Working On You: My Uncompleted Mission25.00%

Chapter 2: ARRIVAL AT THE PALACE

But the peace of her rest was short-lived.

The sound of hooves clattering against the uneven, creaky road startled her awake. Mai blinked in confusion, her mind struggling to catch up to the noise. She sat up abruptly, realizing the royal carriage had arrived. Its magnificent silhouette cut through the morning fog, gleaming in the early light. With a beautiful royal gold color. And it's noble horses brown in color.

"Oh no!" she gasped, realizing she wasn't prepared to leave. She hadn't even packed her few belongings, not even her best clothes—what little she had left that could pass as presentable. She quickly stood up, smoothing her dress in an attempt to make herself look more presentable. Her hands rushed to her face, wiping away any remnants of her tears with her gentle and soft palms. She had to make a good impression.

As the carriage came to a halt, two royal guards and two maids stepped out. The guards were impeccably dressed, one wearing a sky-blue suit and a matching cap with black shoes. He approached her first, offering a respectful bow.

"Good morning, Lady Mai," the guard greeted her with a warm smile. "The King has sent us to bring you to the palace."

Mai swallowed hard, nerves overtaking her. Before she could even speak, he continued, "There is a welcome party being held in your honor. All the nobles and rich guests are waiting for your arrival."

Her breath caught in her throat. A party? For her? No one had ever thrown her a party, let alone a gathering of the kingdom's most prestigious people. The emotion of it all hit her like a wave, and she fought to hold back tears. She didn't want to break down in front of the guards, in front of strangers. But her eyes betrayed her, and the guard noticed.

He exchanged a quick glance with the maid standing beside him, who hurried back to the carriage. Moments later, she returned, carrying something in her arms—a dress, but not just any dress. It was a pink gown with intricate designs that shimmered in the light, the yellow accents sparkling like stars. A pink flowing gown with yellow designs.

The maid approached Mai gently, holding out the gown. "The King has ordered us to prepare you," she said softly. "We are to help you bathe, dress, and style your hair for the party."

At those words, the tears Mai had been holding back spilled over. She couldn't stop them. The emotion was too much. No one had ever treated her like this. She wasn't sure whether to cry out of joy or disbelief. She pressed her hand to her mouth, trying to compose herself, but it was no use. Tears of surprise, gratitude, and overwhelming emotion streamed down her face.

Seeing her distress, the maid stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's all right," she said kindly. "You've been through a lot. But today, you will be treated like royalty."

Mai nodded, still speechless. She had no words for what she was feeling.

The maids led her to the back of the carriage, where they began to carefully dress her, their hands working gently as they helped her into the magnificent gown. They brushed her hair, styling it with care as if she were truly someone of noble blood. They let her red soft hair flow above her shoulders patting it gently as they wore her a tiara above her head fixing it in a right position.

And as they worked, Mai let herself feel the moment. For the first time in her life, she felt truly special. She did nothing but stare into the mirror with a royal gold back placed before her admiring the simply but advanced makeup being used on her face by a fair and pretty maid who wore a sky blue dress.

Mai observed how skillful, crafty and creative the maid was. "Sorry I didn't catch your name back there" Mai asked the maid beside her who was skillfully arranging the net of the gown politely. The maid pointed at herself to confirm if it was her she was talking to. When she realized it was her she coughed to clear her throat not knowing what or how to reply.

No one had ever asked such question, they only referred to her as a maid simply because to them they feel asking for her name was a wait of time and energy. After all she was just a maid who dressed like other maid.

Mai noticing that she had suddenly paused decided to ask "Did I ask an offensive question". The maid quickly snapped out of that mood. "Not at all" she managed to say as she went on arranging her gown. "So can I know your name" Mai asked again.

"Hmm..... it's Silva..... no Silica.... I mean Sofia" the maid replied in disbelief. Mai was confused about the name. "Yes I'm sure it's Sofia" she then said in assurance. "It's my pleasure in meeting you Sofia" Mai said calmly.

