Read The Emperor’s Bride :: Chapter 8.

It was a dreamless sleep. When I woke I started to recognise bits and pieces of my surroundings. Rougyao and Rougyu are looking out for any trouble. Thankfully nothing yet. Although protecting me I wish there was someone to talk to. Not even my book could distract me from the knotting of my insides.

I have never been as nervous as I am now. Today in a couple of hours I will be meeting my fiancé for the first time and I will be announced to the public as the future Empress. I have no idea how I'm meant to manage. A good thing though is that I should meet up with Mother, Father and Taio very soon. Even though we haven't been separated for too long, we never really have been apart for that long. I'm smiling now. I always smile when I think of Taio. I feel a bit more at ease thinking about him so I pick up my book again and start to read.

Slight time skip*

A hour. That's how long ago it was since I started reading. A hour and I am already here. Here in Shoudu. Although growing up in a noble household I always admire Shoudu. Despite growing up in a noble household it's one of the most beautiful things I have ever seen. Just not today. The city was batteredand broken. Not only the city but the people aswell. There are people looking half Asleep not having a proper night sleep. There is a few with minor injuries such as burns and scrapes. It's a little shocking I didn't think that there would be civilians harmed in this. Injuries although minor still there.

Another thing I can't help but stare at it, is the bonfires all over. When we get close enough to get a good look I can see it's all monuments from the past royal family. Banners, paintings, tapestries where all thrown in. Anything concerning them thrown in no hesitation. Most did what the soldiers wanted but a scarce few resisted refusing to hand them in. Very brave but pointless. Fools what are they so afraid of? Can't they see we're trying free them? Rougyu mutters under his breath. Free them? His eyes widen and that's when I realise I said that out loud. Oh sorry I mumble out quietly. So I'm sorry Empress I'm the one who should be apologising he says his head hanging low.

Snap out of it and keep an eye out Rougyao says low and sharp. Almost threatening. Not me but his brother. He nods and regains focus. So I guess no more talking. We are reaching the inner gates when I feel something being handed to me. I look to see a cloak. Put this on Empress, we don't want anyone seeing your face before it's revealed to the common people. It was a dark Green cloaks with, a grey fur trimming and a sliver pin. I pull it over my shoulders and securing it with the pin, pulling the hood over my head hiding my face.

I can tell we're getting closer to the palace. I can tell due to the better clothing, bigger houses and more extravagant shops. We are almost there Empress. The knot in my gut at the start of the journey began to tighten until I begin to feel sick. If Rougyu and Rougyao notices anything they haven't mentioned it yet. Empress you need to relax. Rougyu says patiently. Relax? How am I meant to relax? I'm about to meet the Emperor! My anxiety rising reaching new levels. Your fiancé, Rougyu again with the patient tone. He smiles you want to make a good first impression correct? Yes of course he'll be my husband. Then relax a bit, so you don't look like you will get sick on top of him, he tells me in a rational tone. So I calm myself and regain my composure. Just in time as we reach the palace.

The gardens look as if they can go on forever. With each flower, shrub, vine and tree prefectly in place. It's like it out of a tale. But the gardens place in comparison to the palace. Every piece looks as if, no is worth more than anything I own. Only until Rougyao points it out do I know I'm gaping. Empress he whispers we need to go inside now. Then I hurry inside slightly embarrassed to be caught gaping like that.

If I thought the outside was dazzling the inside was perfect. The red and gold blending in ways that shouldn't be possible. The cold white marble polished like a mirror. The only thing that stained this masterpiece was the torn painting and the empty spaces on the walls where images of the previous royal family's hang. I couldn't hlep but feel a bit overwhelmed knowing that my portrait will be there some day.

We kept on walking going to what overheard being the Great Hall where I will meet him. Suyin Jian my betrothed.