Chapter 46: Emperor Jai

“Your majesty.”

“What is it eunuch Van?”

“The…Princess Rowena has entered the palace.” I didn’t answer. What was it to do with me? I hadn’t given my consent one-way or the other, could never bring myself to say the words.

“There’s something else. She’s requested to stay in the Orchid Palace until the nuptials.” I tore out of my chair and ran from the throne room where I’d been sitting in contemplation. I hadn’t been kidding when I told my brother I’d rather abdicate the throne.

I got there just in time to see her alighting from the palanquin. “Stop!” She turned that same sticky sweet smile my way and my gorge rose.

“No one gave you permission to stay here.”

“But I thought…”

“You thought wrong. Anyone enters this palace will lose their head in the same hour. All of you, get away from here and never return to this place again.”