Chapter 1

There spoke of a prophecy by a wise soothsayer. The contents foretold of a peacock falling to a warrior of black and white. To change his fate the young Master Shen, the peacock of the prophecy, sought after and killed all pandas in sight. Or that is what he believed to have happened. One panda survived and grew into a great kung fu master, the Dragon Warrior. Shen grew his army in silence and built a kung fu-destroying weapon. He came back to his ancestral home where Shen's parents had banished him from. In a matter of moments, Shen reclaimed that which was his birthright. Soon though news of a surviving panda reached the peacock's ear. And when the day of their legendary battle came, Shen destroyed the Dragon Warrior. And a new age slowly began to work its way over China with Shen on top.

Lord Shen had a new palace built over the remains of his ancestral home. He wanted it bigger, grander, and a shadow of intimidation for those who gaze upon it. While he waited for the construction of his new home, Shen began conquering villages, trading with other nations, and allying himself with lords of weaker status. He, however, was never prepared for the first letter of allegiance that came with a daughter to trade attached. Shen was shocked to read the contents of countless letters that offered daughters and sons to use as he saw fit. At first, Shen was filled with rage at the knowledge of how easily these parents could send away their own flesh and blood. It was a painful reminder of his own parent's actions from his youth.

Eventually, Shen agreed to house these offerings in the annex closest to his new palace. The knowledge they would see his new home before him left Shen quite amused. But one fact remained at the back of Shen's mind. One does not conquer China in a day. It could be possible in a lifetime if one were to rush things and allow mistakes to exist. Lord Shen was not one to do either. He always acted with precision and timing on his side. Like when he ordered the annihilation of the dreadful panda race. And now he needed to act correctly once again. Shen needed an heir, a child that he could mold into the perfect being, someone who could finish whatever Shen left behind. And the new offering of daughters would serve that purpose well. Shen had no need or want for a lady but knew he needed wives to bear as many young as needed before perfection was created. So, the daughters of worth will become wives in name only, the lesser woman will become their servants, and the sons will join his court in servitude.

It took a year before Shen returned from his nearby conquest. The sight of the palace filled his chest with pride. Something that was his and his alone to command the inner workings of.

Stepping off the palanquin Shen was greeted by countless peahens of varying beauty. Some were so young the mere thought of touching them made Shen want to vomit. While the ones of respectable age did not hide their flirtatious gaze. Shen knew their fathers had probably told them what purpose they would serve in their new lord's life. At least that was one thing he would not have to worry about. Shen, however, did pause at the sight of daughters from different races. They were not sent to create an heir. Shen wondered if their families were mocking him or genuinely believed he would enjoy a night with a goat or pig. If it was neither of those then they were children who served no purpose in their families at home. Shen had some planning to do with his new chess pieces.

A king could never have too many pawns.

There were twenty peahens sent in total, thirteen were of a reasonable age to marry, five came from strong households, but only three had caught his attention.

Jing, the oldest, was purple in color with blue accents and bright green eyes that seemed to have been carved from jade. A calm personality that gave him no headache when in her presence. She also entertained him by beating him in almost every game of chess. But she also served as a head maiden of sorts by keeping his other brides in line and assigning maids to respectable positions for their skill set. Shen knew Jing was acting as the lady of the house. But since she kept Shen from dealing with such trivial things Shen allowed her to be in charge… for the time being. He bedded her first, held her first, and told her first what he expected from her if she wanted to act like the lady of his house.

Genji, six months younger than Jing, red in color that faded into a bright gold and eyes of liquid gold one would wonder if it ran through her veins. Her personality was brash and harsh, always trying to one-up Jing and become the dominant wife. Genji pursued Shen relentlessly in an almost charming way. Shen had taken her to bed more than the others. But when it came to recreational activity Shen avoided her as one would the plague. Her nagging and relentless desire to be the center of attention wore Shen down quickly. Genji had been punished on multiple occasions, once resulting in being whipped for her tantrums, but Genji never seemed to learn. Shen noted her greatest talent seemed to be being able to place her mistakes on others.

Ai, the youngest by three years was a deep forest green in color that blended into a deep black with copper eyes of naïve innocence. Ai is what Shen imagined it would be like to have a little sister. Cute and innocent with little knowledge of how the real world works. She knew that her purpose was to pursue her lord. But often found more fun playing chess with Jing, pulling pranks on Genji, and scaring her ladies in waiting. Shen was uncomfortable with the idea of bedding such a sweet soul at first. On one night, however, both had drunk themselves into oblivion and enjoyed each other. She was the only one Shen opted to stay with till morning on their first night. The few nights that followed, Shen made sure to excuse himself well before the sun ever shined through the palace windows.

