Chapter 6: Debt
2014 Words
::Ryanna's POV::
A few days turned into long nights. I attempted to shield my ears with my pillow from the harmonious songs that Emperor Kenji causes in routine. Most nights it had been Kagura's pitches being tested. On rare nights though... I heard more of Emperor Kenji than Emiko.
I felt intimidated by Emiko. Her soft appearance was a force to be reckoned with. I would say I was over exaggerating, but I swear I could hear and feel the walls moving when it was her night.
But how the heck can Emperor Kenji keep doing this every... damn... night?!
I'm exhausted just being the ear voyeur of their shenanigans.
I have to get out of here!
I sat on a stone bench in the peach tree garden. Its petals were blooming ever so beautifully. The scent of its sweet nectar and the soft breeze carried each petal in a symphonic rhythm.
I'll admit, although the nights are brutal... the days were peaceful.
"Enjoying the sunlight?" Emiko popped out of nowhere!
The hairs on the back of my neck stood up like a frightened cat!
"Oh!" I exclaimed, "It's you Emiko."
I sighed. I had to control myself. I can't allow anyone to assert dominance over me.
But, I caught myself looking at her bottom lips. They were so luscious and glazed with balm. Her eyes engulfed your attention the moment you set gaze upon them.
She was incredibly beautiful.
I shook my head.
No, no, no! We have to pick one. Are we afraid of her? Or do we envy her?
Wait... why would I envy her?
Was it because of her feminine looks, or her kind demeanor? Or was it the echo of her skills in bed?
And then an involuntary flshback came to mind.
Emiko's soft tongue...
I shook my head.
No, no, stop it!
Emiko then awkwardly smiled, "I've never seen someone so self-conflicted. Are you okay?"
I snapped back into reality. She must really think I am strange! But, she was right about one thing. I did feel self-conflicted. I just didn't know what it was. All I knew was she made me nervous.
"Emiko, have you been outside the palace?" I stuttered.
"Lots of times," she cooed, "Just not at night."
"Oh?" my curiosity was piqued, "Why not? Or is it because of your concubine duties?"
"Not necessarily," she sighed, "Emperor Kenji forbids us to leave at night because it is dangerous."
"So you believe his words?" I asked.
"So far obeying them has kept me safe," she countered, "Besides... I have everything I could possibly want right here."
How could she be so content with contempt? I had contemplated leaving the very first night I got here. I had to chalk it off as different cultural decisions.
"That's how we lost Emperor Kenji's third concubine," her smile was not so happy.
Oh, that's right! There was someone before me!
"What was her name?" I asked.
"Wel-" she was then cut off.
"Ryanna," Emperor Kenji's voice sounded off.
His voice was calm, but it shook my soul! He wore an emerald green yukata, but despite its purpose for conservation, it still defined his muscles incredibly well.
"Yes?" I sighed in boredom, "What do you want?"
"The sass can get you into so much trouble," he warned, "like my bedroom."
Chills went backwards up my spine at those last three words. I knew he was bluffing, but I couldn't really tell. The last thing I needed was for Emiko to take me down and hold me down while he did what he pleased if he ordered it. My instincts pinged me with dangerous unforeseen events.
He continued, "I think you've had enough torture for a few nights," he chuckled, "I was hoping that you'd take a stroll with me today."
A stroll?
I did not want to be alone with this man.
But did I have a choice?
I awkwardly nodded and rose to my feet. Emiko was smiling like she was proud of me. I did not understand what she got out of this, but I couldn't help but smile at her. She was adorable!
"This way," Emperor Kenji guided a firm hand gesture towards the north wing.
"We aren't going into your room are we?" I lifted an eyebrow.
"It's not night fall yet," he smirked and winked.
Shudders of uneasiness pulsed through my body. I need to avoid giving him any ideas! But I had to make sure!
I cautiously followed behind him. We did not enter a room, in fact, we went out an exit. He was leading me through a bamboo grove. The trail was well trimmed.
But the deeper we went in, the more uneasy I became.
"Uhm," I mumbled, "Where are we going?"
Without turning back to me he continued walking, "Aren't you curious to know why I have chosen you?"
"Not really," I admitted.
"We are almost there," he spoke plainly. "I think it is about time you knew."
Knew what? What was he going to tell me?
My anxiety was not helping to lower my thoughts. I was nervous, and utterly defenseless.
Well, not really... I have never seen Emperor Kenji in battle or training. I bet I could take him on, from what I have learned, being in the ranks of the Southern militia.
But then again... I couldn't even stand a chance against Tyrion.
Now that I think of it, I wonder who was more of an arrogant prick between the two?
Nah, this guy is worse. At least Tyrion showed no mercy or interest in me.
I know that sounds contradicting, but I felt safer in Tyrion's company than Emperor Kenji.
