When Sein turned sixteen, she was introduced to many lords from her mother's portfolio of potential husbands. After the tenth, the limit of Sein's tolerance was reached.
"No Mama, I did not like Lord Myat or lord what's his name. The guy with light hair. He looked to be ancient," Sein said, her face full of disdain. "They prattled on endlessly about their family lineage, noble titles and the so-called heroic accomplishments of some distant relatives, as though I'd have the slightest interest!"
The lords in her opinion were pompous and spectacularly boring to converse with. She was much like her father and eldest brother, who shared a disinterest and dislike for court society, with its strict etiquette and rigid expectations of social rank.
Lady Marlar continued to persist. Her relentless efforts were met with Sein's defiance.
She had endured long enough and pleaded to her father, "Papa, I do not wish to meet any more lords."
"I see, fair enough," Lord Hein responded, feeling like he was walking on a tight rope, delicately treading to ensure he didn't displease his wife or his daughter.
"Hein, tell your daughter she must think about her future," Lady Marlar said, trying to muster her husband's support. "I am merely concerned for her welfare. She must see that."
"Do not worry yourself, my dear. I am certain Sein will capture the heart of a worthy man when the time is right," Lord Hein remarked, his eyes full of affection for his only daughter.
His strong, imposing figure was tempered by a calm and gentle demeanour, making him a reassuring presence to those around him.
Then in a quiet tone, assured his wife, "And I daresay, she will be willing to meet these young lords you have singled out when she is ready. Be patient, my dear."
Over the course of the year, Sein found herself spending more and more time alone. Her three older brothers were engaged in full-time training and were in the service to the crown. While her cousins were much older, already married with families of their own.
Everyone had a busy social schedule, and she rarely saw any of her family. She hadn't made any real friends, only acquaintances, and she preferred solitude over spending time with the lords and ladies of the court.
Seeing his daughter's self-isolation was clearly impacting on her wellbeing, Lord Hein waded in.
"Sein, you must at least dress for the day," her father gently encouraged.
"Papa, I'm perfectly fine dressed in my house clothes. No one will see me," Sein reasoned.
"That's precisely the point. It's unhealthy for a young lady to be alone. You need to engage your mind. Go out and make friends with the ladies of the court. You will have much to discuss with people of your own age."
Pushed into socialising, Sein met other young ladies. She was invited to tea with one of the daughters of a notable family, who'd been in service to the crown for many generations.
Lady Gawa was a year older than Sein, yet she already had many admirers. Even Sein's third brother, Naing, often spoke about her. With high cheekbones, a delicate nose and voluptuous lips, she was considered a beauty. She would certainly be married by eighteen.
"Lady Sein, how delightful to see you," Lady Gawa said, sat perched on a gilded chair in the Tea Hall. "I have also invited Lady Meena for tea. I believe she will make a good addition to our gathering."
Sein offered a warm smile.
The room exuded an air of exquisite elegance, with several wide doors opening out into the palace formal gardens, allowing a flow of fresh air to circulate. Sein noted the numerous wooden tables, each intricately carved and polished to a high sheen, were occupied by ladies similarly gathered, and in animated conversations.
She sat down, making herself comfortable on the velvet cushion, embroidered with floral patterns.
"Lady Meena, may I introduce you to Lady Sein. She is Lord Hein's daughter," Lady Gawa began when her friend arrived at the table.
"I am delighted to meet you, Lady Sein," Lady Meena greeted, taking a seat next to Lady Gawa.
Sein acknowledged politely following social etiquette.
Lady Gawa looked up to Lady Meena, who was a few years older than her. Her experience in the art of marrying the right lord was much admired. Lady Meena on the other hand took advice on the latest fashion from Lady Gawa. She desired recognition for her status as the eldest daughter of a prominent lord of the court.
Lady Meena let out a giggle as she began, "Lady Gawa, I appreciate your advice on the latest fashion. Not only did my lord compliment me but many others admired what I wore to the Autumn Moon celebrations. The bodice certainly shows off the figure."
She styled her hair piled high, almost like a hive, decorated with scattered flowers and jewels. Her beauty was striking, with alluring eyes and red-painted lips that contrasted sharply against her pale skin.
"I am delighted to hear it," Lady Gawa responded. "You wear the new fashion with perfect grace."
She smiled brightly at the young man who brought over a tray of bone china cups and a tea pot.
"Only under your guidance, of course. You are truly talented in your sense of style," Lady Meena returned the compliment.
"You have an exceptional eye for detail and a wonderful knack for choosing the perfect colours." Lady Gawa countered, hitting the compliment back over the net.
