Chapter 10

About five years have passed since the day Bolin became Young Master De's guard. Many things have changed since that day when Madam Hua ordered for his servitude. Some things have changed around the palace. The most notable is that Young Master De was no longer the sole child of Lord Shen. After laying one egg bearing no life Lady Jing successfully laid not one but two eggs when Young Master De was three years of age. Lord Shen wasn't much impressed when the news of two eggs was to hatch at the same time. Twins were either considered an omen of good or bad things to come. The chance of his fortune being in the hand of two eggs left Lord Shen with a sour mood. Bolin took note of how Madam Hua seemed to be at Lord Shen's side to an excessive point during the brumation period. Only when two young peahens took their first steps from their cracked shells did Lord Shen's mood seem to calm. It seems the lack of having two more sons made Lord Shen happier than most fathers. Though he did take a week to name the two girls birthed by Lady Jing. Xin Yan, the first born, had fluffier plumage while being a perfect copy of her mother. Xin Yi, the second born, had a smaller build with a petite figure and her feathers have a wide range of blues that matched her mother's green eyes.

Young Master De babied his sisters. Madam Hua worried constantly at the attention the brother was giving his sisters. The idea of Lord Shen being displeased with his twin girls left Madam Hua in a predicament. Shall she place her allegiance with Lady Jing over Lord Shen's happiness or vice versa. However, after the twins lived for over one hundred days Lord Shen began to give them gifts in a way to recognize his daughters legitimately. Which released a heavy pressure on both Lady Jing and Madam Hua's shoulders in allowing their children to interact with each other. Which had Young Master De ecstatic at the idea of spoiling the young ladies with great care with his mother's approval.

Lady Genji had continued in her habits of attacking everyone within reach. And after the twin's birth her anger grew stronger. While the palace continued to gossip behind walls at her lack of laying even one egg. And her sister Lady Min had been traveling back and forth from Lord Shen's palace to her family home. A common joke amongst palace staff had become that Lady Genji and Lady Min's father's true ailment was his daughters being at home.

Lady Ai originally had appeared to be the least to change amongst Lord Shen's brides. She had continued to be aloof and mischievous when the time demanded it to be. She had laid a lifeless egg as well sometime after the twins were born. It was around this time that on a quiet night that Bolin learned of Lady Ai's identity. She was a child born with love, without care, and without the vows of marriage. A stain that one could not erase on the family ledger. In order to survive she made herself useful as a keeper of secrets and lies. With the knowledge of all that surrounded her Ai survived in the shadows without fear to take a life that got to close into taking her own. All of this was found out when Lady Ai, at the end of her birthday banquet, quietly cried drunken tears into Madam Hua's lap. The reason why Lady Ai had been picked amongst the several candidates for one reason. She was the hidden rose amongst a garden of flowers where only her thorns had not been cut. Lord Shen and Lady Ai held an agreement where she would report anything suspicious that might not reach Lord Shen's ears. Bolin was not meant to hear these words, but he followed wherever Young Master De went. And on this night, he had insisted on sleeping by his mother's side. When this private exchange crossed between the two wives Bolin vowed to stay silent unless Madam Hua commands otherwise.

Other than that, the brides of Lord Shen continued in their normal routine. One after the other waiting to be called upon by Lord Shen. During this time Bolin's opinion of the Lord, he once dreamed to serve had turned sour. Bolin couldn't find himself to care about Lady Jing, Lady Genji, or Lady Ai around this matter. But when Lord Shen called upon Madam Hua Bolin could feel his stomach sink. He couldn't pinpoint when his feelings began to turn. Maybe it was when the twins hadn't hatched yet and Bolin found Madam Hua nursing a bruised cheek while trying to calm Lord Shen. Or maybe it was when Lady Hua nursed Young Master De from a minor illness against Lord Shen's wishes. This resulted in her being under house arrest for over a month. Madam Hua's ladies-in-waiting risked their lives in sneaking their mistress food, medicine, or even something as simple as a blanket.

"Lord Father says it is to teach mother that if I am to be strong, I don't need to be coddled."

Perhaps it was on that day Bolin lost his sense of pride in serving Lord Shen. Or maybe it was when Madam Hua stood straight and proud in every scenario and shined brightest when by her husband's side with her son in arms reach. Perhaps it was that she never wavered in her devotion that Bolin lost his to Lord Shen.

"BOLIN!"

Lost in his thoughts Bolin straightened his posture as he entered his master's quarters. It was a large room adjacent to Madam Hua's which Bolin had the displeasure of making Madam Hua's ladies-in-waiting swoon every time he walked by.

"Sir Bolin, can I fetch you anything?"

Bolin ignored the question choosing to walk quicker to Young Master De's room.

"BOLIN!"

Young Master De had his head hanging out a near window while frantically calling for his guard with excitement. In the years that have passed Young Master De unaware of most of the assassination attempts against his life thrived under his mother's guidance. He traded in his plumage of youth for more pristine feathers. Unlike his parents Young Master De wasn't an albino. He had the signature blood red eyes of Lord Shen but instead of peering from the hue of crisp snow Young Master De's eyes focused from the dark obsidian of a starless night. His feather crown had not formed yet. And as you lowered your gaze the intensity of darkness began to lighten into freshly fallen snow at his center. Only when he outstretched his wings could you see the obsidian appear again at the far tip of his feathers.

"Where is he?"

Bolin chuckled softly at hearing Young Master De cry for his guard.

