Empress (A Tickle Commission)

The Lost Princess Returns

Ai Bai became diligent in her duties over the days in isolation, confined to the princess's bed chamber. She focused marginally on cleaning and organizing Yuanji's space. Eventually, Ai was tidying what was still proper, cleaning what had not a speck of dust, and tending to virtually nothing just to pass the time. The hours lingered longer as the days crawled by in relative solitude. She became especially wary of any noise made beyond the chamber door and became well acquainted with the space behind Yuanji's dressing partisan. Every minute became another wherein she could be uncovered, where her deeds as charading as Yuanji would be unveiled, surely resulting in punishments for her and her sister that she dared not think about.

Ai stood reflecting on her time and service to the royal family atop the princess's personal balcony. She gazed out, overlooking the flowery groves below. A rolling storm rumbled over the woods to the South. Flashes of light sparked through the clouds, their roars closing in slowly. Ai shivered. She clenched the robe draped over her shoulders tightly around her. As the door to the bed chamber began to open, she turned and threw a hood up over her head. She dashed toward Yuanji's wardrobe, hiding behind it.

"Ai," Sima Yi whispered loudly before entering. "It's me, you're fine." Ai's small face peered from around the dark corner. Sima entered, his own robe elegant and adorned as per his role as Yuanji's advisor. He sat down a pot of tea and a cup on a tray. His hands shook. His eyes were dark and sunken.

"Sir," Ai said. Her voice was no louder than the squeak of a mouse scurrying behind the walls. She stepped forward and bowed. Sima sighed.

"How are you doing?" he asked. Ai rose solemnly. She started to answer in her usual, cordial manner, but paused. Her tongue had been gripped by the concern smeared across her face.

"How much longer?" she asked. Sima turned away, looking to the balcony.

"I don't know,'' he said. "I wish I did." Ai rubbed her arm. Her eyes glanced anxiously at the door.

"I keep thinking that the Emperor might find out somehow," Ai said. Sima poured the servant a cup of tea. He handed it to her, still steaming. Ai held it close, letting the warmth of the clay cup envelope her palms.

"I know," Sima said with a heavy sigh. "I'm working hard to make sure that doesn't happen. Just stay low. If anything happens, I'll take the blame." Ai took a sip of tea.

"I hope the princess returns soon," Ai said. Sima nodded.

"I'll relieve you as soon as she does," Sima said. "And I'll see to a just reward for you and your sister for your service and discretion." Ai looked up from her cup.

"Oh, you don't-"

"Ai, I mean it," Sima said, stopping her with an insistent glance. "I know this hasn't been easy for you. The princess and I can't thank you enough for what you've been doing. Though she is being a bit too indulgent, as she is, I know she cares." Ai smiled and bowed for Sima.

"Thank you, sir," Ai said more cheerfully than before. Sima adjusted his robe and sucked in a deep breath.

"Anything else you need before I take my leave?" Sima asked. Ai shook her head.

"No, sir," she said. "Thank you."

"Very well," said Sima, turning for the door. "I'll check in on your sister and be back in a few hours."

"Oh thank you," Ai repeated. "It's been hard without her company, I'll admit."

"Then maybe I can bring her by later too," said Sima with a warm grin. Ai beamed and bowed once more.

"Thank you, sir!" she said. Sima nodded happily and took his leave from the room in an anxious hurry.

Out in the palace halls, Sima Yi's brisk pace had been dulled to a watchful stroll. Every step was another closer to the Emperor and Empress and another farther away from protecting the princess's secret escape out into the commonwealth. Since Yuanji left the palace, he dared not distancing himself too far from her bed chambers where Ai remained to help conceal her disappearance. His eyes shifted, raw and weary, and every noise and at every intrusion. Faint wisps of sleep came as fleetingly as they went. His mind stayed on Yuanji, far more concerned with her safety than of facing the consequences of hiding her deed from her parents.