5. The Heart Signal
Chapter five
The Heart Signal
Lei
As Moni prepared to start the tea ceremony, everyone remained quiet and all cameras focused on her.
So beautiful.
She stood at the edge of the table, her fingers brushing over the elegant blue pot containing her blend.
The traditional cups—so beautifully crafted and laden with history—sat next to it, waiting to be filled.
She took a deep breath and for a moment, our eyes met.
Are you okay?
I tried to convey reassurance to silently tell her that everything would be perfect because she was the most exquisite being to ever enter the East.
I mouthed the words, I love you .
To my shock, her eyes flickered with fear and I couldn't shake the feeling that something was terribly wrong.
Did something happen? Who do I need to hurt?
Turning away from me, Moni properly began the tea ceremony by pouring a small amount of hot water into the teapot to awaken the leaves. It was supposed to be a gesture in symbolizing the awakening of the senses and the opening of the heart.
And her movements were absolutely graceful but again. . .I noticed the slight trembling of her hands as she held the pot.
No. This isn’t just regular nervousness. I think it’s something more.
I gritted my teeth, wondering what I should do next.
Everything in my heart wanted me to take her out of the room and ask her what was wrong.
The cameras flashed.
The reporters, with their notepads and microphones, remained focused.
What if I abruptly stopped her and nothing was even wrong?
It could ruin her moment and I would never forgive myself.
Am I just being too overprotective right now?
Moni poured the water carefully.
I couldn’t see it but I imagined the tea leaves swirled gently in the pot, releasing their essence.
Her face was a mask of concentration but those eyes were still full of terror.
Under the table, I fisted my hands forcing myself to remain in my chair and not ruin this moment.
Meanwhile, the subtle aroma of her blend began to fill the room mingling with the scent of cherry blossoms.
Fuck. This smells so good.
Aunt Suzi gave a soft clap.
Aunt Min shushed her.
My father nodded and whispered to himself. “I smell lavender. Very good.”
Pride hit me.
However, despite the beauty of the ceremony and the genius of her blend, I could still see the strain in her posture.
What are you nervous about? You’re doing amazing.
Could something have happened between my saying goodbye to her this morning and now?
Was it her sisters in the East?
Did Marcelo or Banks call and upset her?
I leaned toward Chen and whispered. “Where is Ming Yui?”
Chen blinked his eyes. “She’s in the dungeon below the palace. I didn’t want her to cause any more trouble this week.
So, Ming Yui didn’t happen to come around and bother her.
What could it be?
Moni took another deep breath and turned to the reporters. When she began to speak, her voice was steady and clear. "I am deeply honored to be part of this tea ceremony.”
One of the reporters smiled, surely loving the experience.
Moni glanced at me.
I gave her a small, encouraging nod, hoping to ease her nerves.
She returned her view to the reporters, "It is my hope to embrace the East's traditions with the utmost respect and to contribute to the preservation and celebration of this beautiful culture."
To my surprise and probably everyone else, Aunt Suzi clapped and Aunt Min huffed.
Stop it. She’s nervous.
More flashing came from the cameras.
Moni swept her gaze across the room, ensuring she connected with each person present.
Perfect.
Chen leaned my way. “She’s doing just fine.”
I nodded.
She directed her attention to the reporters and gave them a welcoming smile. "Together, we can build a future that honors our past while moving forward with strength and unity.”
The room buzzed with excitement at her words and I couldn't help but feel another swell of pride as I watched her. I was learning more and more that Moni had a way with people that was so honest and pure and seeing her win over the hearts of the East with such grace and sincerity made me want to get on my knees and propose to her.
Father tilted my way and whispered. “Chanel could have never done this.”
I glared at him.
He shrugged and returned to watching her.
Moni took another deep breath. “I am committed to this journey and to each one of you."
The reporters were visibly thrilled, their cameras clicking rapidly, capturing every moment, and I could hear murmurs of admiration spreading through the group.
Even some of the cameramen nodded in approval.
