Blue, a short story

Originally for Melu, darling that she is, but I’ve made a few changes here and there, and thought I’d put it up. This is based on a queen in Chinese history, named Bao Si. (Very fictionalized, of course - for one thing, the king was actually a complete failure at being kingly, and the queen… wasn’t so diabolical.)

Enjoy!

Sevenses

Blue

Long ago, when the shores still resounded with the whispers of the gods, when the stones and bones of the world were still young, a mighty king held reign over a vast land. He was revered far and wide, for he had rid the lands of its warring, feuding clans, choosing instead to unite, to focus all the cunning and bravery of its people to countries across the wide depths of the ocean and the endless sea of grass. The loyalty and love of his subjects ensured a long prosperous life, for there was nothing they would not do for him. One word, nay, one look was enough to send a man to his willing death with praises for the king still on his lips.

Such life invites envy, and the gods are jealous beings.