Chapter 2

The road towards the kingdom was long and hot. The sun burning right above me, made me tired and exhausted. It felt like days, but it's only been a night. As my horse, bravely carry me, I look up ahead and I see the Kingdom and its city. My eyes gleam at the sight. I had finally made it to, Clover City. The homeland to the King and his citizens.

As I finally made it into the city. I jumped off my horse and took in the view. This place was nothing compared to my humble little town. There were beautiful buildings standing tall and sure above its people. People were dancing, singing, and shopping without a care. I felt like I stepped into a whole new world—if not a new dimension.

As I'm distracted by the sight, a beautiful young women approached me "My oh my, aren't you a pretty little face. If only you didn't have those rags on, that you call clothes." I glared at her, taken aback by her rather rude comment "Excuse me?" she giggles "Your excused." she smiled and gave me a crusty of greeting "Pardon my rudeness. The names Elizabeth Gales. But please call me, Lizzie." she looks up to my horse and then at me with her back straight "I assume you've travelled far. May I ask what the occasion was?" one eyebrow of hers lifts in curiosity but Ms. Fayta's words rang through my head.

"Trust no one if not yourself."

I looked at her with my answer already given "I'm only here to see the King. Nothing more." I took my horse and began walking forward but Lizzie seemed determined "Lord Zoran? You want to present my lord.." she gave me a quick up and down "looking like that?" she walked beside me "Surely you must know that my King, is a man of favor. He won't just see you because you ask." I stopped to look at her "And what would you know? What I choose to discuss with his highness has nothing to do with you. You've only just met me and chose to insult me. So, save your advice for someone who cares." I began walking again but she smiled and walked with me still "My, aren't you feisty. Maybe his highness would be pleased to see you." She hurried and blocked my path, taking my hand "But first, let's do something about your look." I looked at her confused and she called two men forth "Guards, please look after her horse. It's time I show this lady a proper welcome." The guards nodded and did as they were told and took my horse from my grip. I began to protest "Hey! You can't—" she cut me off "It's okay! My guards are well trained. They'll make sure nothing happens to your horse, but for right now. We should focus on what would best suit you." My face is heated as I looked at her "I don't need your help! I didn't come here to play dress up or be fancied. I'm in dire need to see the King and I would rather not waste time." She looks at me shocked and a bit upset "Well, what could be so important that you would go looking like that?! I'm sure whatever it is, you can wait a moment to at least look decent in front of his majesty! He won't see you if you look like you washed up on the beach, you know!" I saddened; my confidence began to fade as she said those words. Did my presence look that insulting?

I didn't want the King to have a reason to not help, and he also could have answers about this brooch I had safely tucked away. My people need my help and I only had a totally of six days to get it.

Determination burned bright inside me and I looked to Elizabeth "Fine. Have it your way. As long as it gets me to the gates to see the King." with my hand still in hers, she smiled beautifully "Wonderful!! I'll make you the most beautiful lady to step in his court." she began guiding me to a carriage with two horses in front and a man awaiting for her arrival. Seeing this made me worry, so I stopped in my tracks "Lizzie.. who exactly are you?" She turned to me and saw a worried me looking back. She shrugs "Just a noble. My father owns the finest silks in the whole city. So, I never leave the estate without an escort." She carries on but I was wary to follow suit. I have never been near the wealthy—especially ones with fathers that owns a successful business in Clover City.. My mind was blank. A clear problem presented itself to me. I shouldn't follow this women—I know I shouldn't. If she was a noble, she may have answers to a past I didn't know. However, what if she was also someone I couldn't trust?..

I remain put to only have her turn back to face me "Well? Are you coming?" I stared at her, it seems mindfulness was not her strong suit. I found it suspicious—even now that she wanted to help a complete stranger, however maybe this could be used to my advantage. I knew I had basic swordsmanship and hand to hand combat skills at my use. I'd probably be able to take out one or two guards at my disposal. But, the guards that hold my horse captive were another two other head count. In total, she probably had five guards. I wouldn't be able to hold my own against them now but following her out of desperate need to meet the King, is also stupid. Would he really care about my looks?

