STORIES
196 - The Empress’ Son
2015
Syrrah Shichi Phae Washi - ? -
Wednesday afternoon in the living room ...
SYRRAH:
As you know, Karanthir is ill, and I do not expect Zyfan to leave him. Washi is due to arrive today. You will greet him with me.
SHICHI:
I mean no disrespect but, why me?
SYRRAH:
Shichi, I am a Daughter of IlluminatA, did you truly expect
to hide your true identity from me, sir prince? And with
that knowledge, I also know that you and Washi have
met before. You are the logical one. Am I wrong?
SHICHI:
sigh
No, he's married to one of my sisters, but my family
doesn't know I'm here.
SYRRAH:
They are certain to find out unless you plan to leave us again?
SHICHI:
No. I'm honor-bound to stay with Phae.
SYRRAH:
Then it is best to welcome him with me.
I have asked Phae to bring him, once he arrives.
Then …
PHAE:
Syrrah please meet Prince Washi, and his wife the Princess Usagi.
WASHI:
Honored One.
SYRRAH:
Greetings to you.
SYRRAH:
… Usagi you are an unexpected guest. We were not informed
that you would join Washi, but you are welcome just the same.
USAGI:
The Council was notified long ago.
The proper protocal was followed ...
SYRRAH:
No matter. It has been a long time since we were together.
USAGI:
That is true, we were just children then. I had almost ...
USAGI:
Shichi! - So this is where you've been hiding yourself.
SHICHI:
I'm not hiding. I live here.
USAGI:
The Empress will be pleased to know her only son's whereabouts.
PHAE:
The Empress' son? But wouldn't that make you ... a prince?
USAGI:
Yes, Shichi is the youngest of Her children.
SHICHI:
This must be a shock to you Phae, but I'll explain later.
SYRRAH:
Yes that may be best. Perhaps you are hungry after your
journey? Phae would you be a dear and bring refreshments …
PHAE:
Of course, I'll get something right away.
WASHI:
If it is permitted, we would prefer to have this … nourishment
sent to our quarters, where we can get settled.
SYRRAH:
That would be fine. Shichi please show them the way.
USAGI:
Not yet. I would like to know why my brother is here
instead of home, with the Empress where he belongs.
WASHI:
Another time Usagi.
USAGI:
Alright, if you prefer - it can wait. You
may go. I will speak with Syrrah alone.
Then …
WASHI:
Shichi, why didn’t you inform the Empress of your whereabouts? If you had, then we would not need
to be here. It's no wonder my wife is angry with you.
SHICHI:
She was angry with me long before this.
WASHI:
Yes that's true, although she has yet to reveal to me why.
SHICHI:
I'll clear it up for you, I left home without permission.
WASHI:
You are of age to be your own man. I don't see
why she should be so unforgiving.
SHICHI:
How long have you been married to her?
WASHI:
Long enough to see your point.
SHICHI:
She thinks - because she's my sister, I should be obedient to her.
All my sisters feel this way. That's the way of the Sea Clan
especially my mother - who is always Empress first.
WASHI:
I shall never become accustomed to taking orders from women. It is not the way of my people - the Desert Clan. However, the Empress respects my council. I find her to be a wise ruler. I serve her well.
SHICHI:
And Usagi?
WASHI:
Usagi is my wife. I do not serve her, nor she - me.
Ours is a challenging union.
SHICHI:
I prefer to serve no one.
WASHI:
Then our stay may prove uncomfortable for you.
