Love In The Palace

Unable

This is chapter 9, can't believe I've reached this far! Anyway, please read on!

--- 

Author's POV:

"The Shines are finally on their move!" Her voice is filled with agitation as she slams the armrest of her golden bench. She's withstood their impudent behaviours for years, and now they're finally moving to overthrow the Crown Prince, she thinks to herself.

"Summon General Wales and High Minister Harv!" Her order to Lis is absolute and carries elements of dangers if not done immediately. Her patience is running out, for her and her son's lives and status are at stake. They've been on the defending move against the Shines, like on the chess, though none of their pieces have been captured. It's been a tie so far, but she wants that no more. It's time to go on offence.

---

"Your humble servant pays respect to Your Highness." The two lowers their body on their knees, bowing as their heads touch the carpeted floor.

"There's no time for respect-paying. You should've known why did I summon you."

"Certainly, Your Highness. For that reason, I have suggested Seventh Princess' marriage to postpone any thoughts the Emperor might have about replacing Crown Prince."

"Well done. However, this matter would not be able to divert His Majesty's attention away for too long. Sooner or later we'll return to this."

"Yes. That is why we have to strengthen Crown Prince's position as soon as possible." Her older cousin replies firmly, confidently.

"Do you have any suggestions, General Wales?" Her eyes are averted towards him. Her heartbeat rises rapidly, like a girl, for she catches him eyeing her. Disappointment soon takes over her excitement though, as his eyes are back on the lifeless carpeted floor again. She has too many worries to actually be pondering about his gazing of her.

"Your servant definitely believe that releasing Crown Prince from being suspected as the culprit of Consort Shine's poisoning would be the top priority for now, followed by proving him guiltless for the corruption case."

"That is as well what I am thinking about. But to achieve that, we have to gain the support of Department of Justice." She gently touches her forehead, frowning as she tries her best to think of a solution.

"Department of Justice is partially on Consort Shine's side." High Minister Harv comments, as though he's grown familiar with the harem, with the palace. Perhaps he has, for his cousin is a woman of the second highest status in the harem.

"That is why we have to make all of them our ally, no matter what." Her eyes dart around the spacious and heavily-decorated room, as unhappiness seeps into her heart.

"Where is Crown Prince?!"

---

Jade's POV:

As though energy has entirely left my body, I exert every last drop I have to open my lids. The burst of sunlight invades, causing me to squint my eyes yet again. My head feels a sudden throb of sharp pain and intense dizziness while my mouth feels dry. As I force myself to keep my eyes open, I cast glances around the room, finding a familiar figure sitting on the chair, reading. Then I sigh, for I have not enough energy to rise and curtsy.

"If you are up, you should have said." He says, closing his book, which someone illiterate like me can never read, at the same time.

Enduring the dizziness and extreme headache, I push my hands against the wooden bed. Up I am, I pull my numb legs out of the bed.