Ju-Long Lei: Chapter Seventeen
"Stein Prudens?" I looked at my mother curiously. I have never heard of this name before and it is definitely not from our country. Mother smiles at me as she plays with my long hair.
"I just want you to check to see if it is him… If it is not him just come home. It's a simple but important errand."
"Are you sending me away because you need the dust of my personal life to settle?" I really needed to know. This seems like an errand for someone else to do… It looks an excuse to get rid of me for a while… I felt bad before but now I really feel bad. No matter how many times my family say they love me. Bringing up random errands to get rid of me for a while hurts my feelings. I love to travel… But the reasons for travelling is important.
"Alright, I will be truthful… In a way yes, the nobles will be staying in the capital after the festival to discuss wedding plans and politics. Having you there will be awkward for everyone involved… But Lei, this is no ordinary mission. Stein prudens was a friend of mine from many years ago. In the letters, it described that the man had distinct tattoos covering his body. The ambassador knew him as well, which makes me believe this even more. If you can, please bring him here… However, if the Light Blue Draconium Empire has a say in anything. He will be taken there… Their royal family is also close to him. The man has quite a history behind him and he is an important piece of what happened fifteen years ago."
I knew it… My family wants to get rid of me for a while. Now I feel more worthless more than ever. I want to be an advisor or an ambassador. But right now it looks like that is complete jeopardy… I am meant to be important but yet my own family is shoving me to the wayside… In a strange way, I am glad that I am not getting married… But my youngest sister is now paying the price. Maybe I should have learnt to be more discreet with Zheroh… Or hell I wish I didn't love men… Maybe I should have sucked it up and tried to be with a woman. But yet I knew that would have never worked… I had to try and think of some kind of light in this situation, but it is dim. I sighed at my parents.
"I am sorry Lei… Looking at you right now. You are completely distraught. I cannot imagine what you must be feeling right now… But I am still trusting you with this. It is top secret so please don't tell everyone you come across. We cannot afford this word to spread even further than it has."
I sighed again… I just wanted to remain quiet but I had so many questions. This is certainly one important man if different Empires are trying to inquire about him. "What is so important about this Stein? If it is actually him… Why would everyone want to know about him?"
Mother smiled at me softly as she continued to play with my hair. "The less you know about him the better… I am just going to give you his name. Just see if it is him and then see if you can bring him here. If not just come back home when all the other nobles have left."
Okay… She is going to be vague about this. This must be one hell of a man if my mother is being vague about his existence. Found at Straaghold where the Red Army invaded and took over. Straaghold is a small city under the Green Draconium Empire. The Green Empire is at war against Red and Brown. Why would mum be so interested in this man? I thought she would have stayed out of this conflict since she has nothing to gain from it.
"I think we have done enough talking for now. We all need to prepare for dinner. We can discuss your travel plans after tonight's party. Wear your new formal Furisode tonight. The whole family got matching outfits like mine. Look as elegant as you can. Your make-up servant will be there waiting for you. Your father and I will see you at dinner."
I bow to my mother and father as they left the room. Dinner… That means I will be seeing the other noble families tonight. We are after all their hosts for the past few weeks. Tonight is going to be interesting...
I walked back to my room where I see Zheroh laying on my bed in a really sexy way. I will not lie he looks amazing… He looks up at me in concern. He can tell from my expression of sadness.
"Stop Zheroh… We can't do this now… Even though you look amazing." I then collapse on the bed next to him.
"What happened?" He looked down at me rubbing my leg.
"My whole family got betrothed except me because of me liking men… My youngest sister is now betrothed to some Sazan kid, WHICH SHOULD HAVE BEEN ME. And is now having to travel down to live there! Now all of the royal families know about me and they want nothing to do with me!" I hid my upset face behind my hands as I struggle to re-absorb the information.
"Seriously!? I say you got lucky… That means you don't have to be stuck in an unhappy marriage." Zheroh kisses my hands which is still hiding my face.
"Stop please you are not helping…" And I shrink into the fetal position. As I sit in this position for a while I hear a knock on the door. It is my make-up servant. He brings in all of his make-up sets and begins preparing for tonight's dinner. I still need to tell him about the plans for me to travel over to Macdan.
I undress as I prepare for a relaxing warm bath. Zheroh looks at me while undressing with my servant. But I quickly dismiss him as I wanted to bathe "alone". I nodded Zheroh the approval to stay as the steward left. He will knock when it is time to prepare my make-up. Zheroh then quickly undresses and we both sit in the bath enjoying each other's company. I fear that Zheroh might not be allowed to go with me to Macdan. If this will be the case the next time we get a moment like this will be a very long time.
