Chapter 19 - Reunited

“Lastly, here is a small gift for you,” Auntie Chen said as she handed me a small bottle containing some liquid inside.

“And this is…?” I asked as I hesitantly took the bottle from her hand.

“This is a special oil that will enhance his pleasure and lessen the pain for you upon his entry into your love flower. Let me help you apply it in between your legs…” Auntie Chen calmly stated like this was and probably is the norm.

Ok, so this thing oil is like lubrication. Not like I will be needing such thing because I am not going to engage in any sexual activities with Ren tonight or any other night. Auntie Chen approached me, and I recalled the rest of her words from just now. No!

“No no no…I can apply the oil myself. Thank you…like really, thank you…” I quickly protested before this mad old woman proceeded with spreading my leg to apply the oil to my private area. This is crazy.

“Are you sure? Don’t forget everything I’ve taught you. I’m so sorry that we have so little time to prepare for your big night. This is the first time that a woman is chosen to spend the night with the crown prince her on first day of joining his harem. Usually, it can take years…if it ever happens. The crown prince can be…a challenge…to please” Auntie Chen said with a huge sigh. I can’t say that I sympathize with her though.

…

The only silver lining in all of this is that Ren and I will dine alone together before we spend the night together which gave me the perfect excuse to act like the most caring lover.

After some looks of confusion and hesitation, I managed to get a young maid to tell me where the kitchen of this palace was located. I walked off towards the kitchen as I ignored her confused look as I felt her eyes on my back as I walked away.

“Hi there. I’m here to check up on the dinner preparation. Since the crown prince will be here to dine with me, I wish to ensure that everything is perfect,” I stated in a firm voice as I looked around the kitchen at more than ten cooking staffs.

It seemed that they were preparing a feast for us. I would kill just to go home and enjoy my humble home-cooked food than to enjoy a feast here. I sigh a little as I looked around searching for what I originally came for.

With the pretense of checking out each and every dish that was being cooked, I walked around the kitchen searching for an opportunity to secretly steal a knife. Tonight, might be the only chance that I would be alone and close to Ren. If I wanted answers or revenge, this was the best time to get both. This is the price I’ll make him pay for using me like a tool after I went to the trouble of saving his life and treating him.

I bit my lip and clenched my hands tightly as my anger took over. Pretending to comment on some dessert and fruit carvings, I slowly slid my hand around the hilt of a knife that was laying on the counter before hiding it from sight with my body. Now, I just need to slip out of here quietly without being noticed. That turned out to be easy as everyone was busy and rushing to complete their own chores.

“Lady Kamiya Rin has arrived,” Auntie Chen announced in her most ceremonious voice as she bowed over so low her head almost touched her ankle. You have to admire the flexibility that she possesses even at her age.

On cue, I slowly walked into the dining room where Ren was already seated at the large round table. I was sure that the clothing that was supposed to make me appear more graceful and ladylike just made me look weird and clumsy as I struggled to walk with the unfamiliar high-heel shoes.

I wasn’t sure what I expected when I saw Ren again but the solemn and absent-minded man sitting in robes made of silk and gold at the table didn’t feel quite right. His face was emotionless as he watched my every move until I sat opposite him on the round table. Without a word, he waved his hand to dismiss everyone in the room. After everyone else had left, it was just Ren and I in the large dining and silent dining room.

I swallowed at the tension that seemed to worsen now that we were alone. What should I say to him now? I couldn’t even bring myself to look at his face as I kept my face down, my hands clenched together tightly on my lap beneath the table. Crown Prince Ren was indeed very intimidating.

“So, fate is on our side,” Ren spoke up suddenly and I felt his eyes on me.

“I beg your pardon?” I answered in a silent whisper, confused at his words. Looking up, my eyes immediately met his.

“I wrote it down, didn’t I? ‘If fate is on our side, we would meet again’ and here we are…” Ren said with a sadistic grin as he kept his eyes on my face as if trying to read my reactions.

“Fate, huh?” I mumbled silently as if to myself. I wasn’t sure if he heard and frankly, I didn’t care.

“Eat,” Ren said in a commanding voice.

“I’m not hungry…” I replied softly.

“You look like you’re ready to faint any moment which would be a hassle. So, eat. Now,” Ren stated stiffly as he casually sipped his tea.

Slowly, I began to peck at the food. I was certain that the food tasted heavenly; however, I tasted and smelled nothing as I forced it down my throat. All the while Ren watched me with slightly narrowed eyes.

“How have you been?” Ren asked casually. As if he had no idea how I’ve been with the war and everything else that took place.

--To be continued....