※ Chapter 6 ※

Meihua's POV »☆●

"Monarchs from the neighbouring kingdoms will arrive shortly. His lordship expects your presence to greet them."

The same, monotonous, expressionless voice of Oyshi rings in my eardrums, boring them. All the important news always has to arrive when I'm practicing swordplay. Today though, I'm practicing alone. Lady Hera couldn't join me for some important work.

One month, eleven days, fourteen hours..it's been that long since father has announced me the heiress and I've made it my sole focus to study the royal matters and strengthen my sword game. It's hard though, given that I still can't walk around freely. But I've been allowed to talk to a few more people like the other royal advisors, chancellors, constables, secretaries and stewards. For this, I cover my face with face veil at all times.

Some may wonder if father is so unprejudiced, then why do I still have to follow this ritual? Well, because there's a greater reason than imperial superstition here - my protection.

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Few days ago:

"I shall proceed with the commands. Good day, your majesty, " the secretary bows to father and me and turns to leave. When I move myself to return the courtesy, my face veil shifts a little. Immediately, father reaches out and fixes it.

I frown at the gesture. As soon as the secretary goes out of sight, I confront him about it.

"I mean no disrespect father, but is this ritual really that important? I'm to rule the Kingdom one day, and you're still making a huge fuss about people getting a glance of my face. I know you could care less about the other superstitions forced upon women. Then why?" I cross my arms.

"Because the other superstitions don't make it any easier for me to protect you, unlike this does," he says.

I frown, "I don't understand?"

He sighs and turns to look at me, cupping my face, "Revealing your face to the outsiders is likely to also reveal you to the dangers that I'm always so afraid of. You'll be far easier to target by our enemies if their pawns are present anywhere near us and I'm not willing to take that sort of risk when it comes to you even if the possibility is scarce. "

"But I only visit members of the imperial court and they're all selected to be part of the court because they're your trusted people. Uncle Mark, for example, is a dear friend to you and his family is so close to you. You even let me play with his son when I was young and I went many places with him, " I ask.

He nods, "Mark has always proven a dear friend to me, at least till today. He's been a loyal subject and trustworthy person, like a family to me. But this matter, my darling girl, exceeds way beyond personal feelings. The power against us is strong enough to corrupt just about anybody. So no matter how much I trust anyone, I've to be on alert at all times. YOU have to be on alert at all times, my little butterfly."

He turns to look away, "Honestly, this was the main reason why I didn't want to make you the heiress. But lately, I've been thinking. I may not always be with you to protect you. One day, you'll have to face the world alone. And the least I could do for you is to prepare you instead of making you cower behind my protection. You're better than that, you're stronger than that, my sweet girl. Just promise me, no matter what you go through, you won't let those monsters deceive or weaken you."

I fall onto his chest, "I promise."

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"His lordship commanded me to escort you to him before you prepare for today's event. May I?" Oyshi asks, pulling me back to present. I immediately look away and blink, moving away the tears that were warning to fall. I can't imagine a world without father.

I sigh, having a hard time convincing myself to place the sword back in ground like everyday. But unlike everyday, there's a special event today.

It's the first ball at our castle that all empires are attending. So I need to greet all our foes like I don't hate them. Which I'm thoroughly doubtful I can do.

I haven't ever met any of them before. So you could say it was my sixth sense or gut feelings that told me not to trust them. The mere thought of them coming to our home concerns me about our safety.

"May I?" Oyshi asks again. I roll my eyes and nod. Covering my face with my face veil, I follow her inside the castle. As we enter the throne room, I find my father dressed in his finest longpao that he only wears in the biggest social events. He seems busy talking to Uncle Mark.

"You've increased security as I specially commanded?" he whispers in a concerned voice.

Uncle Mark nods reassuringly, "A dozen guards at each entrance, and a company of archers on every wall. There's no way any force can attack us today."

As Uncle Mark bows and turns to leave to work, father's eyes fall in my direction. His eyes brighten as he sees me.

"Look who we have here! It's nice to see you indoor for once, my little butterfly," he smiles and kisses my forehead warmly.

