The antidote was finally made and I made sure that it was enough, if not, more than enough to cure the Emperor. I made sure to incorporate the antidote in something the Emperor wouldn’t find weird or out of the ordinary. And there’s nothing weird about an alien blue tea. I prepared everything and I called for Mei.
For the next few days, I made sure to come by the Imperial Palace for tea with the Emperor. So far, he hasn’t been suspicious of my intentions. However, ever since I told Prince Shiro about trust, he won’t leave me alone whenever I’m in the Palace. He would follow me around but he doesn’t speak to me. It gets bothersome for me but I have to learn to deal with it if I’m going to save the Emperor.
“Is there a problem father? You look worried.” I asked him the moment we were left alone. He paced the room, looking more worried than before. I felt guilty, maybe my father found out about the reason why I visit the Emperor almost everyday. Maybe Prince Shiro and I have been found out. But that’s impossible. We were very careful about our secret. The more my father kept silent, the more scared I got.
The rain hasn't stopped and it looks like it won't be stopping anytime soon. I looked over at Prince Shiro who was busy tending the fire. He's not showing it but I know the poison must be hurting him. We took our time running from those bandits that the poison had enough time to get into his system. I moved closer towards him and examined his wound.
After the Emperor spoke to me about my loyalty to Prince Shiro, he and the Empress left. It was also getting late so I needed to get back home as well."Do you really mean what you said?" Prince Shiro asked all of a sudden. I turned to him and sighed.
As we agreed on, Prince Shiro and I only met when it was time to have tea with the Emperor. We made sure that we weren't being too close to each other to fool the First Prince. Pretty soon, the bait was working. The First Prince came to the pavilion when both the Emperor and Prince Shiro had left. I was busy sorting out the pouch of tea that I brought and I didn't notice him."Hell Lady Himawari. It's a surprise to see you here alone." He said. I t
It's been almost 2 weeks since Prince Shiro and I had talked without the Emperor to accompany us. I couldn't let the First Prince's trust towards me falter so I had to resort to avoiding Prince Shiro at all cost. I don't know how many men are following my every move but I can't let anyone be in danger."The Royal Hunt will be in a few days, you used to enjoy coming to the hunting ground along with the other ladies, do you want to do that again?" Father asked me while we were having breakfast. From what I can remember from Himawari's memories, she hated meeting with the other ladies in the hunting grounds. She was always the subject of ridicule because of how quiet she is and more so because she's in love with Prince Shiro. Apparently, Prince Shiro is one of the most sought out bachelors in the Empire. The fact that he's engaged to Lady Himawari makes all the other ladies angry. I don't know if I have the strength and energy to go on cat fights."Am I allowed
It was the day of the Royal Hunt. Since Prince Shiro and I haven't been able to be alone together, I didn't get a chance to tell him that I will be participating. I don't know if anyone told the Emperor or if the news reached him but I am not backing down from this hunt.
After the Royal Hunt, there was a party being held at the hunting grounds. After Prince Shiro left the tent, I changed into an evening wear appropriate for the occasion. He told me they'll be a lot of people today so we can sit next to each other and discuss some things."Hima, the Emperor wants you to sit at the Royal family's table. Is that alright for you? If it isn't just tell me and I'll make sure to inform the Emperor." My father asked. I did