13 The Lantern Festival

Its good that brother emporer, i mean my foster brother isnt here to mock me as now my heart starts racing like a crazy horse, everytime i meet Ming Zeng. It takes me time to settle down. So first half an hour, i ignored Commander Ming Zeng, but with time without knowing myself on the way to the palace, i was talking so much with him as i felt so familiar and close.

"So Princess, what was all that you brought along in the ship? I heard that it was from your foster family! The Japanese emporer!but whats so much?" General Shing asked while i was sucking in a long noodle. Brother Emporer didnt mind him talking as he was enjoying the noodles just like me. But the Empress and Ming Zeng were so polite and was listening to the old man attentively.

A sudden pleasure rose within me. I kept the chopsticks away and reached for the cup of tea while replying joyfully.

"Father said that its a shame that my new brother emporer, the so called Great ruler of the Dragon Empire is so poor to send such small gifts for looking after this great foster daughter of his for years." Brother Emporer's face darkned and he spat a bit of soup as i said so.

"Cough!cough!" Brother Emporer annoyed interupted my words while the empress patted his back."How can that old man say so?by the time of the war, he didnt even have a proper amount of grain even. So how can they be rich."

I could only smile wickedly as the empress answered him smiling in a motherly manner.

"Your highness, its true they asked us for such a thing. Even i wondered why they asked for so little. However With time i realised, they were just saving their treasures. They have enough minerals, stones and all and also so many craftsman, so they dont need anything else. Also as i got to know how much they loved our princess though she was not from the same blood, it turns out to be that them asking for the grains was a lame excuse to cover the point that they only wanted to support our Princess!"

I went for the sweets next enjoying my brother's darkening expressions.

"Oh brother!dont worry! He hasnt sent all the stuff to aid your treasury. He said it was only for looking after me for these few months. And even the whole ship filled with treasures wont be enough for taking care of me!" Then brother displayed a fool's anger. Everyone else tightened their lips not letting out their bursting humor within.

"I ll show that man that this brother is more capable of gifting and showing gratitude, even for the sake of this stupid little sister of mine!" Then his powerful voice turned a bit embarassed."But later....cause the royal treasury has some debts to cover these days...." He then lightly banged his fist on the table letting everyone burst in to  laughter, except the Commander. Ming Zeng of course as usual with a faint smile which looked gorgeous, continued with sipping his ending cup of tea of the dinner.

After few talks, First the Commander and the General headed out of the palace.

"Sister Huwanuwei," the empress talked as i was playing chess with brother. I spared her  a glance as we were on the peak of the game.

"I was wondering if you could join me to the this year's lantern festival which will be held next week undercovers?" We both looked in surprise at her.

"Wont i be enough to accompany you?" Brother asked like a child.

"Its not that your highness! You will have to rest a little as the physicians said. No long walks! So i cant go alone. So thats why! And i also want to make out some time with my new sister...you two have already made up a little at the celebrations. I didnt have time  for such a thing with her. Dont worry, for those few hours our crown Prnce will accompany your highness!" Though her voice sounded caring and lovable, it had a touch of command.

"If she likes , then you may go with her without me. But only this time!" He said a bit upset but obediently and looked away.

"I like it of course!" Actually i also wanted to attend to it this time, but not with her....actually with Ming Zeng, but never mind...this is faith....LETS HAVE FUN!!!

She smiled and stroked my hair as Brother shouted out loud announcing his victory while i wasnt giving attention at all to the game.

"Of course, you played unfair! This chess piece wasnt in this square before. So how could you cut it off???" I was pissed out by his sudden announcement.

"No it was their! Its just you dont wont to accept my victory!"

For couple of minutes we let the empress enjoy our verbal fight. After we got bored of ourselves arguing, we bid good bye as i got to my palace under great threats shooted to me by brother, not letting me return to my cottage at that time of the night.

On the day of the festival:

I wàited at the gates for jiejie(sister) to join as the night fell. The city looked so lighted up and was loud. Also the fire crackers performed well in the dark sky competing with the milky way. The sight was wonderful.

"Ughmm, Sister!" I turned back towards the palace to greet the empress.

She wore a red civil dress. She still looked baeutiful though she had a sign of aging because of the stressful work she takes care of.