Zheroh lays on the wall of the bath and I sit on his lap as he pours water all over me. It is so relaxing… But I had to tell him even though it is going to ruin this moment. "I need to tell you something Zheroh… I am going to Macdan at festivals end…"
"What?" He looks at me and I look back at him. "Why there? Macdan? That is in the Brown Draconium Empire to the west? Am I right?"
"My mother is sending me there on a personal mission… I cannot say much about it. She even admitted that she is also getting rid of me for a while. Because they will begin plans for the weddings after the festival. It will be awkward she said…"
Zheroh scoffs at me as he rubs oils on me even harder. I had to tell him to be gentler. He is frustrated… I don't blame him. He softens his touch and lies back onto the edge of the bath stopping the massage.
"You don't have to go to Macdan… You can run away… With me… It's very obvious by this point that you will not be accepted. Your mother is making it obvious she doesn't want you here."
"My mother DOES WANT me here! She wants me to come back you know! In a way she is right. I am nothing but a scandal right now. My mother is an Empress! She still has to hold the kingdom together! I may be the third born son. But I too had responsibilities! I was meant to marry a young beautiful girl and have beautiful sons and daughters with her. Spreading my family seed to make sure it is prosperous for generations to come. My ancestors are ashamed of me…"
"You don't have to shame yourself like this Lei… There are plenty of people here who have the same gendered partners. Like my cousin, she has a girlfriend named Zexin." Zheroh then proceeds to give me a hug.
"Maybe, but they are common folk… I am a royal. I have duties to perform and I cannot afford to be selfish. Royalty has different standards, we have to try to be better than common folk… I have tried to be more positive about this… Even though there is very little to be positive about. I never meant to be selfish... This could have ended so badly if I was a part of a different noble family. My parents could have exiled me out of the country…" I stroke Zherohs chin and I keep on sighing. It must annoy him so much. But it feels like its best thing I can do right now.
Our small quiet moment ended when the servant said it is time to dry and put on the make-up. I sit on my chair as the servant does his magic on my face. The heavy layer of white makeup and blush can make a person itchy for days. I wonder how mother manages to wear this every day without fail. Once he finished with the make-up I then put on my Furisode and put on my last elements of jewellery. By the end of this, I will look like a perfect porcelain doll. The Furisode that I am fitted with looks like the Biru tree trunk. Even though my hair is in a ponytail a few twigs with Biru glowing leaves are tied into my hair ribbon. It looks like the theme the family is having is the Biru tree.
"Do I look royal enough yet? The make-up on my face is driving me crazy." As I chuckled as I spun around as the steward checks every part of my outfit now that it is on. Zheroh closely examines my outfit and looks all around me.
"Well… You know your family never ceases to amaze me when it comes to your outfits. Regal yet beautiful. Clear tradition and you take it with pride. But your face makeup reminds me of the Turquoise Empire… Do you think your make-up is overdone? You should check theirs out. You swear they came out of a circus or a comedy play and their outfits are not beautiful. They are obscene and crazy… You swear they are on hallucinogens when making them."
"I know about that Zheroh. I have met a few dignitaries when they came over from Mille Voix. I once saw one wear shoes that are two feet high. I still wonder how he walked in them…"
I was hoping to continue the conversation but the servant insisted that it is time to head to the dinner. I breathe in and out to try and calm my nerves. After today everyone will be judging me. I believe the best thing I can do is talk and do the least as possible. Zheroh and the servant walked behind me as I meet my family in the hall. Like me, they dressed in a similar fashion. We can make a perfect forest of Biru trees. My family smiles at me… Even my youngest sister. She holds my hand in comfort. But it is at this moment I realise that my siblings really do love me even after today.
My mother leads the line following my father and my brothers after them. With me and my younger sisters walking in last. The large doors open as the servant announces our names to declare our arrival. As I was announced I walked in with pride like the rest of my family. Everyone is staring at me… I know many of the dignitaries and ambassadors as I have met them with my father. I don't usually like to travel alone or explore the palace grounds on my own. But I love travelling with my father… But this is the moment I realise that this time. When I leave Lan-Se I will not be with my father. I will be on my own… He will have to remain here with my mother as they discuss the marriage alliances.
Everyone is at their respected table seats. All the tables for our people are laid vertical as my families are horizontal so we can see our subjects. All standing up as we take our seating positions for dinner. They are all silent as they should be. It is an offence to clap or whisper in a royal entrance. I know some places like the Purple and Mille Voix like to cheer and clap at their leaders' arrival.
