Roses Of An Empire

Chapter 2

Chapter 2

"Sayuri you are first"

Sayuri : Sagittarius ♐️

Keeper of the months of Nov. 21 - Dec.21st

Symbol: Archer

Element: Fire

Sayuri's POV:

" Yuri? whats on your mind?" My sister Leanza asked pulling me away from my thoughts.

" Goddess Sayuri? May I speak with you for a moment?" The high priest called. Leading me out of the Angel fortress we entered the garden of essence.

"What is it you wish to talk about high priest"

"There's one thing you need to know before your quest my goddess."

"Okay which is?"  I urged.

"You have to hide your identity. Your powers will be sealed and only the basic will remain to help you in the time of need. But only when you're in desperate need of help."

"Great so what do I have to rely on?"

"Your inner strength. Not only will you be alone my goddess but you are to serve a royal family. Now you are to stick with this family. However their outcome of fate. You can't interfere with it. Do you understand?"

"Sayuri? Do you understand?"

I was slowly starting to get annoying by him and his high demands but eventually I agreed. I just wanted to get this over with already.

"Okay so how will this work."

"You are to descend and be born into a family. There you will live out your days. Now since you're a celestial being. You may only be gone for 3 months max over here but down in the mortal realm you are to try and meet the severed soul before your 20th Birthday.

If you were to fail then you will ascend back to the celestial realm. So give it your best shot.

Yuri is a beautiful girl with a wild personality. Shes optimistic and knows how to dream big, not to mention shes honest.

She had beautiful topaz eyes. Blue and black ombré hair that extended past her butt, She had very defined features.

"High Priest, I am anxious about this task but may I ask. Why am I first?"

"Soluna thought that you should be first. You are bold and brave enough to face the mortal world yourself."

" Soluna wanted you to go first. Now I know not of the timeline but she had a vision that this was going to be the most challenging timeline out of all the other lifetimes. She was confident that you would know what to do. Will you still question her decision?"

"I suppose not. So when do I descend?"

" Acella"

Acella - A star system in Sagittarius, Usually in December.

Upon waiting for Acella. Sayuri decided to pay a visit to Valeria. (Virgo)

She headed towards the cliff where you could watch the endless starry universe.

"Valeria must be on duty" Yuri thought out loud but still made her way toward the cliff.

"Sayuri dear! what brings you by?"

"I shouldn't need a reason to come visit my darling sister. Now should I?"

"Now no need to be smart with me Sai-sai" I ignored her ridiculous nickname and started dazing off. I watched the stars start to align in their place to greet the night sky for the mortal realm.

"Sayuri? What seems to trouble you sister?."

"I just don't know how- why. I mean I just came back from seeing the high priest. I am the first timeline." She settled down com

"That's great! but you dont seem very happy about it." Of course she would be excited about it. he actually would've volunteered to go first if that was a choice.

"I'm more nervous. Like what timeline in the mortal realm am I going to be in. I know I am to look for the severed soul but I can't help but wonder what if I don't even encounter this mortal."

Valeria didn't say much she continued to listen to my worries and predictions.

"You know, you always had your mind set on something and I know deep down you hate this. You hate watching. Overlooking the urge to cast down to the mortal realm to figure out how they live."

" Yuri, You are fighting yourself and perhaps you arent scared of the quest itself, you are afraid that it wont live up to the expectations you had in mind"

I didn't know she knew anything about my strolls but from what she is telling me is that she knew all along. Maybe I was overthinking this. I just don't know if I am ready to face that challenge.

"Doesn't really matter now does it? I am set to descend in Acella (December) When the celestial realm shines the brightest in the eyes of a mortal. That isn't very long."

" Valeria?" I had realized that she was no where to be found. Some sister talk.

' Don't think of this as a quest, You never know what lies ahead.'

I smiled gently before making up my mind. I didn't wait a second longer before entering the Garden of Essence

"Ahh Goddess Sayuri, What brings you by?" The high priest asked. Had a smug smile across his face. Seems like he knew the answer to my visit.

"I'm Ready"

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960 Song Dynasty (CHINA)

There was once a princess, born of wealth and royalty. She was the oldest among her sisters. She was very independent, she didn't need anyone, nor did she want one. Her name was Mei Ying. Mei Ying was out wondering the Garden where she would spend her days usually playing the flute or often times sing.

Her servant was name Ai. She was as shy and kind hearted as they can get. She was sold to the royal family ever since she was 5. She learned the ways rather quickly and since she was the same age as the princess the king had decided to place her as Mei Ying's servant.

