Finding her place in the palace
After the king's servants were through with her personal care, Mei-Ling emerged from the king's chambers, her silk robes rustling softly as she moved.
At the room entrance, the palace's chief attendant, Mistress Gu greeted Mei-Ling with a deep curtsy "Your Majesty, I have come to escort you to your new quarters"
Mei-Ling accompanied by only Jade, her handmaid followed Mistress Gu through winding corridors of the palace passing by intricate murals depicting the mythological creatures of ancient lore. As they walked, the watchful eyes of ancestral portraits with stern and unyielding faces seemed to look down on them.
As they reached Mei-Ling's new chambers, Mistress Gu pushed aside the silk curtains revealing a suite of rooms filled with the scent of incense and the soft glow of lanterns.
Mei-Ling's eyes widened as she took in the opulent furnishings, the delicate porcelain vases and the exquisite jade carvings.
Mistress Gu showed her the intricately carved wooden chest adorned with symbols of good fortune and prosperity.
"This is your treasure chest, Your Majesty" Mistress Gu explained "It contains the finest silk, jewels and other treasures befitting a queen"
As Mei-Ling explored her new quarters, a feeling of awe came upon her. She was no longer just a princess; she was the queen with all the responsibilities and privileges that came with the title.
She stood in front of a mirror and looked at her reflection silently admiring the sapphire necklace, the King had placed on her neck.
Mistress Gu began explaining to her the daily routine and responsibility of her new office as the queen. Mei-Ling listened intently, eager to learn and please both her husband and the court.
"The queen's day begins at dawn with a ritual bath and dressing ceremony" Mistress Gu explained. "Then you will attend the morning audience with the king where you will receive foreign dignitaries and nobles.
Mei-Ling nodded, taking mental notes. She was determined to fulfill her duties as queen and make her husband proud of her.
As the morning wore on, Mistress Gu introduced her to various attendants and servants different from the ones she had been introduced to earlier. Mistress Gu informed her that these servants were specially assigned to her for her care and well-being. Mei-Ling nodded, smiled and thanked them.
With faces bowed and slight curtsies, they acknowledged her thanks. Just then, a soft knock at the door interrupted the proceedings. Mistress Gu answered and a young servant girl entered with a tray bearing a steaming teapot and delicate ceramic cups.
"His Majesty requests your presence in the throne room, Your Majesty" The servant girl announced, curtsying low.
Mei-Ling was filled with a sense of trepidation mixed with excitement at hearing the summons. What did her husband want to discuss with her?
Mistress Gu helped Mei-Ling prepare for the audience, adjusting her robes and hair, making sure it looked perfect and as they made their way to the throne room, Mei-Ling steeled herself for whatever lay ahead....
Mei-Ling entered the throne room on reaching there, her eyes adjusting to the bright sunlight streaming through the windows.
The room was filled with courtiers, advisors and guards, all bowing or kneeling in respect.
At the far end of the room, Mei-Ling saw her husband, King Ryujin seated on the throne. He looked imposing and powerful, his eyes fixed intently on her.
As Mei-Ling approached the throne, Mistress Gu whispered final instructions in her ear. Mei-Ling nodded, took a deep breath and curtsied low before the King.
"Rise my queen" King Ryujin said, his voice deep and resonant "I have summoned you to discuss a a matter of great importance"
Mei-Ling rose, her heart pounding in her chest. She met the king's gaze, trying to read his expression.
"The ambassador from the neighboring kingdom has arrived" King Ryujin explained. "He brings a proposal for a trade agreement but I suspect there may be more to it than meets the eye"
Mei-Ling's eyes widened as she listened. She had heard rumors of tensions between their kingdom and the neighboring one.
"I want you to attend the meeting with me" King Ryujin said, his eyes locked on her's. "Your insight and wisdom will be invaluable in navigating this delicate situation"
Mei-Ling felt a surge of pride and responsibility. She nodded, determination etched on her face.
"I am ready, my lord" She said, her voice firm and resolute.
King Ryujin's expression softened and his facial expression showed a glint of approval.
Commander Li-Chen, the king's female royal head guard, stood at attention near the throne room entrance, her eyes fixed intently on the king and queen. Her expression was neutral but underneath the surface, she seethed with fury.
As she watched the king and queen interact, her anger grew. She had been secretly in love with the king for years and now, it seemed he was falling under the spell of his new bride.
Commander Li-Chen's eyes narrowed as she gazed at Mei-Ling. Under no circumstances would she allow the new queen win the king's heart.
Without drawing attention to herself, Commander Li-Chen slipped unnoticed out of the throne room and made her way to the usual rendezvous , where she and her cohorts gathered.
Earlier on, she had sent secret messages for them to meet.
She met all of them waiting for her already; Su-Yang, the assassin, lady-in-waiting Han-Feng and Courtier Lee.
"We need to accelerate our plans" Commander Li-Chen said, her voice low and urgent. "The King is falling in love with her. If we don't act soon, we'll risk loosing our chance"