A few minutes went by, and I didn't realize how easily distracted I was from all the wildlife tuning in with nature. The birds chirped, the cicadas raved, and the trickling nearby stream fueled my soul.
"We are here," he said and stepped aside.
My eyes opened in fascination. We were at a small opening with a soft waterfall in the center. The stones were smooth on the shore, and the gentle mist of water sprayed on my skin. The bamboos swayed, and its leaves whistled in the wind. But, why was I here?
"Sit with me," he then sat near the shore, rubbing his feet against the cool smooth stones.
I made my way and sat next to him, not too near, but enough to hold a conversation.
"How was it like being Dravon's daughter?" he asked with a smile.
"W-what?" I was not prepared for that, "H-how do you know my father?!"
"It matters not about your father," he paused, "I've received word that he passed."
I sulked and looked down at the wet stones. I dug my toes in them just like Emperor Kenji did. Despite the truth, I was still in denial that it happened. I was in denial that any of this was happening. But, he was right. My father is dead.
Emperor Kenji paused and then sighed, "Listen... I am not experienced on my delivery of words. But, I assure you. There is a relationship your father and I had."
"My father? With you?" I was utterly confused.
"To know one's past is the defogging of their future," he then picked up a stone.
He threw it, and it skipped a few times before sinking to the bottom of the water, "Dravon was a great man."
The way I knew my father was only the man after I was born. He was kind and considerate. I would never have imagined he would be involved with Emperor Kenji.
"Was my father good to you?" I asked shyly.
"He was a better one than mine," he answered.
"Oh," was all I could offer. I didn't want to pry too much.
Then it hit me... How old was he?!
"Take a guess," he sighed and then smiled sincerely.
"I don't want to offend," I cautiously added.
"You'd probably get it wrong, but go on and attempt," he was now amused.
I began calculating in my head. I know that my father passed at the age of 40. I am currently turning 26, so he had me at 15 years old?
My eyes widened at that finding. He had me so young! I didn't know how to feel about that.
"Don't worry," Emperor Kenji shrugged, "I'm not as old as your father."
That did not leave any clues.
I looked over at his complexion. His skin was so smooth, as if pores did not exist on it. His hair was healthy, long, and silky. He did not possess any wrinkles and had great posture.
I shifted my shoulders, "Uhm, 23?" I offered.
He looked at me surprised and then burst out laughing. I was startled at first from this random childish behavior.
"Oh, you were serious?" he stopped himself.
"I'm not good at judging the age of people," I huffed and looked away.
I then felt a gentle tug on my chin. He turned my jaw towards him, and I was a few inches from his face! My heart clenched and my mind went blank. His eyes locked onto mine and I could feel his breath against my lips!
"I'm 30," he gently whispered.
He was 30?! No way!
The heat of embarrassment had to be what caused the blood in my cheeks to become frenzied. I wanted to push away, but I couldn't! I just froze!
He then gently released me from his capture and sat back to his previous position, "I have a love-hate relationship with Dravon."
As he was saying those words, I fought with my inner self to regain calmness. I've rehearsed so many times, all those nights, to push him away. But, I just froze!
I hate myself!
I guess it wasn't noticeable because he continued, "When I found out he was with child, I felt betrayed."
"So you had your heart broken at 5 years old?" I asked.
"Contrary to belief, memories are retained even before birth. The memories I've had with your father were notable," he looked up at the sky, "I had just wished that we had more time before I became Emperor."
"What do you mean by that?" I attempted to throw a stone, except it didn't skip, it just plopped and sank.
"Like I said, my father was not the best. It was thanks to Dravon that I am still alive."
I didn't say anything, I wanted him to continue without disruptions.
"I became emperor at the young age of 4," he sighed, "Then he left to be with his own family."
"How did my father become involved with you in the first place?" I felt a smooth stone and rolled it in my palm.
"It sounds like you don't know much about your father," Emperor Kenji assumed.
"I agree with you, that my father was a good man," I switched the stone to my other palm.
"But, everyone has their skeletons in their closet," he tilted his head and zoned out.
Skeletons? As in secrets?
Without hesitation, he turned to me and said with such dominant eyes, "Dravon killed my father."
What?! That can't be true! My father was a kind-hearted man. He wouldn't touch a fly!
"That can't be true," I argued back, "My father would never."
"Did you actually believe that this was all coincidence?" he began to sound impatient.
"Well... I-"
"I was thankful for his service, but he didn't make my reign any easier," he said, "I didn't want to be ruler at the age of 4! But, he said he had ran out of time."
I felt like he was beating around the bush about something, "So let's get to the point. Why am I here?"
He sighed and clenched his jaw, "I've supported him, despite him abandoning me."
I could hear the tone in his voice becoming agitated, "He owes me."
"How much does he owe you?" I also became annoyed.
"It's not how much," he then focused on me, "It's 'who' he owes me."
Wait... me?!
- Writer
