Weaving a Love Story part 1

It was a fine spring day in the Imperial capital. The sun casted its warm ray overhead but fields of soft fluffy clouds covered the light blue sky, providing a cool weather. Birds chirped merrily outside while crickets play and the sweet scent of roses filled the air.

Shiori was in the previous Empress' garden, hosting a tea party. She and Asahi decided to act according to their plan as soon as possible and this was the fastest way to do it. Noble women loved a good gossip and surely, they wouldn't resist to hear it straight from the topic's mouth.

Shiori asked for Asahi's permission to use his beloved garden and personally decorated the place for her charade. She utilized the spacious garden by spreading beautifully embroidered blankets on the grass instead of chairs and colorful parasols to shade them from the sun. Shiori highlighted the former Empress's dolls by placing the refreshments table near them therefore the dragon fountain was directly behind it.

"It is an honor to formally meet Your Highness," a lady with brown hair and kind features bowed. "Thank you for inviting me."

"The pleasure is mine, lady Sayuri."

She offered her a genuine smile as the older woman passed. Shiori was standing at front, one hand clutch on the flowing blew skirts of her kimono and a painted green fan in her other hand. She was greeting her guests and subtly observing.

It was her first tea party here and she couldn't afford to make a mistake. Shiori woke up at dawn to choose her dress, make-up, jewelry and shoes. Everything reminded her why she hated these gatherings but Shiori could only blame herself for her predicament.

Shiro and Kuro was ecstatic when Shiori told them about her plan with the Emperor. They apologized for the inconvenience but was fully supportive in her endeavor. The twins waved away Shiori's narrowed eyes and suspicious frowns with smiles and laughs.

"I don't have anything to do with it Princes," Shiro denied, his eyes blinking innocently. "It will be too much work."

"I'm not interested in those shenanigans." Was Kuro's flat response.

"Still," Shiori drummed her fingers on the table with a glare. "All of you are oddly enthusiastic about this plan, it's unsettling."

"As if we could do anything if you decided on something." Hinako muttered crossly under her breath.

"I hate to agree with your prickly maid here Princes," Shiro place both hands behind his head. "But she's right. And, this is an effective way to dispel the rumors with a move that our enemies wouldn't expect."

"Brilliant move Your Highness," Kuro clapped. "Nice job for an Empress candidate."

"Be quiet!"

Kuro's words snapped Shiori from her thoughts. She frowned and spread her fan, covering her mouth twisted in annoyance. Not knowing something irritated Shiori but all she could do was wait.

The last of her guests were ambling in and Shiori signaled for the musician to play another tune. The man was handsome and skilled, he was an instant hit among the ladies. It was actually Kuro under a mask though and judging by the song he chose, he was bored. When the ladies were settled, Shiori smiled and thought to herself, the fun was about to start.

"I would like to thank you all for attending," Shiori's voice was soft yet carried authority when she addressed her guests. "Hosting you is both a privilege and a pleasure."

The ladies bowed and murmured their ascent. Shiori waved a hand and servants appeared. She prepared her clan's signature tea, dried fruits and scrumptious sweets for the occasion. They were all delicacies from her hometown.

First, Shiori took the lead in brewing wolfberry tea. She carefully scooped the leaves and slowly dissolved it into warm water. She bit her lip to hide her smirk as the ladies gasped in surprise when the infusion turned into a bright blue and then gradually turn from a light purple to deep violet, all in a matter of minutes. Unlike its red cousin, black wolfberry was rarer and more had a sweet delicate flavor.

A wide variety of dried fruits was sprinkled along with the colorful mochi and edible flowers. These plums, cherries and nuts was expensive in the Imperial capital.

Shiori's guests either widen their eyes in awe or exclaimed in delight as soon as they tasted the food. Though they were high-ranking women in the capital, partaking in this banquet was a luxury that they would have never experience otherwise.

Whenever the merchants acquire goods from the northern lands, all of it goes directly to the Emperor's palace. Since the previous head of the Fox clan and Emperor had a disagreement, any product from them was scares. Shiori knew that what she presented at court was most of them's first glimpse of what her clan could offer.

Shiori closed her fan and glided in the garden, flitting from lady to lady with a charming smile. She made sure to greet everyone politely, asked the right questions and of course, offer them prized tea before they go home. Let it be said that the Fox Princess was not just beautiful, wealthy but generous, as well.

"It's been years since I tasted this divine tea," lady Sayuri said, pouring herself another cup and knocking it back as if it were alcohol. "I missed this."

"Please take some home my lady." Shiori offered, hiding her shock with a smile.

"You bet I will."

"Yes," another lady gushed. "The way the tea changes color is truly amazing."

"Aren't we lucky?" one sighed.

"Indeed," a lady with bright red hair giggled. "It's fortuitous that Your Highness invited us. Now, we can finally ask you about the gossip around the court."

"Hush, you…"

Someone shushed but all eyes turned to Shiori who kept her face neutral. She opened her fan as a signal for Kuro to change the tune of what he's playing.

"Oh, what might that be?"

"As you know," the red head began. "His Majesty still does not have an Empress and he refuse to open the royal harem for some reason."

"He just ascended, didn't he?" Shiori countered.

"Yes," the lady nodded. "But it is still unusual."

"His mother did not arrange a marriage for him, isn't that right lady Sayuri?" one asked.

"Yes," she answered after a beat. "Her Majesty hadn't got the time, I'm afraid."

"That was why the court buzzed when His Majesty offered you the Indigo villa, Princess Shiori." The red head continued.

"If I'm not mistaken, only favored concubines live there." Someone added.

"I heard that he even offered to escort Your Highness when you visit your manner?" a shy-looking brunette added.

"It was only a courtesy." Shrugged Shiori.

The red-haired lady's eyes twinkled. "But he never bestow anyone with such care as the princess."

Shiori casually ate a sweet bun before she replied. "As you know, my family rarely visits the capital. My father only had eyes for his books and since my mother passed, he didn't think that there was still a reason to return here."

"I remember your parents," lady Sayuri said fondly. "Theirs was a love match."

The group of ladies stared at Shiori and didn't bother to hide their giggles behind their fans. The princess drank tea to cover her satisfied smile. She got them now.

"There is talk Princess," a black-haired lady leaned in, as if sharing a long-held secret. "Are you and His Majesty close?"

Shiori lowered her gaze and hid her mouth behind her fan. "It's presumptuous for me to comment in this matter."

"I'd say we're getting there." A masculine voice interrupted them.

The ladies stifled their surprised shrieks and quickly bowed to the Emperor. Asahi came, wearing a casual purple robe and vivid red roses in hand. The guests couldn't help noticing the matching hair ties of His Majesty and Her Highness.