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In a blink of an eye, the lasting weeks swiftly fly by. Various eventful days have been spent with Kiyi coming over to my place for our promised playdates. Other than that, most days were considerably wearisome. When the luminescent moon arose, however, that is when most utmost entertainments began. Sneaking out from the window at night has instantly converted a routine, one which Nuan is presently familiar with. She has, not once, questioned my nightly departure, nor does she persist on a thorough description of it the morning after. I am rather thankful for her part, privacy is scarce -discluding the face secretion- my mother has always been meddlesome and wanting to be informed of every single activity I partake. Much like my father, she does so for my security. This is undoubtedly entirely reasonable, although some withdrawal from constant surveillance is very much desired.
Once again, like every other dusk, I descend from the open window, using the cemented roofs to safely settle on the lawn. My heart thumping increased, immediately hastening my strides towards the accustomed turtle duck pond. Subconsciously, an enraptured smile blossoms on my appearance at the mere thought of Lee. I realized, over time, that I have become remarkably affectionate of the hooded man. The duke, at the beginning of our consort opening, has declared not to initiate any relationship until the Fire Lord has chosen the preferred partner. Accordingly, I am not breaking the rule given to us. No forbidden relationship has been commenced, my feelings are yet to be unravelled.
Although Fire Lord Zuko, on the other hand, is a charming sweetheart, it felt as though I have not entirely connected with him. The moments by the palace's garden and the tea shop permitted me to only see fragments of him. More time is required for one to be wooed, I certainly did not spend as much with him as I did with Lee, ultimately unable from genuinely taking interest on the Fire Lord as a beloved.
As I draw closer to the pond, I immediately notice the lack of presence. I lean against the massive stone located near the turtle duck pond, like most nights, he will be appearing after I do. I cannot imagine how heavy his workloads are, for him to always be frequently arriving later. Truthfully, I did not mind it at all, I became accustomed to it, additionally, in the end, he always comes.
Glancing towards tonight's clear sky, I take in the breathtaking glistering scenery displayed before me. Minutes passed while continuously staring at the dark distance, my back now pressed against the ground. A prolonged sigh leaves my lips, closing my eyes on the process, as I momentarily wondered about Lee's whereabouts. Perhaps I have jinxed myself, he should have come awhile ago.
I allow my mind to drift off -while also remaining to wait for Lee- upon the upcoming party occurring within the palace, held by the Fire Lord as an opportunity for consorts to attend in their most impressive and eye-catching attire. In fact, it will happen tomorrow, the stated man is said to make a selection by that night, for he will have to declare it the day after. A gorgeous yet simple hanfu was custom made for me, it took us several days to solely find a particular colour and design, my mother unquestionably desired it to be absolutely perfect. An appointment with the most renowned salon was addressed weeks ahead, knowing the many other noble consorts would want to magnify their flawless, most desirable appearance in front of the Fire Lord.
Watching the swimming turtle ducks, I apprehend how slow time is drifting. Before meeting Lee, it would have been natural to me, sitting alone and quietly viewing the lovable creature. However, now, the loneliness pains as I especially crave to spend time with him. With another feeble sigh, I stood up to retrieve back home. Today is possibly the shortest amount of time spent by the pond. Either way, I suppose, I should have a proper slumber unlike the other nights, I feel my body shudder at the thought of my mother lashing out if any eyes bags become apparent tomorrow.
