Chapter 44 Love of a Rajah

--- Empress Alice POV ---

--- 30th of December 1896 ---

"Mama! Look!" exclaimed little Ainesh, his eyes brimming with excitement as he showed me a delicate yellow butterfly resting gently on his small hands.

"It's so beautiful! Can I take it outside, mama?" he asked with curiosity.

"Hehehe... You're such a silly child. You can't take that butterfly outside, Little Ainesh," I replied, chuckling and leaning closer to him. "It wouldn't survive out there."

A look of disappointment washed over his face upon hearing he couldn't take the butterfly outside.

"Sigh... Why don't you enjoy the scenery here with your older brother and sister?" I suggested, motioning for Siagu to come over and help with Ainesh.

"Let's go, Ainesh. Kuya and Ate Mai-mai will keep you company today. Alright?" My eldest said, gently guiding Little Ainesh towards his side.

"Okay," Little Ainesh responded, his voice tinged with melancholy.

"Take care, okay? Don't be too mischievous and get yourself hurt. Your attendants, eunuchs, and court ladies will be here to watch over you, but don't give them too much trouble, alright?" I calmly instructed, wearing a warm smile as I composed myself after crouching to be on the same level as my youngest.

"Okay! I'll be good and only cause a little trouble. Hehehehe," my little girl giggled mischievously, then sprinted to the other side of the enclosure, her courtiers struggling to keep up with her energetic pace.

Annoyance flickered across my eldest's face as he tried to regain his composure after being provoked by his little sister.

"Ahahahaha! Just let her be, Siagu. She can only act like this when she's not in her lessons. Let her enjoy being a kid for a while," I reassured my eldest, trying to console him regarding Little Mai-mai's antics.

"Sigh... I understand, mama," my eldest replied, taking a deep breath. He then turned to my youngest and said, "Come on, Little Ainesh."

"Mh-Mmmm," Little Ainesh nodded in agreement.

Together, they made their way toward my little girl, their respective courtiers following a few steps behind them.

Not long after my children departed, one of my Abagaanay approached me. Ever since we entered the enclosure, my Abagaanays and a few of my eunuchs had been busy preparing a place for me to sit.

"Your Imperial Majesty," Lady Fatima addressed me calmly.

Lady Fatima had been by my side since the day I became the empress of this country, along with my other Abagaanays. She was adorned in a purple and white sonmin, an ensemble that accentuated her elegance despite her petite stature.

"Yes?" I replied before turning my attention to her.

"The area is now ready to receive you, ma'am," she respectfully informed me.

I then made my way to the designated spot, with Lady Fatima and the rest of my entourage following suit.

The location I was heading to was at the center of the enclosure. There, a table and chairs had been arranged by an architect hired by the late Emperor Siagu XI. The chairs screams of elegance and royalty, with a Butuanon architectural features mixed with Western hints. This addition to the enclosure allowed visitors to relax and enjoy the surroundings while sipping tea.

Upon reaching the area, I gazed around and commented with a smile, "Ah! What a truly wonderful place this is. I'll never get tire of being here to relax and witness the butterflies fluttering about."

"Indeed, Your Imperial Majesty," Lady Anika remarked as she took her seat, joined by the others beside me, while the court ladies and eunuchs stood to my left side. "These butterflies are incredibly beautiful and delicate. It would be a tragedy to let them roam and perish in the outside world."

She was adorned in a white and gold sonmin with a puff shoulder design, a nod to the traditional fitting shoulder style of the sonmins.

"Late Rajah Siagu V must have harbored a profound love for Rani Sahiba Suryavati to construct this butterfly enclosure solely to court her," Ate Advika observed, gently fanning herself with her nippa fan for comfort. She wore a red and gold sonmin, following the traditional sonmin design with a wide sleeve.

"He certainly did, Lady Advika," Lady Fatima chimed in, covering her mouth with her fan before giggling, a sentiment shared by all present as they reminisced on this topic.

The love story of Rani Sahiba (Junior Consort) Suryavati and Rajah Siagu V was well-known among the noble ladies in the country. No noble lady was unaware of their tale - a story of promise, acceptance, true love, and pure intentions.

Novelists and literary writers had also penned stories about Rajah Siagu V and Rani Sahiba Suryavati's love story, captivating the minds of young women dreaming of a partner willing to go to great lengths for love. Rani Sahiba Suryavati had set the standard for courtship among men in the country.