As the tea was poured, the air filled with the delicate aroma of fresh-cut grass mingled with a hint of sweet seaweed. The infusion served at the Tea Hall was freshly brewed from the Queen's own supplier, and was a brilliant emerald green. It was neither bitter nor sweet, but full of rich umami and Sein noticed how the liquid coated her tongue and mouth, a mark of an exceptionally good cup of green tea.
"Lady Sein, the new fashion will suit you very well," Lady Gawa said, pausing to eye Sein up, then continued, "You have a tiny waist and assets worth displaying. No lord will be able to resist you in the latest fashion. You must wear a bodice for the Lighting Festival, with a skirt that has just the right length of train to gracefully glide behind you."
"Indeed, Lady Sein. A skirt and train, with a cropped jacket rather than the usual cape is perfectly respectable," Lady Meena encouraged. "I would be delighted to help you select the best colours for you. You do have fabulous complexion. A man certainly appreciates delicate pale skin and the more you show it, the more he will be enticed."
"I am grateful," Sein said, shielding her irritation. "However, I am happy with my current clothes. I am not interested in wearing the new fashion."
She was trying to politely turn down their suggestions. Really, there was no way she'd be bearing skin and showing off her cleavage to anyone. Since having developed appealing curves, she was already attracting attention. She loathed the scrutiny from the lords' wandering eyes.
"…"
"…"
There was a moment of awkward silence as the ladies awaited Sein to continue.
What are they expecting? Sein wondered in alarm. Am I suppose to compliment them in return?
She remained silent, as she had none to offer and lying was not her forte. Then she berated herself for not following the social etiquette.
Lady Gawa picked a different topic and began, "There are so many delicious young lords. Are we not fortunate, Lady Sein?"
A snigger escaped her lips.
"Though none as good looking as the Crown Prince. He is utterly divine. Oh…what I would do to have a private audience with him."
Sein faked a smile, cringing inwardly.
"Indeed, but he is off limits, dear sister," Lady Meena chided, replacing her tea cup on the table. "Do not choose a mango that is out of your reach. Why tempt yourself!"
"I am well aware," Lady Gawa interrupted, pressing a hand against her chest where a ruby pendent rested just above her cleavage. "He is to marry Princess Nanda when she is sixteen but that is a long time away. Perhaps he might fall in love with a lady from his own people before that. If only I could capture his attention and persuade him otherwise."
Lady Meena shook her head, "My father has journeyed to the Southern Delta. He speaks of Princess Nanda, despite being only fourteen, is already a renown beauty. It is said, she has simply stolen our Crown Prince's heart. Have you not observed how he shows little interest in other ladies at social gatherings? He has no need to seek for someone when he already has a jewel in his possession."
Lady Gawa didn't seem the slightest bit deterred. Her attention turned to Sein as she asked, "What is your opinion of the Crown Prince, Lady Sein?"
"He is…," Sein hesitated, unprepared.
Remembering Thura's words, she thought it best not to reveal her real opinions on the Crown Prince. "He is… a… true prince."
She managed to string a sentence together, then inwardly winced at how pitiful she must have sounded.
"A true prince, indeed!" Lady Gawa agreed, her hands clasped together. "And are you acquainted with Lord Tin? I had the fortune of meeting him yesterday. He is also delish, but not as handsome as the Crown Prince, naturally."
"No."
"Shame," Lady Gawa continued, sensing the conversation stalling, she smoothly pivoted to a new subject. "Ladies, we must discuss what to wear to the Lighting Festival. It is only a mere two weeks away."
Sein smiled politely, nodding to various comments but her mind had zoned out. Their conversations dwelled on: how to dress in the latest fashion, what accessories were deemed appropriate, and how to move with elegance.
Then it moved onto what flowers were suitable for decorative hair pieces. How to apply make-up to enhance natural beauty and a youthful glow.
It was all dull, dull, dull.
Tea with the ladies was a lukewarm experience, neither delightful nor dreadful. Their subsequent conversations, fixated on the art of pleasing a lord, left a bitter taste in Sein's mind. The idea that a lady must bend like a bamboo to accommodate every whim of her lord was something she couldn't swallow. As far as Sein was concerned, both parties stepping into the arena of marriage should bear the weight of responsibility equally.
Whenever Sein met with Lady Gawa, the focus eventually moved onto how to make Sein more alluring to men, as if Lady Gawa was colluding with her mother to ensure she was married off. From then onwards, Sein feigned various women's ailments to decline any further invitations to meet.
Perhaps her mother was right. Having grown up surrounded by boys, she didn't think like a lady. Her interests lay in acquiring knowledge, sword fighting and martial arts. She was more suited to befriend a lord but that door was firmly closed. In the eyes of society, any connection with a man would be twisted into the guise of romance.
