A/N:

Dundundun… I don’t even know what I’m writing anymore .___.

But I’m enjoying the vagueness so far~

The Fourth Chapter: The Stranger in White

“Hmmm… good morning.”

That scent… that sweet scent… reminded me so much of the mornings when I would wake up smiling, and he would be by my side, making me feel like I wasn’t alone in the world.

I never thought I could feel this same sensation again. It’s been quite a while. Maybe I was just dreaming… maybe. But then why does it feel so real?

Perhaps, all the nights that I have spent waiting has finally met its worth? He has come back? Does it mean that I’m now safe?

Does it mean that I won’t be alone anymore?

Well then, I would be the happiest human being in the world.

I was currently intoxicated with that same sweet scent, that I couldn’t help but hold onto it longer, showering the kisses that I long to give. It had been years, decades… forever.

I moved my lips, grazing that soft skin. It felt really real.

“Hyungnim…”

I felt the figure in front of me struggle a bit, but I refuse to move away, afraid that any slight movement will result to him leaving me all over again. I couldn’t afford to lose someone so special this time.

Hyungnim, don’t leave all alone here again.

“Y-Your Highness…” His voice was soft, it was like the feeling of silk touching my skin. The way that he called me, there was a bit of gentleness in it, and even though I disliked the idea of being called Your Highness everytime, I guess I should just let it pass for the meantime.

It was Hyungnim, anyway.

“Hyungnim, what took you so long? Are you finally back? Did you come back for me? To rescue me? I’m ready…” I whispered carefully to his ear, the sweet scent was still there. His sweet scent that could never escape from my memory. It was the only thing that reminded me of him, and it was one of the things that had kept me going until now.

“Y-Your highness—”

I planted a gentle kiss against the side of his neck, and smiled at the thought.

But then he pushed me away, making me suddenly open my eyes and saw that the figure was already bowing down… no, he wasn’t bowing down, I think. He was kneeling, his head was on the ground. I felt dejected, and lonely again.

“Your Highness, I a-am your humble servant, Luhan.”

I was back to reality, but the scent… was still there… lingering.

And I thought he really was back. I was wrong. It was just a stupid illusion, as usual. I hate myself for still hoping.

Jongin, why still hope? He’s gone. He’ll never come back.

This happens quite frequently now, and I dislike the fact that a mere stranger had to witness me having these stupid hallucinations.

I looked down and I saw a man dressed in pure silk white, kissing the ground as if it was his long lost lover, the reason why I couldn’t see his face properly.

I finally snapped.

“What are you doing here in my room? For how many times do I have to tell Chanyeol that my male consorts should only be here during the full moon? It’s not even harvest time. Look up at me, stranger.” I bluntly spoke as I caress my shoulder length hair, my eyes never left the stranger in white.

It took him a while to respond, but when he did, he slowly looked up at me. However, fear wasn’t evident in his voice, contrary to what I have expected. “My Emperor Kai, I am… your personal maiden. I beg my Emperor’s pardon for suddenly bringing myself here without prior summoning.”

I was awe-struck.

Those eyes, looking straight into mine… they were like…

This stranger in white is such a beauty… a pure, untouched beauty.

I stopped fussing over my hair and tilted my head a little, eyes locked into his. “My personal maiden… Hmm… Ah. Yes. Of course.” I spoke as straight as I could, ignoring the thumps of my chest. I suddenly remember now. The things that have passed yesterday.

­--

“What in the heavens was that, Baekhyun?” I crossed my arms as I sat sloppily on one of the seats of the Imperial Library, impatiently dragging myself in there just to talk to my Secretary.

“What in the heavens was what, Your Highness?” He didn’t even seem to get distracted by my sudden disturbance of his so much adored silence.

At the right side of the library, I saw Chanyeol silently reading a book. He looked up and smiled at me for a split second then returned to his reading again. This man who calls himself ‘His Highness’ General’.

I turned my gaze back to Baekhyun. “A personal maiden? From your own household? That was what, Byun Baekhyun.”

The Imperial Secretary just nodded, eyes never leaving the thick stack of parchments on the table. “That’s right. The best personal maiden that I could ever endorse to your Palace, Your Highness.”

“I never remembered asking you to go and get one. I don’t even need one! I can perfectly take care of myself.” I kicked his left foot, desperate in catching his full attention. Sometimes I hate how Baekhyun can choose to ignore me. Seriously, even when we were younger, he has this annoying (yet commendable) skill of ignoring anyone when he’s concentrating on his reading.

This time, he chose to ignore the fact that I was kicking him.

