I was still in my courtyard when suddenly someone entered through the door.
"Your Highness, I apologize for the delay. I have brought the fruits you requested. I showed her a gentle smile. She is the only person who truly cares for me, so it pains me when she acts differently.
"Thank you, Zi Yan."
She quickly put it away to wash it, and when she came back, we shared the grapes, which had a very juicy taste that delighted me.
While we are eating, Zi Yan suddenly stops.
"What's wrong, Zi Yan?
I can see the worry in his eyes. I think she heard it too.
"My lady, His Majesty is being unfair to you. You are also his child, and yet... I hurriedly stuffed a grape into her mouth and glanced around my surroundings.
"Zi Yan, you must not speak about the emperor like that. If he hears this, I don't know what punishment he will give you." She felt wronged and began to cry.
"My lady, I am so sorry for you; I cannot bear to see you suffer," she said, crying wholeheartedly, which made me cry as well.
"Zi Yan, please don't be so distant next time. I still need you; you are the only person I can truly call family in this difficult life I have. Please don't push me away. I couldn't hold back my tears, and I cried as I hugged her.
"I understand, Your Highness. I'll definitely live for your sake," she declared happily.
Our intense conversation is interrupted by a eunuch sent by the emperor.
"Ninth Princess, the King requests your presence in the imperial hall." I think it is time to meet the father who neglected me.
Even now, this is the first time in my entire 14 years that I have come out of that courtyard. While walking, the design of the imperial palace caught my eye. It is far more luxurious than mine. I believe this is how he shows his disfavor toward me—by giving me the neglected courtyard.
When there is a sudden halt, I finally realize that we are in front of an enormous and gallant door. When the eunuch announces my presence, the guards outside wait for my father's response, and only when he says that I may enter do the guards let me in.
When I entered, I found a huge and majestic room filled with many people along the sides. However, what truly caught my attention were the two people seated at the farthest center.
Their red robes signify authority and power.
The woman on the side wore a bright red robe embroidered with a phoenix, while the man in the center wore a striking red robe adorned with golden embroidery of a mighty dragon.
He is my father.
Even though I don't have the right to leave my courtyard, I still have Zi Yan; she has taught me everything. I know this is why I consider her family.
"He Yanyu greets His Majesty; may he live a thousand more years."
I casually repeated what I usually heard from Zi Yan and then bowed deeply.
"You may rise." When I heard his order, I sat up and looked at him. However, when I saw the disgust and enmity in his eyes, I immediately averted my gaze.
À suivre...