THE GREEN EYED PRINCESS

"Atop the majestic Lupaka Mountain, there proudly stood a temple that had endured for a century, bearing the name 'Greek.' This sacred sanctuary was under the benevolent rule of Principal Monk Amanthi, a venerable figure who represented the third generation of his monk lineage dedicated to the temple's preservation and the maintenance of its tranquil aura. The temple had garnered a reputation for being a place of devout worship, but it also harboured a closely guarded secret: the ancient knowledge of potent medicinal remedies passed down through the ages. This invaluable wisdom was entrusted to only a select few elders who had earned the temple's deepest trust.

As was customary, an enchanting Courtyard graced the eastern side of the temple, offering an unparalleled panoramic view that stretched out over the lofty mountain peaks. Perched at such a great height, the spectacle was nothing short of breathtaking, especially in the early morning hours. At dawn, an elderly gentleman, his visage etched with the wisdom of years, sat serenely upon a finely crafted wooden chair, quietly enraptured by the beauty that lay before him. The pinnacle of the mountain was veiled in a gentle shroud of mist, and a brisk, invigorating wind rustled through the air, creating a symphony of nature's sounds."

Amidst the tranquil ambiance, a sudden, startling sound resonated through the air. The weathered wooden door creaked open, revealing a man carrying a tray adorned with a solitary cup.

"Master, your tea has arrived," he announced softly, setting the tray down with utmost care upon a diminutive table.

The elderly gentleman cast his gaze upon the cup and offered a warm smile, causing the corners of his eyes to crinkle with age. His long, snow-white beard flowed gracefully, and he extended his hand to cradle the cup, bringing it closer to his nose. The tea's alluring aroma wafted into his nostrils.

"Consistently impeccable," he murmured before taking a sip. The flavour remained as flawless as ever, without a hint of dissatisfaction.

"Master, you've cherished this tea for quite a few years now," remarked the man beside him.

The old man continued to smile, his eyes reflecting a wellspring of memories. "This tea is perfection itself. I savour it daily, yet not once have I found reason to utter a single complaint."

"The master wishes to find fault." The other man inquired, a faint frown creasing his brow.

The elderly gentleman's smile broadened. "No, merely a playful jest, a token effort to tease that woman."

His companion chuckled heartily. "Master certainly knows how to ruffle feathers. But has Master ever succeeded?"

The old man's eyes twinkled with mischievousness. "Not once, my friend, not once."

The old man finished the tea before sighing. He placed the cup back on the tray and leaned back in his chair. "I still remember the day when she said to me that she would brew tea for me every day, and I wouldn't be able to find a reason to complain about lack or hate the day. I am still unable to do it."

But the master also knows it's impossible."

"Yes,yes, I know," the master waved his hand, "that little brat knows how to trick me."

"Master, the Herb Experience Exam is in two days. Who do you want to take charge of it?"

"Is it?" The old man frowned before he looked up to the man standing behind him and said, "Soten, make a note of the list and send them over to Aishi."

The man named Soten frowned. Master, do you want Aishi to take charge? Then..."

The master shook his head "no need. I know she is busy with her own work. So let Aishi take the charge beside that brat, who doesn't even have any envy in her body.

Soten bowed, "As per master's wish," then grabbed the tray before walking out quietly.

The old man sighed and looked towards the view again. For so many years he has been training personally only 3 disciples. Aishi is one of them. He taught them everything he knew about the medical field. And how they use their knowledge is based on their own abilities. His disciples also have many followers under them. When he thought back to years ago, a smile tugged on his lips. The image of a small girl challenging him still lingered in his mind. Since then, she has been brewing him the same tea for years now, and as she said, he still does not find enough reason to complain.

She was the only one who knew whether he liked it or not.The Passion Flower Tea is his favourite. It could relax one's body and give great benefits. But making the tea is not that easy at all, but to his surprise, she was able to do it without any difficulty. Sometimes he really wonders how much ability she holds inside. His favourite disciple is Eisho, though. Eisho pays attention to him and is more like a replica of him.