Monique finished her speech. “I believe that. . .together, we will create a legacy of unity, respect, and shared dreams for generations to come.”
The applause was immediate and enthusiastic.
Reporters leaned forward, eager to ask questions even though now was not the time.
Again, I got that feeling of not wanting to share her with them.
It was a mix of pride and possessiveness.
Hmmm.
She was making a lasting impression. Her genuine respect and willingness to embrace our traditions would surely endear her to my people, ensuring their love and support.
But also. . .it could surge a crazy fandom.
Oh fuck. What did I do?
I could already see the admiration in the reporters’ eyes, the way they hung onto her every word. It wouldn't be long before her image graced the walls of many homes and her name spoken with affection among the food market and craft stalls. There might be dolls and other items made to look like her.
It could easily happen.
They’d done the same with my mom.
I bet if I went to my mother’s gravesite right now, I would probably find two or three people visiting and paying their respects. Possibly even asking her tombstone for guidance in some tough family matter. People left wishes by her grave along with shiny coins in the hopes that she would sway God to grant them.
Moni is going to end up being loved like my mother.
I checked my father’s expression and spotted the sly knowing smile on his face as he watched her.
This tea ceremony wasn’t just about the East welcoming her. You wanted to give them a new idol before you died. Someone to love and worship. Goddamn it.
While I cherished her instantly growing bond with my people, a part of me struggled with the thought of sharing her attention and affection with so many.
Of course, it was a selfish sentiment, but it was one I couldn't shake.
My father let out a low chuckle on my side.
I turned to him.
He whispered again. “You must share her with them.”
Moni returned to the pot of steeping tea and the cameras flashed.
However, that same flash of fear entered her eyes as she continued with the tea preparation placing drops of honey in each cup.
You’re still scared about something. Why? You are doing amazing.
Was this all in my mind?
Or was there something deeper going on with Moni?
I thought back to a moment yesterday when I asked her if she wanted me to jump into the heated conversation she was having with Chen.
Moni shook her head. “No, I didn’t want you to jump in. I had it.”
“If you ever think you don’t have control of the situation and need me to jump in, will you give me a signal?”
“What sort of signal?”
“Place your hand over your heart and look at me.” In that moment, I moved my hand from her neck slipped my fingers further down and rested it over her heart.
Next, I stared at her. “This is our signal.”
“And will you do the same, Lei?”
“I will.”
“You do that and I’ll come to the rescue. I may not know how to fight but—”
“You would always find a way to save me. You’re strong and smart.”
I returned to the tea ceremony and let out a long breath.
Will you do the signal? Do you remember? Or am I simply being overprotective right now?
Finishing with the tea, Moni moved with practiced grace, pouring the golden, sweet-smelling liquid tea with both hands into the delicate cups keeping her head down low and her back perfectly arched as if to let us all know that she was our loving, dedicated servant.
Chen nodded. “She’s got Practiced Grace down.”
The gesture was meant to be one of respect and humility but I could see the effort it took for her to maintain her composure.
Perfect. You’re doing great, baby.
When she approached me with the first cup, her hands trembled slightly.
I reached out, took the cup from her and brushed my fingers along her hand. Smiling, I held her gaze, trying to convey my support and love.
She gave me a small, tentative smile but the fear in her eyes remained.
What’s wrong? Who do I have to kill?
All cameras focused on me.
Slowly, I lifted the cup to my lips and inhaled the aroma. “Mmmm. It smells delicious, so delicious I may take the whole pot.”
Moni blinked.
A few of the female reporters giggled.
Meanwhile, my aunts cleared their throat urging me to hurry along.
I’ll take my time. This is her first cup and it’s all mine.
With a wicked smirk, I took a tiny sip. “Mmmm. Soooo good.”
A few more reporters chuckled.
Surely, they weren’t used to seeing me in this way, smirking and drooling over my lover’s tea. I wasn’t even over exaggerating. The blend was perfect. It was a delicate balance of flavors that spoke of her careful selection and preparation.
I was supposed to comment but instead I took a large swallow.
“Aww.” A reporter sighed.
