Flower In The Palace

by Jordan Silver

  It was her straightforwardness that still held my attention. No one ever dares speak to me in such a fashion. Everyone, from the time I was born, has always gone out of their way to agree with me on every subject. As was to be expected.

  The fact that she was so young with such deep thoughts was also admirable. As the future heir to the throne I haven’t been exposed to many members of the opposite sex, except for my closest relatives.

  So I had no way of knowing if she was an exception to the norm, or if all young ladies of breeding thought and spoke in such a way.

  Somehow I didn’t think so. Judging from my few interactions with Princess Rowena, I would say that Beauty was unlike anyone else. Would she change after she learned who I was? Would she even get the chance?

  I’d sent Eunuch Van out and about early this morning to learn what he could about her and he’d only just returned.

  “Her father is Lord Morgana, the once Duke of Nan. He lost his title years ago during the uprising to usurp your father’s place as Crown Prince.”

  “What? So why is his family here now?” I felt sick. This couldn’t be. If her father was an outcast there’s no way I could have her. But why was she here now? It made no sense. And even more, how could such a man raise a daughter like that?

  “Rumor has it that it was your uncle who set him up back then. That he was actually one of your father’s staunchest supporters. He was once the Emperor’s trusted guard having taken over that post from his own father.”

  I listened as the story unfolded, wondering why it was that I had never heard of this. It is true that there were some things forbidden to even mention, some names never said, but this is the first I was hearing of this man.

  I could ask my father later of course, and was sure that he would tell me. But like I said, the servants of the palace sometimes know more than their masters. They’re the experts at listening in at doors after all.

  My mind tried to make sense of all that he was saying. There had to be a reason for their return to court. It was no light matter for someone once removed to return unless they’d been invited back by the Emperor himself.

  Grandfather wouldn’t have invited him back unless he had been cleared of his past misdeeds. More importantly, had he really been one of the traitors from back then why hadn’t his whole clan been eliminated?

  “Is that all?” I knew that like the other servants of the palace he knew more than even I did. He too knew the ins and outs of the network of spies and talebearers that kept them well apprised of the goings on in the palace, and had shared many a secret with me over the years.

  It’s why we’re so close him and I. Why I can trust him with such a delicate matter when I dare not with anyone else. Eunuch Van has been with me since the day of my birth.

  Though not trained to protect physically, he had other resources that were of much greater value. His loyalty to me has never wavered over the years, and it was through him more often than not, that I have been kept abreast of much.

  “I’ll be sure to keep my ear out for anything else but that’s all I was able to find thus far.”

  “Where are they staying?” It didn’t matter who her father was, I wanted to see her again.

  “It will be their city dwelling most likely…Your Highness, you’re not thinking of leaving the palace again…you must not. And besides, it would be against all propriety for you to seek out the young lady at this time.”

  His disapproving stare I know well enough. I grinned impishly as I walked around the room, my mind already planning ahead. First I must meet with father.

  “Very well, call in the others, it’s time I got dressed.” The usual morning flurry ensued, with servants bustling in and out seeing to my morning bath and dress.

  It’s not a very popular trend, but I like having a bath every morning and sometimes again at night. I find that I do most of my thinking in the quiet of my bath, even with people washing me. They know to keep silence when I’m at my bath or else.

  My temper, though slow to ignite, has been known to erupt without warning a time or two when some unsuspecting servant became too boisterous while serving me and I was trying to think.

  I leaned my head back against the stone bath and with my eyes closed recalled every moment of yesterday’s meeting. My heart still felt exceedingly full, at the memory.

  There was a wild sense of anticipation and for the first time I thought of using my position as the favored grandson of the Emperor to get my way.

  If her father was indeed a disgraced one, there will be much clamor if I chose her for my wife. But as with every major decision I’ve made thus far in my young life, I knew that this was the right one.

  Why else would she fill my mind like this, when no one else ever has? Why would I recall the sweet smell of her skin, and the shine of the sunlight in her hair? Things I never gave credence to before.

  “Your highness, your grandfather the Emperor wishes to meet with you.” Eunuch Van interrupted my inner musings. It was the sound of excitement in his voice that made me look up at him sharply.

  He leaned over and cupped his hand to my ear. “I think it concerns the lady and her family…” I sat up straight, disturbing the water and sending it splashing over the sides.

  “Hurry…” I all but barked at the servants who rushed to do my bidding. My servants could barely keep up with me as I bustled around my room with excitement. I was barely able to stand still long enough to get dressed.

  “Your Highness, decorum…” I grinned over my shoulder at him as I hustled out of my palace and crossed the courtyard to the Emperor’s palace. Poor Eunuch Van had to run to keep up.

  “Grandfather I’m here.” I never stand on ceremony when we’re alone. It’s something he had instigated when I was much younger, when grandmother was alive.

  In the presence of others, I of course carried myself in the manner befitting a Prince of the realm. But when alone we were family and behaved as such.