However it wasnt her appearance wich surprised me. Bojan was standing right behind her in civil garments along with two other royal guards and more than that.....Ming Zeng was next to him also in Civil ware. I gasped unintentionally. A current flowed through my spine later accompanied by somekind of joy. He seemed to be surprised too. He quickly bowed breaking our tention. Coming to senses i also nodded at him.

"I thought that Commander will also be a great company. Usually he did come with his highness and me along with the guards annually. Sorry for not informing you two before hand for both of You look so surprised!" She then winked at me. whats going on???

However the empress dragged my hand as we walked side by side between the stoles enjoying some candy along the way commenting on the selling items. The streets were so busy. We stopped infront of a fancy stuff store since the empress was impressed by a hair pin. She then presented it on the spot to me. As she was flattering about it to me i heard the commander whom on the way only secretly talked with Bojan replying some questions of the empress time to simply whispering something to the shop owner. I turned around to face him.

Since this was a place with women accesories i was wondering to whom he is buying. I felt a bit jealous for that women but in seconds i managed to supress it thinking that he will be happy though it still kept hurting me for some reason within me. However,

"Ming Zeng! Since you dont have any close family relations who are women may i know the lucky lady having your heart?" I mocked him. He quickly wrapped whatever he bought with a silk hiding it as his ears turned red.

"Its,....Its....for..." he then quickly pushed in to Bojan's pocket and patted him."Bojan....."then his redness spread to his neck. I looked back at the women accesories.

"Dont behave so childish. Others might think you two are gay. Why on earth do you by something of a women to him? Now tell me again. Who is she....?" Though i hated that women still i couldnt help mocking the blushing commander. Also these mockings were to comfort myself , my wish to be that lady. Suddenly he turned to me and his eyes which were shimmering before turned dark and dull making my heart skip a beat. The whole environment went cold. Did what i say hurt him??????? Do you like me? I dont want to accept it though..i just dont want to loose you too...more i get closer..more i feel that i might loose you as well...

"For my wife, Princess...." bojan said looking down, breaking the dense auro between us.

"Yes, of course i also should by her something cause i heard that she is pregnant! Finally,Officer Bojan will be a father! Now lets move and have our dinner before sending out the lanterns." the empress saying so, pulled me towards the nearest restaurant as the others followed.

Commander:

The princess who wore a light yellow dress with a piece of silk covering beneath her eyes departured with the empress as we followed.

Isnt there any space for me in your heart? Dont you feel what i feel about you?

Bojan and i sat in a table with the other guards as my princess and the empress sat at the front table.

As we were having some wongtons a boy at the age of about 10 wearing rags ran between the tables of the restaurant as few men were also came rushing in  shouting.

"Thief! Theif! Catch that culprit!" As they entered. The boy banged in to the princess as she stood up from the table. We all rushed towards her in alarm but stopped behind her as she signalled us raisin her palm.

The men came forward and bowed as the princess grabbed tight to the boys hand not letting him move. The boy was afraid and miserable not knowing what to do with a small parcel in his other hand.

"Mistress! Im sorry for the disturbance! But this worm caught right now by you has stolen from my shop. He is surelly a brat who is new to this capitol. He has stolen my precious items and how am i supposed to sell them to my VIP customers tommorrow. The Company Pheonix has ordered a huge stock to test my goods and from tommorrow onwards i will be able sell my stocks all over the continent." The man spoke dreaming.

"Company Pheonix?" The empress asked as we both zipped our lips not to speak more.

"Of course the great Comapany pheonix of the silk road!" He blabbered proudly taking everyones attention. They all started to praise the bigheaded merchant.

The princess looked at the miserable boy and back at the furious people chased him. She then crouched down and smilling at the boy unrapped the package and flipped the thin dry jingseng roots within it. Then by her next words everyone was dumbfounded.

"Yufeng! Did you loose the coins i gave you again. You must have mentioned me? Luckily i were here. Or else ill have to go back again to the security office to bring you back. And look at what you have brought? Useless! They are all dried up!!" Then she slightly hit his head. "Now explain from where did you get these filthy roots?"The boy looked at her clueless as the men came rushing were still trying to swallow the words heard right now. However the boy replied still in daze as for one of the reason was that the lady who is speaking empty words right now looks high class and even though beneath her eyes were covered by the silk looking into her eyes made everyone see the beauty of the celestial being behind it." From the stores behind..i saw that both the roots were jingseng but there were only little of the precious looking ones but a whole lot of these. Please believe me i have never robbed before and i was careful not to take the richest also i didnt think it will be a big deal of taking this hand of roots because there were so many sacks of these. Please dont punish me. Im sorry!!" The boy begged as tears rolled down his cheeks. The princess wiped them out from her hand as flash of hope rushed in the boys eyes.She then stood up and faced the men with a slight smile.

