Two and Six and Seven

Continuing from The Wizard and the Monk and The Princess and the Stable Maid, here is the next chapter of the story of Crown Prince Yixing-Jiumin Jinhai, his friend and bodyguard Cao Qigong, Princess Yixing-Jiumin Jinyat, Amalie Nilsson, Ginginya Liu-Er, and the imperial family of Senyon.

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After talking with Amalie Nilsson, Princess Jinyat had her handmaid, Su An, summon her father's chief eunuch, Ginginya Liu-Er, usually known as Six. After a few minutes, he arrived at the Palace of Tranquil Peace, Princess Jinyat's palace just outside the Garden of Tranquil Peace in Liliakinyosa. Princess Jinyat's servants guided him to her chambers...

Six entered Jinyat's quarters, bowed formally to the Princess and greeted her.
Princess Jinyat said, "Thank you for coming, Six. I have something to discuss with you, but first - would Amalie get caned just for being late back to the laundry? Are the laundry maids really treated so harshly?"
Six replied, "Yes, Princess, she would very likely be caned or punished in some other way, but the Emperor's orders have saved her from the worst beatings - or death. You know very well yourself that your grandmother wouldn't hesitate to have her tortured or even beaten to death to keep her away from your brother."
Princess Jinyat said, a little sadly, "Yes, I know she would. She believes all the silly status rules more than anyone. Grandmother would never tolerate Jinhai being with a commoner girl, especially a lively girl like Amalie. I want to get her out of the laundry and out of the palace where she will be safer." She hesitated, gathering her courage, then said, "And Six, there's something I need to tell you. It's...I know where Seven is. I know it, and he's waiting for me there."
Six looked intently at Princess Jinyat. He knew her well, and knew that she was sensible and intelligent, not given to flights of fancy, and even less to lying. He said, "I can see why you would want to help Amalie, Princess. You're compassionate, and Amalie does not deserve the hatred she is getting from your sisters or the Empress Dowager. But how can you possibly know where Seven is, when your brother has no idea?"
Princess Jinyat hesitated, not knowing if she should tell him about her dream, whether he would dismiss it or even ridicule her. But having said this much, she decided to go ahead. "I had a dream, Six. The most vivid dream I've ever had. I saw him, and he's waiting for me. I have to go to meet him at Xosuyel Vold. And I want Amalie to go there with me."
Momentarily shocked, Six said, "A dream? He's at Xosuyel Vold?" He pondered what she said, then continued, "A dream is hardly reliable, Princess, but it does make sense that he'd go back to Xosuyel Vold. He would feel safe there, and the monks would be able to help calm his heart and mind."
Princess Jinyat said, "Yes! But...but...it was more than that, Six. He's waiting for me. I have to go there. He needs my help!"
"Princess! What are you saying?" Six replied, "He needs your help? Forgive my insolence, but how could you possibly help Seven? He is one of the most capable men I have ever met - intelligent, thorough, calm, a master of martial arts. Why would he be waiting for your help?"
Princess Jinyat, taken aback by Six's question, said, "Well...I don't...he probably doesn't..." Then it came to her. "He's Prince Toma now, Six. He needs my help to learn how to be a prince and to support him and... and... to love him!"
Six stared at her, astonished. "Love him!? Princess, are you sure you are okay? This is utterly unlike you! Seven is your brother's friend and bodyguard. Your family will never allow you to marry him! What you are saying could get him killed!"
Princess Jinyat said, "That's why I have to go to him, Six! He's not just a bodyguard. I have to help him be Prince Toma!"
Six said, "Princess, what do you want me to do? Take you to Xosuyel Vold? I want Seven to come back to us, but how can you go there? Your father would never agree! And what does Amalie Nilsson have to do with any of this?"
The Princess said, "My father trusts you more than anyone, Six. You can convince him. Tell him it would be good for me to see the country or something. Tell him Amalie's experience with horses and with her caravan would help us. If anyone can persuade my father, it will be you. Please, Six. I need your help."
