The War God’s Favorite novel Chapter 63

The New Year Celebrations
Cassandra didn’t know much about the New Year Celebration in the Imperial Palace. In most modest families, a little dinner was made, prayers were done to the Dragon Gods, and the family spent the night in their garden or the streets, looking at the stars. Street fairs would appear everywhere in the Capital, for people to go out and enjoy the festivities, with the stalls full of hot food, prayer candles or incense and decorations. In the rich or noble families, the festivities came to them. The garden was set out for a reception, where they would invite friends and family, to watch entertainers and spend the night out. They wouldn’t mix with the commoners, however.
Hence, Cassandra was pretty sure most of the festivities would happen inside the Imperial Palace as well. She wasn’t surprised when her Prince took her to a large area, a garden surrounding a beautiful lake. With the night slowly falling, the colors reflected on the water were absolutely gorgeous. It was a very flowery garden, and the servants had to hang hundreds of decorations, paper lamps, and dragon puppets.
All the Ladies wore their prettiest attires. Thick makeup, every gold jewelry they owned was worn, and their dresses looked brand new and fancy as well. A lot of people turned their heads when Cassandra and Kairen appeared. Everyone but the Imperial Family had to bow, and that’s when Cassandra realized there weren’t many outsiders invited. She recognized a handful of generals, some ministers, and the Emperor’s counselors, but aside from those people and their families, it was the full Imperial Family that was present. It equaled about a hundred people total, including all the Princesses and Concubines.
The servants were working hard, constantly bringing food and drinks to the tables, while serving the whims and being careful of each guest. For once, there was no Dragon in sight, but truthfully, there wouldn’t have been much space for them to sit. The whole garden was filled with people and tables, or the lake.
Cassandra immediately thought it was a beautiful scene; She stayed close to her Prince, holding on to his arm, and he guided her towards his mother. Kareen and Shareen were already there, and no one dared to approach the duo. The Imperial Concubine had picked a simple burgundy dress and some gold jewelry for her hair, but that was it. Cassandra knew how she didn’t want to look like she had given too much effort in front of the Emperor. Shareen had simply put on one of her purple dress, and her military belt, keeping her sword by her side.
“Did you two get lost?” She growled when they arrived.
Cassandra bowed respectfully as she was supposed to, and Kareen gestured for her to come closer and sit next to her. The Imperial Concubine had her own table, big enough to seat eight or nine people, but everyone around knew there was no way all those seats would be used. She had probably been given a large table and close to the Emperor’s out of respect, as one of the favorites and Princes’ mother.
The Emperor hadn’t arrived yet, so the four of them were free to drink and chat freely. The chatting was mostly done by Shareen and her mother, however. Instead of seating with them, Kairen stood behind Cassandra, his arms crossed, without saying a word.
“What are usually the celebrations for the Imperial New Year?” Asked Cassandra.
“Oh, that old man will give a speech about it, then we get to see a few shows, some concubines might sing or dance, and we eat and drink all night until we are too tired.”
Cassandra was surprised to hear some of the Concubines might demonstrate their talents tonight. She hadn’t expected that. The women usually watched professionals performers along with the Imperial Family, but she had never seen any take part in it… She hoped she would be left alone, though. She hated having the attention on her, and would rather go unnoticed, staying by her Prince’s side. (3)
“The ministers and generals usually use that occasion to have their daughters or younger sisters noticed by the Emperor or the Princes, too,” said Shareen. “You can 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, with lots of jewelry, and already sending glances here and there. Cassandra couldn’t help but frown, seeing some of them shyly eyeing her Prince.
“Those little pests,” sighed Shareen. “As if the Concubines weren’t already 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 click their tongue and smiled. Missandra had been given a cloth to cover her hair and most of her face, and a large servant’s dress. It wasn’t uncommon for the young servant women to hide their appearance, to be unnoticed. She was a bit relieved that her sister was hidden that way, yet able to be close enough.
