11 Ch. 10 - Piecing it together (1/2)

[The Emperor's View]

”Your majesty, her majesty is in the garden with Sir Chojiro.” Akiko reported. I suddenly felt angry.

”Summon her here. At once!” Akiko called for Yukina's maid and ordered her to take Yukina here. A few moments go by and I heard a knock on the door. Akiko opened it but I was surprised to see Chojiro. He was holding Yukina's hands. What does he think he's doing?

”Your majesty, I have brought Empress Yukina.” He let her go and Yukina massaged her wrists. Did Chojiro hurt her?

”Why is it you that brought her here? Didn't I tell you to stick to your duties?” I looked at Yukina but she was looking at Chojiro.

”Forgive me, your majesty. I brought the Empress because she refused to come on her own.” I see

”You may leave.” He bowed again and left the room. Akiko also left the room. I continued with my work when she walked up to me.

”Why do you need me here?” I didn't look at her.

”I need to keep my eyes on you.” I heard her sigh. She sat down on the chair. She was silent. She doesn't want to talk to me now? The day went on without a single word coming out of her mouth. It was well-past lunch time when I decided to stop. Yukina! She must be hungry. I looked over at her and she was fast asleep. She is truly beautiful. Her rosy cheeks, her long eyelashes, her plump lips. I just want her for myself. But… I went out to the dining hall. I ordered Akiko to bring lunch to Yukina in the study.

[The Empress' View]

I woke up feeling sore. I forgot I fell asleep in the chair. My body hurts. I stretched my arms and legs. I glanced over the entire room. Sora's gone. Now's my chance to escape. I went out of the study and jumped to the roof of it. I jumped roof to roof until I arrived at my room. I quickly went inside and hid myself. He's going to look for me once he finds out I'm not there anymore. It seemed stupid but I hid under the bed. No one's going to think that I'm stupid enough to hide under the bed, so I'll do just that.

A few moments go by and I heard footsteps. Sounds like guards are running around the palace. They must be looking for me. The door to my room opened and I could hear Aino's voice.

”Yukina, are you here?” Sorry Aino, I know you're just doing your job but I'm not going back there.

”She's not here.” Aino shouted to the guards. Ha-ha suckers! Once I heard the door closed, I climbed out from under the bed.

I need to change clothes. I'll be easily found if I wear this. I looked around and found one of Aino's outfits. I changed into it and then I tied my hair back. Where should I go? I can't leave the palace or else my father will be in hot water. Aha! I can hide by the wisteria bush. I checked if the coast was clear before I went out. Seems clear. I swiftly jumped on the rooftop and scanned the area. It was clear so I jumped from rooftop to rooftop until I reached the gazebo.

I jumped down and ran as fast as I could. I saw the small clearing through the trees and I dashed toward it. I made it. I was on my way to the top when I heard voices. Sounds like Tori. I hid behind some of the trees and waited for her to pass by. As expected, it was her. She had wisteria flowers in her hand.

”Brew this and give it to the Empress. I can't believe she's still alive after drinking this. I think we need a stronger mix. I picked a lot of petals this time so make sure to brew it all.” She ordered her maid. She was trying to poison me. But why? I don't see why she would want to kill me. She and her servant left and I went out of my hiding spot. I went up to the wisteria bush and looked over the lake.

Let me try figuring this out. Tori said she was at Shijo Bridge when I had the accident. She said her maid alarmed her when I drowned. But Karin said she was serving both Tsuya and Tori on that day because Tori's maid was sick. This doesn't make sense. She was acting weird too when I visited her in her room. Could it be her? Could she be the culprit? But what is her motive? I stayed there until it was dark. I looked down at the lake and something caught my eye. Something was glimmering by the edge of the lake. It wasn't the moonlight's reflection. It was something different. Maybe I should go take a look at that.

I waited until the garden was calm. I think the guards have stopped looking for me. I walked down the path and exited the hideout. I went over to the edge where I saw the glimmering object. I looked down and saw something. Is it a pendant? It must be from a necklace or a bracelet perhaps. There's only one way to find out. I dove down to grab it.

When I held it in my hand, I immediately swam up to the surface. I climbed out of the water and lied down on the grass.

I dangled it over my face and observed it.

It looks like a jade necklace. Who would throw this in the water? Suddenly, my head started to hurt. Memories flashed in and out of my head.

[Flashback]

”I give this to you my Empress. As a gift for your birthday.” Sora said while placing the necklace around my neck.

”I am much honored to receive a gift from you, your majesty.” I bowed down at him. He gave me a gift on my birthday. I must be special to him.

[End of Flashback]

This necklace is mine. It must've fallen here when I drowned. It's a good thing I found it. It was getting cold and I was drenched so I decided to head back to my room. When I arrived, Aino was pacing the room. When she saw me, she immediately ran to me.

”Yukina, where have you been? Everyone's been looking for you. The Emperor is worried.” He's worried? I doubt it.