Edo- Main Palace
The King and concubines together with their children are all gathered at the Royal Hall. "Is everyone here already?", The Emperor, Hiryuu, glanced at everyone. "I believe everyone is here", the empress nodded.
"Let's proceed with the main topic. How many of you been married again?", Hiryuu tipped off. Everyone looked at each other. The empress started counting. "Three of your son and three of your daughter had been married off and were sent off to other kingdoms", Empress, Yui answered. Hiryuu laughed out loud. "What? Did you not inherit your father's blood?", he sighed and then turned into his serious mode. "We've been attacked various times at the gate. We need to strengthen our weapons. That is why I'll be asking concubine Valentine to be accompanied on her way back to Thalmes for a negotiation", Hiryuu informed.
"My apologies, your highness. Thalmes, isn't that the country that once betrayed us?", Hajime, the 1st son of the 2nd concubine spoke. He is one the most beautiful man in the land with all his writing skills.
"Pardon me but I don't like you using that word in my presence", Valentine, the 4th concubine politely bowed. "Forgive me, your highness. I was careless with my words", Hajime apologized. "Then, Ren. I expect you to accompany your mother safely. I'll also be sending troops to protect you from bandits", Hiryuu assured. "I would prefer if you would protect her from the inside", Ren looked straight into his father's eyes. "Then, we shall take our leave. Your Highness", Ren bowed and assisted her mother.
Thalmes
Rooftop Garden
"Where is Saphira? She was asking me to teach her how to hold a bow", Reinard looked around. he felt a presence and prepared his sword. He was able to return a blow to Iris. "You've gotten better", Reinard laughed. They sat on the rocks and saw the sun setting. "Iris. Aren't you a little bit difference?", Reinard opened a bag of cookies and Iris ate it all. "Like?", Iris looked at Reinard's eyes with such curiosity. "You see. Your sisters had been married off. Plus, with your age, you have to be looking for a possible partner. I heard that you turned down the Prince that visited you yesterday", Reinard opened. "How about you? During your age, Father already had Sister Erika", Iris' word's hit Reinard enough to make him cough. "Well, whenever I look at this pendant. I remembered Xyra. She told me not to be in chained by the decisions other people may impose on me. I really thought she would also honor her words but she ended up marrying someone whom she doesn't really want to marry", Iris answered. "That was a rather deep answer", Reinard nodded.
"The Royal Concubine from Edo had arrived", one servant informed. "a concubine is royal in edo?", Iris choked on her cookies. She was curious so she followed her brother. They had a conversation at the Garden cottage. The maid went to serve tea but Iris stole it from her.
"My, aren't you a princess? Why would you do such a thing?", the green-haired woman smiled. "Ahh, well. I just... wanted to see you in a closer range", Iris scratched her nape. "Why don't you join us?", Valentine offered. Iris stared to much at her that it became uncomfortable. "Is there something wrong?", Reinard asked. "She's Asian right? Why is her eye round?", Iris asked. Valentine chuckled. "Iris that's rude. I apologize for her stereotyping", Reinard bowed. "Well, Princess Iris. My name is Valentine, I am also from Thalmes", Valentine informed me. "Your dress is peculiar. But I don't think you wear corsets on that", Iris spoke informally. "Well dear, that's what i find so comfortable", Valentine shrugged.
"Iris, go and look for your sister. It's getting dark already", Reinard instructed and Iris left. "She looks exactly like Queen Raya. You see, your mother and I usually like different kinds of dress", Valentine informed. "I'm pleased to know that my mother did have fun before she left this world", Reinard sighed. "Pleased to meet you, Miss Valentine", they heard a voice from behind. "Oh, King Victor. What's with that face", Valentine stood up to give her bow. The King's face is mixed with emotions. It was such a nostalgic feeling to meet her previous lover having a conversation with his first son with the Queen.
The Next Day
Saphira's Balcony
Saphira saw a piece of chain hanging around the rails and knew what is about to happen. "Use the door, for goodness sake", she sighed as she watches her dumb sister climb the chain. "Hey, let's go fishing. I'm totally bored", Iris invited. "I am having a meeting with a prince later", Saphira informed. "Eh?! But that's a little bit boring", Iris whined and finally reached the top. "You're hopeless. I received a letter from sister Amelia. She'll be visiting after a while", Saphira informed. "How come I didn't receive one?", Iris pouted. "Because I've been telling her through letters every...little...single...thing you are doing", Saphira pointed out. "You..."Iris broke down in tears. "She'll be giving me a lot of lectures", Iris shook Saphira. "Your highness, the prince had arrived", Eliade looked pitifully at Iris.
"Fix yourself or else you'll end up like your brother", Eliade sighed. The golden hair just enjoyed the breeze of the wind. "I wonder what Edo looks like", she watches the horizon coming to life as the sun goes higher.
Town's Market
Iris disguised herself as a commoner and roamed around the area. She saw the old pendant house they use to buy from. She stared at the pretty accessories. "This one", she heard a man's voice. They ended up looking into each other's eyes. "Oh, a foreigner. Why don't you give him a discount?", Iris pointed out. "Than-", the long-haired man was about to thank her when soldier's caught Iris. "I got her", the soldier locked her in their arms. Ren just sighed and then went on his way. He's got the ladies' eyes brightened.
"Ren, where have you been? I going to have a heart attack yesterday", Valentine punched her in the stomach. "That's not a lady-like way to treat your son", Ren laughed. They went up the carriage where Reinard and Victor are. "I apologized for my absence yesterday. I am the 8th Prince of Edo", Ren bowed his head. Victor was staring too much at him. "What a pretty boy. I wonder how you managed to keep him away from ladies", Victor commented. "I am deeply happy with your compliment", Ren thanked him. "No need to talk formalities with me. I am your Mother's friend and I owe her a lot", Victor waved his hand.
This young-looking dude is the King?
"By the way, this is my only Son. Prince Reinard, I hope you may get along together", Victor introduced. Reinard's eyes are spinning. "He's extremely shy around strangers", Victor added.
Good for him. He doesn't need to suffer the fear of being killed by your brother.
Palace
6th Princess Room
"Hey, don't you feel a bit pity for me?", she shouted. Elaide is just keeping her patience and waiting for the King to give the punishment. The group happened to pass by. "Is there something wrong with my daughter?", Victor rushed in front of the door. "Father, the castle guards dragged me here in my room. They didn't hesitate to grab my hands", Iris said on the other side of the room. "Give those guards compensation. She went to the marketplace again, right?", Victor sighed.
"Is that Iris?", Valentine chuckled. "What a peculiar one. You've done a great job raising her", Valentine teased. "Don't let me get started with your habit", Victor flicked Valentine's forehead. "Ohhh. Miss Valentine!!! I'm here. Can we have another cup of tea?", Iris begged. "I'm sorry my dear, Your father seems to discuss an important matter with me", Valentine whispered. They all walked towards the King's Room. Saphira happened to meet them. Her eyes turned into hearts to see Ren.
Chapter end