Chapter 89: Black-Hearted
SOPHIA
"So what are we to do with the Willowmarches and the Pagemoores?" asked my Uncle Benton.
I think the question was rhetorical. The expression on the Emperor’s face was a cold as the Jade Mountains.
"We didn’t betray you, Your Imperial Majesty," said Mrs. Pagemoore. "Taking back those things that once belonged to the Pagemoores is not a crime."
"Killing my sister is," said Uncle Benton. "I still haven’t figured out what exactly you four were up to, but I’m sure it’s no good. Eunuch Ye, see that these people---and the idiot sons---are taken to prison while we investigate the depth of their betrayal and lies."
The guards came and forcibly removed the Willowmarches and the Pagemoores (and their idiot sons). Eunuch Ye led the prison procession.
The Emperor waved his hand at the men and women in the Court. "We’re done for the day. Go home."
No one protested. In fact, I think they were vying on who could leave first. But my uncle had stopped paying attention to them. He turned to me and took my hands in his. "Now, my dear, we have much to discuss. But you look like a ghost. Haven’t you been taking care of my niece, Nathan? She looks too thin."
"She’s been ill of late, Your Imperial Majesty. It’s been a busy few days."
"More than a few days. Let’s go eat something delicious. We’ll talk. Oh, look Eunuch Ye is back. Ye send for my Noble Consort. Tell her to join us for a meal."
"Who is the Noble Consort?" I asked.
"The only woman in the palace I actually like. Let’s go."
The Emperor’s chambers were off the room we were currently in. We followed him through an ornately carved doorway, down a hallway and onto an outdoor platform that overlooked the Golden Lake.
Nathan held out a chair for me, and I sat. Uncle Benton sat nearest the railing, his gaze on the lake. I had a feeling he sought solace in this pavilion a lot.
"Ye, serve the dishes. Oh, there’s Celeste."
A beautiful woman, probably in her forties, entered the pavilion from an outside set of stairs. She wore a beautiful pink and gold robe. Her hair was pulled into an elegant double chignon. Her brown eyes were warm, and held fondness as she looked at the Emperor.
"My dear," said Uncle Benton. He rose to his feet and offered his arm.
She took it, reaching up on tippy toes to kiss his cheek. My uncle was obviously pleased by this show of affection. He pulled out the seat next to him and the Noble Consort sat.
"This is Celeste," said Uncle Benton. "And Celeste, this is my niece, Sophia, and her fiance Duke Nathan Stonehart."
"Delighted to meet both of you," said Celeste with a gentle smile. "Sophia, ever since Benton found out about your existence, he’s been over the moon."
"My younger sister was my best friend," said Uncle Benton. "Growing up in this palace was like living in a nest of vipers. We had each other’s backs. If Theodore Rosebright hadn’t been a good man, I would’ve never approved their marriage. I would keep Bellifer safe with me forever."
"I wish I could’ve met my mother," I said. "And my father. And my grandparents."
"And your little uncle Gable," said Uncle Benton. "He was an adopted son, but quite beloved by the Rosebrights. Theo and Bella doted on that boy."
The food arrived, and I watched in wonder as beautifully plated dishes were placed on the table. There was so many, I wondered if there would be room for them all. We were given gold bowls filled with rice and eating utensils.
"Eat more," said Uncle Benton as he put braised pork into my bowl. "You’re so thin, a strong wind would blow you into the sky."
Nathan placed a slice of chicken next to the pork. And Celeste added a tender bok choy. "Vegetables will do you good, too."
"Thank you, all," I said.
We ate in a comfortable silence. I put a piece of grilled steak into Nathan’s bowl, and he gave me such a sweet smile, I nearly melted into the floor.
"Quit giving my niece moon eyes," my uncle good-naturedly complained. "All that sweetness is making my teeth hurt."
"Oh, you," said Celeste, laughing. "You’re just as bad, you know."
My uncle put a chunk of fish into Celeste’s bowl. "Hush. I’m trying to impress my niece with my emperor-ness."
"I am very impressed," I said.
He smiled, and I saw his dimples. I looked like him, too. It was nice sharing features with a blood relative. I hadn’t really looked like the Pagemoores, and though I didn’t know I’d been "adopted," I had never felt like I was part of that family.
After we ate our fill, the plates were cleared. Tea and cakes were brought out. Celeste poured everyone a cup, and we sipped the delicious tea while relaxing. Golden Lake reflected the sun in such a way that it did look like shimmering gold.
Despite the winter weather, the pavilion was quite pleasant.
"I think you should go inside," said Nathan. "You shouldn’t sit in the cold for much longer."
"I’ll have Dr. Rhine come take a look at her," said my uncle. "He’ll know which tonics will improve her health. You two will stay in the palace for the next few days while the investigation is ongoing. Sophia, you will eat well and rest well. We’ll get you plumped up in no time."
"She needs clothes," said Celeste. "I’ll ask the Imperial tailors to pay us a visit. What kind of entertainment do you like, Sophia? Chess? Painting?"
"I do like to paint," I said. "But there hasn’t been much time for it."
"I’ll send you canvases and supplies," said Celeste. "You won’t be bored, I promise."
"You’ll stay in your mother’s palace," said my uncle. "Nathan, I’ll give you---"
"I will stay with Sophia."
My uncle looked startled. "You’re not married. Staying in the same living quarters is unacceptable."
"Then it’s unacceptable, but I’m still staying there."
"We’re innocent," I told my uncle. "But please don’t separate us, Uncle Benton."