The Princess of Kouku

"Why do I have to attend that stupid prince's homecoming ball?" the blonde royalty scowled as a plump middle-aged palace maid scrubbed her back with honey and sugar. She was being bathed in her room's indoor pool for tonight's gathering at the Kaminari palace.

"Why princess? Aren't you happy your friend is back?" the plump nanny waved at the other younger maids to drape the flowing white robe over the princess' slender body while she lifted her up from the pool of milk and rose petals. The maids scurried after her carrying the trail of her robe as she walked to the dressing section of her room.

"Hmph, I hate him! I don't want to see him. He should have stayed with his other stuck up royal foreign friends at the academy. Hey! Be gentle with that!" The princess glared at a palace maid who unintentionally pulled a strand from her medium-length blond hair as she untangled it.

The royal nanny gave her a stern look. "Now young lady, do I need to reorient you about proper manners?"

The spoiled girl raised an eyebrow and turned her head away. All the palace people knew her for being stubborn. Only her nanny has the full privilege of scolding her without receiving any ill remarks. The princess did not utter a word for a few minutes which the maids took as an opportunity to dress her up quickly. She was clothed with a light pink ball gown which was tailored by the royal seamstress particularly for this event. Two maids were working on fixing her silky smooth hair into a bun and decorating it with pink roses freshly plucked from the palace garden.

"It would have been easier for us to dress your hair had you not cut it." The nanny skillfully curled some loose strands of hair near her face. "Nonetheless, you are very beautiful your highness... if only you can erase that ugly frown on your face." She motioned the young maids to move the large mirror in front of the princess so she can look at herself.

The scowl was replaced with awe as the princess stared at her reflection in the mirror. It's been three years and she has transformed so much - - - at least in her physique. She's still the same strong-willed girl in the body of a beautiful 17-year old. Just a day ago she had trimmed her long blond hair to the dismay of her nanny. She wanted to show the prince that she did not change one bit. Yes, her tantrums were but a display of bad attitude to mask her true feelings. She wanted to see him for she badly missed her childhood friend although she was a little hurt because he did not send one single telegram since the day he left. I would scold you non-stop later for abandoning me.

The princess took a deep breath. Nervousness was starting to take over her but she balled her fists and continued with her show. It was giving her the strength to shake off the butterflies in her stomach. "I do not want to go!" The irritated girl folded her arms across her chest.

"Now where is that resentment coming from my dear daughter?" a sweet voice inquired from behind.

All the maids bowed down their heads as Ayako, queen of Kouku made her regal entrance to her only child's room.

"Mother…" the princess was surprised for getting a visit from her. The queen was always busy with the affairs of the kingdom. She rarely had time to talk with her daughter.

"Your friend has just returned from a tiring journey. Surely you do not want to cause his disappointment for not being there in his ball?" The queen fixed a dangling rose from the princess' bun. "You've grown up my little one. Tonight's ball is a significant event in your life and in the kingdom as well. I hope the Great Spirit will bless you generously."

The queen kissed her cheek. "Let's go now dear, the carriage is waiting. Your father has some important matters to discuss to the King of Kaminari." She then gracefully headed for the door leaving her daughter in a confused state.

The princess, followed by a trail of maids, slightly lifted her skirt so she could walk properly after the queen.

Just what did Mother mean by that?