"Yes, that's right! You did a great job!" Benjamin exclaimed, beaming.
"Check mine! Check mine too!" A four-year-old child pleaded, tugging at Benjamin's coat.
"Alright, alright," Benjamin said with a soft chuckle. "I'm going to check everyone's work, so you all have to be patient. Remember what we talked about yesterday?"
"Sharing is caring!" The group of eight children shouted in unison.
"Yes, that's right! And what else?"
"Take turns!" one boy yelled.
"Very good. And...?"
"Be kind!" a girl added.
"That is very important. Anyone else?"
"Be payshin!" a younger child chirped.
Benjamin's smile widened. "Ah, Joonie is right. Be patient. Can anyone tell me what that means?"
"To wait!"
"To wait for your turn!" another shouted.
"Because…?" Benjamin prompted.
"Because everyone gets a turn!" the children cried out together.
"You're all far too smart," Benjamin said, his eyes gleaming as he looked down at the wide-eyed faces surrounding him. "Since you've all been so well-behaved, I think everyone should get a reward."
"Ice cream!"
"Cholkwet!"
"New toys!"
"Stawbries!"
"New books!"
"No more tests!" one child cried out suddenly.
Hearing that, Benjamin felt as if his heart had dropped out of his chest.
Another child cried out, "I like the test and Doc too!"
"Yeah!" Other kids joined in.
Benjamin forced a smile to hide the pain in his chest. "Ah ha!" he chuckled softly. "Well, for being so good, I suppose I'll have to find some snacks, new books, and toys for everyone."
"Yay!!!"
The children were always easier to work with. It was the adults who were challenging. On a good day, an adult might actually speak to him.
Then, the noise faded, and the warmth of the classroom dissolved. Benjamin found himself in an unfamiliar environment. He then remembered that he was in the Imperial palace. He jolted right up, his heart racing. Did I miss the meeting with the Emperor?
He was relieved to find that it was still early in the morning. As he turned, he realized he wasn't alone. Charles was fast asleep on the other side of the bed.
When did he get here? Benjamin wondered, his gaze lingering on the golden locks of hair falling across Charles's face. He reached out, tempted to brush the hair away, before stopping immediately. He pulled his hand back and began to quietly slip out of bed.
"Ben…" Charles called out, still half asleep. Benjamin froze.
"Are you awake, Charles?"
"You should sleep more," Charles mumbled, yawning with his eyes still shut. "Come here…"
Benjamin sat down on the edge of the bed next to Charles. He reached out and gently stroked Charles's hair, and in response, Charles blindly sought out his other hand, holding it tight. Benjamin watched him drift back into sleep. His heart remained heavy, but the sight of Charles looking so peaceful in his sleep brought a small, sad smile to his lips.
Little did Benjamin know the reason why the Prince was so tired. The night before, he had been up till the early hours of the morning with Calix and Felix, rehearsing what he would say to the Emperor. The Emperor had requested a meeting with him and Shirin the following day. The ball was drawing closer, and it meant only thing. The Imperial engagement.
Charles remembered what he had told Benjamin the night they had opened their hearts to each other: "I will break apart everything that prevents us from being together. I want to be with you, and I will do whatever it takes to make that happen."
He needed to keep his promise. He needed to prove to Benjamin that his love for him ran deeper than century-long political alliances. That they were not star-crossed lovers. That their love would know no bounds.
** ** ** ** ** ** **
The next day was busy.
One of the Emperor's personal guards arrived at his door, distinguished by the subtle, reddened sun on the Imperial crest. This detail was not known among many outside palace walls.
Benjamin followed the guard through a maze of hallways until they reached a small room with a heavy door. As soon as he stepped inside, he heard the click of a lock, meaning the door had been locked from the outside.
In the center of the small room sat a low table on a thick carpet, surrounded by cushioned mats. Emperor Farrokh was already seated. Seeing Benjamin's startled expression, the Emperor let out a thundering laugh that filled the small space.
"Don't worry, Benjamin. I have a key that opens the door from the inside," he said warmly. "You haven't changed a bit." He smiled, gesturing to the floor. "Come, sit. I've brought us some spiced tea and shortbread. Oh, and some jam cookies." He chuckled softly.
