The morning sunlight streamed through Bella's chamber window as she admired her reflection in the polished bronze mirror. The emerald silk robe she wore hugged her curves, its intricate embroidery catching the light as she turned slightly to view her profile. Her pregnancy was becoming more pronounced each day, and she ran a hand over the gentle swell of her abdomen.
"You're right, little ones," she murmured to her reflection, her voice soft but resolute. "Your father needs strength from us now. No more tears or weakness."
She adjusted a loose strand of hair from her chignon, practicing a serene smile that felt both foreign and liberating. The weight of despair from yesterday had lifted, replaced by a quiet determination to be the partner Chang Hao needed during his recovery.
I left my chambers and headed to the Cheng's wing, to see the emperor. It was still early in the morning, so half the servants were still busy with their respective chores, I walked feeling happy which shocked , amused and also irritated some staff and concubines I passed on my way. Why is she so happy? Is she plotting to really kill him this time? How brazen of her, whispered spurred but I paid them no mind .
As Bella approached the Cheng wing, her emerald silk robe shimmered with each confident step. The morning air carried whispers from servants who paused their duties to watch her approach. Their murmurs grew louder as she neared the Emperess chambers.
"Did you see that?" one young maid whispered to her companion. "She's practically glowing this morning. What could possibly make that witch so cheerful?"
Another concubine who had been drinking tea on her balcony balcony paused mid-sip, her expression souring as she recognized Bella's determined stride. "She thinks she's won something," she muttered into her cup. "Let's see how long that smile lasts once Empress Cheng Mei reminds her of her place."
Bella reached the entrance to Chang Hao's chambers, where two imperial guards stood rigidly at attention. Their eyes flickered over her form before one spoke respectfully but firmly.Pls just let me see him, I promise I won't cause trouble , I say with a smile. If I stay more than twenty minutes, without the emperor's wish, you can come drag me out , I say pleading . They looked at each other. Ok fine. twenty minutes. I thank them cheerfully , as they make way for me to go in.
The imperial guards exchanged uncertain glances before reluctantly stepping aside, their armor clinking softly against the polished marble floor. "Twenty minutes precisely," one reminded Bella sternly as she slipped past them into the Empress chambers.
At the main door of Cheng's bedroom, as I reached for the door knob to go inside and see my beloved, I heard what sounded like arguments between Chang and Cheng. I decided not to open the door but listen. Where's my little Dragon? , I hear Chang Cheng, Cheng ask in frustration. Are u really asking about that witch after everything ?. Don't call her that !!! He snapped back at her. There was silence for a few minutes.
My heart fluttered as he defended me even after everything. I wanted to open the door again, but I paused ,when I heard Cheng flare in anger. Aren't you tired of that evil witch, always causing you trouble?. She was just a common sex slave you brought into your chambers for mere amusement. I remembered when you first stole her from your men who payed for a fun night, I asked you and you told me she was just for a night pleasure.
When you later made her your concubine, you said you enjoyed her pussy so much cause of her young blood and experience in bed, that it was nothing serious. Hearing her harsh wordstears strip down my face. I wanted for him to deny it, to tell her, it wasn't true, that she misunderstood but nothing. His silent stroke me more than any confirmation would.
Cheng continued. Aren't you tired for her petty games for attention? For her silly and childish escapades.? Don't you wish you never met her, that you should have controlled your self and allowed your men to have their fun? Don't you - but he Interrupted her.
Don't you think I do, everything passing night, I wish I never met her, I wished. I had controlled my urge, I wake up every morning hating my self, seeing her right around me constantly fills me with regret.- My hands fell to my side, my body trembling. I couldn't stand there to heae more of those nonsense. I stomped out of the chambers, with tear filled face., Ignoring the confused looks of the guards as I passed them and the smirks and looks of pity from those who saw me heading to Cheng's wing earlier.
Chang continued. She was the best decision, I have made in my lifem yes, it was just sex at first but I fell in love with her, with her spirit. What I feel for her is real, nothing like the empty shell we call marriage. And never call her such names again. He glared at her warning. Now go he ordered her. She wanted to protest, but she didn't want to get more of his side tempter, so she apologize and rudely excused her self.
Empress Cheng Mei's face flushed with fury at the command, but she knew better than to defy him openly. With a stiff bow and muttered apologies, she gathered her robes and stormed out of the chamber, her footsteps echoing down the corridor.
Left alone, Emperor Lee Chang Hao stared at the empty doorway where he had no idea, Bella had stood listening just moments ago. His jaw tightened as he imagined her reaction to his harsh words about regretting their relationship. "Damn it," he muttered to himself, running a hand through his disheveled hair.
Physician Tanaka knocked lightly before entering with breakfast trays. "Your Majesty, are you well? I heard raised voices."
"The Empress is overly dramatic this morning," Chang Hao replied dismissively, though his mind was clearly elsewhere. He pushed the food around his plate without eating. "Have you seen Lady Bella today? Did she come to visit earlier."
Tanaka hesitated before speaking carefully.
No your majesty, I haven't heard anything yet.
Chang try to stand up, I need to see her. But the physician quickly stoped him, no your majesty, your wounds are still healing. It's bad news if they tear open . He said carefully adjusting him back unto the bed. But I will ask around for her your majesty .
Physician Tanaka gently pressed Chang Hao back onto the pillows, his expression firm yet concerned. "Your Majesty, please reconsider. Moving abruptly could reopen your abdominal wound, and we've only just managed to stabilize it."
Chang Hao's hands gripped the silk bedding, frustration evident in the way his knuckles whitened. "Then send someone! Find out where she is! I need to speak with her immediately." His voice held an edge of desperation that surprised even himself.
"Of course, Your Majesty," Tanaka said soothingly, adjusting a bandage on Chang Hao's arm. "I'll dispatch a trusted maid to search the women's quarters. She was likely still in her chambers , perhaps still asleep as it is still early and the fact that she is heavily pregnant"
Outside in the hallway, Empress Cheng Mei lingered near the chamber doors, eavesdropping on their conversation. Her lips curled into a smirk when she overheard Chang Hao's urgent request for Bella.