3 Chapter 3

5 years later.

I'm just staring blankly at the blue sky here in the terrace. I'm not supposed to leave this place. The barrier will weaken. The empire will lose 50% of it's protection.

"It's ok Mei Feng. The Imperial Meeting is important. Me and your dad can handle it" my mom said as she read my mind

I released a heavy sigh and lean on her. I don't want to stain the clean reputation of our empire. But I don't want to leave.

"Mei Feng. You need to" mom said

We heard a faint horse noise "It's time to leave dear"

I nodded and left her with a smile. I'm gonna met the prince and princess of the major empires. I'm not nervous, I'm worried. Our worst enemy- which is the Běi Empire is there.

That empire hates us and wants to replace our place as the most powerful empire. They even killed my grandpa. So cruel.

Every servants I passed by will always bow at me. The knights opened the door for me. I was wearing a Hanfu dress.

With light blue robe embroidered with different colored gems that is worn over a white long skirt. And a dark blue belt with pearls defined my small waist.

My hair was tied loosely. But I remained some hairs at the sides to frame my face. I parted my hair at the center to do that.

I saw Shen Mi. Her smile show off her clean white teeth. Her hair is still wet and gently rest at her back. Even her darkblue flowy dress is wet. She waved at me like she want me to approach her. So then I did.

"You're early Shen Mi" I said

"Is it a joke or a complement?" she ask in a naughty tone

"Both" I answered

She just laughed at me. She grabbed my right hand and ran towards the peaceful ocean. She stop running and let go of my hands.

"Where's the chariot?" I asked while exploring my eyes to the whole place

"Chariot?" she giggled, "no need. You'll ride on my back" she said with a wide smile

"Hell no. NEVER"

The last time I rode on her back was very terrible. The worst ride I ever take. She made fun of me because it's ok because she's my best friend, like duh. I'm still the princess.

"I will not do it again. I p-p-promise!" she said in a raising voice

Tss. I slapped her shoulder and stare at her with authority. She then gave me a smile that pissed me really bad.

She closed her eyes and started to transform. Her hands and toes slowly turns into hoofs. Her face widen as well as her body. She's turning to a horse, a water horse.

She's a kelpie, a water spirit that originally looked like a horse but can transform into human form. She smiled at me with her horse form.

"You look so ugly" I said

She doesn't look good at that form. "yah" well that's good, "you're uglier" -_-

"Err. Just shut up" I commended

I grab the hem of my dress to show my feet. I then climb into her body to her back. "geez so heavy" she murmured

"I gained weight so shut up"

She started walking towards the ocean. Then...