10 Herecias Tes (1/2)
The persistent knocking on the door forced Koji's eyes to open.His body's fight-or-flight response activated, and Koji immediately became alert for danger.When he heard the knocking, Koji relaxed his body.After making sure he dressed properly, Koji quickly crossed the small room and answered the door.
”Good morning, Prince Consort,” the servant greeted with a deep bow.She was holding a basin of hot water, and a white towel hung on her left forearm.
The guest quickly stepped to the side, and the servant entered.She placed the container on the table and then the towel next to it.
”I will return when breakfast is ready,” the girl said and bowed again before leaving the room.
Koji used the water to wash his face and body, and then he sat on the ground and cultivated until the same servant summoned him again.He met Zelea in the hall.After exchanging polite greetings, the couple followed the servant to the banquet hall.To Koji's chagrin, they were the last members of the Royal Family to arrive at the table.
”Good morning, Koji!” King Aphraphus greeted with a booming voice and a bright smile.He was curious to see the condition of his son-in-law after their secret sparring session last night.The experienced warrior feared that Koji might have used too much of his meager Qi to impressed the king.However, he saw no ill effects on the young man, and Aphraphus was secretly impressed.
Koji offered a respectful palm-over-fist bow to the King and Queen.”Greetings, King Aphraphus and Queen Herecia.”Then he sat in his seat.
The King looked at his wife, who nodded.”Address us as father-in-law and mother-in-law,” he commanded.
”Yes, father-in-law,” Koji obeyed immediately.
The servants soon arrived with a separate tray for each person.
Koji looked at the tray before him and saw a big bowl of rice congee with preserved egg, sliced beef, and green onion.
Queen Herecia noticed the lingering look from Koji and explained, ”Unless there is a special occasion, we prefer to eat the same food as our subjects.This eating habit helps remind us that the royalty serves the people and vice versa.For breakfast, that means rice congee.”
”What did you normally eat back on Earth?” King Aphraphus asked.”Are you a toast-man or a cereal-man?”He grinned at the joke.
Koji shook his head.”I was a college student.My breakfast was a cup of green tea and a piece of orange or banana.”
The older man grimaced.No wonder the young man was skinny!
The four children continued eating without comment.However, in their hearts, three of them pitied Koji for being poor while the third person mocked him for his unfortunate background.
”It's fine.I don't eat that much, anyway,” Koji said with a shrug when he noticed the change in mood at the table.
”If you need a second bowl of congee, please ask a servant to bring it to you,” the queen replied in a sympathetic tone of voice.
The young man looked at her.”When will my examination take place?” he inquired.
”Right after breakfast,” she answered.
Koji nodded and concentrated on finishing his food.However, the bowl was too big, and he ate only half of the congee.Koji gently pushed the unfinished bowl away from him.
”Done already?” King Aphraphus said with furrowed brows.He leaned forward and peered at the bowl.He was surprised at how much congee remained.
”I'm sorry for wasting food.I am unaccustomed to eating congee for breakfast,” Koji answered with a grimace.
The king waved his massive hand.”Tut-tut.You are now part of the Royal Family.You CANNOT apologize for such a trifle matter!” Aphraphus admonished his son-in-law.
”Yes, father-in-law,” Koji nodded in understanding.He realized that he would need time to adjust to joining this family and acting as his station demanded.
First Prince Heretrios wiped his mouth with a napkin.He stood up and bowed to his parents.Without a word, he left the table.
Second Prince Cyreas quickly followed.
Third Princess Daethix Colarte Nephosia finally spoke up.”May I watch the examination, mother?” she requested politely.
”Of course, dear!” Queen Herecia replied with a smile.She turned toward Zelea.”You can watch, too, Zelea,” she added.
”Thank you, mother,” the adopted daughter replied with a deep bow.
”In that case, I'll watch, too,” King Aphraphus declared and laughed.
His wife gave him a side glance.”Are you sure?” she said quietly.
Seeing the serious expression on his wife's face, Aphraphus immediately stopped laughing.His mind soon returned to the past when he took an examination from the late Queen Nixelia Colarte Nephosia, Herecia's mother, to test Aphraphus' qualification to become Herecia's Bonder.He winced at the horror of the experience and swallowed.”On second thought, I need to check on Heretrios and his troops,” he laughed nervously.
His wife said nothing.But a faint smile appeared on her face.
When the Royal Family finished their breakfast, Queen Herecia led Koji and the two princesses to a quiet garden on the far right side of the palace.At the center of this garden was a Peking willow tree and under it was a Chinese Zither instrument on a floor mat.Approximately ten feet away from the musical instrument, there were several rocks lined in a semi-circle and smoothed to serve as seats.
Queen Herecia walked across the garden and sat behind the zither.”Please sit,” she invited with a smile.
Koji, Zelea, and Daethix sat on the rocks.
The queen started playing the instrument, and soon, soothing musical notes drifted into the listeners' ears.After Queen Herecia warmed up her fingers, she looked at Koji.”The test is simple: touch my zither,” she said with a smile.