In the forest of Lupaka Mountain,

The stems of the tree slightly lifted as a man walked past. There was a heavy rain earlier, which made the plants and trees hang their branches low. The water droplets dropping on the wet ground made a sound, and it was somehow slippery. There was someone who was walking slowly and trembling as he clutched his stomach tightly. His clothes were torn, and there were red marks over his whole body, showing how badly he was injured. He stopped, held on to some trees to support his body, and heaved a sigh. It was already dusk, and there was no sign of the sun. The light slowly drifted into darkness. Soon he needs to find a shelter before it's fully dark. Supporting his body again, he started to walk but almost slipped again. His body was aching, and the pain from the injury was adding another layer of torture. He walked for a few more minutes before stopping. He really doesn't know the way of the forest. It is unfamiliar to him. When he looked up, he found there was a cave that was slightly lit up. He assumed there must be someone inside already. He started to step forward and accidentally stepped on some fallen branches, which made a cracking sound, and then it started to rain again. He was about to slip when a pair of hands supported his body.

When he finally managed to lift his weary gaze, the first thing he beheld were a pair of profound green eyes fixed upon him.

"You're injured," the stranger declared with an air of composed concern. His body throbbed with pain, and fatigue weighed down his voice, making it a struggle to respond.

"I've taken refuge in this cave. Your injury appears severe, and it won't hold for long. Come with me," the stranger urged, though he remained rooted in place, paralysed by his condition.

"I mean you no harm; let me lend you my aid," the stranger implored once more. Only then did he agree.

With gentle support, the stranger ushered him into the sanctuary of the cave. The rain outside had transformed into a deluge, accompanied by thunder that resonated like a distant battle cry. Once inside, he was guided to sit, leaning against the cave's rugged wall. A warm, crackling fire already danced in the corner, casting flickering shadows in the dim cave. The night, as it was, seemed to grow windier by the moment. His shivers intensified, exacerbated by the pain from his injury.

Five years later...

The whole empire is bustling with happiness; every house is lit up with light, and there is a smile on everyone's face. It was a festive moment for everyone. After years, for the first time, their Emperor married. It says that the late Emperor fixed this marriage with the daughter of the Supreme Family. The Master Supreme saved the late Emperor when an enemy attacked suddenly during a celebration. So the late Emperor was pleased with this loyalty and wanted to return this great favour with a marriage.

So even after the Emperor died of illness, the crown kept the promise of his father and married the supreme's daughter. This was a rare sight to see how much the Prince respects his father and his words. Even after all these years, he's still keeping the late emperor's words. And even took the first step to ask for marriage in the supreme mansion, though he had never seen the daughter before. The supreme kept the mansion under high guard so that the inner information did not leak outside. Not much of the audience ever sees what the precious daughter of Supreme looks like. She always stayed inside the manor and barely came out to attend any occasions. But today the current emperor finally married her, and now she is the empress. Outside the palaces, there was too much rumour spreading through numerous lips, but inside the imperial palace, the situation was different.

In the Zuma Palace Courtyard...

Princess Aiko threw a flower vase, causing it to smash into pieces. The freshly picked flowers were roughly smashed by Aiko's foot. The maid beside her shook her head before lowering her head. Razia, who was sitting on a chair and enjoying the tea, looked at her daughter's angry face before placing the cup on the table.

"Aiko, what are you doing?"

Mother," Aiko looked up as tears ran down her cheeks. "His Majesty is married to that lowly girl. If no one has ever seen her clearly or how she looks, then how can His Majesty marry her?"

Razia shook her head. "You need to calm down, young Princess. Just because of this matter, you can't forget the etiquette you've learned over these years." Her voice was strong as she scolded Aiko.

"Mother, how can you be so calm in this situation?" Aiko walked forward, then took the seat beside her mother and said, "That unknown girl was lucky to get married to the emperor, but here I am rotting with that cripple." Then she cried again.

