Understand your enemies

I was in too much of a good mood to be as upset as her. I merely took the flowers and set them on the side of the door.

"Let's not be worried, it is normal for an empress to feel hatred for someone in my position," I stated calmly as Little Livian was holding in her fury. I giggled as I took her in with a hug and pet her back. I had to stop myself from humming to avoid her getting suspicious of me seeing Leonard. I felt again that splitting headache as I fell into Livian as she screamed for the nurse.

There were brief flashes of intense emotions again. I saw Livian crying by the lake, holding her hand, her leaning into me countless times and crying in my chest. When I awoke, I saw I was back in bed and realized this time I had collapsed from my memory exhaustion. I opened my arms again to invite Livian back for a hug since she was by my bedside as she gratefully accepted as the nurse stroked my head which was throbbing.

"What happened?" They both asked at the same time.

"Did you lose your older sister Little Livian? Is this why you feel like my little sister to me?" Both of their eyes widened at the realization my memories were slowly returning and their faces beamed with glee. Little Livian nodded as she held back the tears and I stroked her back.

"Thank you both for taking such good care of me. I really appreciate you both for helping me," I smiled at them. These were the closest things to my family I could see in the daylight.

I arose and sat with Livian to catch up again over tea. I had forgotten about the empress already until Little Livian brought it up again.

"If she goes around sending things like that, people won't think you had an accident. What is she thinking?" She blurted in anger.

"Hush, you mustn't let someone hear you say those things. I don't want anything more to happen to you," I held her hand as she relaxed.

"You are like my older sister. Her name was Lela, she was set to be the empress but she drowned in a lake one day," Livian fought back the tears as best she could but didn't win. I held her tight.

"Shh, shh, you don't have to continue it's okay," I said. I am not a replacement, but I could comfort someone so close to me. She merely nodded and regained her composure. We held each other in silence for a little while. She continued with the topic of the empress.

"Be wary of Empress Ceara. She is deeply in love with His Majesty and is openly not happy with you becoming a Mistress. She likely wishes you to be gone, who knows how far she may go. She is known to be, unpredictable. Keep your guard up and away from her at all costs," Little Livian warned me. I nodded in agreement. Fantastic, an enemy in a high position of power. At least His Majesty will protect me while I am here, but what about when I escape? Will he look for me, or will he look for me to punish me? I shuddered at the thought.

I sat upright as I paused for a moment to think. If the Empress is bold enough to send me flowers wishing me death, she clearly doesn't care too much about her appearance as a member of the imperial family. She likely is jealous making her a dangerous being. I shouldn't brush her off so carelessly.

"You are right Little Livian. I must be careful of her." I spoke lower in case someone was listening through those walls. "Why on earth was she picked to be the Empress if she is so unstable to be this threatening to a mere mistress? Aren't empress briefed on this concept and sent into arranged marriages with these possibilities in mind?" I inquired.

Little Livian shook her head in disapproval as her beautiful golden hair effortlessly swayed from side to side.

"Truthful, she was a second choice Empress as my sister was the original consort. Her family has produced some great Empresses in the past, but her training started later in life. She may have believed His Majesty would fall in love at first sight not knowing his feelings were directed to you as she came from southern isles. Things are more romantic there, it is no wonder she is upset really," She said with surprising compassion. It truly takes a good heart to not only know your enemies but understand their intentions, making them easier to predict. I smiled with pure pride at Little Livian's analysis. She is the best lady-in-waiting I could have asked for.

"Well, now that makes sense. To other matters, what else may I do except drink tea in my chambers until His Majesty decides to let me out for a walk?" Little Livian sat quietly for a moment thinking deeply. There must not be much I am expected, or able to do.

"I was told I cannot take you out, only His Majesty, however," a big mischievous smile appeared on her face, "we can do some things in here. We can call for more nobles to visit you if you are lonesome. We can also send letters and gifts to nobles, including, Countess Carolina Kei. She would be a great entrance for your heightened position into High society. She has recently become engaged. You knew each other briefly but it has been some time." She concluded with a big smile. This must be good.

"Very well, let us send her a gift of Myrtle flowers for her engagement. Let us also write a note to send our congratulations and an invitation for tea, what do you think?" I asked. It is so strange I can remember how I lived my life, it comes so naturally, but most of it is still a large blank. Little Livian nodded her head in agreement as we got to work.