The Fox Princess part 4

Days passed but the Fox clan still didn't show. Asahi was on pins and needles waiting for their arrival. Scheming ministers and plotting ladies he could handle. But this legendary Fox clan, Asahi didn't know how to deal with them.

He had been on the throne for just three months. It had been hard, yes. From being the overlooked youngest prince to suddenly being the Emperor was a huge change. But with the help of his friends, Asahi had managed to do it.

Everything was still new, and he was still getting used to it. However, Asahi was standing on his own feet. He'll prove to them that he was the rightful ruler and show them all that he is his mother's son.

This mysterious clan may now throw his plans in chaos. A ruler bowed to no one and he refused to let some dusty old legend affect his reign. Asahi dearly wished he could tell that to their faces, but they needed to show up first.

He couldn't stop himself from thinking about that Fox Princess. The lack of information bothered him. Asahi just needed one true thing about her, just one. Then, he could formulate a plan on how to deal with her. He preferred not to have another enemy if he could. But he will never know until he saw her in person, right?

Besides, if they were truly as powerful as the legends said, he can use them to his advantage. If he only had a solid information about their clan then, he could probably negotiate for an alliance.

Asahi growled, crumpled another paper and swiftly threw it in a bin. He missed and toppled Natsuo's inkwell, again. Unfortunately, it was the third time today.

His aid glared. "Your worrying will achieve nothing, Your Majesty. May I suggest a relaxing walk in your mother's gardens?"

Asahi glared back. "I'd rather not, thank you."

"I insist." Said Natsuo.

Asahi looked at his office, crumpled papers littered his desk, piles and piles of documents were left unsigned. His Imperial robes were haphazardly folded on Tatsumi's chair, along with his crown. Tatsumi left a while ago to meet his captains and discuss the daily rotation of the guards and training of the new soldiers.

Natsuo aimed another glare in Asahi's direction. It meant that he was being kick out, right that instant. Dismissed from his own office, no less. When Asahi didn't move, Natsuo's gaze flicked to the mess on Asahi's desk and back at the ruined papers on his.

Asahi sighed and stood, he would leave but he didn't have to be gracious about it. Therefore, the Emperor made sure to slam the door on his way out.

Asahi used the hidden path to reach his favorite place in the palace grounds. He didn't need a bunch of people asking his destination. Besides, he'd rather not have ladies suddenly dropping their handkerchiefs, or any other garments, at his feet just to get his attention.

Her rose garden was his mother's pride and joy. It was a gift from the Emperor when they were wed and she cultivated it without fail. She was still concerned for the place even in her last breath. Her dying wish was for Asahi to take care of it when she was gone.

During Asahi`s childhood, his mother played with him there, when she was in a good mood. They laughed and ran then, when Asahi was tired, she read him stories until he fell asleep. All of his great memories happened there and like his mother, the garden became his place of solace in the palace.

But when he arrived, someone was already there. Asahi came out using the path from the side, so he only saw the slim profile of a woman. Asahi shook his head, he had forgotten that only dolls were here.

His father never visited her again so, his mother bought dolls and dressed them up like the daughter she always wanted. It was unusual but Asahi did not have the heart to take it away from her.

When Asahi reached the stone bench, he noticed that he had never seen this doll before. Its clothes were finer, and she seemed more lifelike than the others. Asahi scrutinized the doll, did his mother have it made before her death? She's not one to spend money without telling him first though and from the looks of it, this doll cost a fortune.

He frowned and took a step closer. Asahi stared at it from head to toe or, he attempted to at least. His eyes were focused on its face when their eyes met.

And then, Asahi knew. Finally, she was before him. The Fox Princess.