Chapter 114: Start Of The Trial

Ren did not wait for me; not that I thought that he would. By the time I had reached the outside, Ren was already inside the carriage that we would be taking us to the Imperial court. With the help of Auntie and various maids, I was able to get into the carriage without losing my life.

When I finally sat down next to Ren in the carriage, he was looking out of the window in the opposite direction. As if there was anything interesting to look at outside of that small window, I couldn’t help thinking to myself sarcastically. Whatever lay beyond that small window was clearly more interesting and pleasing to look at than the fully-dress-up me.

The ride to the imperial court was completely void of conversation. Ren did not turn to look at me, nor did he say anything to me. Halfway through the ride, I began to wonder why he even bothered to pick me up at all. The White Lotus palace have carriages as well. I might as well have ridden on one of them and meet him there.

“Crown Prince…Lady White Lotus,” a familiar voice greeted us when we got out of the carriage when we arrived.

“Shin…” I whispered his name unconsciously.

I couldn’t quite understand why but I felt a sense of relief to see Shin here. It’s been a while since I last saw and spoke to him, and I hoped that he was doing well. His presence made me feel like I wasn’t alone. Unlike Ren, at least, Shin seems more human and reachable.

Without a word, Ren walked on ahead of us.

“I wouldn’t mind him if I were you. He’s not in the best of moods right now…” Shin whispered softly to me to make sure that Ren didn’t hear him.

“I figured…” I mumbled in reply.

Shin gestured for me to walk on ahead and I did. He kept me company and led me all the way to the hall where the trial would be held. My legs shook all the way and I felt like I was going to faint from the stress and the weight of the dress.

“You look extremely beautiful…don’t tell Ren that I said that though…” Shin said before smiling a little at me.

“…Thank you,” I replied politely before smiling back.

Shin’s compliment made me happy, but it also made me realize that deep down, I had wished to hear that from a certain someone else…

To my surprise, Ren was waiting for me at the entrance of the court room. I had thought that he would enter before me, but he didn’t. For some reason, that gave me a glimpse of hope that everything would turn out alright today.

Ren offered me his arm as I came to stand next to him. I glanced down at his arm, unsure of what to do at first. Does he want me to take his arm?

Slowly, I held the crook of his arm with my hands. I couldn’t ignore the skipping of my heart when I touched him. I looked up at him to see him staring at my face, his face completely void of emotions.

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“When we step into the room, I am your husband, and you are my loving and devoted wife. Do you understand?” Ren said flatly.

“…Yes,” I replied simply. There nothing else that I could say to that command.

“Good luck…” Shin whispered to us.

“We’re going to need a lot more than that…” Ren muttered, and I felt his body stiffen at my side.

Shin nodded towards us as if to confirm that we were ready before his hand reached out and pushed the large double door open for us. As the door slowly opened, I realized anew just how nervous and anxious I was about all of this.

The hall was so large with a long walkway running down the center of the room, leading to the uplifted stage where the emperor and his senior advisors were seated along with other members of the high court. I felt their eyes on Ren and me as we entered the room.

Once we had taken our first step into the room, Ren placed his hand on mine and turned to smile at me lovingly. My eyes widened slightly at his sudden gesture.

‘When we step into the room, I am your husband, and you are my loving and devoted wife…’

Then, I recalled his words to me while we were standing in front of the door. So, this was what he meant. Ren, he’s just faking it then, I realized with a sinking feeling in my stomach. With all my effort, I forced myself to smile back sweetly at him.

It felt like we walked side-by-side for an eternity before we reached our destination, the platform in front of where the emperor and the members of court were sitting. By the time we got there, I could see that Prince Kin and Lady Mimi were already there.

“Crown Prince and Lady White Lotus, please have a seat,” a very old eunuch said respectfully as he gestured to two large wooden chairs that were placed next to each other.

Carefully, Ren guided me to the chair and help me sit down before he smoothed and arranged my dress for me. If there was an award for the best actor of the century, I firmly believe that Ren should win it. His actions were so loving and caring that everyone else must have believed that he truly cared for me deeply. I could feel everyone’s eyes on us, and it was making me feel extremely uncomfortable.

After Ren was satisfied that I had settled down suitably into my seat, he sat down in the large wooden chair next to mine. If Ren felt nervous about this, he didn’t show it at all. He sat with his back straight and eyes looking forward.

“Crown prince, I believe that you have yet to wed the Lady White Lotus. So please explain why she is wearing that outfit,” the emperor spoke up, his formal tone hushing the countless gossiping whispers in the court.

--To be continued…

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