Of Differing Opinions part 3

"Princess Shiori!"

Shiori ignored their shouts as she left. It was her decision and their opinions weren't welcome. Her father's promise was the only important thing for her.

Shiori stepped out of the villa and decided to wander around the Palace. Her companions knew when to give her space, so she was certain they wouldn't follow her. A little time apart would do all of them good, she thought.

It was already late afternoon, so Shiori didn't encounter many people during her walk. At Kitsune Castle, she couldn't go anywhere without someone smiling in her direction or giving her a warm greeting. But no one knew her here and they were too busy to pay attention to a lady, for someone like her was commonplace.

The Jade Palace couldn't be more different from her home, Shiori thought. everything in here shown. From the bright green buildings, their white walls that seemed to sparkle and the marble steps at their entrances, everything was different.

The buildings in the city were tall but the infrastructures in the Palace easily topped them. All the residences here were named after the various hues of jades that their kingdom produced. Shiori's father told her that the Imperial family maintained this to give off the illusion that the place was made of pure jade. It was a way to display their majesty and wealth for everyone to see.

Shiori scoffed at the memory. For her, the only note-worthy place here was the previous Empress' rose garden. It was a good thing that the villa she was staying at was close by. Shiori turned and gave a genuine smile, she had found it.

The garden was gorgeous, lush greenery gave way to a beautiful blending of manmade infrastructure and nature's magic. Its bushes were neatly trimmed, artfully arranged rose beds of every color and every kind peppered the place. Large trees surrounded the whole garden, their long vines curling with one another and effectively nestled the precious flowers in a cocoon. 

Shiori didn't have the chance to see the whole garden before, so she wandered until she found a gleaming dragon statue at its center. Its wings spread-out as if prepared to fly. Shiori came closer and heard the gentle sound of water. When she looked up, she saw that sparkling water freely flowed from the dragon's mouth.

She didn't know how long she stood there and marveled at the dragon fountain. Shiori went around to inspect the statue. She tapped its base, its sides and even cooled her hand in its mouth. She only just then discovered that the statue was made of pure jade, including its gleaming white teeth.

At the dragon's far back, Shiori saw the long wooden bench she sat on before. The life-size dolls were still there, sitting on it like court ladies frozen in time.

Shiori approached and inspected the dolls. Their kimonos were of good quality and she could tell that their porcelain skin had just recently been polished to perfection. Shiori gave a mischievous smile and seated herself in one of the vacant places. Then, she folded her hands on her lap like the dolls.

She hadn't been there long when the Emperor arrived, his powerful strides ate the ground as he came closer. He looked irritated and frazzled. His brows were snapped together, and his mouth was twisted into a mighty frown.

Shiori struggled to keep her face blank. This was the first time she'd seen him after her presentation at court. It wasn't even a day and yet, his sudden appearance made her realize that she had missed him in those few hours. Shiori's palms sweated, and her heart galloped in her chest.

Shiori resisted the urge to frown, she didn't like that look on his face. She realized that they were barely acquainted, yet, Shiori already cared about him. Maybe she'd watched his face too much?

Her composure finally broke when His Majesty shook his head and suddenly relieved himself of his crown and robes one by one. His fingers were already halfway opening his kimono, she could see a hint of his muscular chest. Unfortunately for Shiori, her maidenly sensibilities won out. Shiori shrieked and covered her eyes.

"What are you doing here?" he asked, surprise in his tone.

Shiori heard rustling clothes but she still covered her eyes. How could she have known that beneath that handsome face, the Emperor was a heathen after all? Surely, she hadn't sinned for he was the one who had disrobed in her presence and she hadn't seen anything. Well… Not that much, at least.

"I was here first!" snapped Shiori.

"It's my Palace," he retorted. "And I am your Emperor."

"Outraged, Shiori crossed her arms on her chest and fixed her most icy glare in his direction. Thank God Almighty that he was properly clothed then.

"A great Emperor shouldn't be careless," Shiori lifted her chin and lectured him. "Many eyes are on you therefore, you should always be on your guard."

He mirrored her posture. "No one comes here but me."

"I wished for a bit of peace and quiet and this place seems perfect for that."

"I see," Emperor Asahi's arms fell to his sides and his frown was replaced with curiosity. "Your attendants won't stop bothering you either?"

"Yes. All because of a topic that we'd agreed upon long ago." Shiori couldn't hide the slight whine in her voice.

If Emperor Asahi noticed, he didn't comment on it. In thanks, Shiori patted the place beside her. He smiled at her and occupied it.

"May I know what made them change their mind?"

"Oh, they wanted me to change my mind," she saw no harm in explaining. "It's about my dream you see, and my attendants can't understand why I want it."

"Oh," he raised a questioning brow. "Now, you've got me curious. What is your dream, Princess Shiori?"

"It's to be a nun," Shiori scowled at his widened eyes and slackened jaw. "Your Majesty looks surprised. You think I can't do it?"

"No," he quickly waved a hand between them. "I cannot make a judgement over that since I barely know you. But may I ask you why?"

"Being a nun will give me the lazy quiet life I've always wanted. I will be free of responsibilities and I can eat and read to my heart's content."

"Don't forget the praying." He reminded her.

"Yes," Shiori replied, her cheeks pink. "well… of course."

"Arrange and assist in charities," his smirk grew with Shiori's eyes. "Clean churches until the floors sparkle and talk to new or lost followers of the faith. Christianity is a blossoming religion after all and there are still a lot of skeptics."

"Enough about me," she said. "What are your friends bothering you about, Your Majesty?"

At her question, his face became serious. Emperor Asahi sighed, and his frown returned. Guilt pricked Shiori, but she ignored it. It was her chance to gain insight into his mind and she needed to make the most of it.

"It's about the Saru clan."

"I see," Shiori covered her pleased smile with her sleeve. "You've noticed then?"

"I am the Emperor," his gaze on her was clear and direct. "I notice a lot of things."

Ryu Asahi certainly wasn't a fool, which was a good sign. He and his advisors were perceptive at least. Shiori could work with that.

"Indeed, Your Majesty," Shiori tilted her head. "I suppose you want to ask me about it?"

"If you would be so inclined, Princess."

"Not without a price."

With his expectant eyes fixed on her, he said. "Name it and you'll have it."

"You would take a gamble without knowing the risk? You just gave me permission to ask you for just about anything I want, Emperor Asahi."

"I am not worried," he smirked. "Foxes are clever creatures and surely, such an obvious trap is beneath you."

"Very well," Shiori let him see her matching smirk. "I shall tell you everything I know about what happened seven years ago between your family and the Lord of Monkeys."