Cassandra was surprised to hear that some of the concubines might demonstrate their talents tonight. She hadn’t expected that. The women usually watched professional performers along with the Imperial Family, but she had never seen any take the stage. She hoped she would be left alone, though. She hated having any form of attention on her, and would rather go unnoticed, staying by her Prince’s side.
“The ministers and generals usually use this occasion to have their daughters or younger sisters noticed by the Emperor or the Princes, too,” said Shareen. “You should expect some fighting between the concubines and the greedy newcomers.”
Cassandra understood that perfectly. No wonder all the young concubines had gone the extra mile to appear prettier than ever. They were probably hoping to eclipse all their opponents. Indeed, some younger girls by the generals’ side were dressed in their best outfits and with lots of jewelry, already sending glances here and there. Cassandra couldn’t help but frown, seeing some of them sneakily eyeing her Prince.
“Those little pests,” grumbled Shareen. “As if the concubines weren’t annoying and petty enough, they give them kittens to play with.”
“Do the Princes usually…notice them?”
“You bet,” scoffed the Princess. “Our Fifth Brother is a real dog when it comes to beautiful women, he just wants them all.”
Indeed, she could see the Fifth Prince already talking to two young ladies, despite the numerous concubines glaring behind him. How could he handle so many women?
She heard one of the servants behind Kareen Psst quietly and looked over to see a woman smiling. Missandra had been given a cloth to cover her hair and most of her face and she wore a large servant’s dress. It wasn’t uncommon for the young servant women to hide their appearances, to remain unnoticed. She was a bit relieved that her sister was hidden that way, and still able to be close.
“So shameless,” she sighed, swiftly going behind Cassandra.
“Try not to be noticed, Missandra, please?” she whispered.
“I will, don’t worry, big sister. Who wants to be in those leeches’ way!”
“I still think you should have left the girl in your apartments, Mother,” Shareen commented disapprovingly. “If she gets killed…”
“The one who got tricked by a sixteen-year-old girl does not get to speak on the matter,” retorted Kareen.
Shareen’s red and ashamed face was an unusual sight, Cassandra could barely hold her laughter. Even Missandra made a little sound to show she was proud of herself, and thankful to the Imperial Concubine that she mentioned it. Apparently, Kareen had managed to win a bit of her trust in that short lapse of time without Cassandra.
Cassandra could tell her younger sister was silently checking their surroundings and everyone present, but she wordlessly prayed Missandra wouldn’t do anything crazy or put herself in danger.
Suddenly, the usual music announced the Imperial Emperor’s arrival, and everyone stood to welcome the most powerful man in the Dragon Empire. It was quite strange to see him arrive last, in his purple and gold outfit, and without his dragon or anyone to guard him. He silently stepped forward, everyone lowered their heads as he took his place upon the large Golden Throne. His magnificent throne was perched atop a small hill that allowed him to oversee the entire garden.
“Please rise, dear family and friends. It is my greatest pleasure to welcome you all tonight as we burn the ashes of the past year and open our arms to a new one, full of prosperity for your beloved Empire.”
After everyone stood, he began a long speech about the past and difficulties the Dragon Empire had faced that year, but also praising its greatest accomplishments. Cassandra was surprised to hear him mention some uncomfortable topics like war, disease, and poverty in a speech, but also congratulating some great medical discoveries, new markets, and new alliances found with neighboring countries. She had expected a much more shallow speech and found herself entranced by the deep sentimental words he spoke.
“In the light of our past mistakes, it has come to my attention that we shall shift, improve our ways and in doing so, enrich our culture and people. We shall no longer turn a blind eye to the misery and suffering of others. No longer lavishly enjoying the blood sacrificed by others for our own selfish comfort. The sons and daughters of the Dragon Empire shall grow wise, strong and fair. I, the Emperor of this Empire, am Justice. I am the Golden Dragon who rules over this Empire. For the new year, Your Emperor has a new edict to proclaim. Hear my words, my dear children, and obey.”
Cassandra was astounded, she wasn’t the only one holding her breath either. What changes did the Emperor demand his people to follow?
“From this year forth, let it be known that the Dragon Empire will no longer ignore the misery of its people. Each and every child, woman, and man in the Dragon Empire, are my people. As such, I declare from this day forward, that no man or woman will be labelled the property of anyone but the Dragon Empire and the Golden Dragon! Let it be known that the Golden Dragon will not turn a blind eye any longer to the innocent blood spilled and lives taken.”
Like Cassandra, many people around the garden were quite puzzled. Only the scholar and a few of the Princes and Princesses understood enough to be shocked. Cassandra couldn’t understand what was going on.
She turned to Kareen who had a knowing smile on her face. Next to her, Shareen was smirking, too.
“Lady Kareen, what do the Emperor’s words mean?” whispered Cassandra.
“He’s referring to the slaves,” replied Kareen. “From now on, no one will be able to own any human being. The slaves will be the property of the Emperor and the Empire only.”
“But that…”
“Father wants no one to be able to kill a slave,” whispered Shareen. “You cannot kill or harm the belongings of the Empire. Our people will have to request them from the Emperor, which allows close monitoring of the slaves. And he’s made it, so no one will have the authority or permission to kill their slaves freely.”
Hearing the speech explained left Cassandra stunned. She felt like crying, but she couldn’t. It was too much of a shock for her. If she hadn’t been seated already, she would have most likely fallen to the ground.
But then she caught the eyes of the Emperor who was staring directly at her.
“This year has been a year of great change in my heart. The Golden Dragon has seen many things and heard even greater things. Because the most beautiful treasures can be hidden away from the bright eye of a dragon. Because the weak, frail demeanor of a simple slave woman can hide great knowledge and the ability to save hundreds of lives. Tonight, this Emperor is most proud of his Third Son! For the Black Dragon was wise enough to discover a raw diamond, even disguised as she was, amongst the coal. Our Nation’s God of War has performed spectacularly, both in matters of war and in matters of the heart. All rise in my son’s name, Kairen, War God and Third Son of the Golden Dragon.”
