CHAPTER 12

As I lay on the bed, the memories of the events that led me to this situation flooded my mind. The tears I had shed since his departure seemed endless, a constant reminder of the violation I had endured. The feeling of vulnerability weighed heavily on me, and I couldn't help but despise him for taking away my control.

But in that moment, a shift occurred within me. A determination grew, fueled by the realization that no one else could save me from this torment but myself. I refused to be confined to these quarters, a prisoner of my own pain. The minutes ticked by, and with each passing moment, my anguish transformed into anger.

A cold numbness settled deep within me, replacing the sorrow that once consumed my being. I knew that I had to find my own strength, to rise above the darkness that threatened to engulf me. No longer would I allow myself to be a victim, but instead, I would become the architect of my own liberation.

As the doors swung open, the maids entered the room, their voices filled with concern and a sense of duty. "Young master, we were sent to help you wash up," they offered, their intentions seemingly noble. But I remained silent, my body drained of any desire to respond. The state of undress I found myself in no longer mattered, for my spirit felt weak and detached.

The maids began to cleanse my body, their hands moving gently over my skin. I didn't resist, knowing all too well that they had been sent by him. How ironic, I thought bitterly, that he would extend such a gesture of care after the violation he had inflicted upon me. I lay there, passive and defeated, allowing them to wash and dress me as if I were a lifeless doll.

When they finished, two of the maids took hold of my arms, pulling me up from the bed. I followed their lead, my movements mechanical and devoid of purpose. Like a broken doll, I allowed them to guide me to wherever they wished, my own desires and autonomy having been stripped away.

They eventually placed me on a couch in the far corner of the room, and the maids began rearranging the space around me. Their actions seemed insignificant, like rearranging furniture in a room that held no meaning. I watched them with detached indifference, feeling as though I had faded into the background, my existence reduced to a mere object to be manipulated at the whim of others.

As I observed the maids meticulously transforming the room, a realization washed over me like a cold wave crashing onto the shore. They were preparing this space for a new occupant, one who I knew deep down could only be me. Panic surged through my veins, jolting me out of my dazed state. I couldn't stay here, I couldn't allow that vile man who dared to call himself an emperor to lay his hands on me again.

A surge of determination coursed through me, fueling my trembling limbs as I stood up from the couch. I began to pace the room, back and forth, my thoughts racing alongside my movements. The desperation to escape this fate threatened to consume me, to break my spirit and rob me of my sanity.

"No, no, no," I muttered under my breath, the words a mantra of defiance against the cruel circumstances that had trapped me. I refused to submit, to surrender myself to a life of torment and degradation. I would find a way out, I had to.

My pacing quickened, fueled by a mix of anger and desperation. I bit my nails anxiously, the taste of bitter determination mingling with the taste of fear. Every step echoed my resolve to break free, to reclaim my agency and protect my fragile spirit from further harm.

The young eunuch boy, who seemed to have a hint of compassion in his eyes, pleaded with me to regain control of my emotions. His words were drowned out by the chaos of my own thoughts, my determination to escape overpowering any rationality.

As the other maids exchanged worried glances, one of them suggested calling for the imperial doctor. Their concern was genuine, but I couldn't afford to waste any more time. Ignoring their pleas and gestures of support, I remained focused on the single goal that burned brightly within me - freedom.

My pacing came to an abrupt halt as the door creaked open, revealing a tantalizing glimpse of the outside world. It was a moment of reckoning, an opportunity I couldn't let slip away. The sight of the unguarded door ignited a spark of hope within me, pushing me beyond the limits of fear and uncertainty.

Without a second thought, I made a split-second decision. I dashed towards the open doorway, my heart pounding in my chest like a war drum. Every step was fueled by adrenaline, propelling me forward with a newfound strength. The shouts of the maids faded into the background as my focus narrowed to the path ahead.

Time seemed to slow as I crossed the threshold, the air outside kissing my face with a breath of liberation. I ran, my footsteps echoing in my ears, pushing myself to escape the clutches of the palace and the man who sought to possess me. The world blurred around me as I embraced the unknown, ready to face whatever lay beyond the palace walls.

