The Emperor part 4

"Your Majesty is too kind," Shiori said and covered her mouth with a sleeve when she spoke. " But I wouldn't want to burden you further. Nine Tails Manor is our official residence here. It has been too long since I last visited the place and I wish to see it."

"Of course. You may visit your house while residing here in the palace. I refuse to let a lady of your status stay in a place that's barely habitable when we have many rooms here. Why, I shudder at what your father would think?"

"He would never think bad of Your Majesty," she said with a gasp. "Know that I only insist as it was the house that my late mother dearly loved."

"We shall see it together then," he replied smoothly. "That is, if you don't mind? If I look too eager it is only because I wish to reacquaint myself with the estimable Fox clan and possibly start a good relationship. I am not my father after all and I prefer to let bygones be bygones."

"It will be an honor for us Your Majesty," Shiori slightly leaned forward and clasped her hands near her chest. "However, if you would wait but a few days, I promise I will transform the place back to its former splendor."

"I look forward to it. So, it is settled then," the Emperor waved his hand at one of his attendants who came forward. "The Fox Princess will stay in the Indigo Villa, get it prepared."

"As you wish, Your Majesty." He bowed and then left.

The Emperor was no fool, Shiori thought. He used her words against her and it was masterfully done. Had she argued further, she and her clan would have looked bad.

She was left with no choice but to murmur her agreement. "I am humbled by your kindness, my Emperor. Though the thought of inconveniencing you troubles me, I will graciously accept your offer."

"Oh, banish it from your thoughts Princess," the Emperor's smile did not reach his eyes. "I insisted after all. I promise that you shall be well cared for. In fact, I'll escort you myself."

Bright jade met vivid violet for the briefest of moments. It was then when Shiori had realized that the Emperor might know her task and would be watching her as she watched him. She gave him a courtly smile of her own. Shiori flattened the skirts of her kimono with her hands and bowed low.

"Of course, we are beyond honored, Your Majesty. And please, never hesitate to ask us anything. We are at your service, after all."

Whether the Emperor deserved to benefit from their loyalty was Shiori's mission to find out and she only had three months to do it. The Emperor was cleverer than she had expected and that was her mistake. Shiori shouldn't have underestimated him.

Emperor Asahi was proving to be a good opponent. He matched her word for word. If only he could control his facial expressions, he would be unbeatable, she thought. Shiori managed to find out a lot by simply watching his face.

With their brief interaction, Shiori got an idea about who and what he liked and disliked. She could tell a lot by his frown, his widened eyes and even his nervousness when he tapped his fingers on the throne. If she noticed that, a shrewd politician could too.

Residing in the Jade Palace could both be a hindrance and a help. What was certain was that everyone's eyes would be on Shiori and she must not stumble, for it might mean not just her but also the Fox clan's utter ruin. It was a good thing that failure was not in her nature.

They would never know what hit them until it had already passed. That could be true for both Shiori and Emperor Asahi. The Imperial Court was like the dark forest in the myths, she thought.

Well-made traps and dangerous beasts that masqueraded as people filled the place. Though it was beautiful, shadows clung in every corner. Shiori would be so relieved when her one-hundred days has pass.