“It’s about time, Your Highness.” Baekhyun stated, as he was reading something that probably caught his attention, seeing as he creased his forehead.

“About time for what?”

“You’ll see. I did it for His Highness’ own good. You’ll see, when you get to know him.” He spoke calmly despite being continuously kicked in the foot.

I tilted my head as low as I could. He was completely being senseless. “And are you even willing to explain why… and how?”

Chanyeol stood up and closed the book that he was reading. He came over and sat beside me, giving my shoulder a gentle pat. “This is new. His Highness is now asking for an explanation on things.”

Baekhyun’s attention was suddenly caught as he looked at Chanyeol, then at me.

And with that, my two stupid bosom friends laughed at me as I walked out of annoyance.

I have no idea what Baekhyun meant, honestly.

“You’ll see, when you get to know him.”

Maybe… he was referring to this man? What is with this man, anyway?

He… well—

“You smell of…cherry blossoms. Shove that off you.” I’m not even certain if it was from him, but the scent was still so strong that I couldn’t help it. I needed to forget. I turned around and yawned, willingly walking back towards my bed and lazily slumping myself back on the soft cushion.

I saw no movement, and when I gazed at him, he remained on his knees, a look of total confusion on his face.  It was perhaps the events earlier that triggered his confused state.

I’m not even remorseful. I almost thought that my Hyungnim was back.

The maiden then nodded his head meekly. “I didn’t mean to smell of c-cherry blossoms, Your Highness. It’s just that… it smells like them outside my room window. I a-apologize, Your Highness.”

I chuckled softly. He’s just being so ridiculous. “I don’t care, just take that smell off you. And stand up. My tea. I want my tea right now.”

“Y-Yes, Your Highness.” He immediately got on his feet and almost stumbled his way towards the drawing room, came back only a few milliseconds and he was now preparing my cup by my bedside.

Now I can see him much better.

He’s pale, too pale to be even allowed to get cut and wounded—to get hurt. His skin is just too… white? He also looked like those Goguryan ghosts, which, according to myths, are still roaming around the kingdom, especially around the Palace.

His eyes though, they speak of something else. They were gentle, yet fierce.

I never really pay much attention to my maidens. Sure, they all tell me that my Imperial maidens are the fairest slaves in the kingdom, but that’s just it. It’s not something to be proud of, really. I don’t even know how the Court selects them, or why were those ladies so willing to be here anyway. What do they get from serving me?

Especially when I got all the fairest Ladies in every Province to be my Official consorts.

Now that’s a different case. As of today, I lost count. There may be about twenty Imperial Consorts in the Palace, I think? Baekhyun told me some other lesser noble families continue to endorse their respective daughters to me. In two years, I have only met five of them, if I remember correctly. I asked him to stop entertaining, but I guess it can’t be helped. I am nearing my coming of age in a few months, and the Imperial Court is expecting me to choose someone to be my Empress.

I don’t mind. Choosing someone to be the mother of my so-called heir is not a very difficult task.

Still, I do not have plans to have an heir at the moment.

My reverie was disturbed by the maiden in white who kneeled by the bedside, and waited until I took notice of him. “Your Highness, your tea.”

That voice.

I turned to look at the maiden, his head lowered as he was extending his arms towards me, my favorite teacup in his hands. Those small hands were trembling a bit.

I got up and took the cup from those hands. “You’re Chinese, aren’t you?”

I saw that he got tensed a bit more, his head lowered a few inches more, as he nodded slowly. I commend his honesty. In this age, no one would dare come forward and admit to being Chinese. Especially to me.

The whole kingdom hates them. My father, who they call ‘The Great King Suho’, detests them—even to the point of cursing them and treating them as trash.

“They are the t-traitors of our race, J-Jongin. Do not respect them. You stand above them and they should respect you… but… b-but… t-they don’t deserve your respect. E-Ever.” Was my father’s last words before he passed away, succumbing to his disease.

… The thing is, I am not my father, and I could care less about the things that he told me.

I hated him; I hate him even until now.

“—I am, Your Highness.” The maiden finally spoke.

“What’s your name again?”

“It’s L-Luhan, Your High—”

“Shut that!” Your Highness. I hate it! The sound of it disgusts me so much.

He almost jumped out of shock. “I a-apologize.”

I tried to speak calmer this time. “Luhan. It’s kind of unique for a name. I think you’re the first Luhan that I met.”

I can see a trace of relief from his expression. “It’s an honor for me, My Emperor.” He bowed immediately.

I looked at him carefully. “Tell me, how come you agreed to be my personal maiden? Are you out of your mind?”