Once again, Lady Marlar grew concerned that her daughter spent too much time indoors. This left Sein with little opportunity to be noticed by a potential suitor. Unlike her husband, Lady Marlar lacked patience and could not leave the matter be.
Desiring to create an opportunity, Lady Marlar said one morning, "Sein, do you remember Lord Lwin? That good looking young lord we met last year?"
"Not really," Sein answered flatly, inspecting her nails.
She noted her mother brought up the subject of meeting new lords whenever her father was away.
Sensing a storm brewing, the three brothers quickly finished their breakfast.
Thura, being the eldest, spoke up, "Pardon me, Mama. May we leave the table? We would like to start training early today."
"Ah…yes, that's right. Good thinking, Thura. Best to fit in a decent run before it's too hot," Phyu backed his brother.
Once they'd received a nod from their mother, the men vacated their seats.
Naing said as they left, "Have fun, Sein."
Lady Marlar's eyes softened with pride as she watched her sons filing out.
Then, they sharpened as she continued, "Well, you have a chance to get to know Lord Lwin better."
She pierced the egg on her plate with a spoon, its vibrant yolk spilling out over the white rice.
"He will be visiting us tomorrow afternoon. Make sure you are dressed appropriately."
"I do not wish to get to know him. I have no interest in meeting any more arrogant young lords."
Dropping her spoon on the plate, Lady Marlar exclaimed, "Arrogant young lords! What are you talking about! Lord Lwin is not only good looking but also charming. His manners are refined and elegant."
"I am not interested, Mama!" Sein declared, feeling impatient.
She clenched her fists, her nails digging into her soft palms.
"Such a head strong young lady,' Lady Marlar said exasperated and she threw her hands up in a gesture of frustration. "No man will want to marry you!"
Sein retaliated, "Perhaps I do not want to marry any man!"
"What in the spirits do you mean? What are you going to do with your life?"
Unable to tolerate anymore, Sein immediately raised from her chair and stormed away.
"You will meet Lord Lwin whether you like it or not. Do you hear me!" Lady Marlar shouted after her.
Her mother did raise a good question. Sein hadn't thought beyond her youthful years. It pained her to think, one day, she may have to settle on a marriage. Perhaps by early twenties, she'd have no choice but to marry one of the letches she'd been introduced to. Those gentlemen that appeared so refined and proper, yet their fingers would linger a little too long on her shoulder. Or their hand would slip down to her waist ever so briefly. She shuddered at the thought of these unwelcome physical contacts.
I'd rather die than be married to one of these vultures, she promised herself.
To avoid any more confrontations with her mother, Sein found herself walking around aimlessly that morning. Away from prying eyes, she meandered through the lush gardens towards the compound which housed various official buildings.
She walked past these stark structures, with their shutters closed, and couldn't help but wonder what secrets they held within. Eventually she arrived at the palace Archives, a quiet place where not a soul was in sight.
Perfect, I don't have to see and speak to anyone, she concluded.
The Archives with its lofty ceiling made the room even more grand and airy. On all walls, there were scrolls and books meticulously arranged, layer upon layer, reaching beyond eye level.
Curious as to what the Archives had to offer, Sein picked up some scrolls and briefly read the titles. These were mainly about the history of the Gin Empire before the Kingdom of Arkar.
She didn't have a particular interest in history so she moved along, picking rolls at random. A scroll on the healing properties of plants. That was a little more interesting.
She went to the other wall and pulled out another scroll. There was a scent that suggested aged paper, mingling with a faint hint of dust. It was a little crumpled compared to the previous scrolls she looked at. The title read, The complete art of needlework.
Mother will approve of this one, Sein chuckled to herself.
Her eyes caught a few lines that had been hurriedly written in the mid section.
It read, "My beloved prince, the rightful heir to the throne, is lost, not by nature's design, but by the treachery of men. His passing was made to look natural, yet I know it was betrayal that took him. He was slain as he slept, his peaceful appearance a cruel mask for the crime committed. Though proof eludes me, I know well who is to blame. Justice must be served. Will you lend your aid?"
"What on earth is this?" Sein said out loud.
She unraveled the document fully to see who its author was. There were two initials, G. G. Her eyes scanned the rest of the text. It discussed different techniques of needlework.
How bazaar!
She placed the scroll back where it was wedged and pulled out the one beside it. This one detailed the intricate art of gold leafing. The kingdom was renowned for its craftsmanship and culture, and this wall of ancient texts reflected such knowledge.
Sein back tracked and drew out the crumpled scroll again. Something about this mystery fascinated her.
"A prince that was murdered in his sleep," Sein pondered, a finger pressing on her chin. "Which prince? I can't think of any others except our current one. I don't know anything about our history."