Six replied, "I need to think about this, Princess. What you are asking is next to impossible. I know you, and this isn't like you at all. It's...it's...a little crazy. I've known you since you were born, Princess, and you've never been crazy at all. I have to think."
Princess Jinyat said, "Okay, Six. I understand. But please, don't think too long. Seven is waiting!"

As Ginginya Liu-Er made his way through the palace grounds back to his quarters, he was disturbed by what Princess Jinyat had said to him and asked of him. Wondering if he should summon the imperial physicians to examine her, he turned a corner into an alleyway leading to his quarters in the Court of Ministers. Before him was an old Elvirim man he had never seen before, with silvery-blond hair and silver clothes made of high-quality silk and leather. Startled, Six said abruptly, "Who are you? What are you doing in the palace!?"
The old Elvirim smiled said, "Ah, yes. Most definitely his mentor. Full of unimportant questions."
"What do you mean, unimportant questions? Guards!" Six yelled, and unsheathed his dagger, the Silver Needle of Azazala.
The old Elvirim replied, "Oh, Ginginya Liu Er. We don't need any guards here. They can't hear you right now and wouldn't do you any good, even if they could. And you definitely don't need that!" Six's dagger disappeared from his hand. The Elvirim said, "Now, I have some things to say to you. You will listen."
Frightened now, Six yelled, "What do you want, and why should I listen to you?"
The old Elvirim said, "Again, you ask unimportant questions. There is only one important question for you, Ginginya Liu Er, and that is what will you do? And because you do not know the answer, I will tell you the answer, and you will listen because you must."
Six tried to answer back, but he could not speak, nor could he move. The Elvirim said, "Tomorrow, you will go to the Emperor of Senyon. You will tell him that you know Cao Qigong is at Xosuyel Vold. You will tell him that you need his permission to go there and bring him back to Sendoshi to discuss what happened. You will tell him that it is time that Princess Jinyat see more of the kingdom before she is married. You will tell him that Amalie Nilsson should accompany the princess as her maid and companion, as she knows how to travel and can help care for the horses and for the princess. The Emperor will agree. You will depart for Xosuyel Vold the day after tomorrow. Go now." The old Elvirim gestured with a finger.

Ginginya Liu Er woke the next morning in his bed in his quarters. He remembered encountering the old Elvirim man, but nothing after that, until waking up. He remembered their conversation, indistinctly. His dagger was in his sleeve. Was the old man a dream? He didn't think so, but his recollection of his encounter was hazy. Even remembering what he looked like was difficult, other than that he was wearing silver clothing. Troubled and unsteady, Six began readying himself for the day.
As soon as he was prepared and dressed, a junior eunuch announced himself, then said, "Sir, the Emperor has asked to see you immediately." Six replied, "Thank you. I will go to see him now."
Upon arriving at the Emperor's audience hall, Six was announced. He said to the Emperor, "Sire, I was told you asked to see me."
The Emperor said, "Yes, Six. I have some important things to discuss with you." He raised his voice, "Everybody but Six, please step out. I need a few minutes to talk with him alone." The ministers, eunuchs, and maids left, and the door attendants closed the doors behind them.
When the doors were closed, the Emperor said, "Six, as I was lying in bed last night, it came to me that we need to find Seven or Cao Qigong or Prince Toma or whoever he is now, figure out what happened in Chessdo, and make sure that our relationship with Chessa and Queen Na'Omi isn't irreparably damaged. It's a very important mission, but the court will criticize me heavily if I assign Jinhai to go, so I want you to take care of this personally.
"Yes, sire," said Six. "As a matter of fact, I was coming to tell you that we received some, uh, intelligence that Seven is at Xosuyel Vold. I would like your permission to travel there to bring him back here."