When we stand at our respected seats at the table mother lifted her hands to signal for everyone to sit. She is now the only one standing as it looks like she is going to give a speech.
In her trained monotone voice. "Welcome all to this dinner gathering. We are here to celebrate changes for the future of our nation. Let us begin the feast."
She then claps her hands twice together as servants begin to serve the food. Tonight it looks like it is going to be traditional dishes from the south. I am sure Cheng is going to love this… I know why mother is doing this. She must be trying to appease the Sazan family after when mum tried to offer me for their daughters' hand in marriage. Which turned sour and now everything has become a huge mess.
Ning who is sitting to my left leans over and whispers. "Do not worry older brother. No matter what they say we have your back. Just because mother, father, Chin and Cheng have to restrain themselves. Doesn't mean we have to." As she tucks into her food. I see Zheroh standing in his armour near the door where we walked through. I look to my left on the far table I see the Sazan family. For a split moment, I see Jona looking at us.
A tall and lean man who is wearing a blue Furisode with lightning bolts designs on it. His long black hair tied into a high bun. You can tell by looking at him he is stern man. A man not to be messed with… I have met him on quite a few occasions when my father and I travelled south together. I swear he doesn't smile. But maybe that is because he wishes to rule our nation. Being a Daimyo of the south of our second largest city of Unmei. It is almost being an Emperor in his own right. This became clear when he was going to invite the Black Draconium Empire army to our doorstep. That was soon after the purge of the Golden City fifteen years ago. But good thing my parents stopped such a thing from happening. Mother prepared their armies in case of a Black Draconium Empire invasion. Which never happened… It was presumed that they were preoccupied with their new territory and holding it. Going against another incredibly powerful untouched army soon after is foolish.
She arrested Jona for five years after that. She wanted to execute him. But Unmei as a full city and his armies opposed it. It was going to be civil war… She decided to put him in prison under terrible conditions. While Jonas' wife Momoka leads Unmei during his imprisonment. After those five years, mother demanded Jona to swear blood fealty once more to serve her. He agreed. But mother will never trust him or his family again. However, Momoko did gain my mothers' respect during his time of imprisonment. So she is not as harsh to them as she once used to be…
Next to Jona I see his daughter and heir Okimi. She is Chin's age at twenty-two. Even though we usually have the male as next heir. Momoko made Okimi official heir as an exception because Momoko believed she will be the best to rule. But when Jona was finally released and reunited with his wife. A son is born nine months later who is now betrothed to Fen. I wonder how Okimi feels about her younger brother having a stronger claim and now having a Ju-Long marriage to contend with… She does have a younger sister Mai who is nineteen like me. The one I would have married to save Fen from the pain of the Sazan family.
I stopped looking at them when I hear Cheng from my right side leaning in looking at my food. "You're not eating Lei… You haven't touched your food." I looked at him as I looked down and I have barely touched it. My noodles have gone cold as I poked it with my chopsticks. I love my food, but tonight I did not feel like eating. I just sat there as I see the people talk around me… I look at the other tables and see the Mille Voix ambassadors in their weird but unique kimono's. They are Danton Dione and Curtis Delmore. They had bright pink hair done in a perm and the kimono is done in bright pink. They are so bright pink they easily stand out of the crowd. Their face makeup is done similar to ours. But their lips are painted in dark pink with bright red rouge on their cheeks. Long eyelashes and wooden sandals that are two feet high. They look like identical dolls next to each other. I did notice that they are extremely tall when I walked in but wow… Never ceases to amaze me how they walk in them. Next, to them, I see Tao Mo the master of coin and his son Tao Wen. The one that Ning is engaged to… Small and very thin. He is known to be weird and has many rumours surrounding him. A rumour I heard is that he takes the hanky's that women use and he sniffs them… I don't know why mother arranged this match for Ning. But I can understand why Ning doesn't want to be married to a strange man.
After having dinner we all head into the throne room where we can all speak to each other. In other words, it is a great chance for subjects to speak to mother on a closer level as she sits on her throne. Or if they are lucky my mother will walk to them and talk.
I look at everyone, they are all politicians one way or another. Politics is a game we have to play in order to survive and they have to do the same. I have to be careful with what I say around these people now… I cannot risk anything embarrassing. I stand near the door away from everyone's' way. I am nearby Zheroh who followed us, as he should since he is my guard. I think the best method is to be quiet.
