Chapter 33 #2
“If no one is really allowed up here, then why is there a bench?”
He chuckles, “Li had one of our craftsmen sneak up here and build it for me. I needed a place to escape, if only for a little while. I figured you could use that too, so I am willing to share my secret hiding spot with you.”
“Oh, I am honored,” she feigns a curtsy, “Do you and Li have some alone time up here?” She wiggles her eyebrows at him.
Another chuckle, “No, actually. He’s afraid of heights. He’s never made it up here. But we have our other spots, don’t you worry,” he sits and Aza follows.
“How have you done it? How have you hidden it for so long? Been able to actually be intimate with each other?”
“It’s not easy, and it doesn’t happen as often as I jest. But being the first advisor has its perks. He has the ins and outs of the castle and the King’s schedule and location, so he knows when it’s safe to stay with me. But regardless, it’s never enough time.”
“Jahar and I used to steal little moments. Of course, back then, I didn’t know if he felt the same way about me. It was only recently that he divulged some of his feelings, but he still holds some of them close to his chest. Of course, that made us further apart,” Aza trails off.
“It is a hard road we find ourselves on. Trapped between duty and desire.”
Aza nods her head in agreement.
“But enough about our men. I want to learn more about who you are.”
“Honestly, I don’t know anymore. I lost so much of myself, and I only started to find my way back when I met him. I had been lost and gone for so long.”
“Why is that, dear Princess?”
“When my mother died, I didn’t know how to deal with it. I still don’t. The aftermath… it never stopped. He was the only light I had. The only one who stayed. Even now… I don’t know who I am without him.”
“It won’t. I was in a similar place not that long ago. When you find the other half of you, it’s impossible to live without them.”
“So, what did you do?”
“We gave in. Said to hell with the consequences. Living without them was a greater hell than anything this world could throw at us. I won’t tell you how to live or what to choose.
But you love him with every fiber of your being, and even if he’s too stubborn to admit it, you’re the light in his eyes.
He was ready to take off a future king’s head for you. That’s love, my dear friend.”
“Friend?”
“I think you’ve earned that distinction. Even if I have only known you for mere hours, it feels like my soul has been looking for you my whole life.”
Aza smiles at him, resting her head on his shoulder.
“Are we crazy?”
“Oh, one hundred percent. But I wouldn’t have it any other way.
They spend the next few hours sharing their lives, Zhou including every embarrassing detail.
They laugh, they cry. Aza even admits her visions and nightmares, and he doesn’t see her differently, only holds her hand.
She tells him she hasn’t had any since arriving, grateful for the relief, even if it won’t last.
“We should probably head back. I think Jahar definitely has me on his death list by now.”
“I’m surprised he didn’t come up to check on us.”
“He did.”
“What?”
“He popped his head out about an hour ago, caught a glimpse of him.”
“He did not!”
“Swear to the heavens. I think you underestimate him.”
“You’re serious.”
“Yes. I’m sure he did it more than once. I just happened to see him that one time when I looked backwards.”
“Do you think he heard anything we were saying?”
Zhou just shrugs.
“Either way, it is getting close to the time the kitchens starts serving dinner, and I have worked up quite the appetite. Please, let me escort you back to your guards.” He takes her hand once more and leads her.
Jahar is pacing again when they open the hatch, his eyes shooting up to meet hers at the movement.
She announces that they are coming down.
Zhou helps her begin her descent, but Jahar is the one who lifts her up by her thighs, Aza instinctively clinging to him, arms around his neck, and sets her down gently.
Aza catches Bennu raising an eyebrow at Jahar, but quickly smothers it when he sees Aza has caught him. Zhou joins them.
“It should be time for dinner, so we are heading back to the dining hall. Sorry, we lost track of time.”
“You are quite alright Princess. You do not need to explain yourself to us. You are visiting and getting to know a potential suitor, as you should be.” Bennu finishes his sentence with his eyes glancing at Jahar, who shoots him a glare.
Aza, not knowing how to respond, just nods her head and begins to follow Zhou down the long hallway.
They make it to the dining room and find the King already seated at the end of the table again. The man in the blue coat from earlier is not present, but Li takes the same seat as earlier.
“Ah, Princess, welcome. Please, join us for dinner. Liao and I were just discussing the semantics of kingdoms. I trust your tour has gone well.”
“Yes, your majesty. Quite well.”
“Good, good. Dinner shall be served momentarily.” He assures, “Please see to it that a plate is made for my son and Princess Amiaza,” he says to the servant filling his goblet.
The servant bows and returns to the kitchens.
The King looks back down at his parchments of paper.
Zhou helps Aza sit down in her chair and then proceeds to take his seat next to Li, who gives him a quick glance but manages to hide any emotion or even recognition from his face.
Zhou, however, gives him a devilish grin. Aza can’t help but smile.
Li, however, catches this smile, looks quizzically at her, then back at Zhou, who is now smiling fervently at Aza. Aza can’t help the widening of her smile. Li looks over the two of them once more before giving Zhou what appears to be a scolding look. But Zhou just turns and winks at Aza.
Out of the corner of her eye, Aza sees the King watching all of their interactions. Aza feels a pit in her stomach, fearing for Zhou and Li.
But instead of calling them out, the King says, “I take it you too are getting along well.”
“Yes, father.”
“Very good. Princess Amiaza, would you feel up to discussions tomorrow afternoon?”
“Yes, your majesty. I would be delighted to.”
“Very good. I will make sure a servant comes to your room to escort you and your guards.”
“Thank you.”
The servants come out with steaming dishes and set them before everyone. The food looks absolutely delicious. They all sit in silence as they eat their meal. By the end, Aza is full and suddenly exhausted.
“Princess, allow me to escort you back to your room so you may rest for the night.” Zhou offers.
“That would be much appreciated.”
By the time they get to her room, Aza is ready to fall asleep.
Zhou leans in to hug her, whispering in her ear, “Talk to him.”
“I will. But tonight isn’t the right time. I need to get my thoughts together.” She whispers back.
He pulls away so as to not keep the hug long and conspicuous, but nods his understanding.
“Have a good rest of your evening, Princess. If you do need anything, please do not hesitate to call for me.”
“Good night.”
Zhou leaves, and Aza tells Bennu and Jahar she is exhausted and is turning in for the night.