"Your such a good assistance a skillful one" Mai complemented Sofia. "Thank you" Sofia replied shly. No one has ever complemented her despite she was such a good designer. The other maid just continued arranging Mai's hair as she looked at Sofia jealousy.

As the maids finished preparing her, Mai stepped out of the royal carriage, her gown flowing elegantly with each movement. The pink dress shimmered in the sunlight, its intricate yellow designs catching the eye of everyone around. Her long, red hair cascaded over her shoulders, framing her face with an effortless grace she had never felt before. For once, she felt like royalty herself.

One of the guards, unable to help himself, stared at her in awe, his mouth slightly agape. He blinked, as if trying to snap out of his trance, but her transformation had caught him off guard. She was no longer the girl they had picked up from the countryside; she was radiant, glowing with a beauty that demanded attention.

When Mai noticed him staring, she smiled—a shy, yet charming smile that only seemed to enhance her allure. The guard, realizing he had been caught, quickly closed his mouth and looked away, pretending not to notice her beauty. But his fellow guard nudged him with a smirk, whispering, "You're not fooling anyone."

Still flustered, the first guard cleared his throat and tried to recover, "You… you look, uh, really, really pretty, Lady Mai."

"Really pretty," the other guard echoed, though trying to sound more formal.

Mai felt her cheeks warm in a quiet blush, though she kept it well-hidden. Compliments were rare for her, and hearing them now, from royal guards no less, made her feel both flattered and awkward. She glanced down at the dress, almost not recognizing herself in such finery.

"Thank you," she replied softly, her voice barely above a whisper. Her heart swelled with gratitude, but she couldn't let herself be swept away by the moment.

Then, a sudden thought struck her. "Wait!" she exclaimed, turning to the maids and guards. "I forgot to pack my belongings—my clothes, my things—please, could you wait while I gather them?"

One of the maids stepped forward, her expression kind but firm. "There is no need for that, Lady Mai. The King has taken care of everything for you. Your wardrobe at the palace is already filled with the finest clothes and dresses. He made sure you would want for nothing."

Mai stared at her, speechless. She had barely enough clothes to her name, and now the King had seen to it that she would have more than she could ever imagine. The overwhelming kindness of it all nearly brought her to tears again, but she held herself together so that the face foundation would not ruin by her tears, but simply nodding in appreciation.

"Thank you," she whispered, her voice cracking slightly. "I… I don't know how to express how grateful I am."

Sofia smiled warmly. "There's no need to thank us. The King only wishes for you to feel welcome and comfortable."

Still stunned, Mai allowed them to guide her to her seat in the royal carriage. She carried her dress gracefully between her plams and walked towards the Royal carriage. As she stepped inside, she ran her hand along the soft, luxurious fabrics of the interior, marveling at how far removed this world was from the life she had known. She sank into the plush seat, feeling both out of place and strangely at home at the same time. Once more she took the mirror beside her and stared at it just to make sure she looked good and pretty.

The carriage began to move, and as they rolled through the village, Mai looked out the window, her heart swelling with emotion. She waved at the few familiar faces that had shown her kindness over the years. The baker, who always gave her an extra roll when she had nothing to pay with, the kind old woman who offered her a blanket on cold nights. She waved at them all, her silent promise lingering in the air: I will remember you.

The carriage rolled forward, carrying her toward a new chapter in her life. The palace loomed ahead, a future she had once thought impossible now within her grasp.

As the carriage made its way to the castle, Mai's hands clutched the fabric of her dress, her heart racing faster with each turn of the wheels. When they finally arrived at the grand entrance, her breath caught in her throat. The castle loomed before her, its towering spires intimidating against the dusky sky.

The door of the carriage opened, and one of the guards extended his hand to help her down. Her feet touched the cobblestone, and for a moment, she felt rooted to the spot.

"Don't worry, miss," the guard said softly. "You'll be fine." With a nod of gratitude, she stepped forward, her heart pounding louder than the music coming from the great hall.

As Mai stepped into the grand hall, all eyes turned to her. The rich, elegant guests — adorned in jewels and silk — seemed to stare, some with curiosity, others with thinly veiled judgment. She could feel their gazes as she walked gracefully toward the King. Her heart beat faster, but she kept her head high, her steps measured and poised.