I see Tao Wen walking very slowly towards Ning in the crowd. He is so nervous. I am wondering how this is going to go? My sister is dead set against this match. The crowd is loud as people started talking so I could not hear what he is saying to her. Sweet relief for him though she has not yet scared him away… But looking at them he managed to keep her attention.
My attention to them broke as I hear someone walk next to me and say hello. To my surprise, it is Sazan Okimi. I replied a shy hello to her. She smiles at me sweetly. "You look lonely here. I might as well join you… No one here wants to talk to me…" She then stands really close to me. I started to feel uncomfortable. I can see why no one will not want to talk to her. A southerner born from a father who betrayed us is a hard stain to get rid of.
"Do not feel bad about what happened your highness. My father can be an asshole. I know Mai will not be offended after what happened. My father is a complete fool thinking that your mother will betroth me to Chin or Cheng. The trueborn and second heirs to this Empire… After what my father did…" She then looks at me as she hoped for me to say something. But I had to stay quiet I could not add more red draconium to the flames. "It is alright no need to say anything… You are in a precarious position. Everyone now knows that you like men. But I suggest now is to wear it like an armour. Because you can't keep hiding it forever. People now know and I can tell you right now they will always mention it."
"You know Lady Okimi I would not have minded marrying your sister." I might as well be truthful about the situation that is at hand. I know saying this will not hurt anyone or at least I hope it doesn't.
"Really?" She looked at me confused. "So it is a rumour that my father made up? You know… About you liking men…"
"I wanted to marry Lady Mai so I can prevent Fen from marrying Sana. I wanted Fen to enjoy her life before the life of politics and duty. It did not matter if I liked men or not. She is my little sister. I would do anything to make sure she is away from danger."
She smiles at me. I am not sure if she still believes it is a rumour or not… Usually, if I straight out say that I am not gay they don't believe me.
"You know even if you are not into men. It is very brave to try and sacrifice your own happiness for your sister… But it is sad that you refer to my home as a danger… We are still allies... I don't know whether I should suggest you talk to my father. To see if you still can convince you to marry Mai instead… But when your mother offered you to Mai. I had never seen him so angry. He slammed his fists onto the table and shouted her at complete fury shouting obscenities. How your mother remained her composure is incredible… She remained so ever calm."
I looked at the party as everyone is talking to each other. They look like they are having a good time. "What did he say about me?" I admit I was so curious. Even if it sounded extremely horrible… I just wanted to know what he said about me…
"Do you really want to know?"
"Yes"
She looked forward like I did and looked at everyone else at the party. It like we was in a world of our own. I just hope no one else can hear this conversation.
"My father said in full fury that you were a disgusting cock sucker who needed to be put down. That you are not worthy of Mai's affection or loyalty and that he would not dare to have a degenerate like you in his family. He said that he saw you gallivanting with a man that he described looking like your bodyguard… A kiss on the cheek apparently and stroking each other's hair… Things men usually don't do… Your mother then demanded her guards to guide father out. Your mother is amazing at trying to keep our kingdoms together… If it was me who was listening to someone degrading my child like that… I would have given them a piece of my mind. The problem is the people of Unmei LOVE, my father…The military there adores him. Killing him or if anything terrible happened to him. The military WILL come to his aid. I guess it paid that he was a general before he became Daimyo. Once he became Daimyo the Unmei military immediately supported him."
"You know Lady Okimi… It sounds like you don't love your father all that much." I actually looked at her and she smiled. She has been nothing but judging her father.
"It is no secret that we are not close… He always wanted sons… When we were born he never took part of our lives. His dragon Shinji though… He was the father that we needed. May the ancestors give him peace. But father had me and Mai until my brother was born ten years ago. He completely detested me being heir. When my brother was born. My father tried to use all of his power to make sure that he becomes Daimyo next. But he was overruled by the voting court which included your mother's say. So I am still the legal heir to Unmei."
I smiled at her. I will not lie I actually starting to admire her. She speaks with grace and strength. Good traits for a future leader. But I am starting to really think that Okimi is the leader we needed for Unmei. I think she just wants peace between our cities. She knows that my mother is Empress and seems to respect her enough. I see my mothers' servant come up to us asking Okimi to see her personally.
I smile back at her. "Thank you Lady Okimi. I'll take your advice under advisement." As a simple grace, I kiss her hand like they used to do in the Gold Draconium Empire. It's a gesture knowing that she has my respect. It doesn't always have to mean love. She smiles back at me and says goodbye.