As I caught my breath, the sounds of frantic footsteps grew fainter, indicating that the guards had passed by the storage room without noticing my presence. Relief washed over me, but I knew that my respite would be temporary. I had to come up with a new plan, a better plan, if I wanted to ensure my escape.

Taking a moment to compose myself, I assessed the surroundings of the storage room. Dimly lit shelves lined the walls, filled with various items and supplies. I had stumbled upon a hiding place, but it wouldn't offer me safety for long. I needed to keep moving, find a way out of the palace grounds and disappear into the city beyond.

Pushing myself up from the floor, I made a silent vow to not let fear or doubt cloud my judgement. I had already come this far, risking everything for my freedom. Gathering my resolve, I scanned the room for any possible exits or hidden passages that could lead me closer to my escape route.

"What is the cause of this uproar?" His voice reverberated through the corridors. Startled, I overheard someone exclaim, "Your highness!" Intrigued, I tiptoed towards the door, pressing my ear against it to eavesdrop.

"Pray, enlighten me as to why there is such chaos while I am departing at dawn, in a mere couple of hours?" His tone dripped with icy cruelty. Anxiety gripped me, and I squeezed my eyes shut, straining to catch every word exchanged beyond the door. Fear consumed me. I had assumed he had already embarked on his journey, so why was he still lingering here?

"T-the..." stammered the guard.

"Well, spit it out!!" He shouted impatiently.

"Your majesty, may I have your permission to question him?" The voice was unmistakably my uncle's. Relief washed over me as I recognized his familiar tone. If anyone could help me in this dire situation, it would be him. After all, he had brought me here, he was family. He would surely plead for my freedom and ensure that I would never find myself in such trouble again. I silently made a promise to myself and to the higher powers, that if my uncle saved me, I would never misbehave or cause any more problems.

"Now, guard, explain to his majesty why he and I had to abandon important matters to come here? Why is there such a disturbance in Blossom House?" My uncle's voice held a firm authority.

"Well, sir, the boy is missing," the guard choked out, his voice strained.

"Excuse me? Please explain," my uncle commanded, his voice filled with authority. "What boy?" he inquired.

"I know what boy," the emperor's voice gritted out, filled with anger. "Who dared let him out? I specifically ordered that no one should be allowed in or out!" His voice was icy, leaving no room for excuses.

"Please forgive me, oh great emperor. We arrived after he had already escaped," the guard pleaded, his voice trembling.

"So you neglected my orders. This is punishable by death," the emperor said coldly. "And if he is not returned to me unharmed, I will ensure that all of your heads roll for this day!" His anger echoed through the room as he shouted his threat.

As I stood in front of the door, torn between my own safety and the potential harm that could befall others, my mind raced with conflicting thoughts. I couldn't bear the thought of anyone being killed because of me, but I also couldn't ignore the danger that awaited me if I were to be found.

The image of the emperor's cold eyes, filled with a lust for power, flashed through my mind. How could someone so beautiful be so heartless? It was clear that he desired me, and his willingness to punish others to achieve his goals only heightened my fear.

As I contemplated the reasons why the emperor had chosen me, a sense of injustice and confusion washed over me. I was just a boy, after all, and there were others at court who would willingly submit to his ownership. Why was I the one singled out?

Tears streamed down my cheeks, a mixture of fear, sadness, and frustration. I wiped them away, feeling both vulnerable and determined. I couldn't bear the thought of innocent lives being lost because of me, but I also couldn't forgive myself if I allowed their sacrifice to save my own skin.

My gaze shifted back to the door that led to the halls, offering an opportunity to escape. But deep down, I knew that my conscience wouldn't allow it. I couldn't abandon others to their fate, even if it meant facing a cruel and uncertain future myself.

With a newfound resolve, my feet began moving on their own accord, carrying me towards the inevitable confrontation with the emperor. In that moment, I realized that my compassion and empathy were not weaknesses, but strengths that would guide me through the darkness ahead.