"Thank you, Your Majesty," Benjamin said, bowing deeply before taking his seat across from him.
"I'm glad to see you, Benjamin. But you've looked unwell since you arrived. Is something the matter?"
He still has a sharp eye, Benjamin noted.
"Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty. It's just a minor stomach issue," Benjamin lied. "I'm taking some herbal medicine for it, so it should pass in no time."
"I'm glad to hear that. But remember, if you need assistance, don't hesitate to go to the AMA."
Benjamin showed a small grin. "Thank you, Your Majesty."
"So, how has life been in Isadora?" the Emperor asked, sipping his tea and taking a bite of shortbread. He paused to hand a piece to Benjamin. "You must try this. It's delicious."
Benjamin took a bite. It was buttery and instantly melted on his tongue. "Thank you, it's delicious!"
"Try the jam ones, too. My wife made them herself."
"Could I perhaps get the recipe from Her Majesty?"
"I'll try, though she's always so secretive about her recipes," the Emperor joked. For a while the two men spoke about their daily lives and shared laughs.
"Now, let's get to the point of this meeting before I forget," the Emperor said. "I'm getting old, Benjamin. I need to retire soon." He chuckled, but his eyes grew serious. "I heard about the recent incident. Are you alright? Do you feel safe staying at your home in Aster?"
The concern in the Emperor's voice was genuine and reflected in his warm gaze.
"I'm fine. Thank you for your concern, Your Majesty."
"I'm glad Charles was there," the Emperor added. "He's a reliable young man. Trustworthy."
Benjamin nodded.
"Regarding the assignment, I have some good news and some bad news," the Emperor continued. "I am so sorry, Benjamin. Truly sorry. I know this assignment was only supposed to last a year or two at most. We simply didn't realize the sheer extent of it. I am truly grateful to you for sticking with it all this time. You are an outstanding young man."
Benjamin nodded again, waiting. "I'm alright, Your Majesty. You can tell me everything."
"Do you remember Ara?" the Emperor asked.
"Of course. Though I've only met Princess Ara a handful of times."
He remembered her from medical school. He had attended when he was only fourteen. She was twelve at the time and was auditing classes. At the time, he didn't know that she was royalty. Most students were wary of her, but Benjamin, clueless, had approached her anyway.
She was brilliant and kind. They didn't talk about their personal lives. Instead, they had spent hours discussing topics that interested them, from biology to astronomy. She swore that she was ready to master both subjects, no matter how long it took. He had admired her deeply. But, she eventually had to stop attending the classes.
"She arrives later today," the Emperor explained. "I spoke with her a month ago. She's in charge of forming a new committee to lead a new research division at the AMA."
"I trust her. She's fundamentally driven by what's right rather than what is expected. She's rebellious, but it's just her way of sticking to her principles," the Emperor said, chuckling. "Her parents are far too worried about their one and only daughter."
"Well, the good news is that once that committee is established, the assignment will finally be over. The bad news is simply that background checks for members of the division will take time," the Emperor said, scanning Benjamin's face.
"Why is that bad news?" Benjamin asked. "At least the end is finally in sight."
"I'm glad you see it that way. You should meet with Ara later today. She should be here by noon."
"I'm sure she'll want to rest first. I'll speak with her once she's settled."
"Benjamin, take the rest of these." The Emperor began packing the cookies into a wax bag. "You look far too pale. Perhaps the sugar will help."
Benjamin thanked him as the Emperor took out a key. "This is where the magic happens," he joked, unlocking the heavy door.
Benjamin was escorted back to his room by a guard. Back in his room, he laid down on his bed and let out a long sigh of relief. There was finally a chance to put this life behind him. He might finally get a chance to travel to Shen Zhou. Well, only if I survive this, he reminded himself.
While he was eating his jam cookies, still laying in bed, there was a knock on the door.
He sat up straight. Charles was supposed to be in a meeting and Wren couldn't get into the palace without an invitation. He knew no one else who would come for him.