Despite bedding three wives and creating a room of seclusion with the finest pillows and silk for them to give birth in, not one had gifted him an heir.

Growing in frustration it wasn't uncommon to hear the lord slap a wife in frustration. In the beginning, Shen knew the chance could be him from his albino lineage. But a doctor had ensured that despite his albinism Lord Shen was not an infertile being. His wives had their private doctors, Shen had allowed them that courtesy, and none gave him what he needed. So, in anger, Shen traveled to a province that he had yet to decide if he wanted to conquer or ally with. The plan was to give his wives time to figure out why they were not giving their lord what he desired.

Shen arrived quietly in the night with as few guards as possible. If news spread of his presence chaos could erupt and sour his mood even more. A guard had pointed out that a singing puppet show was performing tonight. Shen decided to indulge his guards and attended the play.

The play was an old tale about a hunter and a fairy. How the hunter had fallen in love with the fairy but did not heed any of the warnings the fairy provided. In the end, the hunter takes the fairy by force, and she dies before he can ever wed her. Shen was not amused by the shadow puppets that portrayed the story. But Shen's interest couldn't wander far, try as he might. The voice that told the tale in their singing voice held the audience captive. No one could dare dream of leaving with such a melodic voice humming through the atmosphere. The instruments seemed to be mere decorations when in the presence of this singer.

"I want you to find me the performer," Shen ordered casually to whichever guard was closest.

Shen thought about how they would make a good form of entertainment for both him and his wives. Maybe with a lighter atmosphere, one of them could finally bear him an heir.

It took the wolf guard two days to find the performer. Luckily for him, the wolf's lord was in no hurry to return home. Even though Shen had built anew, unpleasant memories lingered in Gongmen City.

"Where?"

"She's an adoptive daughter of a low-ranking officer. They live on the edge of the village."

"Take me there."

Having spent a splendid time hiding in the shadows Shen no longer felt the need to hide his presence from this village. Depending on how this meeting went was going to decide the village's fate.

It was a humble abode with only two servants to mend the place. When Shen approached, one servant immediately left to tell the master of the home while the other informed the madam. Shen waited patiently on the front porch; it was the least he could do since he showed up unannounced. He was surprised to see a poorly dressed tiger welcome him into the home. The tiger's name was Guo and despite his spectacular physique, the tiger held very low self-esteem.

"Welcome to my humble home Lord Shen."

Paying respectful bows to each other, Shen wasted no time.

"I'm not here for anything of… importance. I hear you have a storyteller in your house. I wish to meet them."

Guo froze for a moment that didn't go unnoticed by Shen.

"My two sons are very little. I hope you can forgive them for any misdeeds they have caused you."

Shen could not help but laugh at Guo's response.

"No, no, no…The person I seek is a lady. The performer who sang at the shadow puppet theater two nights ago."

Any relief Guo had felt when Shen said he wasn't after his troublesome sons went out the window when he mentioned the only unwed girl in his home.

"I hope you don't plan to waste my time."

Shen threatened as the wolf guards growled in emphasis.

"Of-of course not, Lord Shen."

With great hesitation, Guo led the peacock through his poor dwellings. It didn't take long before Guo's wife appeared before them. She appeared distraught at seeing the peacock in her home. However, Shen took notice that he neither seemed disgusted nor bewildered by his appearance. Most villagers of China did not take kindly to albino children. But Guo and his wife did not react to his appearance, only his presence. Shen grew most peculiar by this realization. And Shen's curiosity grew when a gentle humming was heard on the breeze.

"My lord?" Guo's wife asked the stilled peacock.

Shen didn't respond and simply followed his ears to the sound that soothed his maddening mind. The sound led him into the back garden, the sole part of the property that wasn't a disaster. And suddenly Shen looked upon a peahen playing with two tiger cubs. She was the performer he was seeking. And she was made of snow-white feathers and pure red gem eyes that resembled rubies. Another person in the world existed who was like Shen. And that made her even more appealing.

"Hua." Gua's wife called. "Come greet our guest."

Hearing the madam's voice the peahen and tiger cubs paused in their playing. Hua froze at the sight before her. Never had she seen another albino before. And yet here in her parents' garden, one stood before her. Hua examined him as much as she examined her. However, the way he looked at her had Hua feeling uncomfortable like a predator eyeing their prey.

"Mr. Guo?"

"Yes, Lod Shen."

Shen smiled to himself as he stepped closer to the peahen. He was even more pleased when despite her clear fear she did not step away from him.

"I would like to make your daughter my wife."

AN: The Willow Maid by Erutan is the song I used for the play. It felt like it timed into the theme well.