Royal Wedding II

We get discharged as the Nobles and Royals leave to continue the feast in the banquet hall...

-You guys really risked it out there... How did you come up with such an amazing idea?- asks the choreographer

-I didn't knew either actually...- I avoided his gaze

-Linghe... You little fox!- giggles the man before going away

-You...- I try to talk with Linghe but Hua yell loud, coming to me

-You!-

-Me?-

-Both of you! What if the Emperor didn't like that?!-

Linghe shrugs his shoulders, turning away to leave so I reach out

-Wait...! Ah... He's gone- I take back my hand, meeting the satisfied stare of Hua

-Stop that-

-I didn't say a word- the corners of his lips can't help but go up

-You are thinking tons of words tho- I walk toward the changing room -Ehyyy wait for me!- yells Hua running behind me

I take off the short dress and pants, wearing an expensive gray and red Hanfu, extremely tight on the waist dragging too much atten to my chest...

My mother sent it to me of course.

I begin to untie the chain in my hair

-Keep that on, It's pretty- stops me Hua

-Then we can go, I'm ready... Uhm?- Hua takes out my lipstick from my bag tapping it on me -It was all smeared...-

-Uhmn...- I advert my gaze.

We enter the hall and while doing so, many peoples greet us and stop us to talk a bit...

-So is that dancer really not your partner? I would feel really guilty if so...- laughs a girl shy

-It is not, don't you worry- I reassure her

-What a shame tho... You made quite the fine view!

A soldier woman and a dancer man... Ah...! Looks like a story from a book- says another with dreamy eyes -Oh excuse me... I always end up fantasizing too much haha-

I laugh along them -It's fine, I tend to do that too-

-Ah... To think you have been so gifted Lady... Your face is beautiful, your body is generous and you are so skilled in martial arts too, I do envy you if I'm being honest... Since the day such a news reached my ears-

-Yes I do too! If only I had your courage! There are so many things I want to do-

-Oh don't flatter me... I already am shy enough today- I look away...

It's not like I'm actually shy but I just can't help feeling Linghe's eyes locked on me wherever I go.

-Come on now Ladies... Can I have some time with my sisters?-

-Oh it's Ying PeiZhi!- laughs a little princess as her older sister grabs her little wrist

-Let's go, they probably need some family time...- she says dragging the other women away

-Lai'Er...-

I rise my hand to stop him -Before you start any big brother speech, Hua already did it many times for you thanks-

Hua laughs grabbing Pei's arm -We really are one same person, right Pei?-

-We surely are- he smiles looking down to him -So what is our sister up to?-

-Your sister is stupid- he state with bored voice, pulling on him

-Ehy!-

-Let me guess: "She's got all that pride and doesn't give that poor man a chance"?-

-Excatly... Ge...! We must stop her!-

-I can hear you!- I hit my brother's shoulder

-Ah... I suppose my sister always need a little help from her Gege-

-And her Gege surely knows how to push...-

-Please spare me the rest you perverts!- I pinch my bridge nose closing my eyes -Get a room-

-Uhm... Excuse me- calls a soft voice behind me

-Oh? Good evening...- I bow to the young shy man dressed in white -Uhm I... Wanted to thank you.

I got forced to participate at this boring reconciliation but I actually enjoyed your performance a lot! It had a good meaning-

-Thanks but it wasn't me who created it...-

-Oh I know that! Just... Thank you for serving the Army and giving hope to everyone-

-Me? Are you sure young Master?-

-Yes I am. Oh excuse my manners... My name is XianLen, I'm the fourth son of the Emperor-

Hua looks back toward me curiously, as he leaves with Pei

-Your Highness!- I proceed to bend down but he stops me

-There's no need to... I don't really care about these things, or Royalty in general hehe

I believe that someone should be rewarded for their doing, not according to which family they are born into-

-I actually feel the same...-

-And so that's why you went against everyone to join the Army? I really appreciate your example... I wish everyone could gain something from it- he sigh looking at the crowd around us -Anyway, would you like to seat at my table for the dinner? It would be amazing if the other dancer was to join us too...

Hehe, the expression of my father was so funny when you did such a thing in front of everyone... I should thank that dancer for the fun!-

-It would be an Honour-

-Then please follow me...-

Soon after we find Linghe surrounded by a group of women, melting around him and yelling

-Ah! Such a beautiful man!-

-Please tell us we will meet again!-

He keep looking outside a window, bored, almost completely ignoring them.

-Enough of the fun My Ladies, now... I need to talk with this man-

-Oh Prince XianLen good evening!- they make space for him as he smiles gently

-Good evening to you all beautiful flowers, could I steal this man now?-

Linghe turns around and a sparkle crosses his eyes

-If it's the prince asking we cannot complain ah how cute...- comments the women as they leave

-So this is the handsome dancer everyone's been talking about? You do have guts man- compliments him the Prince -Can I invite you to join us at my table?-

-Us?- he ask as the prince winks, pointing at me

-Mhn fine-

...

-I've been really touched by your performance, for real- state the Prince touching his heart area...

My vision is a bit blurry yet he proceeds to pour us more wine

-Please let me offer you more... I actually want to give you some gifts if possible... I have so much and yet need none of it-

-There's no need, Your Highness- decline Linghe, not so politely

-Ah... As you wish...- the prince rest his face on his hand looking at the crowd

-You really look cold from the outside Mister... Even if you looked extremely fervent on the stage... Could it be...?-

Linghe looks away, clenching his teeth

-Oh I'm sorry! I didn't mean to be rude... Anyway I really do hope to see more from the two of you.

As I was telling her before... I hope many will take inspiration by her example, and yours too! A man who all these Nobles consider inferior being capable of catching so much of their attention with a single act against the common sense... You two really are a weird match-

As he talks I try to seat as straight as possible, looking around me with pretended elegance. I try to hold my cup with shaking hands...

Could I seriously be drunk at such an event...?!

My head is spinning and my eyes are unfocused

-Is the food not of your liking? You look unwell Miss- the Prince asks

-This is... Really good, don't worry about me- I say gulping down on the hundredth cup of wine while Linghe stand up -I'll take her out for a walk, if you excuse us...-

-I suppose she's not so used to alcohol... Be sure to take care- sighs the Prince smiling toward us