Lemon Blossom: Discretion

"Madam. Even though it's spring, it's still cold. Please come inside." One of the maids finally called for Her.

She's been standing for a long time after Chen had left.

Who knew what the madam was thinking, but her safety was of utmost priority and the master had made it clear.

"It's fine. I would like to stay here for a while." Yifei replied.

'Something doesn't feel right these days.'

It's cooling, like the ocean. Yifei closes her eyes to relax. The chilly wind slightly brushes her face as she lifts it upwards. Strands of hair slowly flowed behind her.

When Yifei opened her eyes again, she called out to the maids. "Can you guys accompany me to town? I want to go for a walk."

"Yes madam, I'll get things ready right away. It may not be winter, but please come inside to dress a little more warmly."

———————-

At the palace.

"With that settles, you can relax in peace for your anniversary. I'll handle the rest." Chen concluded. "As for the ongoing problems, the soldiers are ready, but for those other two, it's getting a bit out of hand. There might be two battles if this keeps up."

"Mhm." The king replied with his eyes closed.

"If there are other issues, we'll postpone until you get back."

"Mhm."

Chen lifted his eyes from his paper. "Are you even listening?"

"...yes."

"Then let's end it for today." Chen looked at him. "...Do you need to say something? You're grossing me out by staring."

The king continues to stare as he slowly spoke. "So when are you guys planning on holding the wedding."

"We haven't looked into yet. I was planning on it after your personal matters are finished." Chen started to organize the papers on the table.

The king leaned by on his chair and sighed.

"What's the matter?" Chen raised his brows

"Nothing." The king looked out the window. He lowered his eyes as he gave a tired smile. "Looks peaceful, right? This country."

Chen turned to where he was gazing. "Indeed it does."

"Even if it's quiet on the outside, there's no telling what's on the inside." the king sighed. "How fickle humans are."

Chen quietly stared at him, giving an impartial expression. It was always hard to tell what he's thinking.

The king stood up and walked past Chen. "We should be prepared no matter what. Remember to keep it under so the outside doesn't catch wind of it."

"Understood." Chen bowed as the king left the room.

Looking at his back, he gave him a meaningful smile. "Have fun."

Having the most power may seem glorious, but it wasn't it at all.

Being a ruler was hard.

________

Yifei liked walking outside.

She now has the chance to go where ever she wanted without any physical restraints. Every day, even if it's not out on the streets, it would be in the garden.

There was just so much to see. The sky, the trees, colors of the flowers, and the contrasting muted tones of the ground. Everything felt new to her every day. Occasionally, she would reach out her hands to feel her surroundings.

'This was what it's like to be free.'

Out on the streets, Yifei walked in the front while two maids were a few steps behind. The guards, on the other hand, hid discretely.

It can be awkward for people who haven't lead before, but Yifei was accustomed to something similar in the past.

As she walked she could see, people were happy here.

Everywhere, the auras of different people radiating such peace, it warmed her heart.

Seeing that this was part of Chen's hard work, it made her even more proud. If where she lived was like this, maybe it would've been more bearable.

Stopping amidst her path, Yifei stood in deep thought.

'It would be best to visit the palace again soon.'

What Anne has said still bothered her. There must always be a reason for people to do the things they do.

Suddenly, a palace knight came running towards their direction and whispered to one of our guards. After he nodded in assurance, the guard walked towards Yifei and offered his hand.

"Madam, it's getting late, I've received news that master won't be coming home today and so I've been under orders to strictly protect you safely home."

"Oh, I understand. Can you tell him to make sure he rests well? Working is not the only thing to do in life." Yifei smiles.

Looking at Yifei's back. The servants felt a little sad for her.

Seeing this scene reminded them of their master. He usually spent his time by himself for as long as they've served under him. The wicked queen always drops by but then left him in the dust every time.

Because of Yifei, they've never seen him so happy and relaxed before. But unfortunately, his work is affecting the entire country, it can't be helped.

They predicted it would most likely take weeks on end before he comes back home.

"Hmm.....what should we eat today." Yifei walked ahead.

'We'll make sure you are well happy here in the place of the master!'

"What are you guys standing there for? Aren't we heading home?" Yifei cluelessly laughed at their dazed stance. "And stop calling me madam, it doesn't feel right."

"Y-yes, madam." the servants joyfully strolled behind.

"..."

They totally ignored what I said.

————-

It's been four days since Chen left home for the palace.

The king and Anne had left two days ago after their party ended.

Chen bid farewell as usual. Anne was disappointed but did not say anything.

Chen has been busy trying to be on top of the workload that was pushed to him.

They hadn't been in contact for a while. Every once in a while one of the guards would send him a letter from Yifei.

The communication crystal was ordered right after he left the palace a few days ago, it wouldn't arrive until the end of the week.

'You are taking lots of breaks, right? Make sure to eat well! I miss you.

-Yifei'

After reading the letter, he gazed up at the ceiling and massaged his temples.

His schedule should be free in another few days of all-nighters. When the king comes back, only the major issues need to be dealt with, other than that, papers that need to be reviewed or signed has been completed.

Every few hours Chen would think of her and wanted to run back home.

A knock gently suddenly sounded the entire office and interrupted his thoughts.

"Come in."

"Sir Chen, the queen has ordered me to send in your meals and snacks daily. Please do eat them." A maid walked in with a tray full of snacks and tea made by the head chef of the palace.

'Again it was sweets.'

"Just tell her that I did when she comes back. You guys take a break and share it amongst yourselves. You have been working hard." Chen continued to look at his papers again.

"But sir, you only ate one meal a day. Please take care of your health."

"I'm fine, I can live."

Chen was a workaholic. Once he sets on doing it, he forgets to do everything else.

"Sir..." the maid didn't know how to report this to Anne.

Another knock sounded the room.

"Sir someone stated that they have come for an appointment." A knight entered the room.

"I don't remember scheduling any guests in while his majesty is gone."

"They insisted, to meet with you."

"Then let them in," Chen sighed while looking back at the documents again.

"Yes, sir."

"About the snacks." The maid insisted again.

"Just leave it here."

Another continuous knock echoed the room a few minutes later.

"Come in." Chen was annoyed.

Why is everyone such a busybody today!

"You don't sound so well!" A voiced laced with disappointment.

"I'm perfectly fine." Chen continued to look down at his work.

The person's appearance filled the room with a lovely citrus scent, she gave him a soft smile and said. "Darling, I thought I told you to rest well."

"I'm sure you did."

Chen's pen stopped midway on the piece of paper.

What? Darling?

It took him a couple of minutes before Chen looked up.