"Sorry for his mistakes sir! Now how much does these cost?" Saying so with a glint of mockery in her eyes she threw the roots the boy has bought to the bigheaded man's feet.

Her actions made him furious but couldnt spit it up for some reason the princess's gaze made evryone feel like stepping back. She looked like a beautiful demonic being. The air became chilling. However the man whispered answering. "Ten no..." he slightly again built his composture and continued," for this young miss ill forgive this insolent boy and will give these for just seven coins" he smiled like a fox. Now these filthy roots doesnt even value two coins. How shameless???

"Oh....thank you for your kindness sir!" She smiled freezing us on the spot as her eyes glinted blood thirst. The man couldnt smile back but retreat few steps back.Wow! I was just wandering how such a kind and beautiful lady become the so cold tackful Justice wolf as mentioned in her journel she gave me to read. Anyone will bow to her in this state.

As soon as he stepped back two young men who rushed along with him behind the boy grabbed by his arms as another kicked behind his legs making him kneel. Everyone was shocked. The man trembling tried to fight back shouting at the men holding him. I was confused too but im sure its something to do with the princess. As i looked at her for an answer she nodded at me not to worry.

The man shouted at the men." Who are you all??? How dare you??? Youll have to regret this. Tell your master to come out. Ill show him who i am. No one can stand against the great Pheonix! You insolents dont youll know the subordinates of the Company are well protected? If they know about this....." here again how shame of him to speak about Pheonix infront of its owner?? This is actually fun to watch.....

Clap!clap!clap!

Everyone's attention was drawn towards the person who clapped. The Princess calmly sat on the bench pulling the small boy aside her. Then she pulled out a wooden token and displayed it infront of everyone. "Kind sir!...do you know what this is?" Though he was a bit distant from the princess the huge block letters carved on it was clearly scene. It said

Bearer:

Company Head,

China,

capitol,

Comapny Pheonix,

Huwanuwei.

At the bottom was the symbol of the company. However she doesnt want to reveal that she is the head of the whole company not only the capitol's. she is just wonderful!

The man was shocked. I mean everyone. For a moment he felt ashamed for his boasting but again he was shameless.

"Then young miss can help me! You can bring your people and withdraw whatever this misunderstanding is. They should know who they are dealing with. Im sure this madam have people under you around. Save this loyal subordinate. Im sure even the great master above you also will need my service and loyalty!" He smiled with hope but also looked like an exact fox.

Everyone went silent as the sound of the princess tapping the wooden table echoed. Then she calmly looked at the man. Her eyes were so calm like a sky before a life reaping storm.

"Loyalty..... does it go with the thing called honesty!" Her eyes twinkled dangerously. Her voice was melodic but pierced in to the hearts and minds."I guess so, however what you said was true!" Then she looked as if she was thinking something deeply. Everyone was patient for he rnext words as the man kneeling had cold sweat rolling down his forehead. Her voice was so domineering.

"Its true! The subordinates are well protected! But when did you work with the Pheonix? "

The man tried to explain."No...ot yet but..t tommorrow they i mean you'll are supposed to check my goods and order....i havereadied them.....so..." in the eyes of everyone he became a bigheaded filthy person no better than the dried up roots now covered with mud on the ground infront of him. His talks were empty.

then she spoke arragontly. "So not yet!!! Forget about it...back to what you just said...." she eagerly spoke."True, no one can stand against the great Pheonix!"My mouth twitched as she praised on herself. Not only mine but everyone who knew her identity."And by the way their so called master cannot come here!" As she pointed at the men holding him he looked more confused." Because im already here and i cannot dissapear and come back again! And i sent all these men to closly inspect on what we are going to trade beforehand." The man shivered and tumbled to the ground.

"This is some kind of misunderstanding young miss!im your loyal subordinate..." she cut his words.