As I stood there wondering what to do next the Mille Voix Ambassadors walk up to me in their crazy outfits.
"Hello there Prince Lei! It is a beautiful evening tonight. Wouldn't you say?"
I chuckled as I tried to understand their thick accents.
"It is a beautiful night. The sky is clear and the weather is great for a party." I smiled at them. I tend to forget how much I need to smile at these parties… My cheeks are already beginning to sore.
"I heard some interesting gossip abo-"
I stared at them as my mind seemed to have stopped. I always knew that people and dragons from the Turquoise Empire. Can be straight forward with their questions. But Okimi said I should learn to wear this predicament like armour… Wear it like armour… Wear it like armour…
"Oh don't worry boy… Many men have been going through the same thing. Even I at some point have swallowed a few swords." As Danton smiled his cheeky smile.
I had to get out of here… I immediately walked away as fast as I could. They only stared as I walked off into the crowd. I walked over to Ning who is still talking to Tao Wen.
They are both in full-fledged conversion when I interrupted them.
"Are you okay Lei?" My sister rubs my arm. Wen looks at me as if I had completely ruined his moment. Which I probably did… I was not fully paying attention when I barged in.
"I'm alright Ning… Just needed to get out of a strange situation…"
She couldn't help but chuckle and looked at me.
"I have an idea, Lei. Meet with the dragons. I'm sure they will give you an actual conversation that will not put you on the spot. Now can you please leave me and Wen for a little while. Thank you, brother!" She smiled she nudged me toward the dragons who are at the other side of the room.
I stumble over to them as Shun Shun looks down at me. He lies on a special couch that has been made specially for him from the tree carvers. The cushions are the softest you can possibly make. This chair is made for him and him alone to use. His two dragon daughters Feng and Yu. The rare case of twin dragons being born from the same egg. Shun Shun only had five dragon pups created from his seed. His mate Huan died from rotting scale disease many years ago. She was only able to produce five pups in her life. But Shun Shun adored her and never wanted to mate again. But his pups are powerful and are trained with the priesthood of our country.
They have no specific riders but serve as dragon guards to their father. They are taller than Shun Shun and are wearing armour created specially for them. Dragons don't usually have to wear armour but since they are his personal guards. They both have armour made out of glowing crystal blue draconium. Expensive and it focuses their draconium energy to huge amounts of power. They can easily out manoeuvre any normal dragon and are tested on their intelligence.
"I see you are enjoying the party, Prince Lei. Talking to Lady Okimi and running away from the ambassadors from Mille Voix. You should not do that you know… It is rude. Even if some of the subjects they tend to bring up are very… Odd…" Shun Shun then nudges my side as is custom in the dragon world to properly say hello. I know it is rude. But I had nothing to say about it…
"I know what the rumours are about Lei. It has caused quite a ruckus in the meeting between your parents and the other nobles… I understand how something can ruin potential political partnerships."
"Please master Shun Shun with all due respect I wish to not discuss this further." I bow to him to show my respect. I can understand Shun Shun's curiousness about this subject matter. I really did not want to talk about it anymore… I really didn't. I have had enough of this…
"Have you had any progress with Ponderrah?" Rapidly changing the subject. Shun Shun has been teaching Ponderrah how to act like a dragon. My dragon has had a sad start to life as he was abandoned by his own kind. Because he is blind and is smaller than your average blue dragon. He struggles to fit in and communicates with his own kind.
"I have been trying Prince Lei. But Ponderrah is very hard to understand. I tried to give him roaring techniques to practice. But it seems that his speech will not evolve… I am pretty sure at this point he is born with communication difficulties due to his throat. So no matter how many times I try to teach him it will never change. He is the way he is…"
This news made me even sadder than I am now… My poor dragon could possibly be estranged by his own kind for the rest of his life. I'll have to go see him at the stables when the party is over. I'm sure he needs a friend… And I needed some comfort as well. We can both be outcasts of social normalcy together.
"How has the dragon court been faring?"
The dragon court was created thousands of years ago influenced by the gold Empire dragon court. When the golden city was first founded after the defeat of darkness. It was equal to human royalty and is respected as much. It has a dragon leader and members who specialize in categories. Like human and dragon relations or savage dragon peacekeeper. All of the Empires used to have this. But through the years many have been disbanded such as the Green Empire. This is because of the war of the Ten Golden Stars. The war of dragon leaders that destroyed towns and cities with an amazing amount of innocent casualties. It was all worth nothing in the end. When the crowned victor Estrela was assassinated soon after the war was over. The dragon court reputation was stained forever after that. Along with the population of gold dragons that struggled to recover. We the Blue Empire never wanted to remove the court… It is an important part of dragon politics which manages to keep the original ways of dragons while also being in human civilization.