  I knelt in front of him, shaking with excitement. If this indeed concerned my beauty and her family, now will be my chance to ask about her and see where the ground lay.

  “I see you, you little scamp. And what has you in such a dither this morning might I ask?” Why did I get the sense that he already knew? I looked suspiciously at Eunuch Van who was trying his best to hide his grin.

  “Uh, I’m not sure what you mean grandfather.” I picked at the sleeve of my princely robes as I looked away from him before I gave away too much.

  “I hear you had a very interesting day yesterday.” That bloody eunuch Van and his wagging tongue. I’ll cut it out first chance I get.

  “Whatever do you mean? The banquet was of course as entertaining as ever…

  “I’m not speaking about that and well you know it. The young lady you met and spoke to, do you know who she is?”

  My shoulders slumped in defeat. What is the point of ever trying to hide anything? Nothing goes unseen or unheard. When will I learn?

  “No sir, I do not, but…”

  “She is the daughter of my most trusted guard.” My eyes came up at his words and my heart tripped over itself.

  “You mean…he’s not a traitor?” My grandfather placed a finger over his lips for silence and leaned in close. “This must not be made known as yet. His life and the girl’s would be in grave danger if we’re careless.”

  He went on to tell me the truth of what took place all those years ago. Relieving me of the worry that I had fallen in love with the daughter of a traitor. With that worry gone, nothing else really mattered. Everything else he had to say was just for my enlightenment, but my mind was already way ahead. No matter what, I will make her mine.

  It didn’t matter that we’d only met once, that we barely had enough time with each other. The decision wasn’t made simply because of her beauty of face and form. But about the way I felt the moment I laid eyes on her.

  I have nothing with which to compare, but I knew that feeling was of the sort that ca
me only once in a lifetime. I’ve read enough prose on the subject over the years, none of which even came close to describing the reality. But it was enough for me to know what it was that I was feeling.

  Grandfather was going on and on about the Morgana clan and their virtues and service to the crown over the centuries. But what I heard beneath his words, was that he’d already made his choice for a granddaughter in law.

  “I have ordered her father to add her name to that of the hopefuls…” I rushed forward and in a most un-princely manner wrapped my arms around the old man’s knees with my head resting there. The way I’d done many times as a young child. I felt warm tears of gratitude fill my eyes as his hand came down to brush my hair.

  “I see that you’ve already made your choice. It’s not going to be that easy. They will still make you go through all the ceremonies and such. And in the end the choice will be made by the ladies of the court…”

  “But Empress Valeria…”

  “Do not concern yourself with that. I have made it so that your own mother has the last say in the selection.”

  “Though it’s customary for the empress to have a hand in such matters, I have overruled her this time. Tell me, is she the one you want?”

  I closed my eyes, too overcome with joy. This was too good to be true. Then again, since the day of my birth I’ve always gotten what I wanted. But this was all so sudden, and it was the first thing I’d ever wanted with such intensity.

  “I can see that she is. Tell me, what is it about her that have you so captivated son?” I could’ve told him about her beauty, but that didn’t seem like enough. So I did my best to put into words what it was that I’d felt at my first sight of her. What had kept me up most of the night.

  From the way he nodded his head as smiled a I spoke. Telling him about the fire I saw in her, the way she’d scolded me for my bad behavior, I knew that he liked what he heard.

  “Her father too sang her praises. But I would expect no less from the daughter of Dunal Morgana. He’s a man of great integrity. I wish you all the happiness with your Princess.”

  “Thank you grandfather.”

  “Remember, it will not be easy. The ministers, those vultures, will fight this with everything they’ve got. You must remain vigilant and remember that I am on your side, always.”

  “I know grandfather, I will.” My mind was already moving ahead. No matter the obstacle I will overcome it. No matter who objected, I will let nothing stand in my way.

  As I left the grand palace with a much lighter step, I could not keep the smile from my face. “Eunuch Van, when does the nomination process begin?”

  I’m sure I’d heard this before, but since I had no interest then it had been of little interest to me. Now it was of the utmost importance. Now I wanted to be kept abreast of every minute detail.

  “The decree has already gone out for the forbidding of marriage among the daughters of the nobles. As you know forty will be chosen after the initial selection.”

  “Yes, yes I know all that, but what then?”

  “I know what you’re asking and yes, it will be hard for your chosen lady going forward if not shown some favor by your royal parents.”

  He spoke the truth and I found myself once again troubled by thoughts of the selection process. Back in my rooms I gathered all the books and writings I could find on the subject.

  I checked off her known credentials against those listed and the first thing that jumped out at me was the stipulation that her family background must be without blemish.

  If what eunuch Van had said earlier and if my grandfather is to be believed then the whole realm is under the assumption that her father is indeed a traitor, guilty of treason.

  I settled my mind with the fact that since the Emperor had recalled him to court and had spoken so well of him to me, then he must have a plan.

  I was dying to seek out my father and ask what those plans might be, but was mindful of my grandfather’s warning to keep things secret for now.