"Xosuyel Vold?" said the Emperor. Thinking for a moment, he said, "Yes, I think that makes sense. I recall that it's where he grew up until you brought him to be Jinhai's bodyguard, correct? So it is reasonable that he would go back there. Agreed. Go, and bring him back, Six."
"Yes, Your Highness. There is one more...delicate...matter I would like to talk over with you, related to this. I think it requires a very soft and steady hand, sire."
"What is it, Six? Your tone makes me uneasy."
Six went on, "Sire, it appears that Princess Jinyat has developed - how to put this? - very strong feelings for Cao Qigong. She insists that he is waiting for her at Xosuyel Vold, and she insists on going to meet him there. She wants to, uh...marry him, sire."
The Emperor said, "What? Nonsense! She is the first daughter of the empire! She cannot leave the palace. How could she know that he's waiting for her? That's preposterous! And she certainly cannot marry her brother's bodyguard! Even if I agreed, her grandmother would have Seven's head, not to mention mine!"
Six said, "I know, sire. I know. I tried to dissuade her when she confided in me. She asked me to persuade you anyway. She doesn't know that I never hide anything from you, sire. She told me she had a vivid dream that she must go to Xosuyel Vold to meet Seven. I was skeptical, sire. It's impossible. But I also know Princess Jinyat, as do you. She never lies. She's smart and sensible. She wouldn't take a risk like this unless she truly believed it. Still, I told her I had to think about it - and then, sire, I had my own strange encounter that convinced me that what she said to me is true."
The Emperor said, "Strange encounter? What are you talking about, Six? Is everyone around me going crazy?"
Six said, "No, sire. I assure you, I am in full command of my senses, and I believe the Princess is, also." He related to the Emperor his indistinct memories of his encounter with the old, silver Elvirim.
"This is strange and troubling, Six. Some power beyond us seems to be at work in this. I cannot see that it means us harm, but what motive could it have?"
"I don't know either, sire," said Six. "But I think going along may bring us a great deal of good. You see, Princess Jinyat believes that she is meant to marry and help Seven - Prince Toma - understand how to be a prince, how he should behave and what it is like to be the leader of a country and royalty. If she can do that, sire, we would have a powerful ally in Chessa and the ties between Senyon and Chessa would be strong indeed. Your desire to improve relations with Chessa would certainly be fulfilled."
"Hmm. I believe you are right, Six. If Seven is a prince of Chessa, then allying with them through marriage is a honored and traditional way to improve relations between countries. Some of my consorts came to us through marriage alliances. But Six, you could just bring Seven here, yes? Jinyat does not need to travel to Xosuyel Vold. She has never been outside Liliakinyosa. She does not know how to travel, nor do her maids, and I am loathe to put her in danger. As my firstborn daughter, she is precious to me - not to mention that we don't even know if Seven would want to marry Jinyat."
"I understand, sire. I have misgivings, also. I must say, though, that the few times I have observed Princess Jinyat interacting with Seven, I believe their affection is mutual, though neither has been able to express it, given their difference in status. Now that she's been willing to confide in me, I think that the Princess can help persuade Seven to come back. He maybe reluctant to return here at all after what happened with him and Prince Jinhai. The Princess might convince him, especially if there truly is affection between them. As for a traveling companion, I have a suggestion."
"Why have I never observed this mutual affection, Six? She has never mentioned liking any boy to me, and her mother and sisters have never mentioned anything about it, nor has Jinhai, and he's her closest sibling."
"Sire, in my admittedly limited experience, teenage girls and young women don't often confide with their fathers about their relationships. And someone like Princess Jinyat, who is acutely aware of her difference in status to Seven and would want to protect him, definitely would not tell her sisters or her mother about her feelings. The Empress Dowager would not tolerate any relationship between the Princess and Seven."
The Emperor said, "Yes, Six. You are right. As her father, it makes me a little sad, but I must be realistic. She is grown now, and not my little princess anymore, no matter how much I would like her to be. So, who is it that you suggest can help Jinyat as she travels? I will not allow her to travel alone, even with you."
