58. When she arrived...

As the procession passed by the other girls went out to look at her but sighed in relief.

Liu Mei was picked up by a normal sedan chair that was carried by eight people. Those are used only for simple Emperor's concubines so they just turned around and went in with relief.

Xiao Ran rolled her eyes at their action. They had no idea that the Emperor send this thing with the strongest and calmest guards to carry her. That was more important that palanquin itself.

But for Liu Mei everything was fine as long she doesn't have to ride in the bumpy carriage. A nauseated bride would be a disaster, wouldn't be?

Her thought went to all possible and impossible comical situations that the encounter would bring in case of her feeling sick or nauseated and she didn't realize that they arrived until Xiao Ran didn't call her.

''Miss, we are here.'' Two servants prepared a chair for her to step out of the sedan. Xiao Rand and Liling helped her to step down slowly.

WHat the girls before didn't see was her stunning figure in a beautiful layered dress. As usual, she wore head protection as the sun was still shining when they left their palace. But when they arrived she took off the hat completely and what servants saw was a beautiful woman walking past them.

Liu Mai chuckled inside. Even her simple face could look so astonishing after adding makeup here and there.

She did cut her hair while ago. But some of it already grew up and she had a nice hairstyle, but it was not appropriate so she used a wig that Xiao Ran ordered to be made. Liu Mei had to accept it with a heavy heart. Actually, she like the short hair but the rules had to be respected.

With straight back, she slowly walked a long way towards the Emperor's private chambers. From sides, the servants already saw her attire and with astonishment dropped whatever they had in their hands. ''So pretty, miss Liu Mei is so beautiful.''

They all heard the stories about plain-looking woman but if she is plain, what is actually beautiful.

Liu Mei didn't know that not her face was beautiful, the way she walked the way she smiled and her own natural bearings were added to the new style she had, so it was no wonder they gasped. Unfortunately for them, she had no ears for such things as her heart was racing like rabbits in a run.

Even tho she had completely calm expression but her eyes quivered as she thought for moments to just run away and escape.

She felt fear and at the same time excitement.

As she got closer to the palace, she saw him standing there and waiting for her with impatience. But the moment he laid his eyes on her his face froze and he didn't leave her movements even for a moment.

Liu Mai couldn't read his face. She was not sure if he was happy or sad seeing her so her heart dropped and her steps got slower. Her decision to escape became again stronger the closer she was to him.

His eyes narrowed. He could see her steps getting slower as her face became fearful and uncertain. If he makes now the wrong move she might really do what she said before. But what is the right way to deal with her anxiety? He exhaled and slowly relaxed. He realized that he was stiff as well, maybe she saw it and got scared.

And he was right. She saw him looking at her with warm eyes and continued walking with a tiny bit less fear. But just a tiny bit...

Even before she started walking the steps up he rushed down and offered his hand with a nervous smile. When he saw her looking in the hand with surprise he chuckled. ''Should I stand like this the whole day?''

She snapped out her daze and slowly put her hand in his.

Her hand was small, soft and comfortable. The palm itself was small and her fingers long but still were lost in his big bear paw. Thinking about that she realized she made compassion with that furry friend she chuckled for a moment but then held her mouth in surprise with the other hand.

He turned his eyes towards her and smiled. ''It is fine if you are nervous. I m as well.''

She could feel slight tremors of nervously passing trough her hand as he slowly leads her towards his chambers. When they arrived Xiao Ran and Liling left her side and waited outside.

The doors slowly closed behind them and everyone stepped ten steps away from the chambers and waited as well. Everyone became quiet and it was quiet the whole night. Xiao Ran knew the reason but everyone else had their own ideas.

Inside, on the other hand, Emperor pointed at the big bed and smiled. ''Can you take it to the other place, I really do not wish those bothersome flies to listen to us.''

Hearing his words she blinked and became red when she realized his intentions. But still chose to do as he said. The bed disappeared in front of his eyes and he chuckled. That was convenient.

He turned his head towards her and saw her rubbing her neck. 'What is it?''

She pointed at her head. ''To look like this today I had to wear this wig and all those adds. I really feel discomfort as it is all so heavy.''

The pure discomfort could be seen now on her face and he wrinkled his eyebrows. ''I will help you take it off. What should I do?''

''Just pull out the golden butterflies out and you will be able to get it off of my head.'' Without realizing she started ordering him which he took with a smile.

When she finally felt like her head can finally relax she opened her eyes and looked at him with gratitude. But all she could see is him looking at her hairstyle with wonder.

''My hair is still short so they made that wig for me. They were worried I would be looked down at and made it beautifully. The only problem is, its so heavy.'' She rubbed her neck again and suddenly felt two hands on her shoulders.

''Let's go to that place. I know how to relax muscles. I will help you.'' He whispered as he slowly massaged her stiff shoulder, but in his eyes the fie started appearing again...