  The rest of the requirements I had no doubt she would pass with flying colors. Both her parents were still of this earth, her virtues had been obvious after only one meeting, and there was no doubting her beauty even if one were blind.

  I was much more relaxed after reading over the requirements again. Now I was in a hurry to get the selection process underway when only a short while ago I could’ve cared less.

  “I wonder what manipulations Empress Valeria used to have her granddaughter’s name added to the list. It’s been a long standing rule that no member of the royal family could be considered for the role of Princess Consort.”

  “As to that, we both know that there is no end to that lady’s manipulations. I wouldn’t worry overly much Your Highness. It seems obvious, even to me, that the Emperor has already made his choice and they are in line with yours.”

  I smiled at the truth of his words. Just this once I would not let myself worry about what the Empress was up to. With the support of my father and grandfather there was nothing she could do.

  There was a great sense of pleasure at the thought of thwarting the old sly one this once and on a matter this grand. “Yes! It would appear I’ve finally found a way to get out from beneath that dark cloud.”

  Narrator

  Unbeknownst to the young prince and his grandsire the emperor, their enemy had already been alerted to the return of Dunal Morgana, and were even now busy trying to understand the implications behind his sudden return, after these many years in exile.

  Prince Loren had been given the shock of his life the day before when his spies had informed him that Dunal Morgana was again welcomed to the court and had even had an audience with his father that lasted many hours.

  He’d hurried to the quarters of his mother the Empress at first light and was even now surmising in secret as to what this sudden reappearance could possibly mean.

  “We should’ve killed him back then. What can your father mean by bringing a traitor here?” The Empress could barely contain her anger. Dunal Morgana had been a thorn in her side all those years ago.

  Back then when everyone else was charmed and taken in by her ploys, he was the only one who looked at her with barely hidden disdain.

  He never made any secret of his dislike for her, though he never overstepped the boundaries of protocol, and she was never able to have him dismissed.

  It was that old bitch, the former Empress whom she’d dispatched that had kept his head on his shoulders. Even now the thought of her enemy though long dead still brought her much misery.

  She knew her husband still loved and missed his first Empress. His every word was still in praise of her. It had gotten easier over the years to withstand his fawning over the dead woman, because all along the throne was within her reach.

  She’d failed to get her only son there, but there was still her granddaughter and she’d done all she could to get the girl in the selection for the coveted position of Princess Consort.

  It should’ve been easy since she ruled the harem with an iron fist. As Empress, not even his mother could go against her wishes when it came to choosing his bride. She and she alone had the last say in the harem. She’d had it all planned, and could finally sense victory after all her years of schemes and plots.

  But the emperor, who until now had steered clear of the workings of the inner palace had decided to interfere. It was at once frustrating and frightening.

  If she did not get her granddaughter on the throne all her years of hard work would’ve been for naught. What’s more, why had he decided to make this move now, after years of complacence?

  She wasn’t much worried about the Crown Prince, but his son, her step grandson, he’s the one she needed to control. The father, though difficult, was no match for the son.

  She knew that the boy had been wary of her since he was a young child. She’d never been able to fool him, not once.

  Just like Dunal Morgana. The boy seemed to see in her what no one else coul
d, what she worked so hard to keep hidden. She’s always hated him for his insight. And now her old nemesis was back making the situation worst. And just when everything she wanted was once again within her grasp.

  For even though the Emperor had thwarted her intentions, she still had ways and means of getting her way in the end. Her granddaughter, the Princess Rowena, will be chosen, no matter what.

  “We need to learn what his sudden reappearance means. Does your father mean to reinstate him to his earlier position and title? And why now? What is the purpose of all this?”

  The Empress knew that she was no match for her husband when it came to intrigue, but she had long believed in her hold over him with her female wiles.

  But here lately she’d noticed a sudden shift in his manner towards her. Had he somehow discerned her true intentions? She felt a shiver run down her spine at the thought.

  She’d struggled long and hard to get where she is today. The blood on her hands was insignificant and she won’t think twice about spilling more in the future. It was all for the good of the kingdom, or so she liked to convince herself.

  But the truth is, she’s ever been a dark calculating woman whose beauty had opened many doors over the years to get her where she now sat.

  Her beauty had hidden the greed and avarice that pumped with the blood that flowed from her heart. And had served her well.

  As a young girl of fifteen she’d been part of the national selection for the then Crown Prince. Though she’d made it to the final three, she hadn’t been chosen.

  That day she’d returned to her family home, a home lacking in all grandeur because her father though a minister’s son, was not a man of means.

  Her fate as one of the discarded was to live the life of a spinster. Once being selected as one of the final three, if not chosen as princess, you were never allowed to wed in this lifetime.

  She’d been embarrassed and depressed. Having thought her beauty enough to gain her the position. She had not expected the virtue and quiet beauty of the former Empress Azena to gain the Crown Prince’s favor back then.