According to the story, Rani Sahiba Suryavati Mahalakshmi, originally known as Suryavati Mahalakshmi, hailed from an ancient noble house of Mahalakshmi, which had been extinguished by Rajah Siagu VIII on charges of treason. The entire house was wiped out, including children.

But the story of House Mahalakshmi was distinct from the love story between Rani Sahiba Suryavati and Rajah Siagu V, which began when Rajah Siagu V met the young Suryavati Mahalakshmi during a visit to her hometown.

Rani Sahiba Suryavati Mahalakshmi was described as a fair-skinned woman with an ethereal beauty that seemed heaven-sent. Even the people of her hometown obeyed her every word due to her captivating beauty.

The Rajah was said to have been entranced by her beauty and grace, willing to extend his stay in Suryavati Mahalakshmi's hometown if not for his royal duties.

As the Abagaanay of the Rani, Suryavati Mahalakshmi often accompanied Rani Shakti Devi. This brought her into closer contact with the Rajah compared to staying in her hometown. Despite the Rajah's visible affection for Suryavati Mahalakshmi, Rani Shakti Devi remained silent and did not object.

Rajah Siagu V's visits to Abagaanay Suryavati Mahalakshmi became more frequent, even in the absence of Rani Shakti Devi, becoming a topic of discussion in the court.

After months of persistent visits, Rajah Siagu V formally courted Abagaanay Suryavati Mahalakshmi. However, she hesitated, fearing she might offend the Rani. She refused Rajah Siagu V's proposal several times.

Historical records show that she declined Rajah Siagu V's proposal four more times before finally saying yes. The butterfly enclosure played a significant role in her decision, as it captivated Suryavati Mahalakshmi's heart with its beauty and elegance. The courtship lasted nearly a year, as recorded in imperial records.

However, their union was not without challenges. The Catholic Church opposed Rajah Siagu V's actions, as polygamy was prohibited by the church's teachings. They did not recognize the marriage between Rajah Siagu V and Rani Sahiba Suryavati Mahalakshmi, citing Rani Shakti Devi as the original wife.

The majority of believers were against the union, leading to riots in the capital instigated by the church's priests. In response, Rajah Siagu V took harsh measures, resulting in a massacre of many priests and nuns, earning him the nickname "Rajah Siagu the faith killer."

After the massacre, public sentiment became more accepting of Rani Sahiba Suryavati Mahalakshmi's union with the Rajah. This marked the resurgence of polygamy among the upper echelons of society, with some individuals taking up to 20 wives and concubines. However, this practice continued only until the Rajahnate separated from the Catholic Church.

"By the way," Lady Fatima interjected, sipping her tea, "according to my sources, there's a scheduled hanging of the courtiers involved in harming His Imperial Highness Ainesh Philip this afternoon."

Her words reminded me of the anger I had felt upon hearing about the mistreatment of my son by those servants. Their audacity to harm my child for their selfish desires was unforgivable. I had allowed my husband to administer their punishment a day before they were apprehended by the police.

I found myself harboring a dark desire to witness their suffering during their torture, but my husband and my mother intervened. They both knew I had no stomach for blood and violence. Nevertheless, their deaths have provided some closure to my anger and disgust.

"Death by hanging seems a fitting punishment for what they did. They harmed the youngest son of the empress and the emperor as if he were insignificant, not to mention that Imperial Prince Ainesh is just a child," Lady Anika remarked, shaking her head.

"I concur, but the council has already made its decision, and the public supports it," Ate Advika added, giving me a comforting pat on the back when she noticed my silence.

"Indeed. I've heard that people are flocking to the capital upon hearing the news. Some are even planning to spend their Western New Year celebrations reveling in the demise of those courtiers," Lady Fatima said with a grin, earning nods of agreement from my two Abagaanay, leaving me curious as I had no idea what was truly happening.

"Really? Is this happening in the capital, Senior Court Lady Priya?" I inquired, eager to learn more about recent events.

Actually, I've been out of touch with the outside world for the past few days. I've been busy accompanying my daughter and youngest son during our vacation.

Senior Court Lady Priya stepped forward to respond, saying, "Lady Fatima is correct, ma'am. This has become the talk of the capital ever since the verdict was handed down by the magistrates of the Imperial Judicial Council. People are flocking to the capital to witness the execution, and others are leaving flowers at the gates of the estate."

"I see. It appears that the execution will be quite chaotic and troublesome," I calmly observed before taking a sip of my tea.