The hall was a masterpiece of splendor, with chandeliers dripping with crystal, and long banquet tables covered in rich fabrics. The air was thick with laughter and the soft clinking of wine glasses.

Mai finally reached the King, who was surrounded by nobles and courtiers. He smiled warmly when he saw her.

"Ah, Mai," he said, stepping toward her. "You've made it." His voice was kind, and he gestured to the crowd. "Everyone, this is our honored guest tonight."

For a moment, she felt relief. The King had made her feel welcome, like she belonged, even if just for tonight.

But then, a cold voice cut through the crowd, disdainful gaze from Prince Lilian. He stepped forward, his expression one of confusion mixed with disbelief.

"And who exactly are you?" His voice rang out, catching the attention of the guests. The room grew quiet once more, all eyes turning toward Mai. Mai turned around to see Prince Lilian standing at the top of the grand staircase, his expression unreadable, though his eyes carried something darker—disgust. And when she realized it was the Prince she cleared her throat not knowing what or how to reply.

For a moment, she hesitated, the weight of their stares pressing down on her. But she swallowed her fear and spoke, her voice clear but soft. "I am Mai, your tutor—"

Prince Lilian cut her off with a sharp, mocking laugh. "My tutor?" He let the words hang in the air, his eyes scanning her as though she were something beneath him. His lips curled into a sneer. "You? A commoner? Training royalty?"

"Who invited her here?"

He took a few steps closer, circling her like a predator sizing up its prey. "You look more like someone who just crawled out of the trash bin and walked uninvited into this party."

The insult struck hard, the crowd stifling their laughter, but Mai didn't flinch. Instead, she stood tall, her chin lifting in defiance. She stepped toward him, closing the distance between them, her calm demeanor unwavering.

Prince Lilian looked down at her, his arrogance faltering for just a moment as she drew closer. She took in his appearance—his royal suit was disheveled, the shirt untucked and the collar slightly crooked, a testament to his carelessness despite his royal status.

"You speak of dignity and royalty," Mai began, her voice sharp but composed, "yet you walk around with your shirt untucked and your pride on display as if that makes you a king."

Her words were like daggers, slicing through the Prince's arrogance. She reached out, adjusting his collar with precise movements, as if to demonstrate how he should be presenting himself.

"The truth is," she continued, her eyes locked on his, "you carry yourself no better than a commoner, Prince Lilian. You hide behind your title, but in reality, you're just as unmannered as anyone else. Perhaps it's time someone told you the truth."

For the first time in his life, Prince Lilian was stunned. No one had ever spoken to him with such directness, least of all a commoner. The room seemed to hold its breath as Mai's words echoed in the air. Even the King, who had always disciplined his son behind closed doors, had never dared to speak to him so bluntly.

Prince Lilian's mouth opened, but no words came out. His pride told him to fight back, to lash out with another insult, but the truth in her words stung him deeper than he expected. His hands twitched at his sides, as if caught between the urge to retaliate and the instinct to back down.

For a brief second, he considered surrendering to her words. But then, his pride surged to the surface once more, forcing him to maintain the royal image he was so desperate to uphold.

He straightened his shoulders, his composure returning, though the fear still lingered in his eyes. "You think you can come here and lecture me on how to behave? You're nothing but a servant in a pretty dress. Don't fool yourself into thinking you're anything more."

"Is this your way of making a joke, Father?" Prince Lilian said, his voice louder now, echoing across the hall. "Inviting a commoner to a royal celebration? She doesn't belong here."

"Prince Lilian," she said, her voice steady but soft, "I was invited here by your father, His Majesty the King, and I came to honor that invitation."

Prince Lilian's eyes narrowed, but before he could respond, the King placed a firm hand on his son's shoulder. "That's enough, Lilian."

The crowd, sensing the tension, resumed their quiet whispers, but Mai remained unfazed. She had stood her ground, and though he continued sizing her, she knew that she had struck something deep within him.

