I lowered my head to hide the tears in my eyes and hurried to catch up with Ms. Butler.
Before we even entered the courtyard, I heard cheerful laughter.
Imperial Consort Jones was amused by the bird in its cage.
This bird was precious; only two had been sent as tribute from the Western Regions.
Last night, Consort Jones had spent the night with the Emperor, and this morning, the bird was delivered to the Eternal Joy Palace.
The other one was given as a tribute to the Empress Dowager.
"Yuna, you never disappoint me."
I replied, "The Folded Rose Fragrance is something I specially prepared to apologize to Your Highness, and I hope you can forgive me."
My head hit the ground hard, swelling instantly.
Consort Jones set down the branch she had been using to tease the bird and said with satisfaction, "From now on, you will live in the inner courtyard."
"Serve me well, and I will grant you whatever you desire."
"I understand."
From that moment on, I became the respected "Ms. Yuna" in the Eternal Joy Palace.
The Consort valued me greatly, and I did not let her down.
The Emperor visited every day.
Two months later, a huge piece of good news spread through the Eternal Joy Palace—Consort Jones was pregnant.