"The imperial police must be struggling to control the crowd. Some estimates suggest that up to five thousand individuals will attend, adding to the one hundred fifty thousand already residing in the capital," Ate Advika remarked nonchalantly while watching the butterflies flutter around us.

"Nevertheless, it seems that the imperial police are doing their best to maintain order. According to my husband, they are increasing their presence to monitor the execution," Lady Fatima added while glancing at Ate Advika.

"That's to be expected, Lady Fatima. It's their duty, and failing to do so would damage the trust the public has in them, affecting their reputation," I calmly asserted, receiving nods of agreement from the others.

"Are you planning to attend the execution?" Lady Anika asked, turning her gaze to the three of us.

"I won't," I replied sternly. "Their actions towards my little boy and my fear of causing them harm myself have led me to this decision. They don't even deserve to see my face or have my family attend before their execution."

"I'm with my sister on this. They don't deserve to see us or even receive a single glance from us. Their crimes against our family reveal their true, animalistic nature," Ate Advika added with disdain toward the criminals.

"They are power-hungry individuals who cannot be content with what they have. They were willing to harm a child to achieve their selfish desires—a truly despicable act," Lady Fatima scoffed in disgust before taking a sip of her tea, earning nods of agreement from Lady Anika.

"If I may, ma'am," Senior Court Lady Priya interjected.

"What is it, Senior Court Lady Priya?" Lady Anika inquired.

"I would like to convey that, on behalf of the courtiers working under your family, ma'am, we wholeheartedly support the verdict handed down by the magistrates against these criminals. Although they used to serve your family, they demonstrated actions and character unsuitable for courtiers serving the imperial family. Lady Fatima's statement echoes the sentiments of us, the imperial courtiers," Senior Court Lady Priya stated with a hint of disgust and anger when referring to the convicts.

My heart softened upon hearing Senior Court Lady Priya's words. In recent days, I had distanced myself from the other courtiers in the palace, except for my personal courtiers. After what happened to my little boy, I had slowly lost trust in them—a very unempress-like attitude, according to my mother and husband. Yet, I couldn't help it; I was a mother who feared for her children's safety.

I couldn't bear to see my child in bed, covered in bruises, and in pain. My heart had sunk when I saw him that day. I began to question myself, wondering what I had done wrong and why my little boy deserved such treatment from his personal courtiers. I had carried him in my body for nine months, only for him to be endangered and hurt by some lowly courtiers.

As a result, I had slowly lost trust in them. However, Senior Court Lady Priya's words provided assurance of the loyalty of our people in the palace. While my trust might not return immediately, I believed that with time, this mistrust would dissipate, replaced by the trust that once prevailed.

"Thank you for your words, Senior Court Lady Priya. I understand your sentiments, and I appreciate them greatly. Thank you all for your support," I replied with a smile, which was returned by Senior Court Lady Priya and the courtiers standing behind her.

"It is our duty to serve you and your family, ma'am," Senior Court Lady Priya said before bowing her head and returning to her position.

As our conversation continued, a melodious laughter rang out, shifting our focus away from the grim topic of execution. Our discussion turned to a more enchanting subject: jewelry. In particular, we discussed a jewelry establishment that had recently made waves in the capital by selling a diamond necklace to a mysterious lady for an astounding sum of ¥60,000, equivalent to $43,800 in American currency. This amount could sustain an average family of four to five for nearly eleven years, assuming a monthly income of ¥100. The burden of poverty weighed even heavier on those who earned less, particularly those living below the poverty threshold.

The acclaimed establishment was Oriental Opulence Jewelers—a name I resolved to remember for future reference, whether for myself or my beloved children.

In high society, jewelry played a significant role for women. Gold and silver were visible symbols of one's status in society. Despite our family's limited budget due to our agreement with the government, I still had enough funds to purchase or customize some jewelry.

Other noble families faced no such restrictions. Many of them owned businesses that generated wealth to sustain their extravagant lifestyles while employing common people. Others possessed vast lands used for farming and cattle rearing.

This was beneficial to the people, as it provided employment and income for their families. This was especially crucial in a country where the poverty rate reached a staggering 30% to 37%, including the recently discovered undocumented 14 million individuals, or approximately 4 million families.

After our discussion on jewelry concluded, the conversation shifted to another topic: my eldest son, Siagu Alexie, the future emperor of our country, and his soon-to-be wife, Princess Abbhantripaja of Siam, a delightful child.

