31 The Crown Prince's Birthday

In two weeks it was going to be the Crown Prince's 10th birthday. The emperor was going to hold a grand ball at the palace in order to celebrate. As it was his first birthday since he came to live at the palace the birthday ball would be held one night and then the following day would be a holiday for the entire empire. A festival would also be held in the imperial city.

It was an interesting thought, but if the prince was turning 10 that meant Emperor Arsen had him when he was 19 as Arsen was 29 years old right now. I was looking forward to seeing Teon again, I was curious about his situation considering I now understood his past.

In the week following up to the ball, the whole harem made preparations for it. We would all be accompanying the General to the palace as the birthday ball was an official formal event. If it were a smaller event like a Duke who was having a party, typically a husband with a harem would bring 1 or 2 wives with him not the entire harem.

Clothing designers were brought to the estate to personally design and make dresses for each of us for the ball. I realized this was going to be the first time I was attending an official event since I took over Ayan's body. It was also going to be the first time I went to the royal palace. I was going to have I was going to meet with other nobles and officials from around the kingdom. The idea seemed exciting as I was going to see and learn more about the empire.

On the day of the birthday ball, I including all the wives began to prepare for the evening. I had my tailored beautiful red gown put on me with green jewelry that would match my eyes. I chose to have my long hair loose and let it flow past my shoulders. To top it off I also had an ornament placed in my hair that matched with the rest of my jewelry.

Only take one personal servant could accompany a wife for an outing so I had a hard time choosing between Yema and Kaylee. In the end, I made them make the decision between the two of them and they decided Kaylee would be the one to come with me.

Once I was ready Kaylee and I went to the courtyard where all the other wives and their servants were waiting. As we arrived I saw three carriages had been prepared for us to leave for the palace. Two of them were for the General and the harem and the third was for the servants.

The General arrived shortly, "You all look so beautiful, ladies." He told us as he came to stand in front of us. He wore his imperial army suit that had all the badges of the achievements he. "Let's make haste so we can arrive on time."

He then turned to Laika. "You'll be riding with me. "He said as he took her by the hand and guided her to the first carriage. He gently helped her into the first carriage. Of course, Laika was going to be riding with the General. The General was still in his 'excited-to-be-a-father' phase, he still continued to dote on her. focusing on the other wives as well.

I waited with the other 3 wives as we waited to find out which carriages we would be using. General Kang then turned round and came towards us and looked specifically at...me? He came to stand in front of me.

"Ayan there's room for one more in our carriage please join us." he offered. I looked at Laika who stared back at me.

"Oh no, I couldn't." I politely tried to turn him down.

"Don't be all humble get into the carriage, I know you want to." He took my hand and pulled me towards the carriage.

"No that's not necessary you don't have to."

"What? Are you still upset about what happened the other night? I'm sorry about that but you'll have your chance I promise. I'll be all yours." He said with a smirk and he gave me a wink.

It took me a moment to realize what he was talking about and I felt my face heat up in embarrassment. This man really thought I was upset that I didn't get to sleep with him that night. I was more worried that I had to sit awkwardly with him and Laika whilst they flirted with each other.

The General let out a loud laugh when he saw my red face.

"I just don't think Laika would be comfortable having me in the carriage." I tried to explain. After Ayan broke her arm I doubted Laika wanted to be in close proximity to me.

"Actually, she said was fine with it. Now get in." He ordered. I suppose I didn't have a choice, did I? I got into the carriage and sat across from Laika. She gave me a smile that scared me.

"I'll be back in a moment I have to handle something quickly then we can go." He said once I'd settled in.

I watched as the General turned in the direction of the estate but was stopped when Maris and Samira rushed to him.

"It's not fair my Lord," Samira complained.

"How come she gets to ride with you?" Maris added.

"Now, now ladies don't get upset." General Kang started. "Maris, I'll give the first dance at the ball and Samira you can ride back in the carriage with me how does that sound?" Samira and Maris smiled excitedly as they hugged his arms.

"You'll make me fall you two." He laughed. "Let me go, I have to hurry or we'll be late."

As I watched the 3 of them something caught my attention from the corner of my eye. Rina who stood nearby watching the General, Samira, and Maris. Her face was fuming as she watched them. I wondered if she was alright.

"Looks like your plan has worked," Laika's voice brought me out of my gaze, I averted my eyes to meet hers. "You're back in the Lord's favor. Whatever it is you've done to him to make him like you again he won't stop talking about you." She sneered.

Laika wore a golden gown that looked beautiful against her bronze skin. Her curly hair was styled nicely in a top bun and multiple layered strands of hair came towards her face. Flecks of gold had also been placed on her face as a part of her makeup.

"However, you weren't fast enough," she added as she rubbed her growing stomach.

Was she gloating? Of course, she was. I was quiet staring, at her worriedly wondering how she wanted me to respond.

"Why are you staring at me like you're scared of me? I should be the one who's scared of you since you're the one who broke my arm." she snorted.

"The Lord only used to see you back then but your attitude made him start to look at the rest of us so I guess I should thank you for giving me the opportunity."

"Are you trying to pick a fight or something?" I asked wondering why she was saying all this.

"Oh heavens no, quite the opposite actually" She stated matter-of-factly. "I was just being rude because of all the things you've done to me. However, I have no problem with you returning in the General's favor. He is our husband after all, we have to share him at the end of the day."

"I just wanted to set the record straight. If you try to get in the way of the rest of us spending time with him I won't allow it." She said firmly. "You have to understand that have to share the General."

Ayan used to try to sabotage the other wives whenever they spent with the General. She wanted him all to herself basically. "That's fair," I said out loud without realizing it.

Laika made a skeptical face as if wondering if I had any ulterior motives. "Well, aren't you being rather agreeable." She commented. "So you agree with me what

I wasn't even interested in the General like that so I didn't care who he was spending time with but I didn't want to fight with Laika." Yes, I agree." I responded.

" Good"

"And also the General likes it when we get along with each other so that's why I told him I was alright with you riding in the carriage with us."

The General then soon arrived and got into the carriage. "What were two talking about while I was gone?"

We turned to look at him as he sat himself down. "Nothing." We both said in unison.

He cocked an eyebrow at us both wondering why we both answered so quickly. "Alright then," he accepted the answer as the carriage began to move. All the 3 carriages then set out leaving the estate gates heading for the palace.