"Sire, I suggest you send Amalie Nilsson with Princess Jinyat."
The Emperor exclaimed, "Amalie Nilsson! Are you joking, Six? She's wild and unpredictable. Who knows what kind of trouble she would get into!"
"Yes, sire, you are indeed correct, but in fact, Amalie is a very experienced traveler. You remember that her father ran a caravan that traded from Danyund even to Sendoshi. She knows how to pack for travel properly, and how to care for horses and for the princess' clothes. She's strong and healthy, and she even knows how to defend herself reasonably well with a sword. She can be an unruly and rash girl, sire, there is no doubt about that, but for travels like this, I think that her enthusiasm is actually an advantage. I think Princess Jinyat could learn much from Amalie."
The Emperor contemplated for a moment, "Hmm. I'm not sure I want Jinyat to learn anything from that girl, but yes, I agree. Getting Amalie out of the palace, away from Jintu and my mother for awhile would be good for her. And giving Jinyat some experience of the world outside the palace would be good for her, as well. Okay, Six. I agree. Summon them. I want to talk with the two of them before you depart."

Amalie Nilsson was working in the imperial laundry, washing the clothes of some of the other maids. She had huge pile of clothes to clean, dry, and press before she would be allowed to eat her evening meal. The chief maid in charge of the laundry usually didn't let her wash the clothes of the imperial family. She told Amalie that she is too clumsy and would ruin the fine silk gowns of the princesses and consorts. When the junior eunuch arrived to summon her to the emperor's audience hall, several of the other laundry maids made catty remarks to her about being caned to death, and the chief maid yelled at her, "Just because you're seeing the emperor, don't think you can get out of finishing these clothes! You won't be eating until they are done!"
Amalie hurried to her quarters, brushed her hair quickly and tried to make herself as presentable as she could, then rushed to the emperor's audience hall. The door attendant announced her, and she entered the hall, trembling, fearful of what would happen to her. When she saw that Six and Princess Jinyat were there also, she felt her knees go weak. Had the emperor found out about what she and the Princess had talked about? Was she going to be punished for agreeing to be the Princess' friend? The Emperor probably thought she was trying to get to Prince Jinhai through Princess Jinyat! She was certain she was going to be beaten and then sent to wash slop buckets or maybe even killed. When she got near to the throne, she fell to her knees and pressed her head to the floor, making herself as small as she could. She tried to speak, but all that she could manage was a whisper, "This lowly slave begs mercy, Your Highness." Tears leaked from her eyes.
Princess Jinyat hurried over to her, and pulled her up. "Get up, Amalie! Don't be scared! Father has agreed!"
Amalie got to her feet, but kept her eyes lowered. Seeing her fear, the Emperor said softly, "There is no need to be frightened, Amalie Nilsson. I have instructions for you. Princess Jinyat needs your service."
Her terror subsiding a little, Amalie replied shakily, "I would be honored to serve Princess Jinyat, Your Highness."
The Emperor said, "Good. You grew up in a caravan, I am told. You also worked in the imperial stables and the laundry. The knowledge and skills you have learned will be of use to Jinyat. You will go with her, Six, and a small contingent of eunuch guards, traveling quickly to Xosuyel Vold Monastery to find Seven. You are to protect the Princess, with your life if necessary, and serve her in whatever way she needs. Then you will return here. If you have done well, we will discuss your future service in the palace. Is that understood?"
"Yes, Your Highness, I understand!" Suddenly filled with hope, Amalie smiled brightly at the Emperor.
The Emperor said, "Good! Now, go with the Princess back to her palace and prepare for the journey. I am depending on you, Amalie."
"Yes, Your Highness!" Amalie replied. Suddenly, her face clouded, "But Your Highness, I have an awful lot of clothes to wash before tonight. I don't think the senior maid will let me go."
Princess Jinyat said, "Amalie! Don't worry about that! Someone else can wash the clothes. Let's go!"
