4. Beneath the Silk and Diamonds
Chapter four
Beneath the Silk and Diamonds
Monique
A woman’s voice sounded near, pulling me out of my slumber. “She’s such a gorgeous sight.”
“The kids will be beautiful.”
“Sister, do not get too excited just yet.”
“But, she could be pregnant right now.”
What?
My eyes fluttered open as I yawned and turned in the direction of where the voices were coming from.
O-kay.
Aunt Suzi and Aunt Min sat in chairs next to the bed with huge smiles on their face. And they were dressed like they were about to attend a grand opera—satin gloves and huge shimmering gowns, diamonds and pearls.
And Lei wants me to live here? This place is on some Alice in Wonderland shit.
But, what truly caught my attention were the four women dressed in various shades of blue, surrounding them.
Umm. . .okay.
Three of the women were Black, their presence strong and comforting, while the fourth had features that intriguingly blended Black and Chinese heritage.
The women stood next to a rack brimming with stylish blue designer clothes, each piece more exquisite than the last.
The colors ranged from the softest baby blues to the deepest midnight shades.
Sitting up, I tried to gather my thoughts.
Aunt Min raised her satin glove hand and waved. “Good morning, Monique. We wanted to not only be the first to greet you today but we would like to volunteer as your Palace mentors.”
I rubbed my eyes. “Palace mentors?”
“Yes.” Aunt Min nodded. “You do not want to even walk through these halls without a true sense of what is going on.”
Aunt Suzi added, “There are lots of politics within these walls.”
“And tons of people will be swarming around you, trying to be your friend.” Aunt Min rose from her chair. “By the end of the week, you will have so many friends—masks of smiling faces hiding demonic desires.”
Aunt Suzi crossed her legs. “Lots of backstabbing goes on around here. Whether giving your private words to gossip blogs or maneuvering you against Lei and/or his people to cause conflict.”
Aunt Min sighed. “Remember, Monique. Not all that glitters is gold. Not everyone swathed in expensive designer wear has pure intentions.”
Aunt Suzi wagged her finger, her diamond bracelet catching the morning light. “Remember to keep your circle small and your walls high. The heart of this Palace is cold, colder than that of any cruel winter.”
I widened my eyes. “Duly noted.”
“Good.”
Aunt Min smiled. “But, you can trust us. We’re already in a high place of power and we only want the best for Lei.”
“Not the East.” Aunt Suzi nodded. “But, for Lei. That is a big distinction, my dear. Very big one.”
Aunt Min stepped forward, her long blue dress swishing against the plush rug. “And remember, Monique, you will now carry the weight of this Palace now. As Lei's beloved, you will be expected to fulfil certain duties.”
“Oh wait.” I waved my hand. “We are just. . .figuring things out now.”
They both laughed.
I blinked.
Aunt Suzi laughed some more and placed her hand on her chest. “You are the only woman to spend the night in his room. In Lei’s mind, there is no figuring it out and he will not leave you alone.”
I pursed my lips.
“The good thing is,” Aunt Suzi added with a wink, “You'll have us by your side. We'll guide you through every step and every ignorance you might face.”
This was a lot to digest, especially so early in the morning. The concept of Palace mentors was alien to me; then again, everything about this opulent world was.
“But enough of serious talk,” Aunt Min said suddenly, clapping her hands together. The unexpected sound echoed in the room, causing the other ladies to jump slightly. “Let's talk about your wardrobe while in the Palace.”
Before I could say a word, she turned to the women in different shades of blue. They pushed the rack closer to the bed.
“These will be your ladies-in-waiting. Some call them Handlers. I like ladies-in-waiting better,” Aunt Suzi explained as she motioned towards them. “They worked tirelessly yesterday to put together a royal wardrobe that suits your elegance.”
The women curtsied in unison.
“Okay. Hold on.” I cleared my throat and slipped out of my bed, only wearing Lei’s buttoned shirt from yesterday. “Palace wardrobe?”
“There are always cameras snapping. You never want to be caught off-guard.” Aunt Min pointed her satin-gloved hand at a beautiful navy-blue gown hanging on the rack. “The clothing must represent not only your heightened position but also your personality, Monique.”
Aunt Suzi added, “when all see you, they need to know that you are a queen even though a crown is not on your head.”
“Wait.” Aunt Min touched her chin. “Perhaps, we should put a crown on her head. That could be a new thing for her reign—”
“No. No.” I stepped closer to the rack. “I’m not walking around wearing a crown just because. . .”
They watched me.
I shrugged. “I’m not wearing a crown just because I’m sleeping with the Mountain Master.”