Razia sighed. The later emperor was a good friend of her husband. But after that war, to avoid the destruction, she had to move to Grita. The late Emperor even bestowed a marriage on Aiko and the second Prince. She stroked her daughter's head.

"This marriage couldn't be terminated, my dear; you have to understand the political rules of the kingdom. Besides, the new empress is just a lowly girl from the supreme minor, so you don't have to be worried about it. It won't take time to snatch her title."

She wants to see her daughter as an empress of Grita. The vastness of the country makes even enemies fear attacking or causing harm. And the only one who was eligible to rule was her daughter, Aiko.

Aiko looked up "You have to help me deal with it, mother. I can't stand any other woman beside the Emperor."

"Don't worry, the Emperor is only yours. In no time, he will understand that you are the only one who is eligible for him. And then no one can stop you from ruling the throne," Razia assured.

Just then a maid entered, bringing information: "Your highness, the bride's handmaid has arrived."

Aiko clenched her fist and gritted her teeth. "Speak of the devil..."

Razia patted Aiko's shoulder lightly and said, "Don't lose your manners before everyone. Don't forget, no matter what, you have to keep calm and compose yourself every time; that's how an empress does."

Aiko finally nodded. Razia smiled, "Let's go now and welcome the new empress."

At the gate, Empress Sirikit was already there with her maids. The horse carriage stopped, and the emperor got down from the horse first, while two unfamiliar maids got down and helped the bride come out of the carriage. Empress Sirikit sighed, finally seeing her husband's wish fulfilled. The two maids supported the bride as she passed the gate.

"The empress is here; help the empress rest in her palace," Empress Sirikit said, and immediately her maids came forward to lead the way.

Razia and Aiko stood side by side and looked at the bride, who was going inside the palace. Aiko's lips twitched as she looked at the veiled bride, and she couldn't help but feel anger in her heart. All these years, she was trying to find a way to seduce the emperor but failed, and the same was true with her bestowed marriage with the second prince. With all these things, she couldn't help but feel extreme anger, despite looking calm and composed on the surface.

Vortex Palace Courtyard

The maids led the bride inside the palace and finally to her room. The huge bed in the middle is decorated in red. There were numerous candles lighting the room. Once they settled her on the bed, they left quietly. The whole room fell into silence; only her breathing could be heard in the chamber. Suddenly, the sound of foot steps can be heard from outside, and then the crack of the door.

The Emperor walked inside the room and looked at the woman who was sitting in the middle of the bed. He sighed and then walked forward. He saw her clenching the dress, then fixed his eyes on her.

"You don't have to fear anything. I won't do anything to you," he voiced out. But the bride remained silent. So he continued.

"From today on, you are my wife, and as loyalty demands, a husband shouldn't keep any secrets from his wife, so I want to tell you a very important thing." He paused. "Though you are my wife, I can't give you the rights of a wife that every wife expects from her husband. Except for having all the rights of an empress, I won't interfere with your work or anything. You can trust me on this."

He expected his wife to show anger, but instead he was welcomed with silence. He frowned but continued to explain.

"I know you might be feeling confused, so let me clear it up. I have someone in my heart already, and I can't replace her with anyone. Except for a husband's love and rights, I can't give you anything. I am emphasising this because I don't want any misunderstanding between us, so I truly hope you can understand my words." Then he looked around before looking at the wife again.

"It's late already; you should take your rest. I will take my leave," he said, and as he was about to turn, he heard a voice that seemed familiar.

"Your Majesty," his steps halted, and he turned around to look at the voice again.

The bride got up from bed and took a few steps towards him before stopping a few metres away from him.

"I appreciate your majesty's honesty towards me. I am grateful that his majesty came forward to explain this to me, but there are still certain things I would like to show. Before his majesty leaves, I want to share my plight with his majesty because I also want to make things clear between us that have not been disclosed to others. So I want his majesty to remember what his own wife looks like," she said before pulling up the veil and revealing her face.

