Flower In the Palace

Chapter 6: Prince Jai

Because I'm so closely watched, it's been next to impossible to get away with anything though. The last time I got caught trying to sneak out of the palace father had yelled until his face became flushed.

Mother had cried in fear of every vice known to man befalling me and showered me in guilt. I'd been made to study a few extra hours each day for a week and that was the extent of my punishment.

My attendants hadn't gotten off as easy. And because I'd been going in search of my brother, he too had felt the sharp edge of our father's tongue although he hadn't been the one to instigate my attempted escape.

If I get caught this time there is no telling what father would do to me, or more to the point my attendants, let alone my dear brother. The thought did give me pause, but I felt an unexplainable need to try just one more time.

I'd woken up this morning full of excitement. The feeling was almost as intense as the one I get on my birthday when I know there's going to be gifts and the huge celebration my parents always plan for me.

Though today isn't as auspicious, it was the first day of spring. The palace servants had been bustling with activity for the past few days in preparation for the grand festival planned at the palace.

I had no real interest in the banquet other than hoping my parents didn't miss me on the dais and send out a search party. I'm hoping they'd be too preoccupied to notice.

If all goes as planned I can sneak away for a little while and return before anyone notices that I'm gone. I had no fear of my attendants sounding the alarm since they would be in more trouble than I if my absence was noted.

After the long cold winter, it was finally warm enough outside for me to take up my favorite pursuits. Things that were all forbidden to the future heir to the throne.

Like climbing the persimmon trees in the imperial garden. Or trying to get over the wall to the city. Most of all I'd missed the smell and feel of early spring and collecting plum blossoms for mother to keep in her favorite jade vase next to her bed.

I made sure the coast was clear before grabbing the bag of snacks I'd filched earlier and snuck down the corridor. There were so many twists and turns in the palace that it was easy to get lost; if you were anyone else but I that is.

I knew every nook and cranny, every secret chamber; well in my palace anyway. I still hadn't found all the ones in my father's, or grandfather's palace as yet, which was another one of my favorite pastimes.

I could hear in the distance the sound of the musicians tuning up their instruments and the excited chatter of the many servants that carried on the wind.

I didn't hold much interest in the festivities, but they were a good cover for what I had planned for today. This time I was hoping to make it off the palace grounds without being caught.

Outside the day was sunny and bright, with a clear blue sky with no hint of clouds. I heard voices headed in my direction and ducked behind a balustrade until the maids passed.

I hadn't taken into consideration how busy this side of the palace would be due to the preparations for the feast, but that too worked in my favor.

Since everyone was so busy trying to get things set up just right, and they wouldn't recognize my clothing, they just might think I was one of the other guests if they happened to catch a glimpse of me.

I grinned once I cleared my own private garden and made my way towards Orchid palace. For some reason, this has always been my favorite residence.

Maybe because my father had built it for my mother when she first came here as his crown princess many years ago. He was one of the lucky few among the royal family who actually got to marry the one he loved.

The palace he'd had built showed his affection for the young girl mother had been back then when they first met. The gardens were among the most beautiful on the palace grounds because mother is a lover of nature, like me.

I was able to relax now that I had reached this place. It has been long unoccupied and no one else dares trespass here, which meant I had the place to myself.

I didn't stop to explore as I usually do though. Today I had another purpose for choosing the Orchid Palace. Its close proximity to the farthest wall from the gathering crowd.