Chapter 14
Sasuke and Itachi were talking riddles around one another, just like any other time they had any other conversation. Both knew exactly what the other mean, but neither say them aloud by poking through the the thinly veiled metaphors.
Sasuke, his whole life, is playing the role of a good-for-nothing brother of the probably best Emperor that has ever existed in history. Itachi certainly dotes him and giving him the most honorable title available and the best piece of land in this Capital city, where a single inch is of estate would probably worth more than an inch of gold, and as many vacations as possible. It's entire Sasuke's prerogative whether or not he attends the daily court meetings, which is mandatory of all court subjects. Whenever he attends, which is rare, he never speaks unless he absolutely has to. He shows no interest in politics and only in hobbies. He knew that's exactly what Itachi and their mother wanted. A bother that has the same rights to the throne but has no interest or the ability to take over, and is loyal to the Emperor in every way. If one day he has actually do a feat that make the people adore him like solving the refugee crisis, his head would be on a pike pretty soon.
That's the way of life in royal court. He knew Itachi knew, and Itachi knew he knew. They both knew, and somehow, Itachi felt a nostalgic regret that washes over him whenever they talk. Itachi knew this seat could have easily been Sasuke's, and yet he genuine shows no interest. He knew Sasuke has no intention of taking it over, but to act over the top as a debauchery Royal Prince who does nothing but drinks and eat fine meals all day on purpose is an insult to Sasuke's dignity in some way. Sasuke shows prominent talent in leading an army and war politics, but that's too risky of a sword to hand to him. Imagine a country that's built on empty court and the power of the army is handed over to someone else other than the Emperor... That's how new eras and new dynasties begin.
So while these two sphinxes were conversing, Sakura was running.
She was running large steps, in her uncomfortable shoes and restraining robes, full speed ahead. She doesn't care where she ends up, she just knew she had to run, and she's risking everything for it.
The problem is, she's neither a good runner nor does she have a good sense of direction. Soon she ran to the court yard where Sasuke and Itachi were sitting. The difference is, she's running across one end of the pond and those two were sitting on the other side.
Both heard the rackus and they saw a girl wearing purple robes ran into the courtyard, followed by three guards, and soon she was caught and pinned down by guards, then was taken away after tying her limbs together. Itachi can't see too clearly because it's so far away. Nevertheless, it's a disturbance, and all who disturbs the Emperor suffers the same fate of death.
Itachi was in a good mood today, so he didn't get mad. In fact, he seldom ever gets mad. If anyone offends him, it's usually up to his close personal servants who observes him and carries out the order. Itachi remains forever emotionless when serious and when he doesn't contradict the order, it means it shall be carried out. But the order never actually came from his lips, so plausible deniability was there.
The butler came up, remaining as calm as possible and said to Sasuke quietly, "The girl who was locked inside the wood shed escaped. We'll tie her up and await for further instructions."
The scene was back to peace and sunlight, as if the running and typing up never happened.
Sasuke sat there, expression as placid as ever, and said to Itachi, "Pardon me. A slave escaped, that's all."
Itachi suddenly wanted to tease him, "Just a slave? Why not get rid of her?"
Sasuke looked at Itachi in a way that shows he's done with the conversation and retorted with full fire, "What about that cold body you've kept in Jade Palace all these years?"
Here's an interesting fact. The Emperor, like his predecessors, has a few consorts and an Empress in his court. After all these years, neither of them has ever produced a heir for the throne, ever. Not only is that so relevant to the fate of this country, here's the kicker, the Emperor has always been, and will ever be, in love with someone else other than the women in his court.
Apparently, just after the Emperor ascended the throne, he was in an accident and was almost drowned. He was saved, however, by this girl. This girl was about to be married into the court and have the highest status available (other than the Empress) when she suddenly descended into a comatose status and has never regained conscious since. She's still alive, of course, but she's not moving and is forever sleeping. In order to wake her up, every previous herb and medicine was fed to her, and she never did. She just kept on sleeping there, and the Emperor frequently visits her and talk to her and watch over her wellbeing, making sure she's alive and well (as well as a comatose patient could be), and adorn her with the most beautiful jewelry and lavish fabric, and sent a team of royal doctors to take care of her round the clock.
This lasted many years, up until today, she never woke up. Itachi simply doesn't care, and thus never bedded any of his consorts, therefore there weren't any offsprings.
This worries the court somewhat, but nobody can say no to the Emperor, so whatever he does, goes.
Sasuke hit a nerve. Itachi frowned slightly and stood up, "I since I've overstayed my welcome, dear brother. If you need anything, let me know."
Sasuke was waiting for him to say that. He quickly stood up and said, "I'll walk you past the gates. Stay safe."
Sasuke was never a patient person.
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A/N: I'm so sorry for the late update.. In fact I've been saying this phrase in my ANs more than any other.. I'll try. Seriously, I will.
