Doing Things Normally

After Lubarq had left, Jiang sprawled leisurely in his chair, a wide grin pasted on his handsome face, as he swirled the ruby liquid in his wine goblet.

Celia slipped back into the great hall, her cheeks flushed, her gait weak and her gaze flitting towards the ground.

Upon seeing her, "Celia, my dear," Jiang said, setting his wine down with a soft clink. His gray eyes sparkled with an excited glint as he stretched his arms out towards her, "Our business with Merchant Lubarq was a resounding success. And it's all thanks to your... hospitable nature."

His tone was laced with subtle implication, a playful note that hinted at the role she had to play. Celia offered him a demure smile, her eyes coyly meeting his, "It wasn't much, husband."

Jiang erupted into a hearty chuckle, the corners of his eyes crinkling with delight as he wrapped his arms around her. His hands roamed over the curves of her body appreciatively, stirring an ambivalent mixture of warmth and discomfort within her, "Ah, Celia," he sighed, a hint of endearment seeping into his voice, "You're still as modest as ever."

Jiang began to kiss her neck as he asked with a knowing smile, "So, did you enjoy yourself, as you usually do?"

Celia averted her gaze, a gentle nod serving as her reply. She remembered the moments where Lubarq's big black meat pounded her so hard she collapsed on the floor. But at that moment, the pain and pleasure let her detach from her reality for a brief while. It was only in such situations could she experience it.

It was the very reason why sometimes she looked forward to it even if she didn't want to.

"Yes, I did," she murmured almost inaudibly.

His smile broadened as he stopped kissing and looked at her expectantly, "That's good to hear. You know how much I love seeing you happy. And you're always so radiant after you've... enjoyed yourself."

"Thank you, husband," she replied, her voice barely above a whisper. She gathered her courage, forcing herself to meet his gaze, "Speaking of joy, I've been considering our sons' future... especially Xulan who is a bit reserved. Have you thought about potential marriage candidates for them? Xulan would need someone strong from a decent family."

Jiang rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his eyes glinting with calculation, "A strong woman from a respectable family would be fitting, yes... although such a woman is hard to find. The princess might be a good match, but I'm sure the king already has plans for her."

Celia's heart twanged, a complex storm of emotions swirling within her. She could only silently pray for the best for her youngest, Xulan, a child far too tender to be embroiled in the world's harsh machinations.

Sometimes he reminds her of someone she wished to not remember.

She forced a smile on her lips, letting her thoughts lie dormant in the depth of her heart and determined to do anything to help her son.

***

The grand doors of the palace creaked open as Olivia, draped in elegant silver off shoulder garment, revealing her smooth shoulders and alluring collarbones, tiptoed towards the exit.

Just as she was about to step out of the palace, a playful voice echoed behind her.

"Going somewhere, my little snowflake?" Yiman's voice danced with amusement, the corners of his eyes crinkling with a fond smile. Olivia turned around, her bright blue eyes meeting his, "Father!" Olivia tensed up wondering if he was going to stop her from going.

Yiman, hands clasped leisurely behind his back, nodded, "Today it is going to be a very important and busy day for this kingdom, Olivia. I am sure you know that."

Olivia pouted her lips, "Please, Father. I will be in disguise and nobody would recognize me."

His grey eyes scrutinized her thoughtfully, crossing his arms in mock disapproval, "Oh, that's a given. But, still... Where exactly do you plan to go?"

Olivia sighed, the air of mystery dissipating, "Nothing dangerous as you might be imagining. I plan to go to the royal sect as usual. Then, I will leave early from there and I thought I might stop by the market and some interesting spots. I promise to not leave the city."

Yiman's puzzled expression caused her to falter, "If that's all, why not take the guards with you? What's the issue?"

She winced, throwing her hands in the air, "Father! I don't want a parade every time I step out. I want to feel what it's like to be unnoticed, to walk through the streets without everyone bowing or stealing glances. I just want to do things... Normally."

Yiman stared at her for a moment, taking in her words. Her request was simple, yet profound.

He was amused by her humility, her desire to experience normalcy. With a hearty laugh, he clapped his hands together, "Alright, alright, you win! But be careful with your disguise. You have your mother's distinct features and..." His voice trailed off, his gaze becoming distant.

"Who else do I look like, Father?" Olivia asked, curiosity piqued. Yiman was pulled back from his thoughts, shaking his head dismissively, "Never mind, dear. Just be careful. And don't make me regret my decision."

A beaming smile lit up Olivia's face. She became distracted as she spotted her mother, Nadia, emerging from the palace.

Olivia dashed towards her, wrapping her arms around her in a warm embrace, "Thank you, Mother for convincing father," she whispered, a sincere gratitude coating her voice.

Nadia, her blue eyes radiating warmth, leaned her neck forward to place a gentle kiss on Olivia's forehead who was as tall as her, "Return safely, my dear," Her expression then became slightly cold as she added, "If anyone dares to do anything to you…Don't hesitate to kill them."

Olivia rolled her eyes as she lightly laughed and said, "Don't be silly, mother. Nobody is going to do anything to me nor will I let them," Olivia said as confidence shone in her blue eyes before leaving the palace with a radiant smile.

As Yiman gazed into the distance. Nadia approached him, her azure eyes shimmering with a curious glint. Her white robes flowed around her as she moved, accentuating her advanced pregnancy.

"Why did you question Olivia about her going out when we already decided to let her go?" She asked, her voice holding a slight hint of reproach.