"Missunderstanding?? No i think you have misunderstood about me!! You are talking again and again saying you are loyal.... but how dare you try to fool our company by showing out a little good items  and plan to stuff us your garbage???? How do you explain all the stacks of these filthy roots in your store which are ready to be sold out to us tommorrow after showing us the few baskets of good gingseng??? We have ordered 100 sacks tommorrow early morning and all you have are the sacks of these filthy roots around you and you dare to speak about being loyal? You are nothing more than a traitor! And you know what? Our head mastr hates traitors the most! And those traitors never had a bright future!" Her words were like thunder bolts but her posture remained calm as a saint's. The man started to kowtow knocking his head on the ground with a thud.

"Please forgive this man. Im wronged. Please spare me...." he begged crying like a child. The princess ignoring him started to play with her ring in her right hand. Her actions made brush my chest as i remembered her other ring given to me by the girl named Aira saved at the enemy base. I didnt return it to her and when she was away in japan i used to cares it every hour remembering her,missing her. I was planning to return it to her with another actually today itself.

Then the man seeing that this was useless arrogantly spat words." How can you over use your power! Arent you ashamed?" As he spoke these words of being ashamed everyone looked at him with digust."Even if you are powerful what can you do to me? In front of all these people how can you do anything to me? You are not the law!"

She then stopped playing with the ring and gestured a young man among the crowd again came rushing in to come forward. He then gave her a book with a notable number of pages.

She then spoke in dominating manner.

"You speak so much of truth and i appreciate it!" My mouth twitched again. I feel somehow pity for this man." I respect the law a lot and Let me tell you how the law can punish you for me." The man's face looked horrific as she started to read the ingrediants in the book she had.

"Hun Xiao.....age 40...married twice....from an ordinary family....married first to a wealthy miss.....she was poisened....husband was the main suspect....however the investigations didnt continue....the Officers were bribed.....in few weeks married again a wealthy women....she is in sick bed....many officilas were bribed to cover your buisness accounts inorder to escape annual tax....the goods are sold for a high price....have kidnapped 23 kids from the rural provinces and sold them as slaves...again has bribed many Officials....and their names are also listed here!" She closed the book and looked at him satisfied as he was shivering in a pool of sweat and mud....his face was pale white as a sheet as cold sweat trickled down all over wetting his cloths.....he spoke no more...

She then threw the book to the young man who gave it."take this muggle head to the royal burie!" As she said the man was dragged away by the young men. The people surrounding cursed him for his crimes. Again as he dissapeared everyone silenced and looked at the princess with a kind of respect and fear. She felt uncomfortable with all those gazes and the heads bowed. She then gave  agorgeous smile comforting everyone. Her eyes twinkled like stars. For a moment she was the queen of hell and now she is like a goddess. She is the most intresting creation of the world....

"Today, everyone at the moment present here right now will get their already ordered meals free!" As she said so everyone surprised looked at her and again at the old lady who was present all the time there in a corner as like the ownerof the restaurant. Recovering from her shock she spoke.

"Indeed, this restaurant is also under the Company Pheonix. So young miss's order will be respected!" She bowed to the Princess.

Everyone was overjoyed. Añy ordianary person will accept anything free without worry!!! They all gathered and as if nothing has happened here before were focusing on their free meals.

"I didnt know that my sister is this dangerous!" The princess smiled like a child as the empress spoke so, still remaining in her seat."Did i worry you jiejie?" The empress shook her head."im proud of you!"she patted her hand lying on the table.

Then the Princess focused back at the helpless boy standing beside her. She made him sit on the bench and raised his chin to face her and stroke his messy hair."How is the status of the person you were carrying those roots to?" Shocked again and again the boy managed to whisper."Im sorry for the trouble. Its my little sister. There was a sudden fire and we lost our mother we were both taken away by our uncle and were hid. We dont know who our father is. just have heard mother speak to him in her bed room secretly when we went to sleep. We were captured by those men and were kept for sometime.However my sister got sick. I could unlock the locks and we managed to escape but we didnt know how to get back home cause We have never stepped out of our house before as we were restricted by my mother.  also, even we got back i didnt think that i could keep my sister safe. Ive know that gingseng was good for health as our mother uses to give us in very cold days and gave strength so....however now sister has high fever and is unable to even sit by herself, she is only eight years old and she barely speaks. Please can you save her?" Tears were tumbling down as he spoke all he wanted to tell as the little boy has already trusted the kind heart of the Princess.

