The Tale of the Lotus Heart

With the children born, we had to go back to the Heavenly Realm and back to reality after I recovered. I wasn't looking forward to dealing with the judgement on my relationship with Yong. We agreed that I would live in Yong's Serenity Palace. After getting settled, Ixia came to me in the children's room. They each had a small basket dedicated to them. They were curious babies. As they laid in their beds, their curious purple eyes looked around they're new setting. Ixia smiled down at the babies.

"I'm so glad you are all alright," Ixia said as she faced me.

"Ixia, I only trust you for this task. I want you to nanny the babies," I said. She agreed quickly.

"Of course! It would be my honor, Goddess Princess Aivi," She curtsied. I rolled my eyes as Ixia giggled.

"I'll go see what Yong is doing. Let me know if they get hungry. I don't want to use a wet nurse. I'd rather feed my children myself," I informed her. Ixia nodded before I left their room. With the Empress as silent as she was recently, I didn't want to entrust my children to anyone expect Ixia. Ixia had been with me since the beginning and I trusted her with my children. However, I did not trust that the Empress simply let go of this matter. I walked to the main hall to see Yong standing with a guest. I couldn't say I was surprised to see Enya. It had been too quiet lately and this would be the Empress's last chance to push Enya towards Yong. As of now, there was no guarantee that I would be allowed to marry Yong as the main wife. I kept my grace and poise as I went to Yong's side.

"I asked Ixia to be the nanny for the twins. I think they'll go down for a nap soon," I said to Yong with a light smile.

"I didn't realize you had company," Enya said, referring to me.

"I think that's my line. I live here. You're the guest in this situation," I said calmly.

guess I am the guest. You have children now Princess?" Enya tried to use the conversation to pry. I smiled

had twins recently. A boy and a girl," I answered easily. I could sense the question

take a little vacation to watch his children born," I answered for her. Yong smiled lightly as he

wedding soon too. Only Aivi can be my Crown Princess," Yong added before placing

thought the Princess was becoming your concubine," Enya blurted.

two, why would you think that?" I asked, keeping my cool

the Empress doesn't even like you. You'd rather play with the Army than brush up on ladylike etiquette. You wouldn't know the first thing about being

completely right. To you, I came out of nowhere, but Yong brought me back himself. The only connection I have is that Yong's closest and favorite brother is my godfather. The Empress doesn't like me, but the Emperor adores me. And I'd rather help the Army and earn my own merit rather than rely on my clan," I answered.

to interfere. "I love you regardless of what you do. After all, you've already had my children. I don't know what other concrete

I've loved you since we were kids, and you were always nice to me,"

to you, but I've never loved you," he corrected her. Enya tripped over her words

before walking away quickly. I sighed