As the time to depart from the boys and return to the palace draws near, I can't help but feel a pang of sadness. I've spent the entire day lounging around with them, enjoying their company and the comfort of their presence.
Boarding Maverick's now larger and fatter Gilcha lizard, I settle into the uncomfortable corsetted dress that is customary for palace events. The tightness of the corset is suffocating.
Today happens to be the day for the family dinner, an event I can't exactly say I'm looking forward to. I already miss the warmth of Haroun's big chest and the easy companionship with Nikolai and Valendor.
Upon my arrival at the palace, Stacy, is quick to fawn over me. She immediately sets to work trying out several dresses on me, each more elaborate and beautiful than the last. While the dresses are indeed stunning, they are also incredibly uncomfortable.
I endure the fittings with a forced smile, trying to ignore the tightness of the fabrics and the constriction of the corset. All I can think about is the simplicity and comfort of the clothes I wore with the boys earlier in the day. Sigh.
*
Standing outside the grand greenhouse, two years later, I am dressed in a flowing blue gown adorned with countless jewelry pieces and my hair intricately styled in an elaborate updo. As I take a deep breath and enter the greenhouse, I am met with the sight of the royal family gathered, except for the Emperor and Empress.
I offer a slight bow to the concubines and my older siblings before taking my designated seat at the far end of the room. "Welcome back, Sister," comes a grating voice, and I glance over to see Stella, adorned in a pink dress with a familiar fake smile plastered on her face. "Thank you, time has been pleasant to you," I respond, masking my true feelings beneath a polite facade.
Stella's fake smile only widens, and she proceeds to ignore me as usual. Across from her, Luan, with his identical face to Stella's, smiles warmly at me. At nineteen, he appears much more refined and manly than two years ago, when he could easily pass for Stella in a dress. I offer a polite smile in return, acknowledging his presence.
As the Emperor and Empress finally make their entrance, I can't help but feel the weight of my heavy dress and imagine how much heavier the Empress's attire must be. I shudder inwardly at the thought.
"Be seated," the Emperor commands with his usual authority, and we all take our seats once more. His eyes briefly meet mine, and I notice a slight twitch of his eyebrow, which I find rather amusing.
"Third Princess, welcome," he says formally, and I rise to offer a bow in response. "Thank you, your majesty," I reply as I take my seat again, aware that he is likely displeased.
My recent pilgrimage has granted me a level of freedom that he no longer holds authority over, though this fact remains unknown to the others. It means no arranged marriages or schemes from the Empress, something I worked hard for during my 800 days away. The only person with such power is the Pope, but Gramps would never use it against me.
"I'm glad to have all my children together. Luan returned from his travels to the western lands a month ago. This is lovely," the Emperor says proudly, though I can sense a hint of discomfort from the first born son, Linus. It's subtle, but I notice his face twitching slightly. He's being overshadowed by his younger brother, after all. Poor guy.
As the dinner progresses, I find myself caught in the intricate dance of palace politics, making polite conversation and navigating the subtle power dynamics at play within the royal family. It's a familiar routine, one that I've grown accustomed to over the years. But amidst the formalities and polite smiles, I can't help but feel a sense of longing for the simplicity and comfort of the time spent with the boys, away from the pressures of palace life. Sigh again.
Artem, as expected, keeps his eyes downcast, appearing as spineless as ever despite his royal status. I shake my head inwardly, how can he be so lacking in backbone as a royal? But it's none of my business, and I turn my attention back to the lavish dinner spread before me.
The dishes are not as flavorful as Valendor's cooking, but they are still enjoyable. I dig into the various delicacies, savoring each bite as the Emperor and Empress engage in conversation with their children.
"How is your swordsmanship going, Luan?" the Emperor inquires, breaking the dinner conversation. Intrigued, I take a sip of the wine that is served.
"Great, Father. I recently broke into 4-star," Luan responds calmly, almost nonchalantly, as if he hasn't just dropped a bombshell.
On cue, Linus chokes on something and begins coughing aggressively, while Stella screeches her congratulations. It's a significant moment because Linus is also a 4-star swordsman. With Luan's recent advancement, he has unofficially effectively joined the race for the throne. The Empress is pleased, as this means her sons are the sole contenders for the throne. She doesn't show a preference for either, just content that the competition is limited to her offspring.
It seems the transmigrator hasn't been slacking off in his training.
The Emperor roars with laughter, figuratively patting himself on the back. He orders for more wine, declaring it a celebration. I sigh inwardly, realizing I've been roped into this impromptu celebration.
"Congratulations, Brother. We should spar sometime," Linus says to Luan with a forced smile, his white hair tied up in a ponytail. I can't help but notice that Linus is the more attractive brother, though I try not to let my personal bias influence my thoughts, I'm failing I'm not team Luan.
"Surely, not too soon, Brother. I did recently break through, after all," Luan responds with a charming smile, earning a few chuckles from the Emperor and Empress. "Yes, dear, no need to rush into it," the Empress adds with a smile.
As the night wears on, I observe Linus downing glass after glass of wine, probably drowning his sorrows. Artem, on the other hand, remains quiet and unnoticed, further pushed into the background by his more ambitious brothers.
The concubines flutter around the Emperor, vying for his attention, while the Empress sits back in satisfaction, reveling in her seemingly unshakeable position of power. I feel a sense of discomfort wash over me, the weight of palace politics is so tiring.
All I want is to leave this stifling atmosphere and return to the simplicity and comfort of the villa with the boys.
Eventually, the dinner comes to an end, and I rise from my seat feeling a bit dizzy from the wine. Stacy is waiting for me outside the greenhouse, and she offers her arm to help me walk back to my palace.
As we make our way, I hiccup a little, my mind still reeling from the events of the evening. I catch a glimpse of the Emperor and Luan heading off together, likely to discuss Luan's recent achievement.
Sighing, I continue on, trying to walk straight despite the effects of the wine. All I want now is to get back to the comfort of my own quarters and leave the formalities and pretenses of the palace behind.