His Favored Empress

Court Full of Jesters

The steward stepped forward to explain. "The old man said it would rain later, your majesty."

Looking up at the blue sky, Shaugn sniffed the air. It was then he noticed the stifling humidity in the air. He pulled his fan out and stepped into the carriage with Radagar's help. Akechi climbed in beside him. Kazim rode with the driver and Radagar rode on a horse in front with several soldiers. Fanning himself along the way, Shaugn stared out the window with a wrinkled brow.

How could he use his knowledge of the future to change things without revealing too much of himself or making people suspicious? Ancients were highly superstitious. They were quick to call someone a witch or demon and put them to death. Not only that, but he had to deal with the bureaucracy of the court; pedantic old men who spent too much time tucked safely away in the capital with no clue how to bring about change for the good of the people.

Akechi opened and closed her mouth several times but in the end, kept quiet so as not to disturb him.

Vendors on the street were still setting up as the carriage made its way to the court so there were less people on the streets. They passed unimpeded and reached the court before most of the ministers. A few of the older ministers were standing on the lower steps conversing in a circle. Another group stood at the top of the steps discussing something with enthusiasm. All of these were men who had served the court for far too long and had way too much power and wealth. Shaugn narrowed his eyes as the carriage passed by and disappeared into an alley.

The minister of rites was newly appointed. He was just twenty and looked as if he'd be blown away with a strong wind. He struggled with the weight of the heavy board used to secure the back doors of the court. This was the entrance used by the emperor and empress. Sweat rolled down his reddened face and a few wisps of hair started to stick to his face. 

Shaugn felt sorry for the poor boy. Why didn't the guards help him? He knocked on the carriage walls and raised his voice. "Radagar, help the poor boy before he dies of stroke."

"Yes, your majesty." He jumped down from his horse and instructed several guards to help open the doors to the court. The court had four entrances in total; one in front , two on the sides, and one in the back. The one in the back was for the emperor and empress only. The door on the left was for delivering items when there was an event or celebration. The door on the right side was for the prisoners and guards and the front was for ministers and the general public.

There was a room in the back for the emperor and empress to rest and have light refreshments before court sessions. Shaugn sat on the sofa and closed his eyes. Lack of sleep, hormones, and tense nerves made him feel irritable. He ordered one of the guards to go to a vendor and bring back something sour. Rubbing a hand over his stomach, he condensed his thoughts and ran over the task at hand.

After a while, thunderous footsteps sounded as the prison and royal guards took up their positions around the courtroom. Several years ago, a group of men were on trial for stealing. At that time there were only ten or so guards. Twenty males related to the men stormed the courtroom to free the men, wounding four ministers and killing six of the guards. After Xoan and his guards suppressed the men, they found out they were a group of bandits that had no fear of the emperor nor respect for the laws of the empire.

Shaugn closed his eyes and ran over everything he wanted to say one more time. He didn't want to lose face in front of the ministers. The muffled sound of the ministers in the main court could barely be heard as everyone waited for the empress. This was the first time since his arrival that Shaugn had been so quiet and serious.

The minister of rites tapped on the door. Seeing the stern face of the empress, a cold sweat broke out on his forehead. He'd never dealt with a displeased sovereign before. With a trembling voice, he announced it was time for court to begin.