Aunt Min gave me a warm smile. “Oh. You’ll be doing much more than that.”
Aunt Suzi nodded. “As the Mountain Mistress, you should be heading tons of projects that better the East. Lei’s mother, Jing dedicated her life to helping the sick and poor, not just in the East but throughout Paradise City and other areas.”
That excited me.
How many times during my days of struggle did I wish I had the sort of money and power to bring change to this world.
“Alright. I like that part.” I swallowed. “ If I end up being Mountain Mistress, that’s the type of energy I’m going to be on. . .helping as many people as I can.”
Aunt Suzi clapped. “Aww. You make me want to cry right now.”
“Cry later, sister. We must hurry.” Aunt Min reached for one dress and held it up against me. “This color will make your eyes pop. What do you think?”
“I don’t want to do a dress today.” I began rummaging through the racks. “Wow. All of this is amazing.”
“Well,” Aunt Min gestured, and the woman with the blend of black and Chinese features stepped forward. “This is Amanda Allen. She is the designer of all of these outfits and I am hoping you consider having her be your main stylist for East events.”
“Oh my God. You’re an incredible designer.” I held out my hand. “Nice to meet you.”
Amanda shook it. “I’m just excited. This a huge opportunity for me.”
Is it? Well. . .good.
“Amanda group up in the East. She’s been struggling as a designer here, but. . .with your wearing her clothes that will change.” Aunt Min gave me a sad smile. “In the hopes of not being. . .I don’t know racist or well. . .look. . .we are trying to. . .be inclusive. . .progressive.”
I gazed at the other women. “This is why you chose sisters to be my ladies-in-waiting?”
“Yes, Monique.” Aunt Suzi uncrossed her legs and slowly stood up. “We are hoping that this is not taken in a way that is disrespectful. If you want, we can give you the typical ladies-in-waiting.”
“No way. I think it’s dope. Plus, sisters getting jobs will never be disrespectful to me.” I winked at them.
The women grinned.
I looked at Aunt Suzi. “Do they get paid well?”
“50k a year.” Aunt Min went through the rack. “If they get sick, the Palace medical staff tends to them. They also eat and live in the Palace which allows them to save a lot of that money.”
“What are their off days?”
“That’s up to you, Monique.”
I pointed at them. “You’re definitely getting off days.”
They grinned again.
“Well. . .I’m just glad you are happy.” Aunt Suzi’s smile widened. “Chen would have just assigned the usual. Our nephews don’t understand the delicate matter of this new transition. Therefore, Monique. . .at times you may have to. . .educate us on things if we do happen to be unknowingly insulting in some way.”
“I’ve got you.”
Aunt Min pulled out a designer suit that almost made me gasp. “This is just stunning.”
I further checked it out.
It was a work of art—deep rich blue with embroidered sky blue and pink flowers on the cuffs and collar. Every golden threaded stitch and seam was perfectly placed.
Plus, the cut was elegant and flattering.
I glanced at Amanda. “You really did that.”
She chuckled. “Thank you, Monique.”
“I’ll wear this for sure.” I took the suit.
“I'm so glad you love it.” Amanda beamed with joy.
Aunt Suzi clasped her hands together, her face brightening. “You are going to dazzle on your first official day.”
Aunt Min, on the other hand, was already thumbing through shoes that matched the suit. “Now to complete the look. . .heels for the camera but when we are taking the secret passages, you’ll have comfy flats. That’s what the young kids call a Palace hack .”
I quirked my brows. “Secret passageways?”
“They’re all over the palace.” Aunt Suzi strolled over to the empty wall where Chanel’s paintings had been and just stared at the blank space. “While our brother Leo loved the cameras, palace politics, and all the attention, Jing was not the same. Therefore, he had secret passageways built within the walls so she could get around under the press and other’s noses.”
“Thank God. I really love that.” I became less tense. “Yesterday, Lei and I had to walk through a bunch of press—”
“Oh. We all know that, dear.” Aunt Suzi left the empty wall and headed back. “Your face has been all over the news and newspapers in the East.”
My ladies-in-waiting exchanged awkward glances.
I blinked. “Say what now?”
“Yes. You are the only thing everyone in the East is talking about now. Although many are probably whispering behind closed doors.” Aunt Min gave a pair of blue heels to one of my ladies-in-waiting. “Lei was too eager to show you off and just flung you into the press, not understanding that there are traditional steps to this.”
Aunt Suzi let out a long breath. “Min, he’s a boy in love. We cannot fault him.”
“People died last night because of his foolishness—”
“Did they not deserve to die?”
“Not the children.”
I stiffened. “What?”
