Total pages in book: 92
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 90852 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 454(@200wpm)___ 363(@250wpm)___ 303(@300wpm)
The colors ranged from the softest baby blues to the deepest midnight shades.
Sitting up, I tried to gather my thoughts.
Aunt Min raised her satin glove hand and waved. “Good morning, Monique. We wanted to not only be the first to greet you today but we would like to volunteer as your Palace mentors.”
I rubbed my eyes. “Palace mentors?”
“Yes.” Aunt Min nodded. “You do not want to even walk through these halls without a true sense of what is going on.”
Aunt Suzi added, “There are lots of politics within these walls.”
“And tons of people will be swarming around you, trying to be your friend.” Aunt Min rose from her chair. “By the end of the week, you will have so many friends—masks of smiling faces hiding demonic desires.”
Aunt Suzi crossed her legs. “Lots of backstabbing goes on around here. Whether giving your private words to gossip blogs or maneuvering you against Lei and/or his people to cause conflict.”
Aunt Min sighed. “Remember, Monique. Not all that glitters is gold. Not everyone swathed in expensive designer wear has pure intentions.”
Aunt Suzi wagged her finger, her diamond bracelet catching the morning light. “Remember to keep your circle small and your walls high. The heart of this Palace is cold, colder than that of any cruel winter.”
I widened my eyes. “Duly noted.”
“Good.”
Aunt Min smiled. “But, you can trust us. We’re already in a high place of power and we only want the best for Lei.”
“Not the East.” Aunt Suzi nodded. “But, for Lei. That is a big distinction, my dear. Very big one.”
Aunt Min stepped forward, her long blue dress swishing against the plush rug. “And remember, Monique, you will now carry the weight of this Palace now. As Lei's beloved, you will be expected to fulfil certain duties.”
“Oh wait.” I waved my hand. “We are just. . .figuring things out now.”
They both laughed.
I blinked.
Aunt Suzi laughed some more and placed her hand on her chest. “You are the only woman to spend the night in his room. In Lei’s mind, there is no figuring it out and he will not leave you alone.”
I pursed my lips.
“The good thing is,” Aunt Suzi added with a wink, “You'll have us by your side. We'll guide you through every step and every ignorance you might face.”
This was a lot to digest, especially so early in the morning. The concept of Palace mentors was alien to me; then again, everything about this opulent world was.
“But enough of serious talk,” Aunt Min said suddenly, clapping her hands together. The unexpected sound echoed in the room, causing the other ladies to jump slightly. “Let's talk about your wardrobe while in the Palace.”
Before I could say a word, she turned to the women in different shades of blue. They pushed the rack closer to the bed.
“These will be your ladies-in-waiting. Some call them Handlers. I like ladies-in-waiting better,” Aunt Suzi explained as she motioned towards them. “They worked tirelessly yesterday to put together a royal wardrobe that suits your elegance.”
The women curtsied in unison.
“Okay. Hold on.” I cleared my throat and slipped out of my bed, only wearing Lei’s buttoned shirt from yesterday. “Palace wardrobe?”
“There are always cameras snapping. You never want to be caught off-guard.” Aunt Min pointed her satin-gloved hand at a beautiful navy-blue gown hanging on the rack. “The clothing must represent not only your heightened position but also your personality, Monique.”
Aunt Suzi added, “when all see you, they need to know that you are a queen even though a crown is not on your head.”
“Wait.” Aunt Min touched her chin. “Perhaps, we should put a crown on her head. That could be a new thing for her reign—”
“No. No.” I stepped closer to the rack. “I’m not walking around wearing a crown just because. . .”
They watched me.
I shrugged. “I’m not wearing a crown just because I’m sleeping with the Mountain Master.”
Aunt Min gave me a warm smile. “Oh. You’ll be doing much more than that.”
Aunt Suzi nodded. “As the Mountain Mistress, you should be heading tons of projects that better the East. Lei’s mother, Jing dedicated her life to helping the sick and poor, not just in the East but throughout Paradise City and other areas.”
That excited me.
How many times during my days of struggle did I wish I had the sort of money and power to bring change to this world.
“Alright. I like that part.” I swallowed. “If I end up being Mountain Mistress, that’s the type of energy I’m going to be on. . .helping as many people as I can.”
Aunt Suzi clapped. “Aww. You make me want to cry right now.”
“Cry later, sister. We must hurry.” Aunt Min reached for one dress and held it up against me. “This color will make your eyes pop. What do you think?”
“I don’t want to do a dress today.” I began rummaging through the racks. “Wow. All of this is amazing.”