"How long was she sick?" "For few weeks..."

"Does she always say that you'll be safe? Does she say that father loves you two? Does she always praise mother?" Again in disbelief whether she was a goddess who could see through minds the boy could only nod accepting every fact she spoke.

"Then do not worry. Your sister is not that sick. She misses her mother too much.Here,"  he was relieved to hear those words but after seing what she gave him next,...she gave her wooden token to the boy. The empress gasped in disbelief. But the princess didnt care.

"Though i dont know much i know that this is too valuable. So i cant have this."

"I trust you! Now go to the nearest physician and give this to him. He will then treat your sister and will take you to a place where you can live with your sister and have food and will also have friends at the same age of you two there.so dont worry!!!." The boy was overjoyed." Thank you miss!!thank you so much!!!" Then he tried to run and was stopped again by the princess. "Take this." She then rolled the pastries left on the table in a cloth and gave them."thank you!" The boy bowed again and with the backege ran out. As the princess turned back to us an uneasiness fell within me as our gazes froze to each other.

"Uhmm. Since the things are settled lets continue with our plan!" The empress broke the awkwardness and stepped out of the restaurant as we followed.

"Sister Huwanuwei, i have to buy some gifts for you. So i cant take you along with me. So you go and enjoy with the commander! We might not meet before the lanterns are lit. But it doesnt matter ill make someone fetch you two. Ill be leaving with Bojan and the others." Without even letting the princess utter a single word she left. But before Bojan suddenly knock on me on his way and whispered to me."Good Luck sir!" Then i slightly felt him putting something to my pocket. Then he disappeared with the empress. I put my hand inside my pocket and realised why he wished me good luck.By any chance is this a plan set by this stupid Bojan. By any chance does the empress also know????? I felt my ears heating with the thought and it got worse as the princess turned to me and smiled.

"Ming Zeng are you sick your ears are so red!" I couldnt help but i felt a current going all over my body. How shall i reply???

"No im fine Princess!" Though a bit confused she still nodded and started to stroll with me through the side paths with so many stoles. We both didnt speak for a long time making it uncomfortable.

"Ming zeng, what do you think about the boy we met?"

"First of all where did you send him?"

"Oh about that....can you remember the village where we built the hospital?" I nodded.

"The right next village ive got a place like an orphanage. Actually small kids under 13 wholl have to live alone bythemselves....i manke them live their giving food and education. I dont take every lost child in. Its hard to do so. However as they reach 13 i make them have jobs only giving education after hat. But most of the time they work in my company itself. So the both sides are advantaged."

You are too wonderful.

"What do you think about that child's family?"

I thought about it that too."Should probably be from a good family. Though too young he is intelligent, soft, and well brought up until recently. May be a wealthy man has devorced or left them for themselves." She nodded agreeing.

"I thought the same. The boy knew that gingseng is good. But a poor family cant afford it and will surely know exceptions for it. So since the child is only familiar with such a medicine means that he should be from a family that can afford them. Who do you think they were chased by?"

"Thats hard to guess. But may be by his father himself! Among the high class people they have many such things. They just want power and wealth. And they were not killed. But kept." She looked concerned."Shall i help you to investigate on them?" She smiled and removed her veil.

"This is a bit suffocating" she folded it and put under her sleeves."However thank you. But i think Brother Chang can handle it. He is much more familiar with those aristocrats. And feel like taking this quietly is the beat option. For some reason i feel like something big and complicated is behind all that. Its so unfair that the children have to pay for their parents's faults!!" He eyes looked sorrowful. But again she smiled broadly and looked far away from me. As i looked the way i too noticed that the people have started to lit the lanterns up.

"Ming Zeng, shall we float them too?" I couldnt hide my pleasure. I felt dumb but she took that as a yes as she grabbed me to the nearest stire selling lanterns."I need two!" She said happily to the old nanny on the store. She smiled motherly at her and gave the lanterns."Keep the change!" As the princess said so the old women patte her cheek and turned to me. "You two match perfect. You are so lucky to have the heart of such a beautiful lady!" I froze without words to speak. Though i loved to hear those words....the Princess's naked cheeks also blushed. I felt so uncomfotable. But she nodded at the women and stepped back to the crowded street. Though i was in a daze before , still i noted that the crowded street was now parted giving way for us and instead of the normal shouts the people around were muttering to each other gazing at us without even blinking. Gazing at my Princess!!!