They turned to me.
I trembled. “Who died? And why? What’s going on?”
Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi exchanged a glance then something unspoken passed between them.
It was Aunt Suzi who finally broke the silence. “The East can be close-minded. Some call it traditions. I would say just plain old ignorance.”
Aunt Min checked her watch and then gestured at my ladies-in-waiting. “Get the shower ready, please. We need her dressed and ready to go soon. I fear we don’t have much time.”
“Hold up.” I swallowed. “Who died?”
“Two influencers said some rather racist things online about you and well. . .our brother didn’t like it.”
My bottom lip quivered. “Leo killed them?”
“And their families.”
My breath hitched.
Aunt Min shrugged. “The older ones in the East remember my brother. The youth. . .well. . .they are learning.”
“They died because of me?”
“They died because they were ignorant and running their mouths with the utmost disrespect.”
“Their families too?”
Aunt Suzi walked over to me, grabbed my hand, and squeezed it. “We are going to fix this, Monique. Do you understand?”
Panic rose within me. My heart pounded against my ribcage like a trapped bird. Suddenly, the luxurious Palace felt more like a gilded cage.
Aunt Suzi quickly placed a comforting hand on my shoulder. “There's no need for you to worry, child. Such power plays happen often in the East. It's. . .unfortunate collateral damage.”
“But. . .children died?” The thought made my stomach churn.
“Yes,” Aunt Min replied curtly. But there was a hint of sorrow behind her usually stern gaze.
Aunt Suzi added, “It was a message meant for everyone. The East, as you will understand, is not a forgiving place. It is a place where power and respect are everything. And those who disrespect the powerful must pay the price.”
“But no. . .not over me—”
“Monique.” Aunt Min’s gaze did not waver from mine. “Never get fooled by our jewels, designer clothes, and even old traditions. In the East, we are ruthless. Bloodshed is nothing to us. This is the world you have stepped into.”
I shivered. “Death is too steep of a price to pay for disrespecting me.”
Aunt Suzi’s voice softened. “I’m glad you feel that way. . .because you are now in a position of power to change things.”
“Additionally, now more than ever, Monique,” Aunt Min continued grimly, “when those cameras show up today, you must be strong and appear unshaken. Let no one see your fear or sadness. We will guide you through this.”
What the fuck? No one else can die over me.
I shook my head. “I’m not getting in front of cameras, not after—”
“You want things to change?” Aunt Min raised her eyebrows. “Do you want no more death when it comes to you?”
“Y-yes.”
“Then, you’ll have to step up on your terms, not anyone else’s.” She nodded. “Leo, Lei, Chen, and the rest. They are men. What is it about humans with penises that make them so brutal and violent? So hard headed? That is a question for God.”
Aunt Suzi squeezed my hand again. “When it comes to them, you take the reign. Get full control.”
“And how do I do that?”
“Get dressed.”
“And then what?”
“Then, we’ll have tea.” Aunt Suzi winked.
Suddenly, my ladies-in-waiting returned to inform us that my shower was ready.
Amanda spoke and she looked awkward, nervous even as if she weren’t sure, it was her place. “So. . .if you don’t mind. . .I would love to say something.”
I put my view on her. “Go ahead.”
“You would never know this but there is a decent population of browner folk in the East.” Amanda hugged herself. “Many of us are mixed race. Others are orphans that the past Mountain Mistress brought into the East’s orphanage to have cared for. Regardless, we’re treated a certain way here.”
I parted my lips.
“And not everyone is mean but there is a certain ignorance that I would like gone.”
“I understand.”
Amanda shrugged. “I love that you’re here so I hope that. . .you don’t leave. No matter what is said or done to you. It would be amazing if you just. . .fight it all and. . .change the East.”
My heart beat wildly within my chest.
After hearing about these deaths, I did not want anything to do with the press or even the East but I also knew that there would be no escape from this.
Lei would not let me go and against all logic, that made my heart warm.
But even more. . .I was scared to face all of this bullshit but, I didn’t want to step back from this either.
It was a power that I had never had before. The sort of power that could change not just my life and my family’s future, but as Amanda explained other people’s lives.
Slowly, I nodded meeting Amanda's gaze. “I. . .I'll try to make a difference.”
Amanda's face lit up like a thousand suns. “Thank you.”
Damn. What have I really gotten myself into?
As my ladies-in-waiting led me away towards the lavish bathroom, I took one last look at Aunt Min and Aunt Suzi.
They watched me with unreadable expressions, a mix of concern, hope and determination etched on their faces.
Alright. God, please help me figure this out. Walk with me through each step. . .hold my hand even.