8 08. The Turmoil (6)

Silence.

Aron Quint looks at his daughter, his dark brown eyes are so deep, so peaceful, but a peaceful man?

Obviously not.

He is very handsome, if not how could Cordelia and all the consorts and concubines in his harem have loved him so deeply?

His pale thin lips, always pulled into a smile, tall nose and high cheekbones completed his look, with little wrinkles here and there but did not destroy his looks instead, the wrinkles made him look more matured and trusted.

Slowly, he speaks, "of course, you may do so, "he hesitates, "it is the International Month after your arrival banquet, show me what you have. However, there will be severe punishments if you failed, so, are you ready to try?"

The emperor looks into my violet eyes, waves of brown squishing in his brown ones.

"Ruthless will not fail Father." I kneel down, "Father, can Ruthless have your word, as the Emperor of Lasombra that you'll give me freedom right after for my own studies if I pass your tests on that day?"

"Of course, Ruthless. Make sure you're well prepared, if there's nothing else, let Li escort you to Phoenix Palace and you may leave." Emperor waves his hand, back and forth, signalling for me to leave.

"Ruthless shall leave then."

After sending Eunuch Li off, I turn back to the Phoenix Palace.

The palace walls are carved with red phoenixes and gold dragons dancing around mountains and soaring above the clouds.

The signboard above was calligraphed beautifully 'Phoenix Palace', the palace is not as solemn as Dragon Palace, but grander and more high-end atmospheric.

This place seems fancier than last time, maybe Mother has changed as well.

Well, haven't we all?

Suddenly, a woman runs out, "Ruthless!"

She cries as she runs towards me, I frown slightly but did not dodge, allowing myself to be embraced.

I inhale deeply of the familiar lavender scent rushing into my nostrils, Mother's thin but strong arms squeeze me tightly pulling her warm body closes up to mine.

Long time no see, mother.

I look right up, resting my head on her shoulder that I barely reached, catching a glimpse of grey in the mass of black.

My whole body shakes, of course, I'm not the one shaking, Mother is shaking, yo idiots. My hair wetting, from her tears. I hug back awkwardly, it has been so long, too long, mother.

"Ruthless gives greetings to Mother," I kneel down and gives a full proper greeting to Cordelia, "Ruthless is not filial." My eyes burn for some reason, something threatening to spill. No, I am not going to cry, I am not. I bite down hard on my lips.

"No, no you're back," Cordelia pulls me up gently from the ground," and that's all matters. Now, let's go back in, the Sun has been so hot these days, where have you been all these years, how are you?" Cordelia holds my hands and leads me in.

The once dusty and empty yard is now planted with various flowers and Phoenix trees, maids work their way around, sweeping and mopping the floor. It really feels different.

Though seven years not seen, our relationships did not wander further, but closer, and firmer. We chat throughout the day, sharing our lives, but I did not tell her my whole story, I am quite sure she did not too. We want to live out the worst part of our lives and share the best.

She also told me of her plans about regaining the throne, I gave advice and we discussed this matter in secret (nope, no way, I'm going to reveal now) for the whole afternoon.

Mother has changed, more manipulative, but at least she can fend for herself, and under that dirtied layer, she has a pure side, for her daughter.

We had dinner together and she leaves me to my own space in Amazonite Alyssum Pavilion, which is part of Phoenix Palace.

This was where I lived and was kidnapped from, this once plain tattered chamber, but now fabulous and extravagant. Times have really changed.

I lie down on the bed, relaxing, as I drift off to sleep peacefully.

I don't care what the others think about my return.

Distaste, belittle, fear, I just know, I have to live, and my mother, too.

Ruthless's arrival will be that eye of the turmoil, stirring everything up.

Flames will burn and eat away ravenously.

"Wish.Wish. "

*sound effects pls*