How tragic, she thought, to be talking to myself. If only I had a friend to share such discoveries with.
Letting out a quiet sigh, she returned to the wall lined with historic manuscripts. She picked a handful, then walked to one of the four grand teak tables that dominated the room, each surrounded by high-backed chairs, inviting visitors to linger.
The room was serene, bathed in the warmth of the morning sun streaming through. The picturesque view of ancient trees and the garden beyond was perfectly framed by the window.
Sein settled into a seat and leisurely read through the scrolls. This wasn't a bad way to spend a day.
Her head was buried in a document, when footsteps and voices were heard. She was sitting with her back to the door and couldn't see who had entered.
The voice speaking sounded like it belonged to an older male, and by the accent, a high rank lord of the court.
He said, "Your Highness, while I am aware of your fondness for the rigorous study of martial arts and the intricate nuances of battle strategy as detailed in these esteemed codices, it is incumbent upon me to reiterate the paramount importance of your comprehension of our renowned history. As the Crown Prince, it is not merely a matter of preference but a duty of the highest order to be thoroughly versed in the chronicles of our land, for it is through such knowledge that Your Highness shall be truly prepared to lead with wisdom and foresight."
Disaster!It's the Crown Prince and his master, Sein concluded. I need to escape.
Unfortunately she couldn't. The men were blocking the doorway as the master rattled on.
Was she meant to curtsy in the presence of the Crown Prince? She couldn't quite recall the proper etiquette. Better to sit still until they leave.
Maybe they won't notice me, she hoped.
The Crown Prince and his master didn't leave. Instead, they seated themselves at the table beside hers. She winced, realising she would have to endure their company.
Forcing herself to read on, she tried to remain composed but the master's voice, loud and insistent, disrupted her calm like ripples on the surface of the water. As she listened, she couldn't help but find his words overly verbose. It was a torrent of unnecessary speech.
"To what extent has Your Highness immersed himself in the profound annals of our venerable history?" Master enquired, after his lecture on the importance of history.
A brief pause then a gentle, yet firm voice answered, "I must admit, history has not been a priority of my studies. Yet."
"What? Not studied history yet?" Master was amazed, then sounding more collected, he asked, "Is Your Highness well-versed in the illustrious origins of the esteemed Gin Empire?"
"Not yet, Master."
At this answer, Sein swiftly glanced over at their table.
The Crown Prince had grown up since the last time she saw him in the Audience Hall. He was slender and tall. Seated opposite his Master, the sun gently caressed his face. It was a striking face. Even Sein had to admit, he was handsome. His profile was well proportioned, his dark hair contrasting with his fair complexion.
With status and good looks like that, his ego must be as large as this room, Sein thought smugly.
"That shall be precisely where we, with all due reverence, initiate our profound scholarly journey in pursuit of historical enlightenment."
The master stood up, the various chains and ornaments on his clothing jingled. He was a middle-aged man with greying temples and wearing black rimmed spectacles.
"Alas, it is with the deepest sorrow that I must inform Your Highness that our esteemed Archivist, the very custodian of our cherished histories, has departed from our midst. In the absence of one, it falls upon us, to unearth the necessary texts by our own fair hands."
"What an absolute delight it shall be, to become intimately acquainted with the Archives," the Crown Prince responded.
Sein sensed a hint of sarcasm.
Master nodded. "Ah, indeed, an unmitigated joy, is it not? I shall personally retrieve the very first scroll."
Seeing a young lady, sitting poised at the table, the master paused from heading to the shelves. He noticed some of the history scrolls had been removed from the shelf.
Scanning the rolls of parchment scattered in front of Sein, he addressed her, "My Lady, might I inquire if you have, by any chance, completed your perusal of the first history scroll of the Gin Empire?"
He indicated to the scroll Sein had only skimmed before setting it aside to read properly later.
However, she replied, "Yes, My Lord." And offered it to him, holding it with both hands as a gesture of respect.
"Ah…much appreciated," Master said, studying the young lady with curiosity over the rim of his glasses.
Sensing the Crown Prince glancing her way, Sein bowed her head politely, but then wondered again should she stand up and curtsy. When she looked up, their eyes locked for a fleeting moment before she quickly turned away. His pale jade-green eyes, gleaming with an intense clarity, caught her in a spell, leaving her momentarily disarmed.
Her cheeks coloured slightly as she tried to focus on the text in front of her. Her mind was a turbulent sea, with thoughts crashing like waves against each other, leaving her adrift and unable to grasp a single thought with any clarity.
She quickly returned the scrolls to the shelf and made a hasty exit, as the master barked out a lecture in the background.