Others scribbled.
With another swallow, I took in the subtle notes of lavender and something else.
What is this yumminess?
The aftertaste held this slightly sweet and earthy flavor.
My eyes fluttered and then closed momentarily as I relished in the harmonious blend.
Several reporters whispered among themselves.
Everyone in the East would want to know the ingredients of this tea and once they did, it would be the preferred blend of the year.
Aunt Suzi spoke. “Mountain Master, I too would enjoy a cup of tea.”
I winked at her. “Surely, our Deputy Mountain Master Chen could go in the kitchen, put together a blend and make a cup for you.”
The reporters laughed and to my surprise, my father did too.
I did not set the cup down.
Instead, I lovingly gazed at her.
More cameras flashed surely catching the view of Moni slowly beginning to bow so elegantly in front of me as I consumed her first cup of tea.
This image would be on every newspaper’s front page tomorrow morning.
That’s right, everyone. She’s mine. Don’t even think about it.
I stared into her eyes.
She waited for my response, again. . .that odd flash of fear appeared.
Hmmm.
Instead of speaking, I placed my hand over my heart.
She widened her eyes.
I kept my voice low. “Do you remember this?”
Chen looked from her to me and whispered, “What are you doing? Say it tastes good and let her move on.”
Ignoring him, I watched her. “Do you need me?”
My father leaned forward. “That’s enough, Lei. It is time to move on.”
I ignored him too. “Do you need me, baby?”
She nervously glanced at my father.
He watched us.
And then, she placed her hand on her heart.
Okay. I understand.
I took another sip of the tea and loudly spoke, “This is wonderful. You honor me, Mountain Mistress.”
Chen shrieked at my saying the title out loud and on camera for the first time. Of course this was not the way of the East. There was supposed to be a ceremony.
But anyone with eyes would know that I planned to never let her go.
Yes, everyone. She is my Mountain Mistress.
My aunts clapped.
The reporters scribbled notes, and more cameras flashed.
Rising from her bow, Moni exhaled a shaky breath and relief washed over her face. But as she returned to the pot to pour my father’s cup, her shoulders remained tense and the unease lingered in her eyes.
I set my cup on the table and couldn't stand to see her this way.
She did the signal so I’m stepping in.
Moni needed support and I had to be there for her, tradition be damned.
“I am sorry, everyone.” I stood up, drawing the attention of the room especially the reporters.
Everyone else at the table rose with me and bowed their head.
I gazed at the cameras. “I need to speak with my Mountain Mistress for a few minutes. It must be in private. . .I just can’t help myself.”
To my surprise, the giggling female reporters from earlier, gave me this strange knowing look as if to say that they thought I wanted to be alone with her to get a kiss.
Good. Let them think that.
With his head still bowed, Chen appeared to be having an aneurism. “W-what are you doing?”
Moni froze holding the tea pot.
“Something important has just come to my mind.” I kept my voice steady. “Therefore, the tea ceremony will have a small delay. Turn the cameras off.”
Aunt Suzi lifted her head a little and put on a fake smile. “This is live, Lei.”
“Then make it un- live.” I snapped my fingers. “Now.”
The reporters rushed to signaling their cameramen. One by one, the red lights turned to black.
Aunt Min frowned. “Whatever you need to talk about, Lei, do it later.”
“I agree with my sisters.” My father nodded. “The ceremony is too important for any delays.”
“This is more important.” I left the table and ignored the murmurs of discontent from my aunts as well as the reporters’ hushed whispers.
Seconds later, I made my way to Moni.
Her hands shook as she set the pot down.
You did the signal and I told you that I would always have your back when you did it.
Gently, I took her hand in mine, feeling the tremor that ran through it.
Yes, something is definitely wrong.
Her eyes met mine and I saw the relief and fear in them.
“I’ve got you.”
Her bottom lip quivered.
I guided her away from the table, away from the prying eyes and my relentless family.
Tradition was good, but Moni was more important and would forever be.
Now, let’s see what the fuck is making her so scared and nervous.