The Emperor's Rose

Chapter 8 // Dying Sun

Aiko followed the Emperor, her eyes trailing on the back of his shiny robes, lost in thought. They halted in front of the doors of the Emperor's private chambers. Aiko started observing the beautifully decorated doors since the last time she had been too scared to take note of her surroundings. This time she could study them carefully, her eyes jumping on every little detail.

A captivating Phoenix was painted on the doors. It was made up of gentle strokes of red and yellow, its tail was long and, it stretched to the bottom of the doors. Green emeralds served as eyes for the firebird. In the centre of its burning red chest, the dynasty's emblem, a rose engulfed in flames, had been painted.

The Emperor glided through the doors without a second glance at the intricate decoration, used to its beauty.

Aiko started lifting her hand, about to touch it. Just as her fingertips brushed the polished surface, the Emperor's voice came from inside. "Hurry!" He snarled, his voice sharp.

Aiko winced and hurried past the doors, shooting one last glance at the Phoenix.

She found the Emperor lying on his huge bed, sinking amongst the covers. Aiko glanced towards her right. The study. A large desk with a brush and an ink stone were situated in the centre. Stacks of books and scrolls were placed on the book shelves around the room, some in piles, others thrown chaotically on the floor. They were so many Aiko could read for all her life and still not finish them. The next door was closed. Aiko vaguely remembered that it was the bathroom. She then turned and looked at the main room. It was magnificent.

Blooming cherry blossoms had been painted on the walls by skillful painters. Two screen doors opened to reveal a wonderful, hot spring with petals of the peach trees surrounding it floating in the steamy water. It looked like a painting. The steam from the warm water curved upwards, disappearing in the grey sky.

The Emperor's large bed was situated in the center of the room, and positively dominated the room, forcing attention, just as its owner did. The bed had red silk covers draped over it; a fire dragon sewn on the center.  

The Emperor smiled at her amazement, frowning at himself after he realized he had smiled. He didn't like that, quickly suffocating his smile. Aiko turned her head and glared at the Emperor, cursing herself for placing herself in this situation.

The Emperor's glare hardened, not wanting her to feel even a slight spark of happiness. "Bow." He said coldly, his hands pointing to the floor. He needed to forget the smile he had so casually let slip out. To do that, he would make her suffer. Just a bit, enough to restore his façade. Aiko did as she was told, anger thrumming in her veins. Even if this shattered her pride, it would hurt less than another slap from him. The Emperor felt a pure sense of satisfaction glide over him. The maid could bite and kick all she wanted but she was still a maid. His maid.

Aiko could feel his superiority roll off him in waves. They crashed against her, slicing her. She knew he was grinning, his sharp canines glittering. Aiko couldn't to bow down anymore and lifted her gaze, her eyes shimmering, wanting to show the Emperor she wasn't someone he owned.

Time dripped to stillness as their eyes met, etching forever in their memories. Aiko realised with shock it was late afternoon. The sun was already setting. The warm light flooded the room. The Emperor looked beautiful. Breathtaking. The darkness seemed to evaporate from his grey eyes. They glimmered softly. His lips looked soft and full. The Emperor looked normal. He didn't repulse Aiko as much as he did before, in the hall. Aiko hated to admit it, but he looked like a God.

Meanwhile, the Emperor looked at Aiko.
Her dark hair shimmered. It looked like black silk as it rested over her shoulder. Her eyes glinted captivatingly in the soft light, the red flecks illuminating them. He saw determination in her face, but kindness in her soul as well.
They stared at each other, lost in the moment. Strange nostalgic familiarity danced around both of their eyes, keeping them locked in this bubble of still time. Memories just out of reach taunted them, laughing when they couldn't remember what they were, disappearing in the sunlight. 

 The Emperor wanted to whisper her name, but he held back, pressing his lips shut.

The Emperor slowly slipped off his bed and started walking towards Aiko. Unsure of what he was doing.  Aiko stayed still, watching him through her eyelashes. The Emperor kneeled down, glancing at her face. His eyes were clear, and simply observing her with a spark of interest in his eyes.

The Emperor felt slightly attracted to this woman, that treated him like someone from her home village, and not the ruler of the county. Aiko had briefly forgotten how the Emperor had managed to make her cry and lash out more than anyone in just two days.

Right now, they weren't maid or Emperor. Just two people, curious about the other, friends from a previous life perhaps, long forgotten in the passage of time, but the feeling of knowing the other still familiar to their beating hearts. That is, until the doors swung open.  

A male servant was standing in the doorway, his eyes wide as he realized he had interrupted something. He bowed down. "Your bath is ready, Your Majesty."

The Emperor blinked and abruptly pulled away. So did Aiko, lowering her head again, not sure of what had just happened. The moment was shattered, gone, the fragments lying at their feet, and echos of forgotten nostalgia whispering in their ears. 

"You should have knocked!" He yelled, standing up.
The servant stayed still, his hands trembling. The Emperor huffed and rubbed his temples.
"You are dismissed." He headed towards the door, glaring at the servant walking away, before turning around, and looking at Aiko over his shoulder.

(Credits to the rightful owner of the picture)