Chapter Text
He held her.
It wouldn’t be much longer now.
Her breathing had become labored.
Her skin cold to the touch.
She grew pale.
Her lips turning blue.
This was not how he imagined their story ending.
They foiled so many plots. So many acts of unforgivable treachery. Yet missed the signs of the one brewing right under their noses.
They pledged their loyalty. He even went as far as branding himself to prove he had no ill intent and it was all for not.
They underestimated the empress. Miscalculated her true nature.
Under that demure smile. Warm radiation. And emerald eyes that gleamed of nurture lied a monster no one saw coming.
Her family’s ambition should never have been overlooked. He clenched his fist. He should have known. But naively equated her to the “late” concubine Loulan. It was a foolish mistake and one that cost the one he had given everything up for her life.
They were both summoned to the meeting hall of his brother. Seated around the table were top officials including Gaoshun, Lakan, his mother, and HER. The cause of all this. They claimed to have found evidence of treason after her lead lady in waiting had succumbed to poison. A search of MaoMao’s quarters in the pleasure district uncovered the ingredients used to concoct it and reaffirmed by several palace physicians as precaution due to the status and reputation of the suspect.
He knew she was innocent. But his little cat. His stubborn, intelligent, and loving cat had quickly figured out this was a trap to eliminate her. So she remained quiet and denied nothing. He knew this wasn’t an admission of guilt, but protection. She took sole responsibility to spare those in the Vendegris House and those closest to her lives for they would have all been doomed to the same fate. His worst fears come true. And he knew by the empress being here that she was to blame. No matter the assurances she did not trust that they wouldn’t turn against her and her son. Gyokuyou; known for her intellect could not see past who MaoMao’s father was.
To have a union between the Moon Prince and the Princess of the La Clan (despite her never accepting her family name) would have undoubtedly caused unrest in the court and split it into factions. Gyokuyou was a foreigner to this land. Many within the palace were weary of her station. She acted not in the benefit of all those in the country of Li, but to the western capital.
Thus the sentence was handed out. They would let MaoMao go quietly and peacefully in a method of her own choosing. A “compromise” in recognition of all that she’s done for the nation. However, her “attempt” on the empress’s life could not go unpunished.
Because she never formally took her clan’s name their lives would be spared. He didn’t have to glance over to the freak strategist to know that he was already plotting his revenge against the crown. And that meant all members. Including him. And he will not resist when that day comes because it meant he was not far behind in following the only woman he has ever loved into the afterlife.
They quietly made their way back to Jinshi’s estate. She said nothing. Just stared. Her face as always showed no emotion. But he could see the tick of sadness in her eyes. the processing of the betrayal settling in. So he waited. Waited until she was ready to speak.
“Master Jinshi.” Her voice low. Not giving away a hint of what she was feeling.
He snapped to attention.
“Do you remember the promise you made to me?” Hey eyes boring into his.
He swallowed the lump in his throat. The memory of a distant conversation playing in his head. One he hoped would never come to fruition. But one in hindsight that had been spoken like prophecy.
“If you’re ever tasked with executing me, can you make sure it’s with poison?”
He recalled looking at her incredulously.
Believing that she would never succumb to such an outcome after all she’s done for the crown. How wrong he was.
His heart sank. Tears already threatening to fall. He kept it in. Held back. And simply nodded. He knew there was no turning back. At least the emperor had granted her this “mercy”. To die with dignity and at her own hand. He thought bitterly.
Lost in his thoughts he was brought back by a small hand cupping his cheek. His memory bringing him back to their time at the falls. How he blushed then. The effect all the same.
“I do not blame you. And my only request is that you will not do anything reckless. I am sure that freak will cause enough damage. He has nothing left to lose. But you. You can and will be different. Your entire life’s story has always been written by someone else’s hand. Despite your beliefs he will spare you. Someone needs to lead this nation to a path of healing. Do not let the opportunity to write this next chapter for yourself pass you by. Give me this one last promise so I can have peace of mind when I transition to the next life.”
He said nothing. His hands trembled and begrudgingly he shook his head yes. Afraid to speak. Afraid to scream “How can you ask that of me? How can you expect me to move on without you? How can you wish for me to lead the very nation that condemned you?”
But he didn’t. He simply agreed to her final wish. How very like his tiny cat. To still find it in her heart to forgive. To still approach things with logic, reason, and resolve. To still have his interest at heart. To still remain loyal to the very end. He will honor her. He will make sure her name will ring throughout the land for generations to come. She will be a story legends are derived from.
“If you ever feel in need of a trusted friend or ally my sisters will make sure you have an ear that’ll listen and a shoulder to cry on. Just be prepared to have your pockets bled dry in the process by the old lady.” She joked.
Even at a time like this she still found humor in it all.
“Maomao I-“ he couldn’t finish his sentence. He didn’t need to. Her eyes told him she knows. And even though she never said it she loved him too.
With a sigh she reached into her satchel and removed a small vial. There was no dramatic ceremony. No final words. She simply went to her old room and sat on her bed. And drank. The effects weren’t immediate, but as soon as she started to lay back he knew. This was it and he went to her. Cradled her close and with what little awareness she had left she brushed his chin one final time before closing her eyes.
He watched her take her final breath and let his tears finally fall. Kissing her forehead before gently wrapping her body in the bedding she laid upon. He will make sure she was buried with dignity. Somewhere quiet. Somewhere where her loved ones can visit and honor her.
“Do not let the opportunity to write this next chapter for yourself pass you by.”
With resolve he finally left the room. Unsure of what will come next. But no matter the outcome he made a silent vow to live a life he knows she’d be proud of.