"Oh, that reminds me, how is Princess Abbhantripaja doing? Are she and His Imperial Highness Siagu still in communication?" Lady Fatima asked with curiosity, her gaze fixed on me.

"They are indeed still keeping in touch. Just recently, the Princess herself sent a letter to him, extending her greetings for Christmas. The young man was so delighted that he seemed almost reluctant to part with the letter itself. Hehehe," I replied with a giggle, which was met with giggles from the others.

"I concur. I witnessed the young man's beaming smile from ear to ear upon reading the letter. He must have cherished it so deeply that he wouldn't even allow us to peruse its contents," Ate Advika affirmed, echoing my sentiments.

"It appears that the engagement between the two is destined for success," Lady Anika remarked, a smile gracing her lips as she took a sip of her tea.

"I sigh with hope for such an outcome. Marriage, dear ladies, is a matter of profound significance—a sacred union between two individuals that should never be severed unless infidelity or harm befalls it," I solemnly intoned to the three of them.

Observing that most of our teacups were now empty, I turned my attention to Senior Court Lady Priya and made a request.

"Senior Court Lady Priya, would you be so kind as to pour us some fresh tea?" I asked with a smile, a request she promptly fulfilled by pouring us cups of freshly brewed tea.

"I am confident they will enjoy a successful marriage, ma'am. I had the opportunity to encounter Princess Khao multiple times during her stay in the capital, and she displayed remarkable qualities for a foreign princess," Lady Anika commented, her smile unwavering as she continued.

"Yes, she may still be immature for a princess, but one must remember she is still a child. Moreover, her mother's background as a lower noble who rose to the rank of Royal Noble Consort, just below the Queen, speaks volumes. She has displayed great potential to be a worthy partner for the future monarch of our nation," she added solemnly, smiling warmly at us.

"I concur. Initially, her lineage raised concerns for me when my husband informed me of his plan to marry our son to Princess Khao. Her status as the daughter of a concubine seemed to undermine my son's position as the future emperor. However, her demeanor and character made me reconsider my initial judgment of her mother's status. She is indeed a woman worthy of becoming the future empress of our country," I said, smiling as I sipped my tea before sharing some news.

"Furthermore, I learned from my husband that her mother has recently been elevated to the esteemed rank of Royal Noble Consort, a status surpassing her former position as Royal Consort and positioning her just beneath the revered title of Queen. This elevates her to a status akin to that of a noble princess," I disclosed.

"King Rama V has shown great wisdom in handling this matter," Lady Fatima proclaimed with an approving smile.

"Indeed, he has demonstrated remarkable foresight. Although both chambers of Parliament offered overwhelming support, a growing faction within their ranks expressed dismay upon learning of the status granted to Princess Khao's mother. Our brother, Duke Haris Chandra of Pangasinan, even voiced his concerns to both Her Imperial Majesty and me. He suggested that the Emperor and Empress engage King Rama V on this matter. However, it seems King Rama V had already anticipated these developments and acted swiftly and decisively," Ate Advika somberly concurred with Lady Fatima's sentiments.

"I sigh with relief. It would be regrettable to separate the Crown Prince and Princess Khao merely due to the status of her mother within the Siamese royal court," a certain court lady interjected suddenly, prompting my Abagaanay and me to glare at her.

"Forgive my rudeness, Your Imperial Majesty and Your Highnesses," she stammered, her voice filled with fear as she realized her error in intruding on our conversation.

Senior Court Lady Priya stepped forward calmly upon seeing the court lady's distress.

"I extend my sincere apologies for my subordinate's rudeness and disrespect in intruding on your conversation. Rest assured, I will administer the appropriate disciplinary measures for her actions," Senior Court Lady Priya stated sternly, bowing her head along with the other courtiers.

Upon hearing Senior Court Lady Priya's response, Lady Fatima and Lady Anika lost interest in the situation and returned to sipping their tea. Ate Advika, on the other hand, continued to watch me, awaiting my response to the incident.

"It is acceptable, Senior Court Lady Priya. A reprimand will suffice, as this is her first transgression. But be aware that any future intrusion will result in more severe consequences. Do you understand?" I asked, looking at Senior Court Lady Priya and the trembling court lady.

"I understand, Your Imperial Majesty. We are grateful for your forgiveness," Senior Court Lady Priya said respectfully, bowing her head.

"I am grateful for Your Imperial Majesty's forgiveness," the court lady added while still bowing her head.