The Tale of the Lotus Heart

Sitting down at the table with the Emperor and Empress, I could practically feel the daggers coming from the Empress's eyes behind her plastered smile. The table gave us a good amount of distance between each other, but I could almost physically feel the heat from the Empress's anger. Enya must have run to report to the Empress our conversation immediately after leaving Yong’s Serenity Palace. The Emperor was still none the wiser.

"My great-goddaughter. How are you settling into the Crown Prince's Palace? Are the little prince and princess doing okay after coming to the Heavenly Realm?" The Emperor asked. He honestly just seemed happy to be a grandfather. I smiled softly and nodded.

"Serenity Palace feels like home already. Tyrian and Amethyst are doing great. They're eating well and taking in their surroundings," I answered.

"Have you gotten a nanny for them yet? What about a wet nurse? How are they eating right now? What are you feeding them?" The Empress asked. I had to work hard to keep my pleasant smile.

"We have gotten a nanny for them, and we decided not to use a wet nurse. I'm feeding them myself. I know my own body and want them to grow up with the best I can offer," I explained.

"You're a noble lady. Breastfeeding your own child is for those in a lower class," the Empress stuck her nose up at me.

body more than choosing and

Aivi to be filial, that doesn't grant you the right to determine how she chooses to raise their children," the Emperor stopped the Empress. I took a delicate bite of the food in front of me. It was

wanted to talk about making Goddess Princess Aivi the Crown Prince's concubine," the

distinguished among immortals, and her accomplishments speak for themselves. She's wise, smart and caring, but strict with her beliefs. Even if you want to ignore Aivi's good points, the children she birthed for me had a grand auspicious sign and unique features. They're destined for greatness. It would only be right to follow tradition and make the mother of my firstborn heir, and the next Crown Prince, my

right, son. Aivi has done a lot for our realm. Her entire clan was wiped out as well. It would only be right to honor her deceased family, reward her merit, and follow tradition. I'm allowing Aivi to marry you as your legal wife and the Crown

her. It seemed she couldn't

slip up too late before curtsying to the Emperor and leaving reluctantly while glaring at me still.

planning your wedding as soon as possible," he promised. Yong smiled as he stood

Royal Father," Yong thanked him. The Emperor belly-laughed before waving

the Emperor said, lightening the mood. I smiled

behind your back in order to be together, and it wasn't right to do. I know that marriages