She stopped and noticed the change.

"Look how beautiful she is!" "She is like a goddess!" "I wish that she is mine"  a sudden killing intent rose within me a sthose young men spoke those words. its then i realised the reason exactly why the princess used to ware her veil wherever she goes. It was not to cover her identity but to grab less attention.

However no man dared to attempt for her. One reason was that she looked so domineering and the othe rwas that she smiled at everyone whole heartedly like a child making every heart melt with affection and care that everyone could only nod at her in a friendly manner. But the next words made me fly in my dreamworld. In fantasy."no hope. Look at the man beside her. They are perfect!" "He is too handsome and she is too pretty!" "I wonder how their children will look like!" A talkative women spoke. Children!!!?!??....im sure that anyone could notice me burning red.

Then the Princess suddenly walked into a small store avoiding the crowd. As they dispersed after having a friendly talk with the old man within the store she grabbed me out of there from it's back door. We went a bit far away from the busy streets and stopped as we saw the huge lake . In the night sky it was just the stars and the lanterns floating. The water was calm. In the river bay stood a cherry tree covered with small flowets. Petals carpeted the ground underneath as the moonlight also shimmered in the background of the breath taking view. The Princess walked forward and stood under the tree Her yellow dress blended with the moonlight and the white flower petals. Her eyes shined beautifully as she lit her lantern. She was like a celestial being.

This is the moment to confess. I want to tell her how i feel for her.Ming Zeng you are naive and stupid. Just try no matter what she say. I patted my pocket to make sure whether its there and it was. And then i walked with courage towards her with my lantern lit.

But unfortunately i was capable to ruin the whole scenario. The dialogues i practised with Bojan for this moment was invain. Since i was only focusing on her this COMMANDER stumbled because of a tree root making the lantern crunch and start to burn.

Then the Princess seeing my lantern on fire pulled it down to the ground and started to trumple it. Without option retrieving from my shock i helped her to clear out the fire which has burned the flower petals on the ground.

As it was done the princess frowned at me. Her long curvy eyebrows arched. I felt like a spolied child getting scolded by mother.

Then the Princess patted my shoulder seing my dissapointment." Dont worry. Its a simple thing!" Now she actually has taken me as a child. Im not worried about the lantern. Im worried cause i have ruined my opputunity again and again.

"We both will float this together!" She smiled innocently. I looked at her in shock. A sudden pleasure rose within me. Everything happens for a reason... she placed the side of the lanyern on my arms.as  Her long beautiful fingers toched my finger tips i felt a chill running through me. We both felt uncomfortable. Her cheeks were pink as rose.

We released the lantern. It started to float up higher and higher. She was looking at the ascending lantern with pure pleasure. Her eyes danced happily dazzling bright. Her long hair draped behind her had flower petals decorated which have fallen from the tree.

As i was having pleasure observing the live portray infront of me she turned to me. Our gazes were locked. Thousands of words came to mymind to tell her.

"Princess,..." she smiled making my heart skip a beat."i want to tell you something" she waited for me to continue.

"I...i...think... the empress is worried about you..." stupid commander!!! The courageous warrior!!!the princess looked somewhat dissapointed.then she frowned again.

"Ming Zeng or better to call you Commander. There is something you always wanted to say and you always just dont...i cant stand it..." she looked hurt and furious making my heart soak in pain."Fine. Just....." i couldnt let her finish what she wanted to say. I just feared that she might reject me. So.. i hurriedly took out the rapped gift Bojan put in to my pocket before. I quickly grabbed her hand and layed the ring i brought on her snow white soft palm and retracted my hand.

"This is for....I like you. I mean i love you. I thought about this so much. I know im just an Official without a huge family background. And you are the nations Grand Princess. But i couldnt stop myself falling for you Princess! I know that you want accept me. But ill still be by your side no matter what!.." i poured all my feelings out unable to stop them but was frozen the next second. Her gentle lips touched my left cheek. For a moment the whole world stopped the whole world went blur. Shaking my head i looked at her.

Her cheeks were blushing as she smiled innocently.

"I like you too!" She said and turned around.

Princess:

i was so happy to see the ring as im sure it was what he bought from the store giving a lame excuse but...

I felt like flying away after my stupid action. What if i have misunderstood what he had said though I truelly love him. What if its just one sided.