"Ai? do you want to be married?" Mei and Ai were in the garden overlooking the pond in front of them.

" Forgive me gongzhu but I don't know what you mean?" Mei turned to face Ai. Ai must've realized what she had said to the princess and immediately got down on her knees and apologized.

Def: Gongzhu - Princess

" Gongzhu Spare me please! I did not mean to offend you!"

"Ai. You know how I feel when you do that, now get up please." She helped Ai up off the floor. She looked at Ai while straightening out the hem of her dress that had gotten wrinkled a bit from the sudden movement.

" What I meant Ai was, do you seek a husband?" Ai had thought about it long and hard. Since she was a servant her freedom can only be granted if she got married or if the person she worked under let her go.

"Well to be honest I have thought about it Gongzhu, But Who would ever want a servant like me? You take good care of me, I couldn't dare to leave your side." Ai answered confidently. Mei noticed that she hide her smile afterwards.

" Ai you know I would let you go if you were to get married. Your happiness means a lot to me and you know that."

" Gongzhu!" Ai said as tears brimmed. She looked at Mei with such admiration. She knew how kind the princess was.

Mei took Ai's hands in hers. She smiled gently and turned her over to Ai's beloved.

"Gongzhu? I-"

" Like I said your happiness is all that matters to me. Thank you for being my friend even when no one else wanted to be. You kept me sane inside these palace walls. I will always remember you. I wish you best of luck on your new journey. "

Mei had placed a hair pin in Ai's hands before she was escorted out of the palace walls. Ai's didn't want to go. She heavily dragged her feet in hopes that it would slow down her movements.

Mei had smiled kindly and motioned her to go on. Ai couldn't contain her tears any longer. She silently let the tears fall as she was in the arms of her beloved who was more than happy that his bride was finally in his arms.

Mei made her way towards the corridor. She ran into her youngest sister. Daughter of the 3rd concubine Ling,

" Mei Ying! What a surprise to see you over here" Mei knew what she was up to, ling wasn't exactly easy to get along with but she was easy to read.

" I believe I should ask you the same thing Ling. This isn't your corridor"

" I am aware, I just wanted to visit you that's all" Mei was going to catch her in her own lie but she decided that she didn't have the energy to put up with Lings idiocy.

"Never mind that, you may see yourself out. I am far to busy and well I am feeling a little under the weather, now excuse me Ling."

" oh I get it, you're saddened because your only "friend" has gotten married and you had no choice but to grant her freedom. Poor soul. Oh well hopefully you can find a replacement. Wouldn't want anything to happen and no one to report to the majesty."

Mei knew she didn't like Ling but the disrespect that she has to tolerate from her is too much. 

"Was that a threat I hear Ling?"  Ling didn't back down. Even though deep down she was a little scared of Mei

"Take it however you want. I'll deny everything. Oh but I must be heading out. My mother is waiting for me in her chambers ta-Ta!"

Mei entered her chambers she decided to practice her calligraphy. Mei ended up writing in her journal that she had kept hidden inside a secret compartment behind her chamber walls.

" I let her go today, Ai. I know that I am once again alone. She deserved to be happy. That's all I ever wanted for her. I hope that she can learn to love her new life. I envy that about her though. She can start over and start clean. But I am to remain locked in the palace walls until the faithful day his majesty himself tells me who I am betrothed to. I have a confession to make though. I was the one who hired Ai's husband. He was the only one I trusted enough to get her as far away from the palace walls as possible. I did it because she's my friend. If she had known what terrible fate she was leading I am pretty sure she would've been executed by dawn. I couldn't let that happen. So I told his majesty that she was to wed. Granted permission for her to leave and she did and I told her to never look back. So she didn't . I don't regret that decision because it meant she gets to live out the rest of her days free. She deserves to be free."

"YOUR HIGHNESS THE KING HAS ARRIVED!" I cleared the table and answered.

Here in front of me stood my father King Zhao Feng, He was a distant father. Every time I was to have a conversation with him it was always short.

"Father" I bowed to show my respect. He showed me a fatherly smile and we both took our seats. My father motioned the servant to get us some tea.

"Mei, you become more beautiful every time I see you my dear."  I don't see the king often and when I do he seemed to have aged more and more as time goes by. It worries me.

" Your words are too kind father. What do I owe the pleasure for such a visit?" He pretended to be offended by my words.

"Can't I just visit my daughter at this time of day?"  He responded casually

"Forgive me for offending you father."