The Emperor gestured to one of the eunuch attendants and said, "Send someone to the laundry. Tell the senior maid that Amalie Nilsson has been reassigned." The eunuch bowed and ran out.
Amalie Nilsson bowed to the Emperor and said, "Thank you, Your Highness. I will take good care of the Princess, I promise!"
The Emperor said, "I believe you will, Amalie. Now go quickly. You have much to prepare."

Back at her quarters with Amalie following her, Princess Jinyat called, "Su An! Su An! I need your help!"
Su An came over and said, "Yes, Princess. What is it?"
Princess Jinyat replied, "I will be leaving the palace tomorrow morning with Amalie Nilsson and Six to go to Xosuyel Vold. Please have the maids assist Amalie in packing the necessary clothing and other things for the trip. We will be away for some time. Oh, and please get Amalie some decent clothes! She can't travel wearing the clothes from the laundry! They're awful! And Su An, you will be in charge of the palace here while I am away."
Su An smiled brightly at the Princess and replied, "Yes, Princess! I'll make sure everything here is taken care of!" Su An called out, "Jin Bi! Lin Chan! Tan Na! Please assist Amalie Nilsson in packing, but first, find her some decent clothes! She cannot travel with the Princess looking like that!"
The three maids dressed Amalie in fine silk, much nicer than anything she'd ever worn before, and did her makeup. The clothes were beautiful, and Amalie was beside herself with happiness. She twirled in front of a mirror, admiring how she looked, and the maids murmured at her beauty. But then she stopped abruptly. It was her job to prepare the Princess for a long journey and to protect her. She said to the maids, "Jin Bi, Lin Chan, Tan Na, thank you so much for helping me. These clothes are so beautiful! I've never felt so happy. But they aren't right for a long journey. I need some sturdy clothes for riding, and we will need warm overcoats, suitable for cold and rain. We will pack the Princess' nice clothes and makeup in case she needs them, but I just need simple and sturdy clothes."
Jin Bi said, "But Amalie, as one of the Princess' maids, you have to be presentable! Su An gave us her orders!"
Amalie replied, "Yes, I know, Jin Bi, but I think the Princess and Su An don't quite understand what traveling outside the palace is like. Trust me, I know what we need."
Jin Bi and the other maids looked at one another, then Jin Bi said, "Okay, Amalie. Su An told us to help you, so we will follow your instructions. But let us pack some nice clothes for you, too. You can't embarrass the Princess!"
Amalie said, "Well...Okay. Thank you, Jin Bi!" Amalie and the three maids finished packing. Amalie was satisfied that they were well prepared.

The next morning, the small caravan departed Liliakinyosa, the royal palace complex in Sendoshi, and started toward Xosuyel Vold. When the caravan was assembling just inside the palace gates, Prince Jinhai approached his sister and Amalie. Amalie curtseyed to the Prince nervously. She managed a small smile, but didn't dare look at him directly. She was still scared of the Empress Dowager. Jinhai looked at her and smiled for a moment, then addressed his sister. He said, "I'm sorry I can't go with you, Yat. Are you really sure Seven is at Xosuyel Vold?"
Princess Jinyat said, "I...I don't think I am wrong, Jinhai, and Six thinks he's there, too."
Prince Jinhai said, "Once I heard it, I think it makes sense that he would go there. I hope you can bring him back here."
The Princess said, "We will, Jinhai, nodding toward Amalie. And you and Seven will be able to fix things. And maybe some other things can get fixed, too." She nudged Amalie. Amalie blushed hard and stared at her shoes.