“Your servant didn’t have any cho… I mean—I mean, it really is an honor to serve you, Your Highness! I couldn’t have asked for a more honorable job than to be… to be your personal maiden.” He kissed the ground again.

I laughed at his failure. I saw his cheeks are red now, probably from shame, I don’t really know. Maybe he’s wishing for a peaceful death at this moment, for responding like that in front of me.

“I know. You didn’t have any choice. If I were in your position, I’d most likely just wish to die. Especially, because first, you’re… a man. I’m a man as well. Secondly, you’re Chinese. The Chinese are the most prideful and the most stubborn people I’ve met in my life.”

“I… didn’t m-mean it to be like that, Your Highness.”

“Don’t even bother explaining.” I purposely spoke in his native language, making him jolt a little and unconsciously stare at me, probably shocked that I have this ability.

I casually took a sip of my tea. It tastes really different.

I figured I should just use Goguryan. “Let me get this straight, Luhan. You do not disturb me on Saturday mornings. That’s my number one rule. You can do anything else by then. If you really want to stay alive, you keep that in mind. You’re lucky Saturday’s not your first day.”

He nodded eagerly, “I understand, Your Highness.”

I clenched my fist. “Do not call me Your Highness.”

He was taken aback, I can see it in his eyes. Funny how I can read him just by looking at his face. To think that I don’t really fancy taking interest in others.

Let alone a servant.

But Luhan’s face is just too beautiful to observe. His expressions are always changing no matter how hard he tries to hide it. I can’t believe such a person exists, and such a person can get me interested for a while, considering the fact that I just met him properly today.

“B-But… But it’s not possible, Your High—”

I leaned over and caressed his cheek, feeling a bit cheery at the contact. His skin was hot under my cold touch. “Do you want me to cut your tongue, Luhan?” I asked in an almost childish manner.

I can almost hear his contorted breathing. I’m slightly amused as I saw him shaking his head timidly, biting his lower lip at the same time.

“Good boy.”

I withdrew and took a sip of my tea again. The bitterness flowing through my throat gives me a soothing feeling.

“I’m going to the Bureau today.”

I stripped in front of him, watching how his eyes wandered off towards the window is such an entertaining sight. I wouldn’t even bother covering myself. Anyone who goes into this room is just so used to seeing my body. Baekhyun was startled at first, and Chanyeol didn’t mind, and soon it was just a natural thing for them.

Luhan is my personal maiden so he must get used to this.

“Give me my purple robe.” I ordered as I pin my hair up using an old ornament. He wasted no time and went over to the huge closet at the farthest side of my room. Seems like he already know his way in here.

“My Emperor, here is your robe.” He kneeled and offered me my most adored purple robe, still refusing to look up at me. I took an effort to slightly bend my knees down just so I could push his chin up.

Still undressed, I made him look my way. “Do you expect me to dress by myself especially now that I already have my personal maiden?”

“I-Indeed, as you wish, My Emperor Kai. I apologize for Your Servant’s behavior.”

The maiden took a deep breath and looked up at me courageously. I smiled to myself in victory as he slowly stood up. His arms were a bit tensed while covering me up with my favorite purple robe. Nonetheless, he succeeded in clothing me.

“Thank you. Now, we’re off to my Bureau.”

Today is going to be really interesting, I suppose.

It was the first time I thanked someone in years.

♣

“I’d like to think that this is all but a dream. Seeing His Highness at this hour in the Bureau today?” Baekhyun was standing by the windowsill, his chuckle was reserved but I can tell that he’s really amused.

I sat down in front of my desk and looked at him. “What’s wrong with that?”

“Nothing. Nothing at all, Your Highness.” He continued chuckling and turned to face my direction, but he wasn’t looking at me. “I see you brought Luhan with you.”

My maiden bowed respectfully at the sound of his name. “A pleasant morning to you, Lord Baekhyun.”

Baekhyun nodded and smiled a little, pleased at the sight of my maiden. He finally looked at me. “If you’re ever looking for him, Your Highness, General Park went to the Lee Province today. It seems that the merchants will be giving him something of his interest.”

Chanyeol had been very fond of the Lee Province. He once told me that if he weren’t born as a Park, he would have wished to be born a Lee.

I tapped a finger against my table and nodded, “I see. So no Weaponry lessons today?”

I saw the Imperial Secretary raising one of his brows, quite surprised. “You, Emperor Kai, are seriously asking me that?”

“What? What is so wrong with asking?” I spoke with annoyance. I know what he meant, but still, it’s not like it’s wrong to ask this simple thing.

“I beg the Emperor’s forgiveness.” He bowed, quite teasingly, much to the surprise of my maiden.