The emperor was shocked when he gazed at the face. So delicate and charming, a face that no one knew before. But what was more captivating were the pair of gorgeous dark green eyes. The eyes, which he can never forget in this life. The eyes captured his heart and mind, but except for those beautiful green orbs, nothing else was familiar. Her gentle voice reminded him of a scene from years ago.

"You...." He couldn't find any words for some time. No, it can't be. Though those eyes are similar to what he remembers, they have different facial features. He shook off the thought and looked at her again.

"Thank you for your understanding; you should rest before performing tomorrow's ritual," he said.

She nodded. "I will, your majesty, have a good night."

He did not say anything more but left silently, shaking his head. The bride starred at his disappearing back as some emotions flickered in her eyes, her hand clenching in a fist before she shook her head too. Waving her dress, she walked towards the bed before fanning the candle and finally extinguishing the light.

The following morning, Priscilla found herself attended to by two maids, who carefully dressed her and styled her hair. Within the grand expanse of the Vortex Palace, where the presence of women was a rarity saved for a few guards, the trio made a unique exception. Camila and Greta, the two faithful maids, were the sole attendants responsible for catering to the new empress's every need.

"My lady," Camila gently interjected as she set the comb aside, her voice carrying a note of gentle insistence, "it is customary for a newlywed bride to pay her respects to the empress's mother at the Grand Fire Palace. Everyone is eagerly anticipating your arrival."

Priscilla gazed at her own reflection in the mirror, the elaborate attire she was about to don contrasting sharply with her personal preference for lighter, more comfortable dresses. Nevertheless, upon hearing Camila's reminder, she offered a subtle nod of acquiescence.

"I know, since everyone is waiting for me, I shouldn't keep them waiting for me," she replied as she got up. Greta, light the incense before leaving."

Greta nodded before quickly following the order. Then three of them moved out of the Vortex Palace. A palace maid led them the way towards the Grand Fire Palace. In the meantime, Empress Sirikit, Razia, and Aiko were there having tea.

"Greetings to the empress mother," Priscilla said, bowing a little. Cairo looked at her daughter-in-law and smiled. She put the cup on the table and then looked back at her daughter-in-law.

"Call me mother; hearing empress from you makes me feel like a complete stranger," she said gently. Priscilla smiled and nodded.

"Have your seat, my dear," Cairo said, gesturing to the empty chair. Priscilla nodded and obeyed silently.

"I must say, the new empress is really obedient and also beautiful," Razia commented before glancing behind Priscilla. Seeing only two maids, she frowned.

Oh, the new empress only has two maids to serve her." There was a mocking tone in her tone: "I think we should arrange a few more maids in Vortex Palace; even my Aiko has 15-20 maids in Zuma Palace." Finishing, she laughed lightly.

Behind them, Priscilla, Camilla, and Greta frowned upon hearing Razia's words. Even Cairo looked at Razia before turning her attention towards Priscilla, who was pouring tea like nothing happened.

Priscilla served tea to both Cairo and Razia, then smiled and said, "This is my first attempt to Surrender myself completely to royalty. I hope on this first day I did not do anything to displease my mother."

Cairo smiled before taking the cup and sipping on it. Razia narrowed her eyes at Priscilla but still accepted the offered tea.

"Empress Priscillia, as a royal, you need to have more people in your palace, Razia said. Is there anything wrong?" Aiko added, looking at her.

"Of course not," Priscilla smiled. "Even I am too pleased to know that there is someone who really cares about my wellbeing. How can I take that the wrong way?"

The word "someone" really seemed to strike a nerve in Aiko. Those who hear will think of it as a compliment, but if anyone looks deeply, it seemed like kind of a mockery.

"I am happy the empress took my words seriously. I will arrange for a few people to serve you," Razia replied.

"I appreciate my aunt's great thinking, but my two maids are enough to take care of me. Besides, I always lived with a smaller crowd, so I am not habituated to having too many people roaming around me." Priscilla declined immediately.