Prince Jinhai looked at Amalie and said, "Please take care of Yat for me, Amalie. And...and...take care of yourself, too, okay?" She looked up at him, and he blushed ferociously, and then she smiled shyly at him and blushed even more. Prince Jinhai went on, "I...I...I have something for you, Amalie. Please don't be afraid to take it. It's...it's...a gift...no, I mean, a weapon. For protection. To help you protect yourself. And, um...and Jinyat. So it's okay for you to take it. Please. I hope you like it." He presented her an inlaid silver and steel smallsword. It had a small diamond embedded in the hilt and a beautifully engraved leather scabbard she could hang from her belt. Though Amalie wasn't an expert with a sword, she could tell that it was very expensive and expertly made. It fit her hand perfectly.
Amalie was shocked, charmed, and scared, all at the same time. "Prince Jinhai, this...this...is so beautiful and thoughtful. I love it, but...but how can I accept it? I can't accept it. The Empress..." She started to cry.
Prince Jinhai was utterly dismayed. "Amalie! Amalie! I'm sorry! I'm sorry! I didn't think...I didn't know...Please, don't cry! Don't cry! Yat! What can I...?"
Princess Jinyat said, "Amalie, don't worry! It's fine! I promise! I won't let my grandmother hurt you. You're my friend now, and I'll make sure you stay in my palace with me. Okay? How about this? We'll say that Jinhai gave the sword to me, and that I'm letting you use it. Will that make you feel better?"
Amalie sniffled and nodded, "Thank you, Princess. And thank you, Prince Jinhai. I'm sorry I got so scared, but...but you know what happened. I love the sword, really. It's so beautiful! I'll treasure it always."
"No, Amalie. I'm sorry," Prince Jinhai said. "I didn't think about how you would feel - that you are so afraid of my grandmother. I never thought of her as being so scary, but I guess she really can be. Anyway, I see it's time for you to go. I wish I was going with you. Please, both of you, be careful and be safe."

As the caravan approached Xosuyel Vold, Princess Jinyat got more and more excited - and more and more nervous. The journey from the imperial palace at Sendoshi had been relatively uneventful, with the exception of worsening weather, with cold temperatures and sleet as they got higher into the mountains near the monastery. It had taken about a month of steady travel. Amalie Nilsson had practiced hard with the sword that Prince Jinhai had given her, learning much more about how to use it properly from Six and the eunuch guards. Princess Jinyat and Amalie spent many hours chatting, getting to know one another. The Princess was saddened by how Amalie's family had been killed by bandits and fascinated by the stories she told of all the places she had been with her father's caravan. In turn, Princess Jinyat taught Amalie more about imperial etiquette and what the royal and noble women believe is proper behavior for a noble lady of Senyon. They became truly fast friends, despite their differences in status and personality.
Finally, the day came that their small caravan arrived at Xosuyel Vold Monastery, high in the Great Eastern Mountains. Amalie and Six dismounted, and one of the eunuch guards helped Princess Jinyat climb down from her carriage. She had changed into her finest imperial silks. Amalie had put on the formal clothes that Jin Bi and the other maids had packed for her, also.
The three of them approached the heavy front gate and Six pounded on it. A few moments later, a young monk opened the gate. He said, "Greetings. What may the monks of Xosuyel Vold do for you?"
Six said, "We are seeking Cao Qigong, once a monk of your order. Is he here? It is very important."
The monk looked at them, noting the imperial silks that Princess Jinyat and Amalie were wearing. He said, "He is here. Please, wait a moment. I will see if he will meet you."
A minute later, Seven came to the gate. Shocked, he exclaimed, "Six! Amalie?! Princess...Princess..." He fell to his knees and bowed his head to the ground. His voice quivered, "Princess Jinyat. I was so hoping to see you. I have missed you and Prince Jinhai..."
Six and Amalie were astonished when Princess Jinyat said sharply, "Prince Toma! Get on your feet! You bow to no one but your mother and the Emperor!"
Seven's eyes flew open, and he looked up at her, then jumped to his feet. He said, "Yes, Your Highness. Princess. I hear you."
Princess Jinyat said, "No, Toma. You haven't heard me. From now on, I will call you Toma. You will call me Jinyat, or Yat, if you prefer, as befitting equals, and...and...well." Her voice went soft, "And Seven - Toma - I hope as much more than equals. As...as...your..."