Mai turned to the King and gave a warm bow accompanied with a smile then she step to a corner to enjoy the party held in a favor. Few minutes later, The King approached Mai with a warm smile, holding out a crystal goblet filled with a vibrant red punch. The liquid sparkled in the golden light of the chandeliers, promising indulgence and sophistication.

"This," the King said, extending the goblet to her, "is the finest punch in the kingdom. A toast to your new beginning, Lady Mai."

Mai hesitated for a brief moment, her eyes fixed on the goblet. She had never tasted alcohol before, let alone anything so extravagant. The thought of displeasing the King in front of his guests sent a ripple of anxiety through her chest. Determined not to falter, she accepted the drink with both hands, her lips curving into a polite smile.

"Thank you, Your Majesty," she said softly, tilting her head in gratitude.

The nobles watched intently, their gazes sharp and evaluating, as if her every move was a test. Lifting the goblet, Mai took a small sip, trying her best to mimic the grace she'd seen in the royal court.

But the fiery burn of the alcohol hit her throat like a bolt of lightning. Her eyes widened, and a cough threatened to escape her. She struggled to suppress it, her cheeks flushing as she forced the liquid down.

The King chuckled, his deep voice rumbling with amusement. "Ah, a bit strong for a first-timer, I see. Don't worry, it grows on you."

Mai managed a weak laugh, her hand gripping the goblet tightly as she tried to compose herself. "It's… quite unique, Your Majesty," she said, her voice slightly hoarse.

Encouraged by his approving nod, she decided to take another sip, this time determined to handle it better. But as the liquid touched her lips, the same scorching sensation overwhelmed her senses. Her body betrayed her, and she choked, the sound loud and sudden, breaking through the refined murmur of the hall.

Gasps rippled through the crowd, followed by muffled laughter from a few guests. Prince Lilian, who had been lingering nearby with a glass of wine in hand, seized the moment.

"Perhaps the commoner isn't accustomed to such luxuries," he said, his tone dripping with mockery. "Should we fetch her some water instead?"

Mai's face burned with embarrassment, but she quickly straightened, refusing to let him see her crumble. Setting the goblet down on a nearby table, she turned to the King with an apologetic smile.

"My sincerest apologies, Your Majesty," she said, her voice steady despite the heat in her cheeks. "It seems I've underestimated the strength of such a fine drink."

The King waved a dismissive hand, his smile kind and understanding. "Nonsense, Lady Mai. It's not an easy taste to acquire. Even I struggled with it in my youth."

Mai's shoulders relaxed slightly, though the sting of Prince Lilian's words lingered.

"I suppose," she said, glancing briefly at the Prince, "it's a skill I'll have to learn, just like many others here at the palace."

Her words were pointed but polite, her gaze locking with Prince Lilian's for a fleeting moment. His smirk faltered, replaced by a flicker of surprise, as if he hadn't expected her to respond so deftly.

The King's laughter boomed, cutting through the tension. "Well said, Lady Mai! You have a sharp wit—a quality much needed in this court."

As the crowd returned to their conversations, Mai allowed herself a small, triumphant smile. Though she still felt the lingering burn of the punch in her throat, she knew she had passed another test, one step closer to proving she belonged. Mai moved away from the commotion, finding solace at a long, lavishly decorated table laden with a feast that seemed to stretch endlessly. Ornate platters of roasted meats, golden pastries, exotic fruits, and colorful desserts beckoned her. Her stomach rumbled softly as she took in the display.

Cautiously, she picked up a delicate plate, choosing small portions of dishes she couldn't name but couldn't resist. The sweetness of a sugared tart melted on her tongue, the richness of the flavors momentarily distracting her from the grand occasion around her.

She was savoring a bite of something creamy and heavenly when the distinct chime of a spoon against a cup cut through the hum of conversation.

Clink. Clink. Clink.

The hall fell silent as all eyes turned toward the King, who stood tall at the center of the room with a silver goblet in one hand and a golden spoon in the other.

