I got shown around the Palace as soon as I arrive...
-These will be everything for the baths... Only Royalty can enter this area, or the maids in charge...- says the chief of the guards pointing at the door leading to enormous bathtubs and bridges
-Sometimes you will be in charge either of the outer side or the inner side, that will be decided at the right moment... Next-
He leads to the gardens
-So as for the gardens you will be assigned to one of these 4 positions...
The Bridge leading inside.
The side paths, where you will most likely have to patrol during your shift, to take care of the whole hallway.
The door leading to the next garden, either one side or the other.
For that other garden the door guards are enough, in case you were wondering... It's really small anyway-
He explains as we walk along the stone path, circled by flowers and small trees...
-When you get assigned here try to always keep an eye on the lake, sometimes the younger Princes and Princesses have their head too focused in playing that they end up falling in haha- he chuckles at the thought of the funny kids...
He keeps dragging me all over the halls, showing me shorter ways to reach every place and all the rooms to keep an eye on.
Lastly is the Throne hall...
-... And that should be the last one... Hope you memorized everything, if there's any problem we can give you some maps or you can just ask around... With time you will get familiar with all the routes-
-I hope you told her the most important job too, Commander- says a voice from behind us
-Your Majesty!- bows the Commander turning around and I follow him in greeting
-Relax you two... It's her first day afterall, we want her to get comfortable no? Now then...
One of the Guards main job is to be assigned or called by any member of the Royal family, to accompain them somewhere or just to have a personal guard...
Normally all of us have their trusted ones, but some of us just feel the need to add one more... Others always sneak around alone and that is quite the problem...- he sigh rolling his eyes
-Actually... I did had someone in mind when I requested for you. You surely did left a big impression on all of us at my son wedding.
But that wasn't the only reason... Ah...- He sigh again going to seat on his throne, scratching his beard
-I have a son, one who's brain is always over the clouds... Even his body is nowhere to be seen for how much he loves to escape the meetings. Mhn...
But he's a good boy don't you worry! I noticed he took a liking on you at the feast the other day...-
-Is Your Majesty perhaps talking about the fourth prince XianLen?-
-Hehehe! I see we are of the same mindset my child! It is him indeed... I would like you to be a friend for that lonely child, and keep an eye on him...
He does know how to fight but you never know what may happens ah... Everyday I find new wrinkles for the worry he gives me-
-It is my honour to serve you- I bend down
-And I should thank you even more... Now go and see your room, you surely would like to rest after all this walking hehehe-
-Thank you so much Your Majesty- says the Commander bowing, before we leave the hall.
We head to a side quarter, which apparently is the residence of the 4th Prince...
-You really are privileged Miss Ying... It is an extreme honour what the Emperor assigned to you!
Not to mention it is definitely a more interesting duty than patrolling hahah!- he opens the doors on which the name of the house is written, "Len"
-I will leave you to the maids now... Your belongings will be delivered in the afternoon... There aren't much rules I should tell you I suppose.
Just follow the prince everywhere and keep him safe... You shouldn't be allowed to talk if not required, but the Emperor ordered for you to befriend him so... Your permanence here will indeed be pleasing.
Welcome at the Palace Miss Ying-
He bends down before leaving as the doors close behind him.
-Uhm... So... Is there anyone...?- I ask walking in the courtyard -Mmh... Hello? Good morning...?-
The only answer I get is a meowing from a kitten approaching.
-That's something at least... Ehy there little one! Is someone home?- I crouch down to scratch behind his ear and the cat purr happily
-You like it uh? Come here- I take it in my arms and begin walking toward the main building...
The house is deserted
-Is there anyone here?- I knock before entering anyway -Excuse my intrusion...-
I head inside as the house gets darker and darker by each step...
-How weird...-
The candles in a room turns off as cold wind hits me.
Some weird noises begin echoing from one corner to another, closer... Closer untill a little black figure pass over my face...
Too quick for me to catch it.
"Could it be that someone tried to hurt the Prince...?"
I pass the kitten on my left arm before taking my knife in the free one.
There's a door slightly open, I get closer without making a sound noticing a few shadow behind the paper door...
I peak through but there's a thick fog all over the area.
I enter, two peoples are tied together the smoke engulfing me makes it even harder to see.
I walk to their side but before I manage to reach them, something falls on me from the ceiling with an high pitched scream.
-Who dares to enter my house! I am the ghost of the real owner! I will kill any usurper who tries to occupy my house!!!-
The "something" is actually an old looking man with a cheap demon mask...
I sigh, almost laughing
-I will kill anyone who dare to steal my house as those two!- he repeats as the echo's effect fades away, coming down to stand on the floor
-Sure, try if you want- I reply, putting down the kitten -Shall we use weapons or...? I don't know with what do Ghosts fight? Is an earthquake fitting? I could do that-
-You are not scared?- says the man, now with a soft voice, taking off the mask -What a killjoy...- he uses his white sleeve to take off the makeup on his face
-Your Highness...- I bow
-Just call me Xian- he goes to take off the dark tends blocking out the sun
-So it is you who my father sent... Makes sense- he take the two puppets tied together in his arms, throwing them in a wardrobe
-Nya! Nya!- calls the kitten wanting me to hug him again, so I take it in my arms.
-You little bastard! I needed you to dress as a Goblin and you did what?! You ran away! Your brothers are way better- the kitten turns around hiding his little nose against me
-So you prefer women uh? As if I can't be one too... Cheater!-
-Y9ue Highness, are you talking with the cat...?-
-Yes... They're better than humans you know? I have tons of cats in my house!-
-Oh... I see- I turn my head to hide my awkward smile
-So... Are you gonna be staying here?-
-Have I passed the test...?-
-Seems like it. About the earthquake...-
-Oh Uhm... I was just joking hehe...- I take a step back
-Oh Hahaha! You got me worried for a moment... Let me show you your room now...
At least my father sent me an interesting one this time hehe! The others all run away after one day or piss themselves at the beginning!- he says disappearing in one room on the left of the corridor, coming out from one on the other side just a few seconds after
-How did you...?-
-Did what?- he tilt his head confused by my question -Anyway... As you can see I am a Master of camouflage! Hehe- he pass his hand over the face and I could swear I saw his eyes changin colour...
-Is this house haunted?- What looked like a game before is starting to look more of a reality now
-Why you think so?- he asks poking his head from behind another door, holding a vassoil of pastries at the end of the hallway
"He just... Teleported!"
I gulp down, feeling lightheaded -Nothing...-
-Well then! Here we are!- he claps his hands behind me and I jump a little bit...
"What the hell is with this man...?! I don't want to ever fight against someone like him..."
He offers me a pasty before opening the door, I take a bite while trying not to remove my eyes from him
-Welcome in our house! Hope you will amuse yourself in here- he smirks maliciously giving me chills