Total pages in book: 125
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
Estimated words: 124836 (not accurate)
Estimated Reading Time in minutes: 624(@200wpm)___ 499(@250wpm)___ 416(@300wpm)
It could easily happen.
They’d done the same with my mom.
I bet if I went to my mother’s gravesite right now, I would probably find two or three people visiting and paying their respects. Possibly even asking her tombstone for guidance in some tough family matter. People left wishes by her grave along with shiny coins in the hopes that she would sway God to grant them.
Moni is going to end up being loved like my mother.
I checked my father’s expression and spotted the sly knowing smile on his face as he watched her.
This tea ceremony wasn’t just about the East welcoming her. You wanted to give them a new idol before you died. Someone to love and worship. Goddamn it.
While I cherished her instantly growing bond with my people, a part of me struggled with the thought of sharing her attention and affection with so many.
Of course, it was a selfish sentiment, but it was one I couldn't shake.
My father let out a low chuckle on my side.
I turned to him.
He whispered again. “You must share her with them.”
Moni returned to the pot of steeping tea and the cameras flashed.
However, that same flash of fear entered her eyes as she continued with the tea preparation placing drops of honey in each cup.
You’re still scared about something. Why? You are doing amazing.
Was this all in my mind?
Or was there something deeper going on with Moni?
I thought back to a moment yesterday when I asked her if she wanted me to jump into the heated conversation she was having with Chen.
Moni shook her head. “No, I didn’t want you to jump in. I had it.”
“If you ever think you don’t have control of the situation and need me to jump in, will you give me a signal?”
“What sort of signal?”
“Place your hand over your heart and look at me.” In that moment, I moved my hand from her neck slipped my fingers further down and rested it over her heart.
Next, I stared at her. “This is our signal.”
“And will you do the same, Lei?”
“I will.”
“You do that and I’ll come to the rescue. I may not know how to fight but—”
“You would always find a way to save me. You’re strong and smart.”
I returned to the tea ceremony and let out a long breath.
Will you do the signal? Do you remember? Or am I simply being overprotective right now?
Finishing with the tea, Moni moved with practiced grace, pouring the golden, sweet-smelling liquid tea with both hands into the delicate cups keeping her head down low and her back perfectly arched as if to let us all know that she was our loving, dedicated servant.
Chen nodded. “She’s got Practiced Grace down.”
The gesture was meant to be one of respect and humility but I could see the effort it took for her to maintain her composure.
Perfect. You’re doing great, baby.
When she approached me with the first cup, her hands trembled slightly.
I reached out, took the cup from her and brushed my fingers along her hand. Smiling, I held her gaze, trying to convey my support and love.
She gave me a small, tentative smile but the fear in her eyes remained.
What’s wrong? Who do I have to kill?
All cameras focused on me.
Slowly, I lifted the cup to my lips and inhaled the aroma. “Mmmm. It smells delicious, so delicious I may take the whole pot.”
Moni blinked.
A few of the female reporters giggled.
Meanwhile, my aunts cleared their throat urging me to hurry along.
I’ll take my time. This is her first cup and it’s all mine.
With a wicked smirk, I took a tiny sip. “Mmmm. Soooo good.”
A few more reporters chuckled.
Surely, they weren’t used to seeing me in this way, smirking and drooling over my lover’s tea. I wasn’t even over exaggerating. The blend was perfect. It was a delicate balance of flavors that spoke of her careful selection and preparation.
I was supposed to comment but instead I took a large swallow.
“Aww.” A reporter sighed.
Others scribbled.
With another swallow, I took in the subtle notes of lavender and something else.
What is this yumminess?
The aftertaste held this slightly sweet and earthy flavor.
My eyes fluttered and then closed momentarily as I relished in the harmonious blend.
Several reporters whispered among themselves.
Everyone in the East would want to know the ingredients of this tea and once they did, it would be the preferred blend of the year.
Aunt Suzi spoke. “Mountain Master, I too would enjoy a cup of tea.”
I winked at her. “Surely, our Deputy Mountain Master Chen could go in the kitchen, put together a blend and make a cup for you.”
The reporters laughed and to my surprise, my father did too.
I did not set the cup down.
Instead, I lovingly gazed at her.
More cameras flashed surely catching the view of Moni slowly beginning to bow so elegantly in front of me as I consumed her first cup of tea.