16 Rain

[UGHHHHHH. My head's killing me.]

Miyoung sits up. She looks around to find herself in a different room than her dorm. There are candles all throughout the room, their flickering light, giving off a low glow. Transparent fabric is draped over the bed frame, and the sheets are made of the softest fabric.

Miyoung looks away from the decorations of the room, and looks at her hands. Seeing the bracelet still on her wrist, she lets out a sigh of relief. She looks over at her shoulder to see it all bandage up, but the bandage stained in blood is in need of changing. Then, Miyoung looks down at her clothes, and gasps when she realizes that she's not wearing men's clothes.

[What happened? Have I been found out?????]

The door creaks open as a woman walks into the room. She's carrying a tray holding a roll of bandages as well as some water. She draws back the fabric that's hanging over the bed frame. She smiles upon seeing Miyoung.

"It seems that you're up my dear."

Seeing Miyoung's panicked face, she flashes a reassuring smile.

"Don't worry, I haven't told anyone your secret. Even the royal doctor doesn't know. Your secret is safe with the Empress."

Miyoung bows her head.

"This commoner thanks the Empress."

The Empress waves her hand.

"No need for formalities child. I must say you've done a great job for a woman. You've passed all three rounds of the competition. Now tell me, why did you enter the palace?"

Miyoung shrugs.

"I wanted to sleep on a nice mattress your Majesty."

The Empress bursts out into a fit of laughter. She clenches her sides, and wipes away some stray tears that have fallen from her eyes.

Miyoung, watching the spectacle is clearly confused.

"Empress, what's so funny?"

The Empress sighs.

"Well, you see, there are a lot of young girls around your age that wish to enter the palace. They are all vying for the attention of the princes, and hope to become one of the princesses. But, my sons aren't really interested in women. They're more interested in themselves. I swear, I've never met anyone as main as my first son, the Crown Prince. And, unlike other princes and other royal families, we love each other. I am the Emperor's only wife, and my sons are in no way competing over the throne. So unlike many girls your age who wish to enter the palace because of their own selfish reasons, you just want a roof over your head."

"Must I leave the palace Empress, or am I allowed to stay?"

"You may stay, but why would you want to? Besides the mattress of course."

"Well, you see," Miyoung says as she twiddles her thumbs, "I've heard that there's a killer amongst the palace servants."

The Empress's eyes narrow.

"How do you know that?"

Miyoung gulps audibly.

"One of my friends from the competition was killed, and one of the stable boys I had talked to has gone missing."

The Empress relaxes, when she realizes that Miyoung means no harm, and wants to help.

"Well," the Empress says, "the Emperor and I are well aware of the fact that there is a traitor amongst our servants. Do you have any idea of who it may be?"

"I have a guess," Miyoung says as she fidgets with her bracelet. "But, I'm not completely sure yet."

"Are you well enough to stand up?"

Miyoung nods.

"With a little help I should be fine. Why do you ask Empress?"

"Because I'm taking you to see the Emperor. He wants to see you."