"Young Master."

Announcing his arrival Young Master De jumped away from the window in surprise at first before charging at his guard in excitement.

"Bolin! It's today! Todays the day!"

Kneeling to his master's height Bolin happily greeted Young Master De with a warm embrace.

"Yes, Young Master De." Bolin happily laughed with the young peacock "Today is the day you turn ten."

"And when I learn-"

"If you are permitted. You will be allowed to learn kung fu today."

Immediately Bolin and Young Master De separated with their backs straight and heads bowed. Madam Hua had approached the two with a heavy frown. Bolin peaked at Madam Hua with a concerned glance. She had been temperamental lately and highly reclusive leading up to Young Master De's tenth birthday.

"Madam-" A sharp glare from Madam Hua had Bolin remembering that he was not allowed to call her as such. Only the married woman of Lord Shen could be called madam. And Hua was a bride in name only to Lord Shen. "Lady Hua, I apologize. In Young Master De's excitement, I couldn't help but join in."

Madam Hua continued to glare at the wolf before Young Master De stepped forward.

"Mother, please don't be angry with Bolin. It's my fault."

"De…" Madam Hua held her head for a moment before continuing. "If you take on the faults of everyone what makes you think Lord Shen will approve you being strong enough."

"Because I-"

"Because means nothing to Lord Shen, De!"

It was a desperate cry that echoed in the room heavily.

Bolin knew she meant no harm towards her son. But Madam Hua needed De to be perfect in the eyes of his father. If Lord Shen were to find fault in Madam Hua's parenting, he probably wouldn't hesitate to direct Young Master De's care to one of his other wives. One of which wouldn't hesitate to ruin the young peacocks image.

"I'm sorry mother."

Bolin remained silent only allowing himself to glance once more at Madam Hua. Where he saw how her vibrant eyes softened in a way that resembled a freshly blossomed flower. However, the way she rested her hands against her abdomen with a gaze of a tired mother left Bolin concerned that this flower was wilting.

Clearing her throat Madam Hua kneeled before her son and bowed her head.

"I wish you a happy birthday Young Master De. With a thousand more to follow. Is there a wish this mother can grant you on such a righteous day?"

Immediately a smile crossed upon Young Master De's face as he quickly addressed his mother.

"I thank you, Mother. I have a few wishes in mind."

"Oh?"

A sly smile crossed Madam Hua's face at her cheeky son.

"First, I would like a do-over to this day as though we are just greeting the day for the first time. Second, I would like a picnic in your garden with Auntie Jing and my sisters. And thirdly can I…"

"Yes?"

Young Master De shuffled his feet in a shy manner before speaking quietly.

"Can I have a hug?"

Madam Hua paused for dramatic effect before pulling her son into a hug while showering him with a thousand kisses only mothers were permitted to give.

"Happy Birthday, De."

"Thank You."

Bolin watched the pair with a warm heart before a loud bell rung from the newly made training ground.

Madam Hua caressed her son's cheek gently.

"Be the best you can be. And you can't go wrong."

"I'll make you proud mother."

Madam Hua followed by her ladies-in-waiting led Young Master De. Bolin stayed close by his master's side when the air grew heavy as they approached the training grounds.

Examining the building from within stood a red fox dressed in wrappings bound tightly around their body with a purple sash garnish around their waist. Arms were left uncovered and a headscarf to match the sash around their waist. Bolin wondered if their large tail of nothing, but fluff and fur could slow them down in their mastery of kung fu.

"Master Dai Lu, Welcome."

Madam Hua bowed leading everyone to follow her lead. Young Master De however was practically pressing his forehead to the ground in respect at what he hoped to be his teacher.

"Lady Hua, I presume." The fox bowed her head in return. "I am honored to have been chosen in serving the heir of Lord Shen."

"We will see about that."

Everyone turned their head when the voice of Lord Shen reached their ears. Followed by his gorilla guard and flanked by a few wolf guards Lord Shen carried an intimidating presence. Bolin watched as young Master De did his best not to shuffle under the pressure. Bolin, pitying his master, leaned closer to the young peacock in a form of comfort.

"Greetings, Lord Shen." Master Dai Lu kneeled quickly as Lord Shen grew closer.

"Greetings, My Lord." Madam Hua bowed gracefully under her husband's intense gaze.

Bolin's stomach turned at how Madam Hua seemed so accustomed to such a gaze.

"Greetings, Lord Father." Young Master De had entered an even deeper bow trying his best to appear perfect in his father's eye.

"Yes, well…today is a joyous day, isn't it?" Lord Shen approached Young Master De casting the boy in his shadow. "Are you prepared to do well?"

Bolin had to fight back the urge to place himself between Lord Shen and Young Master De.

"I am prepared to make you proud Lord father." Young Master De declared without raising his head.

"We shall see."

Lord Shen turned from his son finally allowing the boy to relax from his intense pressure and stand straight. Bolin watched as Madam Hua offered Lord Shen a genuine smile of joy. Lord Shen offered little in return other than a nod of recognition and ordering her to stand by his side. As usual Madam Hua refused to be anything other than an obedient wife. Standing by his side she glowed as a perfect wife.

"Master Dai Lu, I presume you are ready to teach my heir?"

"With all my strength I will see to it in making him the finest of warriors."

"Yes, you shall. That is unless he fails."

Bolin watched as Young Master De flinched under Lord Shen's harsh words.

Today will be a rough day for his master.