I scoff, "Where else would a butterfly thrive but indoors?"

He laughs heartily, "That dry sense of humour, you're really your mother's reflection," he stretches his arms for me and of course, I run into them. I missed his hug. He has been busy all day.

He pats my head, "I trust you'll be in your best behaviour today. You just might happen to meet your future husband."

"Meihua? Married? Now that's something I'd like to see and didn't find possible. There are wild tigers I've seen that are easier to tame," Aunt Victoria approaches, smiling teasingly.

I pull away from father's embrace, rolling my eyes. I glance at Aunt Victoria, "I advise you stick to your old belief, unless you desire to be disappointed sorrowfully."

"Sweetheart, you know, sooner or later, you must marry someone of suitable rank for our Kingdom, and it's almost certain it'll have to be one of the princes that are visiting today," Father puts a hand on my shoulder gently. I know why he's saying this but I can't help but feel annoyed.

Father shakes his head dismissively, "Now, my dear, there's not much time left for the guests arrival and you're still in those outfits! It's time to get ready. I had something special made for you to wear today!"

"I don't suppose it's armor like the kind Uncle Mark has, is it?" I raise an eyebrow.

"Better! I had one of the finest dressmakers in the Five Kingdoms work for a month on a golden and red dress unmatched in beauty!" he exclaims.

"Working on a single dress for a month? What a waste!" I shake my head.

I never got the point of dressing up. Specially if it's not for pleasing you, but others. I'm gonna have to ruin so much time dolling up for people I don't even know and is a potential threat? Or worse, a potential husband!

As I said before, my father has always been a peace-loving person. This event today is actually to raise the proposal of alliance between Five Kingdoms. My father wants to unite the Five Kingdoms to establish a peaceful government and unite our powers to face outer forces. But I highly doubt that's possible.

"I can't wait to see it on you! And I know the guests will be very impressed!" he squeals.

I absolutely don't care to impress the guests. If anything, I want them to find me so hideous that they never send any marriage proposal, ever.

"For me?" He gave me those eyes, which are capable of making me do anything. I didn't want to disappoint him. So I agreed to dress up how he wanted.

Smiling widely, he sends word to the beauticians. Yes, we have beauticians in our castle specially for preparing the women

for important occasions. The moment you'd think the royalty can't spend coin on stupider causes, you'll find another.

Soon, the maids approach and guide me to the beautician's chamber. They're six, petite, similiar-looking, extremely-odd-behaving women. They talk and walk in a very weird manner. I suppose they're attempting to behave elegant.

"It's an honour to be at your service today, your Royal Highness," they say and bow to me in unison. My ears buzz hearing their forced high pitched voices.

I rub my ears, "Yes, yes, nice to meet you too. Let's just get it over with as soon as you can, okay?"

They look at each other and giggle oddly, making me cringe. Then they nod and push me onto a seat.

For two hours, they carefully work on my hair, outfit and makeup. The attention and care they pour into it makes me feel like a newborn child with a deadly disease that needs serious treatment, or a very rare species of a royal pet put onto exhibition to show off the wealth of royalty.

After two hours of torture, they're finally done and I'm escorted to the throne room to find my father. I bow before him, grabbing his attention and he looks at me in awe.

"Oh my, is this really my daughter? You've grown into such an elegant woman. I couldn't be more proud of you!"

I smile, "Well, if that's what it takes to make you're happy."

Aunt Victoria gasps with her jaw dropped, "Meihua, you live upto the name, the prettiest flower blossom! I'm sure the royal heirs will be dumbstruck by the very sight of you!"

Father sighs, "I do wish Irene was here to see her."

"No! That woman is the reason why we don't see Meihua like this often enough," Aunt Victoria crosses her arms.

"That woman is your Queen, and the prettiest woman I know," Father glares at her.

"There's no denying that, but she couldn't care less about appearance, am I wrong?" Aunt Victoria comments suggestively.