"Ladies and gentlemen," the King began, his voice resonating warmly, "thank you for gracing us with your presence this evening. It is always a joy to see the royal court and honored guests gathered in celebration."

The crowd erupted into polite applause, and the King raised a hand to quiet them.

"Tonight, we welcome a remarkable young woman to the palace. Someone who, despite her humble beginnings, has shown qualities we deeply value: integrity, courage, and humility. It is my pleasure to introduce Lady Mai, who has graciously accepted the task of assisting us here at the royal court."

Mai froze mid-bite, the richness of the dessert momentarily forgotten as her name echoed through the grand hall. Her heart pounded, and she glanced nervously at the crowd, their eyes now fixed on her.

"She will be helping us shape the future of this kingdom," the King continued, his tone warm and inviting. "Let us show her the respect and honor she deserves."

The crowd clapped once more, a few murmurs of approval rippling through them.

As Mai struggled to process the King's words, he gestured toward Prince Lilian, who stood to his right, holding a goblet of wine. "And, of course, you all know my son, Prince Lilian."

The Prince stepped forward with a practiced grace, bowing low to the crowd. His expression was smooth and unreadable, but his eyes flicked briefly to Mai, a glint of amusement evident.

The King's gaze returned to Mai. "And now, Lady Mai, will you join me?"

Mai's focus, however, was still on the table before her. The food, with its exquisite flavors, had momentarily dulled her senses to anything else. She was in the middle of placing another morsel on her plate when the King's voice rose.

"Lady Mai," he called again, this time more firmly.

The sharp tone snapped her back to reality. Her hand, holding a golden fork laden with food, paused midair. Realizing her error, her cheeks flushed a deep crimson as she hastily set down the fork and stepped forward. The food on her plate trembled slightly from her sudden movement.

Bowing awkwardly, she stammered, "M-my apologies, Your Majesty."

A ripple of laughter traveled through the crowd, and Mai's embarrassment deepened. She could feel her palms growing clammy as she straightened, casting a quick glance at the King, who, thankfully, wore a forgiving smile.

"Ah," the King said lightly, his tone meant to diffuse the tension. "It seems our honored guest has discovered the true treasure of the palace—our chef's impeccable cooking."

The crowd chuckled good-naturedly, and Mai managed a weak smile, trying to blend back into the moment.

Prince Lilian leaned slightly toward her as she returned to her spot near the table. His voice was low, teasing, but with an edge of sarcasm. "A bit too enamored with the sweets, aren't we? Perhaps court etiquette wasn't on your list of virtues."

Mai straightened her back, refusing to let his words sting. "At least I know how to enjoy something without pretending," she shot back, her voice calm but pointed.

The Prince arched an eyebrow, a flicker of surprise crossing his face before he turned away.

As the King continued his speech, Mai made a silent vow to herself. She would learn from this moment, as awkward as it was. Every stumble was another step forward in proving she belonged, even in a palace where every eye seemed ready to judge.

The grand hall was a masterpiece of elegance. Rich tapestries adorned the walls, depicting scenes of the kingdom's history—victories, royal ceremonies, and peaceful moments. Large chandeliers hung overhead, their crystal prisms casting shimmering light across the polished floor. The air was filled with a soft, melodic hum from the string quartet in the corner, creating an atmosphere of both grace and tension.

A wide space in the center of the hall was cleared, the marble floors gleaming under the glow of golden lanterns. The soft sound of footsteps echoed as the guests murmured in quiet anticipation, eyeing the space that had been set aside for the night's first dance.

Mai stood at the edge of the hall, still feeling the weight of the earlier eyes on her, though she tried to steady her breathing. Her mind was racing, and her stomach twisted with nerves, but she forced herself to stand tall, determined to prove she could handle whatever came next.

The King's voice rang out again, warm and commanding. "Now, my friends," he said, gesturing to the center of the room. "It is time for the first dance of the evening. Prince Lilian, will you open the floor for us?"

The room fell silent, all eyes now on the Prince, who had been idly sipping his wine. He slowly lowered his goblet, a slight frown creeping onto his face. He glanced at Mai, his gaze cold and disdainful.

