The journey so far had been peaceful just as Ren had predicted and I was relieved. Ren seed to be in a good mood as well and judging from so conversations that he had with the soldiers, he knew so of them.
“This is for you...” Ren said as he handed a small drawstring cloth bag.
“For ?” I said, a little confused. I reached out my hand and took the small bag from him.
“You were bored, right?” Ren asked, perceptively.
“Thank you...Ren...” I said with a smile.
“I’ll see you when we’re at the palace,” Ren replied before closing the window to the carriage.
Ren was gone and suddenly I felt kind of lonely. I was alone once again in the quiet carriage with the sounds of horse hooves beating against the dusty road as company. I looked down at the small drawstring cloth bag that Ren had placed in my hand and began opening it.
I laughed a little to myself when I saw what was inside. It was a small wooden puzzle ga that was common in many towns including my own. I used to play this when I was a kid because it was perfect for soone like . Since I grew up separated from the other villagers, I didn’t have any friends growing up. This ga was perfect because it was designed so that you could play it alone.
I wonder where he got such a thing...
...
We arrived safely back to the Imperial palace without incident. I sighed loudly when Ren helped off the carriage. It was good to see Ren again and, I couldn’t believe I was saying this but, it was good to be back to the imperial palace. It wasn’t my ho, but for now, it was where I felt safest.
Within the high walls of the imperial palace, I felt like there were no threats from enemy attacks. My body still trembled in fear whenever I thought of the ambush that took place when Ren and I were on our journey. We were lucky to survive the ambush; however, who knows, we may not be as lucky next ti.
I was led back to the White Lotus Palace imdiately after arriving back. In the mist of all the hectic things that accompanies our arrival, I lost sight of Ren and didn’t get a chance to speak with him before I was taken back to the White Lotus Palace.
Auntie was there to greet imdiately upon my arrival. Her smiley face made feel a little better. She quickly bowed and waved for the other attendees to attend to my things, not that I had many to begin with.
“Welco back, My Lady White Lotus,” Auntie greeted with a warm smile as she ushered quickly inside.
“Thank you...” I replied vaguely.
“You must be tired from the journey. You look exhausted. Girls, bathe and change Our Lady into clean and beautiful clothes at once!” Auntie said as she clapped her hands.
Auntie was right, I was very tired from the carriage ride. Although I did not do anything particularly tiring, I still felt tired. I could use a warm bath, so I let the maids do what they did best. Going along with whatever they had in mind for seed to be the best course of action for now.
During the bath, I wondered where Ren is right now. After the bath, the maids dressed in beautiful clothes made of silk and adorned my hair with matching hair ornants. Then ca the earrings and high platform shoes that matched the outfit. Lastly, the powder and make up.
When the maids stood back so that I could admire my own reflection in the mirror, I thought that this was truly excessive considering that it was close to dinner ti. I didn’t have any plans to see anyone or do anything else for today, as far as I was aware.
I went to the dining room and sat down on a chair at the large round wooden table. Auntie was already there waiting for .
“I’ve prepared many healthy dishes for you, My Lady,” Auntie said as she gestured for the maids to bring in the dishes.
I was shocked at the amount of food that was prepared. I looked at the seemingly endless array of dishes that were being placed on the round table. This was clearly too much for one person. There is no way that I can finish this much food by myself.
Then a thought struck ...
“Auntie, is Prince Ren joining for dinner?” I asked. I heard the slightly hopeful tone in my voice, and I disliked myself for it.
“I am not sure. I have not heard anything from the crown prince’s palace...” Auntie replied with an apologetic smile.
I bet I looked like a woman pining for her lover at that mont. Talk about misconceptions and misunderstandings...
“Oh...never mind ,” I quickly said to brush the topic aside.
I reached over to the chopstick and began eating. The food was delicious, as to be expected of food in the palace. However, no matter how many dishes I tasted, the food did not taste as rich as the als that I ate with Ren. I wondered where he is right now...
Ren seed in a hurry and very busy when we arrived back at the palace. It was my best guess that the emperor probably summoned him. Hopefully, nothing serious has happened on top of the ambush that had taken place. Shin travelled back with us as well, but he disappeared along with Ren the mont we arrived back at the palace.
My worries filled my mind and soon the delicious food started to lose its flavor. I was so lost in my thought that it took a short mont to realize that Auntie had been saying sothing to and that I ought to listen.
“My Lady?” Auntie called with questioning look on her face.
--To be continued...
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