THE WHIM OF HER HIGHNESS

After a long night of contemplating her options, Wang Yu Yan decided it was best to do as she was told. A carriage arrived early in the morning to take her to her new marital home. She had heard that Kong State was a long journey away from the only home she has known until now.

A good five days were estimated to be the duration of their trip. Wang Yu Yan spent the first few minutes of her morning sulking. She felt anxious as she left the premises of Wang palace but soon after encouragement from her personal maidservant.

Wang Yu Yan was excited about her first time out of the palace. She made sure to observe anything and everything her sights could come across. The town people young and old crowded every corner.

Most of the folk wore worn-out rags that were not easy on the eyes but occasionally her eyes would meet some dressed in noble robes.

"Ru Shi, what is that?", her maidservant turned her head in the direction her highness was facing.

"That's the market 2nd princess, the place I've always told you about. People come far and near from the outskirts of the town to the villages nearby and gather here Your Highness",

The carriage moved steadily along the roads. The royal cart was surrounded by guards from the front and back. Anytime the royals left the palace their transport had to be heavily protected. Though Wang Yu Yan was not quite familiar with outside travel. But it had been engraved in her since birth that her mere identity posed a threat to her life.

Although this was highlighted all her life. She has never faced any danger.

"It is a shame, isn't it? ",

"What is… Your Highness?", Mo Ru Shi was seated just across the 2nd princess. She was fully armed as usual.

"Passing through without taking time to explore this wonderful town, It is such a pity",

"It truly is a pity", Mo Ru Shi gave the 2nd princess a look of remorse. Out of all people, she was the one who understood her the most. At this moment Mo Ru Shi felt guilty for not being able to help the princess with her desires.

"Ru Shi!",

Mo Ru Shi was startled as her highness called her, the sudden grin on her face gave the poor maidservant a brief shiver.

"…Your highness…?", why was she so happy now?

"We should go explore", the carriage had reached the busiest part of town. The royal voyage had attracted the attention of the peasant folk walking through the town. It was indeed a spectacle to have the Royal household passing through the dwellings of ordinary people.

"… what…", Mo Ru Shi was confused by her master's words. She knew the carriage was heavily guarded and the princess would not be allowed to step one foot out of the cart.

"I just thought of the best idea. This well may be the last time I am in this town. The best way to bid Farewell is to explore just a bit, don't you think?", the excitement was oozing out of the 2nd princess and Mo Ru Shi felt terrible for bursting the princess's bubble.

"Princess. You should know that your presence among the people would cause much discord. It is much too dangerous for you to leave these four walls",

"… that's where you come in of course", Mo Ru Shi sat in her upright posture as she was further puzzled.

"What are you saying, Princess?", she was afraid to know the answer to that question.

The princess started meticulously removing each article of clothing she had on one by one. Ru Shi's eyes went wide as she turned her head in all directions making sure the horseman and guards outside would not pry at her highness's current indecent nature, "… your highness?", she was left speechless.

"Hurry up, take off your robe",

Mo Ru Shi felt the warmth tingling on her cheeks. She was offended. As a servant, she has never partaken in any indecency. She crossed her arms covering her chest and a scowl tainted her adorable face, "Your highness, please forgive. I won't do it again. I apologize for my failure to inform you of your marital arrangement. Punish me any way you please… but I beg of you please don't make me undress in front of all of these people", she was almost in tears.

"No, no… give me your clothes. How else will I be able to get out of this carriage",

"…what…", she lifted her head from the princess's feet. The hardwood floor felt cold against her fingers.

"You are right. If I want to explore the town I'll need a disguise. Hurry up now. Give me your clothes",

Mo Ru Shi paused for a moment and then went back to her seat on the opposite side of the carriage," I'm afraid I can't do that, Your Highness. That is terrible for your safety. If I let you go outside on your own I will be beheaded for sure if something happens to you",

"Come on Ru Shi I won't be gone for long. Anyway, ill have your sword to protect me from any danger",

Crossing her arms Mo Ru Shi looked away from her madam. How could she think so recklessly? She was her attendant but she was also her personal bodyguard, She couldn't just let her highness go explore the town unguarded. She would have failed to protect her, "I apologize, your highness, you can punish me at will but I cannot help you",

Mo Ru Shi would go around naked if she had to but never would she put the princess in danger, "I beg of you, Ru Shi. I may never get to explore this place again. Haven't you felt pity for me as my servant, seeing me all my years not being able to step out of the palace? Now today I have got a chance but it may be my last. Won't you help me just this once",

The 2nd princess's hands were clasped together in front of her. Her Highness was pitiful indeed, she had always been nice to her as her servant but this was the first time she had seen her beg. However, Mo Ru Shi had a duty and couldn't let her guard down because of her highness's whims.