VI: The Sweetest Lotus Part 1

I sit quietly across from my betrothed as I keep a blanket pulled over my lap in an attempt to hide my unique condition. I don’t sense anything malicious about the lotus fairy and so force a smile out of proper conduct. “It is so lovely to finally meet you. I see you are as beautiful as your mother says. Did you have a pleasant journey?” I silently pray to Lingruo’s spirit that my sweet words mask my stress and frustration with this world.

Reputation is everything when presenting yourself to your future spouse, even more so when in a position within high society.

Politeness is an honorable trait among civilized societies, or at least it ought to be. It’s something that even the most arrogant should possess. Though some only see it as a tool or means to an end rather than the virtue it should be. A man or woman is considered to be a failure or disappointment to society and their families if they cannot muster even the slightest pinch of good manners. Being polite is in fact the base of anyone’s reputation…or so it ought to be as I have said.

An innocent smile lights up Ai’s face as she tugs at a strand of her ebony locks. She is cloaked in shades of purple and pink to mimic a lotus flower. Silver hairpins adorned with amethyst hold her hair as befitting a noble. Her eyes a gentle blue and facial features as if carved from precious jade make for a pleasant sight. The fairy would be beautiful to anyone wishing for such a life partner.

But as for me, I am not looking for a spouse at all. I am only doing this out of supposed necessity.

“The journey was not as terrible as I had originally thought. Your realm is far more enchanting than the rumors say,” she pauses to smooth down her dress, “I am honored that you have accepted my mother’s proposal.” Ai begins fidgeting with the jade beads around her wrist. She must have spent her whole life sheltered in the Floral Pavilion.

I swallow the bile in my throat as I smile and say, “Darling, there is no need to fear me or my people. I assure you that Fox Haven is a safe place while also not being confining,” I push down more bile, “Speaking of such, shall I show you to your quarters before our meal is finished getting prepared?” My breath is held back as I stand. The blanket falls due to the use of my hands being used to get up. I wait silently for the worst outcome. She will not understand either anyway. All I’ll receive is ridicule.

But it doesn’t come. Nothing does.

I choose to ignore the awkward silence and change our destination.

Ai quietly follows me outside to a terrace bearing a small gazebo. She looks upon the soothing river and tinkling chimes with childish wonder. The fairy looks from me to the nature surrounding us which seems to cause something in her mind to click into place. “I’ve heard stories about you. That you are the personification of love.”

“Indeed. I represent any and every form of love that exists.”

Her curiously innocent eyes continue to stare at my midsection. Ai is most likely wondering how my condition is possible and she cannot be blamed for innocent curiosity. The lotus fairy opens her mouth to speak, but soon changes her mind.

“If you’ve something to say, speak. I won’t be angry.”

“Are you alright?” she finally asks.

“I assure you I am alright.” I grab her hand before she can touch my stomach with delicate fingers. “Do not touch me without my consent,” I half-command her, “Now please have a seat and Jingyi shall have some refreshments brought out.”

Ai falls silent as she sits at the small round table across from me. She has probably never been scolded before.

But I’ll not have such things tolerated within my palace regardless of who it is.

Food and drink are soon set out by some of the maids which consists of different sweets and pastries alongside by favorite jú-huā cha. The chosen foods mimic the playful personality while the tea expresses our desire for beauty and good health.

She does not even so much as glance at me as she slowly eats a pastry bun.

I get up and stand over her as I fold my fan before using it to lift her chin. “Look at me,” I half-command again, “for I shall have eyes upon me when I speak.”

The innocent fairy finally locks eyes with experience.

I soften my voice when I say, “There is nothing to be afraid of here. Your actions simply startled me is all. And I advise you to be careful in the future, remembering that my foxes view me and my young as sacred beings. All you need do is ask if you ever desire to have close contact with myself in the form of touching. I promise you I will not be angered.” I lower her face and glide back to my seat.

Ai brings herself to dine once again after a few breaths of quiet on her part. Pale purple eyes meet mine mere moments before looking away instantly. “My mother never mentioned your condition to me nor did the Heavenly Emperor. I apologize for acting out of turn, Lord Xiao Meng.”

I shake my head as I begin nibbling a peach blossom cake. “No one is exactly aware of it outside of myself and my closest confidantes; Lords Huan, Qing Yuan, and Li Jie. My brother does not know much of my personal affairs,” I finish the cake, “Do not apologize for something you yourself were not aware of. It’s nothing you’ve done wrong.” I put an end to the conversation by returning to my cakes and tea. I manage to hold my poise as I continuously eat the peach blossom delicacies. I notice Ai giggle slightly at my display and roll my eyes in dismissal. Good to know my cravings are amusing to you, I note sarcastically to myself. “Eat.”

The little lotus offers one last tiny peep before returning to the pastries before her. She doesn’t seem disgusted by my condition—not outwardly at least.