Razia's brows knitted as her fingers around the cup tightened. Aiko sneered inside, but on the surface, she looked collected.

The Empress just arrived and stepped into royal life for the first time. Let her adjust first; besides, if she wants more maids, she can give her order for it herself." Cairo interjects, relieving the situation.

"Of course." Razia nodded.

Aiko looked at Priscilla with disgust within but smiled brightly on the outside and said, "I was bored here because I thought there was no one around my age. But since the empress is here, I think we can get along."

"You naughty girl, you've already found your companion," Razia laughed.

"Priscillia, let me introduce you. She is the former Empress Razia, and her daughter is Princess Aiko. They are currently living with us. After a great tragedy, her husband died and her life was under threat, so his majesty, the late Emperor, took them in as guests. It is our responsibility to take care of them," Cairo explained. Priscilla listened carefully before looking at the two people sitting before her.

"I am glad to have you here as family," she replied.

"And also, Princess Aiko is betrothed to Second Prince Panshak." Priscilla looked at Cairo.

"Prince?"

"In addition, there's also a Princess, I should inform you that she is currently absent but will be arriving in two days, allowing you the opportunity to finally meet he," the attendant conveyed.

Priscilla acknowledged this revelation with a subtle nod, her awareness expanding to encompass the notion of having a sister-in-law. While she had heard mention of the second prince before, she had never crossed paths with him or been apprised of his engagement.

"Empress, now that the ritual is concluded, shall we proceed to the Rose Palace?" Aiko interjected with palpable excitement. This was her first opportunity to explore the Vortex Palace, the inner sanctum designated for the empress's residence. Although she had been betrothed to the second prince, she had never relinquished her dream of becoming empress. Now presented with the chance to explore this realm, she was determined not to let it pass her by.

"Of course, Princess Aiko," Priscilla replied, offering a warm smile before glancing at her maids, who responded with silent nods.

Following their farewells, they embarked on the journey back to the Vortex Palace. Aiko's eyes eagerly roamed every corner of the palace, her wide grin a testament to her delight. However, as she entered one of the inner chambers, the scent of burning incense filled her senses, causing her head to swim with dizziness. She struggled to comprehend what was happening, feeling as though her surroundings were spinning out of control.

"Princess Aiko, are you all right?" Priscilla inquired, her concern evident in her gaze as she observed Aiko.

"I...I..." Aiko faltered, unable to articulate her distress as she clutched her head with both hands.

"Greta, assist Princess Aiko; she appears on the verge of collapsing," Priscilla instructed, prompting Greta to provide support by placing a hand on Aiko's shoulder.

"I want to go back, I..." Aiko managed to utter.

"Of course, Greta, please escort Princess Aiko back to the Zuma Palace," Priscilla instructed, her expression growing increasingly serious as she observed Aiko's disconcerting state. Greta complied, leading Aiko away from the perplexing scene.

Priscilla's gaze lingered on their retreating figures, her face now etched with deep concern.

"My lady," Camilla ventured, speaking almost in a whisper.

"This palace is far from ordinary. While His Majesty and Empress Sirikit may seem benevolent, I can't shake the feeling of insincerity when it comes to this mother-daughter duo. Remain vigilant, so we don't inadvertently make any missteps."

"Understood," Camilla affirmed with a nod, her senses attuned to the unsettling undercurrents within the palace.

In Lily Palace ,

Razia was reading a book when Greta led Aiko inside. Razia looked at them and suddenly rushed towards her daughter.

Aiko, my dear, what happened suddenly?"

Greta helped Aiko sit on the chair. "Princess felt slightly unwell in Vortex Palace, so my lady ordered me to lead her back. Since Princess has reached her palace, I will take my leave," Greta informed before slightly bowing and leaving the palace.

Razia held Aiko's body as she narrowed her eyes. She was energetic when she left for the Vortex Palace; then how come she's become unwell?

Aiko rubbed her forehead and then looked around.