Chapter 1
- Linthe -
I grabbed a washcloth and cleaned the counters, then swept the floor before getting ready to close the shop. It’s been weeks since we’ve had a steady flow of customers.
I sighed.
It took at least ten silver coins to cover a week’s worth of groceries. I barely made seven this morning. I placed the broom by the wall and checked the clock.
Five minutes left.
I should plant mushrooms in the backyard. Last Saturday, I brought a rare mushroom breed. Once boiled and made into a broth. Its healing ability is on par with any highly trained apothecary. According to the rumors.
I took several small pots from my shelf and went outside. I wasn’t an apothecary myself. I preferred to stay as a merchant or shopkeeper. I sold whatever people deemed as valuable. Rare items, herbs, anything rumored to sell. Usually, I made great business, but summer has been harsh.
We had several heat waves, and the emperor ordered most people home.
Unfortunately, not all states agreed. They pushed many to work, even children. Each state used to be three separate kingdoms. Now they were states, all under the emperor.
We lived in the Butterfly state.
Mainly, named that because the palace contains a large number of butterflies and nature. I carried my mushroom pots outside. Soon, my husband would return home from training a young blacksmith. He is from the Fox state.
That state is known for its skill in weapons and machinery.
Ours has grand apothecaries, mages, and herbalists. Of course, we had much more, but we focused on a natural course of life. Mature nature, we say, should lead the way. I planted the pots in the soil. Then ground bones into dust and spread them around.
If I had any left, I could make bone broth.
Then footsteps appeared to come towards me. I listened carefully and knew who it was. I didn’t turn around, but carried on attending to the soil.
“Linthe.”
“Yes.” I glanced at him, Jacob. A plain name, but it works. We couldn’t risk anyone knowing our real ones. I would much rather no one find me if our shop ever gets robbed. Or in the case, the three states wage war against each other. Currently, each state has a child in it.
Two princesses and a prince who are equally taught to be the next emperor.
In case of war, I could leave this nation completely. Then use my real name. At least the fake name I chose is much more unique than his.
“I got accepted.” He smiled and kneeled. Then handed me a scroll tied with a red ribbon. I wasn’t sure what he got accepted for. He never mentioned applying to anything. Perhaps the owner where he worked offered him a bonus. I would love that.
I read it aloud.
“We humbly accept your petition to join the royal guard. Your skills in swordsmanship and blacksmithing would be a grand addition to the army. Any wife or children may receive a hundred silver to live on while you are away. Anything else could be provided by you via messenger birds or several other methods of transportation.”
My hands trembled lightly. When did he join the royal guard? My breath hitched as I placed the scroll down. He seemed calm. More than he should be.
“Jacob, when did this happen?” My voice rose. We had one agreement. We would live in the Butterfly state and carry on with life together. I loved it here, and so did he. At least he seemed like he did before this. By his expression, he doesn’t know.
“We can’t stay here forever. This is an opportunity for me as well as you. Let me serve, and we could relax in an estate. Not the top floor of your shop.” He argued, as my shoulders dropped.
“We have no children," he said, "These are risks I could take.”
No.
My fists tightened. Who is he to speak like that to me?
“Excuse me? Watch your words.”
“I— I didn’t.” He sighed, “What I am saying is. I know the life you want, and I want to try to get it.”
I needed more time. There was a plan for us. Once I earned enough silver or our business bloomed again, we could live in a grander place. Not on the outskirts, away from the city. Where those who fought daily to survive lived.
“Why would you decide to do this? Without telling me?” I argued back. He didn’t need to involve himself in anything. I had it covered, or at least tell me.
“Linthe, because you deny everything.” He begged. “Let me go, please? I'm tired of not being able to even afford you medicine when you need it. It hurts.”
“I can’t decide yet,” I mumbled. Then took the leftover bone dust and placed it on a bench. I walked back into the shop and heard him follow me. I went upstairs, where we had small rooms and a narrow hallway. It wasn’t enough nor worth it.
I felt his fingers entangle with mine.
“No one knows us.” He whispered. Another hand squeezed my side. Warmth came from it. “Trust me. You shouldn’t let your paranoia overcome.”
I nodded.
“Go then.” I breathed. I wouldn’t forgive him yet, but the damage is done. Later, I must find a way to make this work in my favor. “Send letters home.”
“Of course.” He turned my body to him. “What would you do when I am gone? I wish you had a child to spend the days with.”
He tired me with that topic. His dream was a family, but it never happened. If he went to the guard, it wouldn’t be for a few more years. Not naturally.
“Do you really want a child? Boy or girl?” The question felt heavy. I could bear one. The last child I had isn’t here, though.
I don’t want to think about them right now.
My heart still raced over Jacob’s secret.
“Either way.” Jacob smiled and led me to our room. No one would enter the shop at this time. I felt sickened at the idea of him never returning home. He wouldn’t see all the hard work I did in the garden or the sacrifices made.
I placed the scroll on the dresser and watched him climb into bed. He waited for me.
“Can we?” He pleaded, “I don’t want to turn forty and not even one. I don’t need many.”
“Don’t worry.” I smiled. We wouldn’t wait that long to build our small family. All he needed to do was return safely. We were still young enough to wait. I lay beside him as he kissed my neck. “I just need time, alright? Then we can prepare for one.”
“Take your time. I am just overjoyed.” He smiled and cuddled next to me. I waited until he fell asleep.
He had never been so selfish until today. It made my blood boil, but I had something to do.
I got up, took a candle, and walked outside. Carefully, I walked through the forest and watched the stars. The night sky felt soothing.
I smiled, and already knew where to go.
I had a way to ensure we never suffer in poverty.
I kept walking until I found my bird.
A raven. Beautiful as the night sky, I bent down and placed the candle on the ground. They cawed as I took the paper from its leg. My heart raced. Jacob would understand what I told myself constantly. There wasn’t a need to tell him yet.
I read the note.
“Dear mother, Concubine Anisha showed me the rose garden. She dressed me up in a beautiful gown today. I really loved the stained glass roses and flowers. Once I am crowned princess---first in line for the throne, then you could join me.”
I smiled. If Jacob serves for our state, with grand merit. He may protect her—— Celeste. If she is crowned emperor, I would live without worry. It’s the only path for Celeste.
And me.
Celeste, my daughter.
The fake princess of Concubine Anisha and the Emperor Artemis.
Who lived in the Butterfly Palace.
