Grilling Fish

"Dad, look i brought fishes for us, I will grill them", said the girl giggling to her father. She turned to look at the man standing next to her father. Dark eyes, handsome features, thin lips, slightly tanned, broad shoulders, thick muscles and calloused fingers. He stood about 182 cm tall, she seemed rather short and her height could hardly reach his ears. He was dressed like a royal, his head wear was decorated with precious gems stones but his features were that of a man who would never loose a war. Two men stood behind him, one in black and the other in red, with swords hanging at their waist. "Emm dad? We have a guest?", she asked after observing the man. "My child, he is Emperor Jinan, the great ruler of this sub-continent, quickly greet him", "Jiu, the princess of Malani bows before His Majesty". "Jiu. Hmm a beautiful name for a beautiful lady, quickly get up, it's Malani and hence I am a guest here so here I introduce myself, I am Han Jinan, nice to meet you. Princess". The great emperor was willing to use his personal name for his daughter? Is he taking a liking to his precious daughter? Oh god how will I explain to her mother. Although Malani state neither covers very huge area not is too small. But the temporary peace with other states set up at the borders cannot be taken lightly. Traitors are everywhere, there are spies in our palace too. A slight disagreement between the states can cause war. The only man to be able to prevent it from happening is the one who is softly staring at his daughter. He can either choose a side or choose to ignore. But many citizens will be affected. I have to think it over again. Do i really have to use my daughter to protect myself and my state? Will it hurt not my daughter?

"Since His Majesty is also here, I will grill for all of us, everyone follow my lead, today this princess will show you my skills", said Jiu very cheerfully. "Jui, you don't ha-", "Haha princess is indeed a very cheerful person, since princess willing to personally grill for me, I gladly accept your invitation". For him? The princess invited all of them but His Majesty makes it sound so intimate. Warrior Black and Warrior Red quickly glanced at each other. He was not even this soft with The Queen Dowager or the Elder Queen. So the stopping near the lake actually caused this emotionless man to have feelings. Finally. This woman is not that bad afterall, maybe she can change him and she's got skills and talents as well. Let's see, how her grilled fish tastes.

The materials and ingredients for grilling were set up and nicely arranged in order. It was common scene except today besides the family and a few servants the three guests were present. The two warrior guards refused to sit and preffered to stand near the Emperor. The wind was not too strong today and the sun was not too hot, everything seemed perfect like a painting. She stood there and the maids handed her the carefully cleaned fish after removing the scales. Skillfully, she began with the flame, checking the temperature and first applying salt and pepper then sauce and some special powdered spices for better taste. The soft wind blew against her, her tiny bangs and her light pink skirt fluttering making her look like a fairy.

"Here, please have some, everyone, we have many more". "Princess, your grilled fish is very unique and delicious, you even personally grilled it and served us, I have an empty seat beside me, why not sit here and have some?" The queen was the most shocked. Having sensed her royal mother's gaze she said, "It's an honour to be able to serve You Majesty and it is our duty, but I don't have the audacity to sit beside Your Majesty", "Is the princess refusing me?", "I'm sorry I didn't mean that-", "Then please sit here, I am not going to hurt you. Am I?". It was bad to offend this mighty person. The king said, "Since His Majesty asked, you should go and sit". She glanced at her mother and went to have a sit and after having her share began quietly biting into the soft fish meat. "Princess' grilled fish is the most delicious thing I've had and it was the first time I had my food which was not cooked by my cooks and servants", Jinan looked to the ground and said with a soft tone with a hint of sadness and anger. "Did your mother never cook for you?", "My mother doesn't know how to cook, but today I am glad to have met you". Shocked, she stoped biting and looked at him. He smiled warmly at her, looking even more handsome with the smile. "Then Your Majesty can taste my food as long as you are here, I am a skilled cook, I can cook many things besides grilling fish", he deeply stared at her and chuckled, "I like the princess' honesty. Then I can only thank the princess", "But why only as long as I am here? This might not be the last meeting" The queen and king turned towards each other. Why is the Emperor so confusing? "Besides, it will feel much better to have your own wife cook for you. Won't it?". The two warrior guards glanced at each other again, having a conversation through eyes. Is His Majesty, who is known as cruel, heartless, hitting off a woman just like that. Will people even believe? The princess was shocked, so was everyone else.