"We should really get going—Uhh.." I stared at her think for a moment and maybe even saw a mini lightbulb go off in her head "I noticed I didn't get your name. What is it?"

My name? Out of everything she could have asked me, it was my name she wish to knew.. I wasn't sure if this women was strange or just stupid. I looked at her, unsure how to answer. My name was my secret. It was one I should be careful revealing. Should I give a fake one?

"My name is ChuLing." she smiles as she repeated my name on the tip of her tongue "Chu-Ling. I can feel his majesty will love you." She came and put her arm around mines "Now, shall we?" I forcibly put a smile on my face and nod. Though my mind is probably a thousand miles from what she had in mind, I didn't protest as I stepped into her carriage for the trip ahead.

I sat in the carriage, quietly staring out of its pocket sized window. She tapped my knee, turning my attention to her "It's a good thing you came this time of year. Clover City's is celebrating its Kingdom's success. The King will surely make an appearance, since it's in his honor." I rolled my eyes "I don't much care for the celebrations than I do meeting the King." she stopped talking and curiously looked at me; like a puzzle she was dying to solve.

Was it something I said? Did I say too much? I didn't want to deal with this.. I had too much to figure out, I couldn't afford having her being skeptical of me now. I quickly straightened myself to face her with a smile, giving her my full attention. I pretended to care for the kingdom's festival, in hopes in me correcting this error she'd stop asking questions "It's just the last festival I went too, was quite a disappointment. I prefer to set my expectations low, this time of year. Hopefully the King's presence will change my mind." Her smile gleamed. I stared at her reaction for a spare moment. This is how I knew I had her right where I wanted her.

"That's prefect! He'll be pleased to know I've made a friend." My eyes widen at her sudden change of tune in conversation "I'm sorry.. Are you saying you know the King personally?" The smile on her face was still and calm "Of course. We're childhood friends because my father and his did a lot of business together." I looked at her confused "Doesn't your father own the finest silks in town?" She nods her head and answers me confidently "My father has many businesses. A noblemen doesn't own just one but multiple businesses. To own just one would be ridiculous with a man if his statue." I gawked at her in awe. So, this was the life of a rich nobles daughter? I couldn't believe I was lucky enough to meet someone in such high standings and know the King. Hope rang through me as I picture my small little town being restored back to its former glory.

As I'm lost in thought, she bought back my attention "So what does your family do, ChuLing?" I sighed at the question and look out the pocket sized window again "My family.." I went quiet for a moment, picturing my father's face. All I've ever known as family was him. I finally understood the answer I was going to give "They were killed by Zuko Soldiers. They wanted gold and my father wouldn't give it to them. So they, killed him. Leaving me.. The only survivor.." which wasn't a lie. What I said was true in heart and mind but not in theory. My father was killed by Zuko Soldiers but never out of the kind act such as gold. They were ordered to burn our town to ashes, out of the simple act out of King Zuko, himself being bored. And if anyone got in their way, they were to kill them.. My father was in their way, so they cut him down.

My hands tightened in my lap, as the memory showered me in total dread and Elizabeth gasped "Your family were killed by those barbarians?" I could feel her complete empathy to feel my pain but that wouldn't bring him back "You poor thing.. How did you manage to survive?" I looked to her "My father.. He saw this day coming. So, he hid me away in a little town called 'Riverband.' They were also attacked. But I owe them my life—if not everything." She leaned over and covered my hand with hers "Well, your safe now. Clover City is a safe place. No one ever gets harmed here. A complete haven." A haven is what I needed but not permanently. What a really had to do and need, was the King. I had no time to feel sorry for myself. I removed my hand from hers "Not to be rude. Thank you for your comfort but I mustn't dwell on the past. I'm sure it wouldn't be charming to the King, himself." she saddens, I could feel her worry but that was soon replaced by understanding "Well, you're right. We shall not dwell on the acts that can't be undone—Right now, we should focus on the color that would make your eyes the jewels they are." I almost smiled at her compliment. My father use to describe my eyes as rare jewels that couldn't be found just anywhere. He told me stories about a clan called '구미호.' That lived far pass the mountains above KiKan Valley; the clan that lives there had the most beautiful golden eyes known to mankind. He always said I remained him of those eyes. The eyes of true, rare jewels.

