Two days later, as the morning sun filtered through the curtains of Bella's hidden chamber, she sat up slowly in bed. Her movements were still careful, but the weakness had receded significantly. Physician Tanaka entered quietly, his face showing relief as he checked her pulse and temperature.
"How are you feeling this morning, Your Highness?" he asked softly, his voice barely above a whisper. "No dizziness? No nausea?"
Before Bella could answer, a discreet knock came at the door and Hiroshi slipped inside wearing the simple robes of a common tutor. He carried a small stack of children's reading primers and a writing board.
"Master Hiroshi is here to see you," Tanaka announced with a nod toward the scholar. "He has been very worried about your progress since the incident."
Hiroshi bowed low, his eyes scanning Bella's improved condition with obvious satisfaction. "Miss Bella, it is wonderful to see you sitting up. Your recovery has been truly miraculous."
I smiled weakly and looked around the room, obviously looking for Chang
Hiroshi noticed Bella's searching gaze immediately and offered a reassuring smile. "His Majesty is in a meeting with the war council this morning, Your Highness. He asked me to check on your progress personally."
Tanaka nodded in agreement as he packed away his medical supplies. "The Emperor has been... preoccupied with ensuring your safety. He visits every evening after court business is concluded."
The physician paused at the door, glancing back with professional concern. "Remember not to exert yourself too much today. Your body is still healing from the ordeal."
After Tanaka exited to continue his rounds, Hiroshi approached the bed cautiously. "May I begin our lesson now? Perhaps some simple writing exercises would help strengthen your hands again."
I nod my head in response
Hiroshi settled onto a chair beside the bed, placing the writing board carefully on the silk coverlet. He opened one of the primers to a page filled with simple characters.
"Let's start with something easy today," he suggested gently, his voice taking on the patient tone of a teacher addressing a nervous student. "Can you trace the character for 'mountain' for me? Just focus on forming the strokes correctly."
As Bella's fingers hesitantly picked up the brush, Hiroshi watched her movements with practiced attention. Her hand trembled slightly from residual weakness, but there was determination in her grip.
"Excellent, Your Highness," he encouraged softly as she began tracing the first stroke. "Remember to lift the brush completely between each line. Mastering this basic technique will help you regain control over your motor skills."
A week after Bella's secret recovery began, a maidservant announced Empress Mei's arrival. "Your Majesty, the Empress wishes to visit Miss Bella."
Chang Hao's jaw tightened visibly at his desk where he was reviewing reports with Hiroshi disguised as his secretary. "Tell her I've forbidden further visits. Bella is still recovering and needs peace."
But before the servant could retreat, Meiji swept into the chamber dressed in flowing silks, a basket of freshly baked sweets balanced precariously in one hand and a vase of delicate cherry blossoms in the other.
"My dear husband," she cooed sweetly, ignoring his stern expression entirely. "How can you deny your Empress the simple pleasure of visiting your favorite concubine? Poor Bella must feel so lonely tucked away in this tiny room."
She glided toward the bed where Bella sat watching warily from beneath the blankets. Meiji arranged the flowers carefully on the bedside table next to yesterday's wilting bouquet.
"Look how pale you've become," Mei clucked sympathetically, reaching out to smooth a stray lock of hair from Bella's forehead. "The color has drained from your face completely. Perhaps if you spent less time hiding away and more time enjoying fresh air and company..."
Her fingers lingered a moment longer than necessary before she pulled back with a sigh. "I've brought you your favorite honey cakes from the royal bakery. You must eat properly to regain your strength."
Behind her, Chang tensed imperceptibly at his desk, his pen scratching louder than necessary to cover any potential sound. Tanaka stood near the doorframe pretending to adjust a lantern bracket but kept his eyes fixed on the Empress's every movement.
Mei settled onto a stool beside the bed, crossing her legs elegantly. "Now tell me truthfully, how much longer will you hide your recovery from everyone? The palace staff is beginning to whisper that you're dying."
I looked from Mei to Chang feeling cornered. I then turn to Mei... Out-Outside
Mei's perfectly sculpted eyebrows arched in surprise at Bella's abrupt demand. A slow, knowing smile spread across her lips as she rose gracefully from the stool.
"Of course, my dear. Fresh air would do you wonders," she agreed readily, gesturing toward the balcony doors that overlooked the palace gardens. "But perhaps we should wait for His Majesty's permission first? He can be so protective when it comes to your health."
Her gaze flicked meaningfully toward Chang Hao, who had risen from his desk with controlled fury evident in every line of his posture. The pen he'd been holding snapped in half between his fingers.
"You will not take her anywhere without my direct supervision," he stated flatly, his voice dropping to that dangerous tone Mei recognized all too well. "Physician Tanaka will accompany you both if you insist on this ridiculous display."
Tanaka bowed immediately.
I turn to look at him, go- go- alone - outside with M-Mei
Chang Hao's expression darkened instantly, his hands balling into fists at his sides. "Absolutely not. You are still recovering from severe poisoning, Bella. Going outside alone with her is out of the question."
He took a step forward, his voice rising despite his efforts to maintain control. "I will not allow you to be put in harm's way again, especially not with *her*."
Mei's smile widened at the exchange, clearly enjoying the tension she'd created. "Oh, come now, husband. Show some trust in your Empress. I merely wish to escort your precious concubine to the gardens for some sunshine."
She moved toward the balcony doors herself, pulling them open to reveal the bright morning light flooding the chamber. "The fresh air will do wonders for her complexion. Besides,"
Mei's voice took on a sugary sweetness that made Chang Hao's teeth grind. "Besides, I'm sure His Majesty would prefer to see Bella regaining her strength rather than lingering in this dim room like a ghost."
She held the balcony door wide open, gesturing invitingly with one hand while balancing the basket of cakes with the other. "Come along now, darling. Let's leave these stuffy men to their boring papers and enjoy some proper conversation."
Her eyes darted between Bella and Chang Hao, clearly relishing the power dynamic she'd created. "Don't worry, Your Majesty," she added with mock innocence. "I'll take excellent care of your little dragon while you fret over your reports."
Physician Tanaka cleared his throat nervously from his position by the door. "Your Majesty, perhaps a short walk in the open air would benefit Miss Bella's circulation. With proper supervision..."