“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 that girl at your apartments, mother,” growled Shareen. “If she gets killed…”
“The one who got tricked by a sixteen-year-old girl does not get to speak,” retorqued Kareen.
Shareen’s red ashamed face was an unusual sight, Cassandra could barely hold her laughter. Even Missandra made a little sound to show she was a bit proud of herself, and somehow, glad for the Imperial Concubine to have mentioned it. Apparently, Kareen had managed to win a bit of her trust in that short lapse of time…
Cassandra could tell her younger sister was silently checking their surroundings and everyone present, but she silently prayed Missandra wouldn’t do anything crazy, or put herself in danger…
Suddenly, the usual music announced the Emperor’s arrival, and everyone stood to welcome the most powerful man in this Empire. It was quite strange to see that man arrive last, in his purple and gold outfit, without his Dragon or anyone to guard him. He silently walked, everyone around their head down, and took place in the large golden throne placed in the best spot, a little hill that allowed him to oversee all of the Garden.
“Please rise, dear family, dear friends. It is my highest 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 you beloved Empire.”
After everyone stood, he began a long speech, about the past and difficulties the Empire Kingdom had faced that year, but also the greatest accomplishments. Cassandra was surprised to hear him mention some difficult topics like war, disease and poverty in the Empire, but also congratulate some great medical discoveries, new markets or new alliances found with neighboring countries. She had expected a much more shallow speech, not something so deep, and found herself entranced by every sentence.
“In the light of our past mistakes, it has come to my attention that we shall retaliate, improve our ways and by so, enrich our culture and people. We shall no more turn a blind eye on the misery and suffering of others, and lavishly enjoy the blood spilled by others for our own comfort. The sons and daughters of the Dragon Empire shall act wise, strong and fairly. I, as the Emperor alone, am Justice. I am the Golden Dragon the rules over this Empire. For the new year, Your Emperor has a new edict to proclaim. Hear my words, children, and obey.”
Cassandra was surprised, and noticed everyone around seemed as surprised as she was, and holding their breaths. What did the Emperor suddenly mean to say?
“From this year on, let it be known that the Dragon Empire will no longer ignore the misery of its people. Every child, man or woman in the Dragon Empire, is my people. As such, I declare, from this day on, that no man, or woman, will be 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 on the blood spilled and the lives taken.”
Just as she was, many people around were confused. Only some of the Princes and Princesses, and the scholar, seemed in utter shock. Cassandra, too, couldn’t understand what was going on.
She turned to Kareen who had an intriguing smile on. Next to her, Shareen was smirking, too.
“Lady Kareen, what does that mean?” Whispered Cassandra.
“He’s talking about 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.”
“But that…”
“Father wants that no one will be able to kill a slave,” whispered Shareen. “You cannot kill or harm the belongings of the Empire. Our people will have to buy them from the Emperor, which means a close monitoring of the slaves, and won’t ever have the ownership to allowed them to kill their slaves freely.” (3
Hearing all those words, Cassandra was 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.
Then, she realized the Emperor was suddenly staring at her.
“This year has been a year of great change in my heart. The Golden Dragon has seen many things and heard greater things. Because the most beautiful treasures can be hidden to the bright eye of a Dragon. Because the weak, frail envelope of a simple slave woman can hide a great knowledge to save hundreds of lives. Tonight, this Emperor is most proud of his third son, for the Black Dragon was wise to find a raw diamond among the coal. Our Nation’s God of War has done great, both in matters of War, and matters of the Heart. All rise in my son’s name, Kairen, the War God and Third Son of the Golden Dragon.”
In a few seconds, every person present was bowing, not towards the Emperor but towards Kairen, and Cassandra lost her breath. Seeing all those people, rise and bow to her Prince was an incredible sight. Aside from his father, everyone else had no choice but to obey and show their respect to the War God.
Her heart could probably not bear any more emotion, but she was about to bow when Kairen held her hand for her
not to.
“Let them bow to you too.”