Chapter 24 - His Warning

“Why don’t you two join us for lunch later today?” Prince Kin asked invitingly. He seemed like a nice guy.

I was about to open my mouth to answer him when Ren cut in with a cold voice.

“Maybe another day. Excuse us,” Ren rejected Prince Kin’s offer without a second thought. Turning to address the emperor and the empress, he bowed, and I quickly did the same.

“Wait, Ren!” the emperor called out behind us.

Breathing out a silent sigh, Ren slowly turned back to face his father.

“Yes, Father?” Ren asked, trying his best to hide his annoyance.

“I have arranged a trip for you and Lady White Lotus to the holiday palace in Luwin province. It is not far from here but you two can relax and enjoy the hot springs there. Please make sure you leave on holiday together tomorrow. I will not expect you to be back for three days. That is all,” the emperor declared. It was clear from his tone that this was more or an order than a suggestion and his decision was final.

Ren and I must go on a trip to the hot springs together?

“…Certainly. Thank you for the generous offer,” Ren replied formally.

“Don’t worry about your royal duties…just focus on your Lady,” the emperor stressed, making his intent crystal clear.

“Yes, Your Majesty,” Ren answered firmly before bowing.

After that Ren literally dragged me behind him as he quickly walked out the hall’s exit. I wonder what was wrong with him, he seemed to be in a bad mood ever since Prince Kin arrived. I didn’t dare ask him though.

“Where are we going?” I asked softly.

Ren didn’t answer my question although I was certain that he heard me. With a firm grip on my hand, he continued to pull me along the path after him. By this time, I was convinced that Ren was in a very bad mood.

“Are we going back to the White Lotus Palace?” I asked in a timid voice. I hope he doesn’t explode with anger but the silence between us was making me uncomfortable, so I decided to ask a question.

“Just be quiet,” Ren muttered.

After a short while of walking behind Ren, I started to look around and realized that we had entered a place that must be a garden of some sort. It was beautifully arranged and had a small lake in the center. Leading me to a gazebo on the side of the lake, Ren finally stopped walking and released my hand from his grip.

“Umm…Ren?” I called his name questioningly. Why did he bring me here? Looking at the beautiful scenery around us, I couldn’t help but be overcome with a sense of peace. The trees surrounding this area was tall, the grass a beautiful lush green, the lake water was clear and I could see some fishes and there were so many pink lotus flowers in the water.

Slowly Ren turned to face me. His face was stern and very serious, and it gave me the chills. I wonder what was wrong and why did he bring me here. I was sure he didn’t bring me here to simply enjoy the scenery together.

“Stay away from Prince Kin,” Ren said sternly as a shadow fell across his handsome features.

“What?” I said, unable to fully comprehend his warning.

“I said…stay away from Kin,” Ren repeated himself this time stressing each word.

“I heard what you said…but why do I have to do that? Prince Kin...he seemed to be nice and friendly,” I asked, clearly confused.

“You are my woman, and you will do as I say. You will stay away from my brother. You will not talk to him even if spoken to and you will not be alone with him. Is it clear?”

“Umm…” I hesitated. The conditions seemed a little harsh. I mean, how can I not reply if the prince speaks to me?

I let out a small cry when Ren suddenly grabbed my arm and pulled me closer to him. He stared down at me with intimidating eyes.

“Look at me,” Ren commanded, his voice cold.

I gulped and slowly lifted my face to look him directly in the eyes. His eyes were cold and void of emotions. It was scarier than if he was angry.

“Tell me that you promise to do as I say,” Ren commanded as he locked eyes with mine. I felt my lips go dry.

“I…promise…” I whispered in defeat.

“Good. Let’s go,” Ren said as he let go of my arm, seemingly satisfied.

I wonder why Ren was so serious about keeping me away from his brother, but I didn’t dare to ask.

“Are we going back to the palace now?” I asked. I could use some rest right now. Everything is stressing me out.

“Yes, we need to prepare for our trip. Tomorrow we head out at dawn,” he stated dispassionately.

The trip didn’t sound like it was going to be an enjoyable one. Ren was clearly just doing this to follow the emperor’s orders. I had never been invited to a holiday trip before, but I doubt this was how it usually went down.

…

Auntie Chen couldn’t stop smiling and congratulating me once she learned from Ren that the emperor had prepared a holiday trip for us. According to her, this has never been done before and apparently, this was the first time that Ren was willingly going along with the emperor’s plan. I didn’t want to burst her bubble and break it to her that Ren was probably willing to go along because we have colluded to pretend to be a couple. Fooling the world was our main mandate to both survive…for now.

I watched as Auntie Chen busied herself packing everything that she thought was essential for the trip. Looking at the endless trunks filled with clothing and other things, I believed that Auntie Chen had a different definition from mine on what was considered essential for a trip. At one point, she had a guard help her shove several red decorative lamps and then carpets into the trunk and it felt like we were moving house rather than going on a short trip.

For one, I didn’t know how we were going to transport all the things that she’d pack along with us. Which led to another question, I didn’t know who would be accompanying us on this trip. I mean, it wouldn’t just be Ren and I alone, right?

--To be continued....