As i tried to run away a rough yet gentle hand held my wrist. In the next moment i was pulled to a warm broad chest. As i looked at him to see his eyes ibdidnt have time to react as his slender lips pressed into mine. For a moment i felt nothing but was followed by warmth, pleasure, gentleness, hunger,longing and affection. The next moment it grew deeper as we werelocked in each others embraze.  He grabbed by my waist closer into him. I tip toed to feel better i was only a bit over his shoulder level. As moments of happiness passed, We parted breathing back again. His eyes were dazzling. They were deep filled with affection and warmth.

I wished that i could live in this moment forever.

But it didnt take long to break though the moment.

"Commander! Princess!" Bojan's voice was heard from the distant. I retracted from his arms and to cover my blushing i looked towards the direction bojan called out.

He appeared from the trees. I tried my best to act normal. Bojan rushed to us and panted to breath. He bowed.

"The empress wanted for both of you to come. Princess." As he looked at me he realisednthat something peculiar has happened. I saw him directing his focus to Ming Zeng and also noticed the sudden anger rose from Ming Zeng shooting spears at Bojan. Bojan retreated few steps back because of it." Sorry for the disturbance Princess! Commander!"

"No worries! Lets go!" Then taking the lead i ran back to the palace gates and without even bidding goonight even ignoring the empress i rushed towards my palace just giving all of them a slight bow."Ill meet your highness tommorrow."

Empress:

Just like that she disapeared into the palace. She was so cute. She was still blushing. I think the things have gone well. I couldnt let them stay alone that much time though both of them are well behaved people. Im responsible as her sister. However i would like hear about whether it go well. So i turned to Commander to ask.

But unexpectedly he was not in this world. He was staring at the way princess disapeared with the corner of his lips was curved up. His eyes were not filled with lust but clean affection and happiness. How could such a cold strong Commander be the lame lover i see now????Love changes everything????

"Commander how was it?" I tried my best to not to laugh seeing his appearance. He still didnt hear me. He was like charmed."commander!" Still he didnt reply. Then suddenly Bojan knocked his elbow breaking hus meditation. His smile faded away replacing with embarrasment. He suddenly bowed. "Let me take my leave Empress!" Helplessly I could only nod.

Bojan:

As usual i entered the Commander's Office to arrange the daily records before he come. But what i saw made me have goosebumps.

All the files were arranged along with all the records and the decrees regarding the soldiers. Only I was allowed to come in apart from the Commander and though everything was a help to me i was worried cause im responsible. I quickly checked whether everything was there and soon hurried towards the inner Office chamber. And the culprit was caught.

"Commander?" Commander was quietly siiting on his table and with a charming smile on his face was writing something....no he was drawing something.

"Whats the matter?" He asked still focusing on his painting.

"Sorry for being late sir and making you do all the things"  i bowed apologizing. But his actions gave me creeps. The person who hated people working late the most still with a smile focusing on his drawing spoke."Its not your fault. You are right on time. I felt like coming a bit early. I have done all the documentries arranged before midday."

What???? It was trues. There was a whole pile of papers filled infront of him.

I was so curious so that i peeped into his drawing. It was a branch of cherry flowers drawn beautifully. Its then i understood whats going on. Our commander has succeeded his mission last night....😆😆😈

He used to paint pictures of different scenarios in his free time telling that a strong person should have a peace of creative and flowing mind however it was mostly animals he drew but ive never seen him intrested in  flowers.....cherry blossoms. I found them last night under a flowering cherry tree.....

"Sir since the things are almost done isnt it better to meet the emperor to discuss some matters?"

"The emporer,...." he was smilling at his own painting. Then as if coming back to senses he looked confused turning to me."emporer??"

"Yes the emporer sir, its usual that the days princess stay in the palace she visits the emporer with the empress in the morning so..." he looked delighted.

"Yes i have things to discuss with the emporer about some matters regarding....regarding the officials acts the Princess gave proof to the royal decree last night!" He went to deep thoughts again smilling like a lunatic. He then again quickly stood up and walked calmly controling his pace so hard."Sir!" He turned to me walking backwards stilltowards the door."yes,"

"Congratulations sir!" I said mockingly. His faced darkened with embarrasment. But again hiding his pleasure turned around to open the door but hit his head with a bang on the door as he hasnt realised he have reached the door after walking backwards before. I couldnt help but laugh." Sir are you alright?" I asked heartlessly.