I smiled at the memory "I think anything you choose will do me fine." I told her. And for the remaining of the trip, we sat in silence.

As the carriage came to a stop, I got out to see a beautiful house standing in the middle of a well-maintained garden. I couldn't contain my shock at the sight before me. Everything held its own royal standing. I felt completely and utterly out of place, like something completely out of a fairytale. Elizabeth soon followed me and patted me on the shoulder "Well, let's not stand here. We've got a lot to do before tonight." I stared at the house in curiosity, just to see what lays inside but it didn't take my mind off what she meant by "Tonight?" she nods her head and carried on forward explaining tonight festivity's "Tonight, is the night of all nights for my father. Most in which, are known as the most powerful men in Clover City. They all shall be attending." I walked behind her, thinking about the possibilities of what and who I could see tonight. It was probably best I locked myself in a room—or better yet, a basement. If tonight was important, I don't think people would want a commoner among their mist of nobility and royalty. That sounds bad...

"If tonight is as special as you say it is, wouldn't it be best not to let me in?" She looks at me almost offended "Don't be silly—tonight is important; however, you will be attending. My family aren't barbaric. They won't kill you as soon as you walk in. We are welcoming to all." I could only simply look at her and it's because of what I've learn through the years, there is no such thing as 'welcoming to all.' There is always a catch. It's either your needed for something or just being used. Elizabeth probably has something up her selves for tonight.

There is a motive here...

It's been two hours since I stepped foot on the Gales estate. I've tried on more dress than I've ever tried on in one past lifetime. Stylists ran in and out of rooms to access me, dress me, and prepare me for tonight. And when the deed was done, the girl in the mirror I saw was beautiful, elegant, a rare jewel indeed... and that girl was me. I was looking at me. My hair, perfectly put up with long curls dropping beautifully beside my face. My hand ran above the dress that elegantly fit to my body and complimented my eyes of rare jewel gold.

I couldn't believe this was me... As Elizabeth walked into the door frame, I turned to face her. She was also dressed decently well but something felt off. I walked over to her in heels I could barely manage but happened to manage not falling. I gave her a quick up and down, comparing myself to her "Aren't I bit overdressed. I'm only a guest..." she smiled and slowly held up a necklace "Tonight, you're not. Father's butler just gave me word, that King Zoran will be making an appearance tonight. I wasn't expecting him, so I had to switch things up." she walked around me and stops right behind me. She slid the necklace around my neck placing it right against my light brown skin. She turned me to face her "Tonight I'm underdressed because there is a goal to be reached." questions rang through my head "And what would that have to do with me? You just met me." a smile spread across her face once more "My father has it in his mind that I'll soon marry the King and become Queen. But Zoran is like a brother to me. To marry him would be absurd." She holds my hands in hers "ChuLing, you've lost everything. You have no one. My goal tonight is to introduce you to the King and have you become his bride." Shock ran down my spine. The word 'bride' remains in the air until I took a step back with anger following close behind "BRIDE!? Are you crazy?!—Is this the reason you wanted to improve my look—" my mind stopped me in my tracks. From the moment she met me, the consistent insults and compliments... she was feeling me out just for this. I glared at her "You didn't just run into me by accident, did you? You were looking for a replacement... A new bride..." her smile faded, and her tune changed "Your smarter than you look." she walks around me as my body turn to follow her with my gaze. Two guards appeared in front of her, and she faces me "It's nothing personal, ChuLing. It's only that I had a deal with my father. Find a new bride and I can live freely." I argue with her "There is many other girls that would jump at the chance to marry the King! Why me?!" she shakes her head displeased "And that's the point. I don't want them because none of them are good. They'll just marry him for the sake of just being married to him. However, you." she points to me "You seem to be different. And that's enough to me to be convinced." I glared "Convinced of what?" I asked, clearly upset. A smile spread and she put her hand down "That you'd make a prefect Queen to be."

She turned away from me and gave her guards orders "Don't let her escape. She's the main event for tonight." the guards bowed and did as they were told as she walked off.

Fuck! When I thought I had her right where I wanted her; it was actually her that had me right where she wanted me... I was trapped.