The New Empress: Yukina's Old Life

I opened the doors to the Cold Palace. Ah, this place sure lives up to its name. But I believe I can live here peacefully. 

“Yukina, are you sure about this.” Aino was concerned about me, about my well-being in this place. I assured her that I was going to be fine. 

“Now Aino, let’s make this place a little more enjoyable.” We set up some candles and cleaned up a little bit. It seemed that this place was not taken care of throughout the years. Suddenly, the door flew open.

“Yukina nee-chan, are you alright? I heard what happened. They will surely pay for this.” Lady Tori busted through the door and hugged me. I felt relieved. 

“I’m fine Tori-chan. You don’t have to worry about me. I’m strong, remember?” She looked up at me and I gave her the biggest smile. 

“B-but, you’ll be staying here. It’s cold here. You might get sick.” I patted her head and assured her.

“Don’t worry about me. I’m more worried about you. Please take care of yourself.” Before she could answer, the Empress dowager appeared by the doorway.

“Lady Tori, you are not permitted to visit Yukina. Please leave immediately.” Before Tori had a chance to answer, I gave her one last hug and I whispered “Be careful”. She left with the Empress dowager and Aino and I were once again left alone in the Cold Palace.

“Would you like me to fetch you something to eat Yukina?” I nodded and she left the room. A few minutes went by and she returned looking rather pale and she was covering her right cheek.

“What happened to you?” I grabbed her arm and there was a handprint on her cheek. How dare they?

“Who did this to you?” I was fuming. It was bad enough that they didn’t respect me but they shouldn’t have gotten Aino involved. I grabbed her and led her to the kitchen. One of the old lady servants was talking shit about me. 

“Who dare lay a finger on my personal maid?!” The two old lady servants gossiping quickly stopped and looked at me. 

“I’m sorry your majesty but the rules clearly state that those who are in the Cold Palace are not to be given food unless sta---.” I slapped her. 

“I am still the Empress regardless of where I stay. And how dare you mistreat my maid like that. If you have a problem with me, say it to my face instead of taking it out on Aino.” The two of them quickly scurried off. I turned to Aino and examined her face.

“Are you sure you’re okay? I’m sorry you had to experience that.” Aino shook her head. 

“It’s okay Yukina. Now, shall we get some food?” I nodded and she prepared some food. We took it back to the Cold Palace.

[The Emperor’s View]

After the incident with Yukina, I can’t help but notice that she has become much more fierce and aggressive after her drowning accident. 

“Is she still at the Cold Palace?” I asked one of my servants.

“Yes your majesty. I believe she is not planning on leaving the Cold Palace.” She’s very determined now. I wonder what happened to her.

“Keep a close eye on her” The servant bowed and left the room. 

[The Empress’ View]

(Late at night)

*Stomach growling*

Damn I’m hungry. Stupid rules, stupid Emperor. Hmmm maybe I can sneak to the pantry and grab something to eat. Hah! This’ll be like training. Also I wonder how secure the palace security is. But I can’t go out wearing this fancy kimono. I might just change into this night gown.

I snuck out of the Cold Palace. There are guards stationed by the wall every 100 meters or so. Moving fast, I was able to sneak my way around the guards. This is way too easy.

I arrived at the kitchen doors but it was locked. I grabbed a hairpin from my hair and proceeded to pick the lock. *click* Holy crap that was easy. These locks are so easy to break into.

There were bread and cheese and all sorts of snacks in here. Yum! I can finally eat something. I started grabbing some bread and some cheese.

“What are you doing?” I suddenly stopped dead in my tracks. Did someone find me? Impossible! The guards have no idea I even left the Cold Palace. I turned around and saw a little boy looking up at me with his big blue eyes. 

“What are you doing here?” Should I kill this kid? Leave no witnesses; those were the rules. 

*Stomach growling* this time, it wasn’t my stomach. The kid looked flushed.

“Are you hungry? Is that why you snuck out at this late hour?” He shyly nodded. I giggled.

“Where are your mom and dad?” Suddenly, the kid looked sad.

“I’ve never met my mom. My dad wouldn’t allow me to see her here and she hasn’t visited me. Is it because I’m a bad kid? My friends all have mothers and fathers but why don’t I have a mother? No one takes care of me when I’m sick.” He looked like he was about to cry. I had the strongest urge to hug him. 

“There, there. You don’t need to cry. What’s your name?” He wiped his tears away and looked at me.

“My name is Yukio. What’s your name?” I cupped his face and gave him a warm smile.

“We almost have the same name. My name is Yukina. Don’t cry anymore okay? If you don’t have a mom, then I’ll be there to cook for you and take care of you when you’re sick. Is that okay?”  His face lit up like the night sky

“Can I call you mama?” His expectant eyes met my gaze. I can’t say no to that face

“Of course you can. Well, are you hungry? Let’s eat.” He hugged me so tight I could hardly breathe.

As I grabbed the bread, I noticed there were peanuts nearby. I thought I would make some peanut butter. Kids like peanut butter, don’t they?

“Hey Yukio, have you tried peanut butter before?” He looked at me with a confused look.

“I’ve never heard of that before.” I smiled and grabbed a bunch of peanuts. We went into the kitchen and I ground them up along with some oil. After I mushed it up into a paste, I spread some on a piece of bread and I gave it to Yukio. He took it from my hand and began eating it.

“Hmmmm it’s so good mama. I’ve never tried this before.” We continued to eat until Yukio was full. 

“That was delicious. You’re a very good cook mama.” This kid. Something feels right whenever he calls me mama. 

[The Emperor’s View]

It’s well past midnight yet I’m still in my study. I should probably finish up and head to bed. 

One of my servants suddenly busted through the door. 

“Your majesty… the prince… is gone…” 

“WHAT? How is that possible?! Secure all the exits. Find him.” I hurried out of the study and went to Yukio’s room. No sign of him. All the guards were frantically searching the hall Palace. Where are you my son?

[The Empress’ View]

As I was cleaning up, I heard the guards frantically running outside. 

“Over here, the kitchen lock has been tampered with. Someone must be inside.” One of the guards must have found the picked lock. We have to get out of here.

“Yukio, let’s go.” I carried Yukio and went out through the back door. I ran as fast as I could and I ended up by the garden. Oh no, open spaces. There’s nowhere to hide. I felt as though Yukio wasn’t moving. He must’ve fallen asleep.

“You! Who are you? What are you doing with my son?!” That voice sounds like… the Emperor. Wait a minute… Son? Is Yukio… my son? I have no other choice. I have to leave Yukio here. I put Yukio down gently. He was still able to stand on his own. As soon as I let go of him, I immediately jumped over the Gazebo and over the wall. 

“Yukio? Are you alright? Yukio? Quick! Someone call the palace doctor.” Doctor? Oh no, my son…