He looked furious by my humor."Since you are worried about everything around me you know Colonel Bojan, You are on night duty for a whole month starting from today!" What????i want to take back everything i said. Oh curse me. A whole month!! All my high spirits washed away as the Commander walked calmly out of the office.

Princess:

I walked towards the Brother Emporer's palace to greet him. I almost forgot that ill meet the empress there. She smiled at me in a sarcastic manner."Did you sleep well Princess after the tiresome last night?" I felt myself blushing. Was that all her plan? This Bojan and empress!!!!

"Yes jiejie thank you for your concern." I bowed slightly.

Then the crown Prince ran towards us as my saviour preventing the empress from asking about last night."Princess Huwanuwei....Did you'll have fun last night??? I was so bored with father. First he had boring political discussions with that swollen headed Minister choi making me stay alone in the royal garden as the sunset and then father emporer was really bad in playing chess with me as all night without a single challenge i was winning!" He hung to my sleeve playfully complaining.

"Minister Choi? After i returned late night and went to the emporer's side he didnt spek of such a thing. Just asked every single thing happened and did at the festival as he was so intrested. " The empress asked. The Prince nodded. The empress looked at me pretty concerned. Something is wrong. Minister choi.....and brother playing weak in chess???alittle impossible...something worries him.

"So now that we all met all of us will go together to meet father emporer." The prince said excitedly.

As we came infront of the palace we were surprised to see Minister Choi exiting the emoperor's chamber.This early morning??something is wrong!!!

"Minister Choi!" I showed my surprise to him.

"This Official greets the empress, crown Prince and princess Huwanuwei!" He bowed and tried to walk away.

"Did you make the emporer worry on something last night?" I asked calmly without spairing a glance at him. He also with his head lowered replied too loud that even the people within the chamber also could hear."This Loyal subordainate serves his majesty. And its my great duty to make his majesty aware about his surrounding. If it worries this loyal subject is always ready to protect his highness from those." He then walked away. Something is wrong...he has something in his mind....

A glint of anger flashed through the empress's eyes. Even tye crown Prince looked concerned at the leaving minister. "Announce the emporer" i told to the emporer's eunach. Before he bowed and announce the emporer spoke from inside"come in!". His voice was cold.

We entered and greeted.

"So i heard that the most of the places in the capitol is owned by you. Is it princess?" He asked in a bit annoying manner.

"Not that much but few restaurants and hotels along with some stores of few small merchants are owned by the company."

"Oh! Then why dont you buy the whole capitol!" What do you mean??? I looked at the emporer confused and was a bit shocked to see the angered face. The empress suddenly interupted.

"Princess does many services to our people and many....." the emporer completed her words.

"Many feel greatful for her and loves her! Even the empress and the Crown Prince is so loyal to her! Is it?" He arched his eye brow.

"Brother what are you speaking of??speak straight!" I couldnt hold my burning anger anymore.

"Nothing....im just proud about my sister getting everyones favour and a little jealous too!" He said sarcastically. I stood up as i couldnt hold anymore.

"Isnt it minister Choi? Have fun with him if you dont trust me. Your sister....Now please excuse me for i have matters to take care of your highness!" I turned around and left the stupid place. minister choi, this is it!  Since you couldnt take care of the crown prince you are charging to me through my brother! So you want to play with me. Then its my pleasure to accompany you! I calmed myself up putting this matter back to deal with later. And thought of something pleasant. And the first thing came to my mind was last night as unintentionally i clutched the ring he gave last night which im wearing on my neck underneath myclothes as a neckless. All night i thought about it. But also with it old memories rushed into my mind. Memories about people who got close to me and lost their lives trying to save me. I dont want to loose him too....

Commander:

As i walked towards the palace i saw a figure in a light purple hungfu elegantly stepped towards me.My princess was beautiful as ever. But her eyes looked worried and gloomy.i felt worried for her myself.

"princess," i bowed at her pulling down all the thoughts about last night. She lowered her head slightly nodded and left without saying a single word.

My heart shattered to thousand pieces. Was everything last night a dream????? Have i got things wrong??? Is im that unsuitable for her????? Have i hurt her feelings???

However weeks passed as i rarely met her. Even if i met her she just passed by as if i am a stranger. I felt myself drowning.