Queen Irene is my mother. People say I'm her reflection. She also prefers armor over dresses, and sword over makeup. She's stubborn and determined, just like a warrior Queen. In fact, she's the reason I'm allowed to practice swordplay. She raised the proposal to father when I was five, that I'd need to have sense of self-defense given that I have extraordinary powers. I used to practice with Uncle Mark's son in my childhood until the girls and boys were split apart when we were twelve. I practiced with Lady Hera after that.

"When will I be able to see mother again?" I ask. We were separated when I was very small. Every princess has to be separated from their mother since childhood until they're married, and a godmother looks after them. This is as a tradition of domestic discipline. Mothers aren't trusted to properly discipline or in other words, torture the princesses because they might have a weak spot for their blood. Although according to the things I've heard about my mother, I don't think she's the emotional type.

Father smiles weakly, "You'll meet her very soon, and I promise she'll love you alot."

I squeal like a little child. It's not like my godmother hates me, but she's always seen me as her responsibility not a daughter. I don't really know what a mother's love feels like. And I've always known my mother to be tough like a lethal. So I wasn't sure if after so many years, she'll love me.

A castle guard approaches, bowing to father, "Your majesty, the guests have arrived."

"Already?" I frown sadly.

Father laughs, "Come now, my little butterfly. All you need to do is smile and look pretty."

I roll my eyes and swallow an angry groan forming on the back of my throat. The thing I hate being told the most is smile and look pretty. And it's never going to be the role I settle down for. I wanted to do this important correction but father grabs my hand, pulling me over their direction. I fix my face veil and follow after him.

The guards throw open the grand doors to the throne room. The Monarchs of the neighbouring kingdoms enter, each with a group of courtiers.

Father takes my hand, "Remember today, Mei. The alliance formed here may stand for a thousand years."

I wanted to tell him this is a mistake. Peace can never be attained with the stroke of a pen, but only by the swinging of a sword. But I hold my tongue. Father has always been against wars. Brash words like this could undo everything he worked so hard for. Besides, after a hundred years of border skirmishes, it's a miracle our neighbouring Kingdoms are considering this alliance at all.

I shake my negative thoughts away and smile at father, "Let me be the first one to say..congratulations, father. This alliance will be your greatest legacy."

He smiles dearly, "Nonsense. You're my greatest legacy."

The first of the royals approaches us. Our announcer clears his throat to announce them.

"May I present King Xiubo of Xiuluan, and his heir Prince Xiumin."

They bow to us and we return the courtesy. Father and King Xiu engages in a conversation, leaving me to speak to the Prince.

Prince Xiumin smiles at me, "Princess, even in that veil, I can see you're a vision of loveliness. You'll surely haunt my dreams for weeks to come."

I scoff, "You make me sound like a nightmare."

He shakes his head laughing, "I'll have you know I look forward for those nightmares. Charmed to make your acquaintances, Wu Meihua of Wuluan."

"You flatter me, your highness. If you find me that beautiful, you should see me with a sword. Combat's where I truly shine," I shoot a sly grin.

He gasps, making no attempts to hide his surprise, "The peacemaker's daughter is a warrior? I wouldn't have believed."

"A woman should be able to defend herself, don't you agree?" I ask.

He nods, "But a woman of your position and grace should be guarded by a hundred armed men at all times, each sworn to defend her to his dying breath."

Prince Xiumin takes my hand for a kiss, "I hope I get to speak with you more during the feast, if your other guests don't take up all your time."

I smile, "In that case, I shall try finding a minute or two for you."

Returning a sweet smile, he and his father steps aside, making place for the next empire. Second of the monarchs approach us and the boring formality continues.

Out of nowhere, I freeze, zoning out for a while. All the voices and noises around me drops, my whole body goes chill and stiff as porcelain, and it's all because I'm suddenly caught by a scent, oddly intoxicating and consuming. I can't spot the source of it in this huge crowd. I don't even know what kind of scent is it? All I know is I'm suddenly shaking and cold. I'm captivated.

Strange..

When I'm back to my senses, the announcer is announcing another monarch.

To Be Continued »☆●