Emperor

You lived in a wealthy family, seemingly enjoying a good, secure life, but your parents didn't favor you. You were born after your sister, but your parents weren't expecting twins. Even the doctor didn't immediately detect the second fetus, wondering why the contractions wouldn't stop. The birth was difficult and brought your mother great pain; she nearly died, and you were the cause. Your parents loved your sister dearly, but they considered you a monster, saying all their misfortunes stemmed from you. Having never received a single word of affection or kindness, you resigned yourself to this bitter fate.

So, you and your sister have turned sixteen. You're coming of age. She was about to be married, and your father, who has a close connection to the emperor, suggested that you marry his youngest daughter. Today is the day of the reception, when your sister will appear before the emperor for an introduction. Even though you arrived with everyone else, your mother told you to go for a walk until evening, so as not to catch the emperor's eye and ruin everything. You decided to go to the inner garden.

The garden was simply stunning. A multitude of flowers and birds surrounded you, so wonderful. Words cannot describe the beauty. One of the birds, the most beautiful you'd ever seen, flew up to you with a chirp and perched on your hand. You lightly touched its soft plumage, stroking it, when suddenly the guards called out to you. This bird had recently been a gift to the emperor from a good friend, who had brought it all the way from the border. It seemed they thought you were a thief. They grabbed you roughly by the arms and dragged you to the emperor, practically throwing you at his feet, and forced you to bow.