The Red Empire recently re-established their dragon court because of the dragon separatist uprisings twenty years ago. They needed the dragons input in order to stop the attacks. It was successful… I hear that Vatras' dragon Valencia still rules her court today.
"Court has been going good Prince Lei. We have managed to introduce many young dragons in the world of politics. They are a good bunch of young ones. I have high hopes for them." Shun Shun had the largest smile on his face. I am glad he is managing his court so well. Many people and dragons love him… But I know like many of us he his setbacks.
I wanted to talk to him more. Other dragon guests wanted to speak with him.
"Try and enjoy the party Lei… I will talk with you later…"
I bow to Shun Shun and say goodbye to his daughters. Who bow their heads in return.
I looked around at the party I see my sister laughing with Tao Wen. It looks like she is actually enjoying herself. Which made me feel a bit happy. Chin is talking to father next to mothers throne. I look over more to my left I see Cheng talking to some young girls and failing… I see mother looking quiet on her throne. I decided to walk over and talk to her for a bit…
But as I walked through the mass crowd of people. I accidentally knocked into a noble… It was the noble that I dreaded walking near. It was Sazan Jona…
He looks at me with his steely glare as he looked down on me. I swallowed hard as his stare wouldn't end… I tried to ease this situation by bowing and apologizing sincerely. But he just stared at me… The atmosphere around me and the people around us went ice cold… I bowed to him again and apologized. Still nothing… He still stared at me… But finally, he opened his mouth.
"No amount of apologies will stop the fact that you are a degenerate… Stay away from me and my children."
I looked at him with pure anger then. I wanted to punch him in the face. But random violence is not the way of our people… But then it is not the way of our people by demeaning someone's existence. I clenched my fists hard as I used everything I had to restrain myself from hurting him… I am not the best fighter but I do know how to fight. I had to think twice because at this moment I am already a scandal… I cannot make this situation any worse. I had to be the better man and walk away… So I did. He still glared at me though, but this time he chortled… I hope there will be a situation one day that I can punch him in the face…
Walking to my mothers' throne you walk up to ten wooden steps. Her throne is pure blue draconium in its raw form. Sculptured as a blue dragon with incredible details on each scale. The throne is known to be powerful in its own right because the person who sits on it for long lengths of time. The thrones transfers raw blue energy into thier system. So not only is mother a terrific fighter, she knows how to control draconium abilities like it is second nature.
I finally made it to mother who is sitting on her throne watching the party. I haven't paid much attention to her. So I am not sure what she has been up to all night. But she looks like she always does. Sitting up straight and not moving a muscle. As she always does when she is on the throne. If you walked past her could almost mistake as a real doll statue. She does look amazing though… I stand where Chin usually stands as heir and look at the party in mothers point of view. You can see everyone and it looks like the party is a success. The next dinner party will be hosted at festivals end where many more dignitaries, Stewards and ambassadors would have arrived. This is a tiny event compared to the one coming. This one is just welcoming the Sazan family into our city.
As I looked down at our subjects my mother then stands up and claps her hands twice. This immediately gets everyones attention and everyone bows. In her monotone voice she thanks everyone for coming to the party. It is now getting late and I guess she wants to go to sleep. I want to leave this party so bad… But before I head off to my bedroom I needed to see Ponderrah. Everyone clapped once her speech is over.
After mothers' speech, I asked if I could leave and she accepted. I told her about what Jona said and she showed no emotion… However, she signalled me to come closer to earshot.
"Once this party is over I will meet all of you children in your respected bedrooms as I have promised earlier." I nodded to mother and bowed away. Fen, Ning, Cheng and Chin all lined up once again next to mothers throne. Everyone all bows as mother and father leave with us following. Once we were out of the throne room we all said quick goodnights and told mother that I will be seeing Ponderrah before I go to my room.
Zheroh followed after me closely as we entered the stables. Ponderrahs' stable is located close to my room as I requested since the room is empty. So it is not like a traditional stable. He sleeps on a soft mattress made from duck feathers with no items that he can easily walk into. The door has been removed so Ponderrah can easily escape if needed. I walk into his stable as he lies on his mattress. He takes a long sniff and smiles.
"Hello boy!" I walked over and rub his head. He squeaks in delight and rubs his head against me. "We really are different from others aren't we boy?"