Prince Toma replied to her softly, "I've been hoping for and dreaming about that for a long time, Jinyat, but I never dared to say anything. Your family would never allow us... But things are different now, right? So I want you to know right here how much I care for you and want to be with you. Always. For our whole lives. Can we? Would you want to...?"
The Princess said, "I didn't dare, either, Toma. I wanted to protect you. You...you saw what happened to Amalie. My grandmother believes in all of those status rules, and she hates being crossed. But now you're Prince Toma. She can't object to your status. So, Prince Toma of Chessa. Yes, I accept your proposal." Princess Jinyat smiled more brightly than Amalie had ever seen her smile, and Toma smiled at her.
But then Toma said, "Well, I'm not exactly Prince Toma of Chessa right now, Jinyat. I ran away. I...I don't know what my status is. Maybe my mother has disowned me. I don't know. So, before you really accept, I think we should go to..."
Princess Jinyat interrupted him and said firmly, "Amalie, we are going to Chessdo with Toma to see his mother. Six, I think you should go back to Sendoshi to report back to my father and Jinhai and my mother, so they know and will not worry."
Six said, "Princess Jinyat! You cannot just go to Chessa with Seven! It's hundreds of miles, and it isn't safe! Your father will skin me alive! I cannot allow it, Princess!"
Toma said, "Jinyat, perhaps Six is right. We can figure out some other way to..."
The Princess said, "No! We are going to Chessdo to meet your mother, Toma. Without her support, we will get nowhere. Amalie, will you go with me?"
"Yes, Princess. I promised the Emperor that I will protect you. Where you go, I will go," Amalie replied.
Princess Jinyat said, "Then it is settled. Six, you told me that Toma is one of the most capable men you have ever met, yes?"
Six said, "I did, Princess, but this is different. I cannot let you out of my sight. The Emperor really might kill me!"
The Princess said, "Then come with us or go back to Sendoshi as you please, Six. I am going to Chessdo to meet Toma's mother. You will have to tie me up and drag me back to Sendoshi to prevent it. Do you want to explain that to my father?"
Six was in a bind. He'd never seen Princess Jinyat so determined and forceful. She wasn't just an obedient and sensible teenage girl anymore; she was an imperial princess, and she was making it clear that her desires would be met. After a moment, he said, "Very well, Princess. I will accompany you to Chessdo. Your father and I discussed some things pertinent to this situation before we left the palace, so I might be of some use. I will send the eunuchs back to Sendoshi with a message to your father."
The Princess said, "Thank you, Six. I will feel better with you traveling with us. With you and Toma, I think we will be perfectly safe. Amalie, did Jin Bi pack any writing materials in our things?"
Amalie answered, "She did, Princess. I will get them."
Princess Jinyat and Six both composed messages to the Emperor, and the Princess also wrote letters to Su An and her maids, and to her mother, Consort Gwanjiyan Annelia.
After resting for a night in the monastery, early the next morning the eunuch guards left, returning to Sendoshi. Six, Seven, and the two young women set off for Chessdo.

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This story continues the adventures of Crown Prince Yixing-Jiumin Jinhai and Cao Qigong, otherwise known as "Seven," his faithful companion and bodyguard. This story directly follows the events of The Queen's Lost Son and From Orphan to Bodyguard, from Prince to Monk, and is concurrent with the events of The Princess and the Stable Maid, and further describes the relationships of Crown Prince Jinhai, Seven, Queen Jenmei Na'Omi, Princess Yixing-Jiumin Jinyat, Amalie Nilsson, Lady Britta Nilsson, and others of the Imperial Family of the Great Sacred Empire and the royalty of Chessa. Enjoy! More background to these stories is found in The Last Testament of Kenzo Na'Omi, King and Who is Prince Toma?. Look for more chapters soon!