealthiest families in the Blue Empire. I have dealt with them in the past... They have a large superiority complex. They even talk down to me and I'm heir to Unmei."

Iolene yawns as she couldn't hide her tiredness anymore. She looks up and sees the sun beginning to set.

"I think it's time we turned in for the night!" Lexi says as she helps Iolene up.

"It's wonderful to meet you both." Iolene waves as Okimi and Aika wave back.