He squeaks even more. Many people and other dragons deem that he doesn't seem to understand me… But I think they are all wrong. I see that he understand when I talk to him… He just struggles to answer back. I grab his head and hug him roughly. He loves it and replies by licking my cheek.
We played for a long while when Ponderrah yawns in a sleepy daze. I kissed him on the bonemark and said goodnight. He shifts his position as I put a blanket over him. He had a large smile on his face and it completely warmed my heart… There is a reason why I rescued him. He is my best friend who deserves all the best chances of life he can get.
I sneaked out of his room with Zheroh standing outside watching. He has been silent all night… I wanted to say something but I didn't know what to say. Maybe we can have a conversation once we were back in my bedroom. But mother did make a promise that she was going to see us tonight.
She kept her promise as I walked into my room she is sitting on my bed. She is out of her full makeup and is wearing her sleeping gown. Her long hair is in a simple braid. Her hair is so long that it almost touches her ankles. It is refreshing to see my mother not plastered with makeup or wearing elaborate hairstyles. It's just her normal self. She looks at me and Zheroh as she immediately orders Zheroh out of the room… I looked at him longingly as he left and shut the door behind him.
"Plans have changed Lei… You will be leaving for Macdan in the morning. The quicker you are gone. Easier the political talks will be…"
I felt broken… I was heartbroken enough that she wanted to send me away in the first place. It is a stupid useless mission as an excuse to get rid of me…
"Mother do you really love me?" I looked at her, trying my hardest not to cry.
"Of course I do Lei… I have told you many times that I love you… I am sorry if I said that in such a cold fashion…"
"But it would have been nice to stand up for me… During that meeting… Okimi told me what he said and you said NOTHING! You just brushed it off! Oh it doesn't matter it's just my SON who is a PRINCE that he is insulting… But it is so great that the Empress managed to stay calm throughout all of this! It is the Empress who is affected most by this!"
She just looks at me… I had no idea of how she is going to react… I have never spoken to her in such a way before. But I am frustrated and angry that I just wanted to yell at her.
"The whole family is affected by this Lei. You cannot blame anyone else for your perversions. Sazan Jona found out because of your carelessness with Zheroh. I hoped that you would marry Mai. She is second in line to the Daimyo of Unmei and you are third in line to the throne. Your marriage would have been politically harmless. I support Okimi as Daimyo, even though I do not trust her fully. However thanks to this whole mess. I fear that the political game has dropped into his hands… You have to understand in my point of view of what I am seeing."
I looked at her in confusion.
"You are still young Lei… I am sure I have told on many occasions that politics is a game. It a dangerous game that cannot be avoided. I fear that I am losing the game… I have made mistakes when I should have acted upon and didn't. Jona is playing the game. Recklessly but he is very good at it…"
"What do you mean mother?" I sit next to her on the bed. I have played a little bit of the political game in the past… But it is sad how mother treats this as a game. I have always loved the political talk and loved to study the history of all the Empires. But she doesn't have to treat her subjects and family like tokens on a board. I am angry at her but I should listen of what she has to say…
"Before the purge of the Golden City and before the uprisings of the dragon separatists a few years before. We were once the closest of allies… Jona and I were close friends. So much so I gave a marriage vow to them. Like the one, my father promised your grandfather before I was born. It is a political contract that cannot be broken... I was eighteen when I wrote and permitted it. Chin was only a few months old when it was written and Momoko was expecting her first child… When Okimi was born, Jona was unhappy about it. But I was ecstatic. This means we could easily have joined our families. I wrote the contract and Jona eagerly signed."
I looked at her at surprise. A marriage vow contract… It is a declaration of alliance marriage signed by the country leader and all of their politicians. It is the strongest promise you can make to any lord. A contract that cannot be backed out of… The last time an Emperor tried to destroy this kind of contract he was exiled… Even as an Emperor there are massive repercussions of breaking a vow… She must have been a very different person back then to do something so eager… Mother even created one for Cheng to be married into the Yang family. So mother has avoided marrying Chang into the Sazan family as he is too close to the throne of power.
The years have really changed her. Now she would not even think of doing something unless she thinks of it twice…
"However on that contract, I did not realise that I did not put Okimi's name onto it… That mistake could have saved us… Or maybe my young stupidity still has caused us many problems…"
I walked over to my water tankard and filled a few glasses. I gave one to her. She probably wishes it was alcohol… She quickly drank and then started to continue again.