“Enough with your stupid larks, Baekkie.” I rolled my eyes, willingly showing him my annoyance.

Baekhyun was still chuckling lightly as crossed his arms to walk over to my desk, sitting on one of the stools across from it. He knows that when I call him by his childhood nickname, I was not really being serious. “Well, to answer your question, yes, His Highness won’t have Weaponry classes for today. I’m just surprised about the fact that you know that it’s Weaponry on Monday mornings.”

“Oh. Hmmm… it’s because Chanyeol would usually meet me on Monday mornings here.” I said defensively. Thinking about it, it really has been a while since Chanyeol and I had formal Weaponry lessons. I was never fond of swords, of combats, of anything that has to do with fighting. But with Chanyeol it was always interesting. Sometimes, I can’t even say it’s a lesson.

Nonetheless, he tried and tried really hard to teach me how to fight with a sword. Something that I’ve longed for someone to do. I hate to admit this, but how I’ve wished I’ve learned it from my father. Suho was the Swordsman-King, after all.

Hyungnim disliked it when I watch his Weaponry leassons. I figured he never really wanted me to learn how to fight.

I brought myself back to reality and glanced at Luhan, the maiden in white. “Do you know anything about Weaponry?”

He seemed to be in a reverie as well, that he almost jumped upon realizing that I was talking to him. He was about to shake his head when Baekhyun suddenly interrupted.

“He does, right, Luhan? Your father was a blacksmith.”

Luhan bit his lip and looked down, slowly nodding with an expression I read as embarrassment. “Indeed, Lord Baekhyun, Your HIghness.”

“A blacksmith?” I eyed him curiously, finding myself chuckling lightly with this new found discovery. “You’re telling me now, that my personal maiden is a son of a blacksmith?”

Blacksmiths are considered one of the dangerous people in Myungnam. They engage in some illegal trade, rumour has it that it includes some black magic. It wasn't really proven to be true, though, so it remained just a rumour. I bet the same sentiment goes for the people of Meng.

“I… I hold no strong memory of my dead father, Y-Your Highness.” Luhan bowed in defense. Baekhyun creased his forehead, looking a bit confused at the Maiden’s actions.

“Not a very good father, I suppose.” I just shrugged and grabbed a random parcel, not realizing that I was speaking in Luhan’s language again. I can see him in my peripheral vision, still struggling not to open his mouth and say something.

Baekhyun spoke in our behalf. “Emperor Kai, you are highly aware that speaking… that… Chinese is prohibited in the Palace—in Shin City.” He turned serious now, moving quickly to sit in front of my desk.

Oh.

“I was not aware. In fact, the last time that I was aware of the Imperial-- I mean, Royal Rules was when I was 6 years old.” I found myself laughing a bit as I scan a piece of parchment.

Free Trade Pact Proposal. The Lee Family wants to have a free trade with the citizens of Meng Kingdom.

I heard Baekhyun sighing in front of me. “I think we need to adjust His Highness’ schedule, and cancel Weaponry classes and replace it with History and Code of Ethics on Mondays.”

“Sure. Let Chanyeol teach me more about plum teas instead. Frankly speaking, I actually enjoy it more than swords and axes and nonsense fighting.”

I might need to talk to Lord Jinki about all of this. But for now, this is all I could do to help.

“Just what is so enjoyable with plum teas?” Baekhyun raised on of his eyebrows but nodded anyway. “Anyway, I’ll inform General Park once he’s back.”

Also, Shin the Sage will be very happy to talk to me. I must inform him soon.

“Luhan here can give you lessons about the Code of Ethics and History, and he can review all the Imperial Rules to you all the same.” Baekhyun was too absorbed in his own parchment that he didn’t notice what I was doing.

With just one , I signed the Free Trade Pact. This is for my Hyungnim, and for Princess Jia.

“Sure. Please deliver these to the Lee Province immediately. Lee Jinki must have been waiting for these scrolls. Don’t forget to use the Imperial Seal. I’m going to the meadow with Luhan, you can join us if you want, Secretary Byun.”

I stood up, caressed my hair as I pin it with my purple ornament, and went out of the Royal Bureau leaving an awe-struck Byun Baekhyun.

“Finally,” was all I heard from my faithful Secretary before my Chinese maiden closed the wooden door.

//End of Fourth Chapter
 

A/N:

This chapter was a blur with all the ideas thrown everywhere but I hope you can bear with me. I promise the next one will be much clearer and detailed.
Sorry for the lack of replies as well. :( Updating my stories are a struggle for me at the moment. Will do better! I love you all! ♥