"Ease up my dear, I know you wouldn't say such a thing, You are far too kind hearted. Now on to business my child. I come bearing wonderful news."

I continued to pour his tea as well as my own. It was as if my hands went completely frozen. I looked up at my father, He was sitting there looking at me, waiting for my response.

" Pardon?"

" Qihuan Empire has proposed a unification of kingdoms. You are to wed his eldest son Shufeng."

" Father, I do not wished to be married." My fathers whole demeanor has changed after that statement.

" Mei, do you not realize how important unifying two kingdom is? two kingdoms ruled under one oath?! I shouldn't have to tell you many times you should already know! Why must you defy my orders?! This was the whole reason I even decided to keep you and groom you all these years!"

This isn't the first time father has mentioned marriage. Every time he tells me how useless I am my heart shatters little by little but I sit here and listen to him each time.

"  Father, I am sorry but I will not get married. You can do your worse but I am telling you now that I was not born to be just groomed and prepped for marriage!"

In an instant I felt a sharp sting on my right cheek. The sound of his hand against my skin must've sounded like thunder. With such force father continued to slap me. Each time the sting burning into my skin. Feeling the blood flow all over my body trying to numb the pain I am feeling.

" You are not worthy to be my daughter! If you still wish to disobey me I might not have a choice and will punish you, and believe me when I say I wont feel any remorse if I have to sentence my own flesh in blood to death. "

My father stormed out of my chambers with all 5 eunuch right on his tail. The servants didn't dare help me, they were terrified I am sure. No one has seen my fathers rage.

Lately although I hate to admit but he seems to pour his anger towards me. Only me.

I changed outfits to go down to the village. Usually when I am feeling down that's where I head over to.

" Mei ying?" I looked up to see my 4th brother scouting out books that he most likely got from the scholar.

" Boyan. What are you doing here?"

He held up the books, I figured. I am the oldest daughter of the king. I have 4 older brothers and 3 younger siblings. Of course we all have different mothers.

" Does father know you're wondering about outside the palace walls?" I asked, he was already reading deep into the literature.

" No my sweet sister, but I should ask you the same thing." He smirked, knowing that he would get a reaction out of me.

" Remember Mei ying, you are the oldest daughter of the King, You need to be careful."

I smiled a forced smile. Knowing my brother he is the type that would betray me in order to get ahead.

"Thank you for the concern big brother. But you should already know that I can get into trouble just as fast as I can get out of them."

The "brotherly" smile disappeared but then a mischievous smirk formed.

"Don't be quick to count your blessings now little sister. You never know what can happen and you might end up in the sinking end of the boat. He shot me a wink before getting up with his servant on his tail.

There I was sitting alone and my hands clenched into a fist. I got up and decided that I was going to stay out for a little while longer.

I walked around the village, looking at the lanterns that are on full display. I heard a pained voice coming from the woods. Knowing that nothing good would come out of me going to check it out but I didn't think much about it.

I am already considered the dishonorable eldest daughter of the emperor. Whats Rule Breaker added onto that list.

As I creeped closer to the sound I was correct about it being someone who is in pain but It sounded like a girl. As I tried to speed up my footsteps I see a silhouette. I studied her features a little longer and she was beautiful.

The kind of beauty that would be envied by anyone. She seemed distressed but also couldn't hide her annoyance.

" Oh come on High priest! you couldn't do a countdown or something? Uhh also wouldn't of hurt you to give me a soft landing."

She got up and dusted herself off, muttering incoherent words. She seemed to be walking towards somewhere away from the village. As her figure started to slowly get smaller, a voice from behind me caused me to jump in surprise.

"Gongzhu ? What brings you here? You shouldn't be outside of the palace this late at night. Here I will escort you back."

" How long have you been standing there?"

"Forgive me for overstepping your majesty" I ordered him to get back up because It is true that I wasn't even supposed to step foot out of the palace.

"Please get up, and also you never saw me today. You got it?"

With his head still hanging low she responded in understanding and I rushed off. I tried sneaking back into the palace through the south entrance but of course it was blocked off. Over off in the distance I see Boyan walking towards the southern gate.

"Guards! Is Gongzhu Mei Ying in her chambers?"

" Yes Sir! I haven't seen her leave the palace today,"

What is he plotting. He stood there caressing his chin. Then he looked at the guard and ordered him to lead him to my chambers.

I was in the state of panic. If he found out that the he had been lied to there will be blood shed and I would have to be the one to clean it up. I have to find a way to sneak back into my chambers without anyone finding out.