"The dragon separatists started to attack cities all over the world. We were spared because the dragons here had no reason to uprise. But then the Gold City was invaded by the Black Empire. The Black Empires armies are in full swing… They took over the most powerful city in the world and usurping the dragon separatists… The Gold Emperor and Empress went into hiding as their city and supporters are burned to the ground... Jona went behind my back and wanted to invite the Dark armies into our nation. I found out through a spy in Unmei. Was not sure of which spy… But I did not believe it was one of mine. Because I had no spies there back then. Since I trusted them… Unfortunately he was found and killed under mysterious circumstances… I really was such a fool…"
"Wow… You were a fool… You just trusted Jona?"
"He was a very different man back then… He was strong, handsome and charismatic. Great military mind… He then betrayed us… I arrested him for treason. I was actually planning on executing him… But his people started to upraise against us. I couldn't kill him… If I did it would have meant civil war."
"I heard this… But mother why didn't you kill him? I know it could have caused a war. But common people respect you. It might have never come down to that."
"Because… There is another Empire at play Lei. You can probably guess which Empire it is… "
"The Black Empire?" I looked at her baffled. I have never thought of it this way… We always thought that mother only submitted due to only pleasing the SOUTHERN people.
"We still had all of our armies intact. The Black Draconium Empire at the time could not go against us. They were exhausted in strength and resources after the Gold City. If we went into civil war… We would have been weakened and divided. They could have just walked in and started taking over."
"To appease the southerners and making sure the Black Empire doesn't get what they wanted. I chose to imprison Jona instead. I didn't want to play the Black Empires game… But it made our own so much more difficult…"
"Five years after me imprisoning him… He had to be released as our laws regarded to the nobles. He went back south and had a boy… A son that he could hopefully call an heir. Another mistake… I should have imprisoned him much longer… It was a long political fight to make sure Okimi remained sole heir."
"And it worked mother… Okimi is still heir and I spoke to her tonight and she seems nice and very well spoken."
She smiled at me but the smile slowly faded.
"Her life will be jeopardy… Now that fen is engaged to Sana. Jona never loved his daughters… I may not trust her fully. But I still fear for her life. All it will take is poison or a knife to her back… And with that Fen's and Sana's future children or grandchildren can put their hand in for the throne. I spoke to her tonight… But she still wants to head south with her father… Silly but yet brave girl. If only her father was not a traitorous ass. Jona really has put me into a difficult spot…"
I didn't know what to say… Mother wants to protect Okimi. But this marriage vow contract can cost Okimi her life… Mother is trying her hardest to prevent a civil war. But it looks like that we could face one soon or in a few generations to come. It really is a hard situation. We have to be honourable to keep our vows. Or we lose our reputations and trust with the people. We promised the people of Unmei that we will give them a Ju-Long direct blood relative... Thanks to me… I destroyed all of mothers plans of having a peaceful solution… I could have married Mai settle the contract and yet not effect Okimi, Sana or Fen… I felt so terrible… I have never felt so horrible in my life. I am really useless…
I rested my head onto mothers lap… I wish she would defend me though at times I cannot defend myself… I am her son. But I always try to understand of what she has to do to make sure our nation sticks together… She rubs my head like the times when I was little.
"I don't blame you for this Lei… I fear that he has taken the opportunity to use you to try and make sure you don't marry Mai… He knew that I was going to do it… He just used your perversion as an excuse to make sure he gets what he wants. He still didn't get it… But it came with a messy cost… I want you to be useful in your own way while you are gone… As I have said before I do not want to exile you. You are my son! I want you to come back straight after Macdan!"
"Yes, mother" As I sighed on her lap as she massages my head. I wished that she would never stop… It felt so nice.
"There is also another reason why I want to know if Stein is in Macdan… I haven't been completely honest with everyone and I mean no one apart from your father knows of this… While Jona was going behind our backs… Your father and I got special visitors… It was the Gold Emperor and Empress with Stein… Asking for our help to take back their home… I was actually going to accept… But then it all got messy when the news of Jona's betrayal… I was left with a difficult decision… Help them and the war will get larger in scale or preserve my people and cast the begging rulers out to avoid unnecessary bloodshed… I chose my country and sacrificed the Gold Emperors' needs... I never heard from them again… I need to know the full truth about what happened to them."
She then nudges me gently on the shoulder to move as she takes her lamp.
"Have a safe journey, my son… I admire you for going through this."
She then turns to walk out the door and as she was about to leave. She quickly turned around facing me with her serious stare.
"I command that you do not take Zheroh with you. I will assign you someone else. Who can protect you."