I was running out of time and ideas so I did the one thing that was actually one of the stupidest ideas I came up with. I marched directly towards the guards at the south gate.

"Gongzhu ! We thought- Yes I am aware. Now let me in."

"YES YOUR MAJESTY!" I scurried into the garden.That's the place that is near my chambers, knowing Boyan hasn't past it yet. Only father knows that if you cut through the garden it would lead you straight to my chamber doors.

I made it into my chambers and changed my garments into something that he didn't see me in today. The servants dazed and confused about the whole situation and speak of the devil .

" Gongzhu. Prince Boyan has requested to visted."

"Let him in." Moments later my brother appeared before me. He had a slight confused look on his face but what emotion I mostly detected was surprise. I know he wasn't expecting for me to be in my chambers. He had unclenched the fist that he had formed.

I looked over to the guard that had escorted him let out a sigh of relief trying to hide the sweat that was slipping down his face. You could tell he was nervous. Poor thing.

" So what do I owe this late night visit my dear brother?" I averted my attention back to the prince incase he decided to see where my eyes have wandered off to.

" I was making sure you actually listened to directions and came back to the palace like i advised you should. Well we all know that You don't have a obedient bone in your pretty little body."

" Sounds more of an excuse to find some dirt on me and report to the king himself. Let's not kid ourselves Boyan, You want the throne. Since there is No such ruling under a queen you would be the perfect choice. After all you are the oldest son of the king."

" Mind your words Mei Ying. You may be the eldest daughter but I am next in line for the throne. If I was already King, You would've been betrothed to the Emperor Jin's son. Or maybe you would've been better suited to be a concubine for Emperor Jin himself."

My hand meeting his face was the sound that echoed loudly across the room. Boyan stood there appalled by my sudden movement but he deserved it.

" Such actions will not go unpunished remember that Mei Ying." He brushed past me and finally left my room.

I dropped down onto my comforter and thought.

"What have I done.?"

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Sayuri

"Geez at this point, where the heck am I going to sleep? I felt like I have been wandering aimlessly through these woods and to no luck couldn't find a decent place for shelter. 

" you lost there little miss? a pretty girl like you shouldn't wander around out here after dark. It's not safe." 

" how noble you are worrying about a girl out by her lonesome. But I think I can manage traveling by myself." It didn't stop there, he continued to block my way and pestered me with questions. 

I could hear the High priest in my thoughts but it was more like he acted like my conscious.  I did the one thing I was not looking forward to doing. I ran. As my feet picked up the pace I hear the distant voice of the strange man that had been following me. 

I  was confident that I had lost him, looking around a foreign land during nightfall. 

"Great now where do I go?" Now would have been a good time to hear from the high priest but to my luck he didn't respond. 

" My apologizes!" I was helped up by a man who looked around my age or a couple years older. Looked like a hunter. I had to admit he was handsome.  He had a look of general concern. 

" It is dangerous to be out alone during this hour of day." 

Well he is very observant 

" I can handle myself. ( What you need to find is shelter). 

" Never said you couldn't but if you ask me it seems like you are lost." 

Is it that obvious? I guess it wouldn't hurt to ask him for directions. But what I need to know is where exactly is here.

" No quite, I need to find my relatives house, it shouldn't be too far from here" Hoping that they would just leave it at that and finally leave!

" A relative huh? say what is the family name of this relative?" the hunter asked, I can tell what he's doing, he is just trying to scare me off. well it wasn't gonna work. 

What should I say? I don't even know where I am high priest. You gotta get me out of this mess.

" you are on your own on this one yuri." 

Thanks for NOTHING!

I no longer heard the high  priest and I am not gonna lie. I am a little terrified. The two were still here. The hunter still staring at me with concerning eyes. 

"Well I should probably head on over to my relatives village. It was fun talking to you so goodbye." 

I bid my farewell and kept walking. I was already wandering around the forest for a while now. I am hungry and cold. The high priest couldn't send me down when it was summer? I was internally fighting with an empty conscious because the High priest wasn't there. 

I heard rustling from behind the trees behind me. I didn't want to show how scared I was so I kept walking. 

As I heard couple more rustling happening I went off. I am currently running wherever my feet were taking me and I wasn't looking back. 

GREAT FIRST DAY IF YOU ASK ME!! 

I kept running and my legs were on fire! I kept running. I had turned back around briefly and before I knew it I bumped into something. 

Or rather. Someone.