"I was hoping I wouldn't be asked so soon," Prince Lilian muttered under his breath, just loud enough for those nearby to hear.

The King, ever the master of ceremonies, was undeterred. "Come now, son. It's a tradition, and Lady Mai is your honored guest. She will need your leadership on the floor."

Lilian's eyes narrowed, his lips curling in distaste. He turned toward Mai, scanning her from head to toe, clearly unimpressed. She stood there, doing her best to appear composed, but inside, her heart raced. The atmosphere felt suffocating, every movement weighed by the knowledge that the entire court was watching.

"Must I really dance with her?" Lilian's voice was laced with mockery, clearly intended for Mai's ears. His eyes glinted as if this were some kind of cruel game to him. "What would I gain from dancing with a commoner like you?"

The crowd tensed at the Prince's words, but the King only chuckled, as though unfazed by his son's lack of enthusiasm.

"My son, this is not a matter of personal preference," the King said firmly. "It is a matter of duty, and of showing respect to the lady who will shape the future of this kingdom. Do not make me ask again."

Lilian's expression darkened, his jaw tightening in irritation. He glanced at Mai, who stood there with unwavering calm, her eyes meeting his, unflinching. He opened his mouth to protest once more, but Mai spoke up first.

"I'm happy to dance, Your Highness," she said quietly, but firmly. Her voice was calm, yet carried an undertone of challenge. "It would be an honor, in fact."

The Prince let out a low laugh, more out of incredulity than amusement. "An honor, she says," he muttered under his breath, turning back to the King. "You would have me lead this... girl in a dance? What am I, some kind of fool?"

The King sighed, his patience thinning. "Lilian, enough. It's a simple dance. You'll survive it." His voice was tinged with frustration now. "You'll do your duty."

Prince Lilian clenched his fists, clearly vexed, but after a long pause, he finally sneered and nodded. "Fine," he spat, stepping forward toward Mai. "If it's what the kingdom demands…"

Mai held his gaze, her lips curling into a small, knowing smile. "It is only a dance, Your Highness. It need not be so difficult."

Lilian's nostrils flared in frustration, but he said nothing more, choosing instead to lead her toward the dance floor with exaggerated grace. The crowd parted, watching in silence, as the string quartet shifted into the soft strains of a waltz.

As the orchestra began to play, the room fell into a hushed expectancy. The soft strains of the waltz echoed throughout the hall, setting the stage for what was supposed to be a graceful dance. But when Prince Lilian turned to Mai, the tension in the air was thick enough to cut with a knife.

He extended his hand toward her, his fingers twitching slightly as if touching her would sully him. Mai's eyes narrowed, but she took his hand, giving him a slight bow. The crowd watched, their eyes flicking between them, sensing the brewing discomfort.

"You should be honored, Lady Mai," Lilian said, his tone dripping with mockery as he slowly placed his other hand on her waist, barely making contact, as if afraid to touch her at all. "I'll wash my hands immediately after this, of course."

Mai forced a tight smile as she placed her hand on his shoulder, but she couldn't resist the jab. "I'm quite sure my hands would decay if I held onto you much longer."

Lilian raised an eyebrow, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. "You should be happy that I'm letting you place those filthy hands of yours on my shoulders at all," he shot back, his voice dripping with disdain.

Mai's laughter was quick and sarcastic, a sharp, biting sound that cut through the air. "I'm sure they'll be just fine, Your Highness. It's your shoulders I'm worried about."

He leaned in slightly, looking down at her, his expression darkening. "Shall we?" he asked, the words laced with sarcasm, his tone as mocking as ever.

Without waiting for a response, he started the dance, leading with all the enthusiasm of someone forced into an unpleasant chore. His movements were sluggish, jerky, as though he had never danced before—or perhaps just didn't care to.

As they moved around the floor, Lilian's lack of grace became painfully evident. He stepped on her foot with every single turn, the pressure on her delicate feet making her wince in agony. The music swirled around them, but it felt like a mocking soundtrack to their awkward, clumsy steps.

"Can you learn how to gracefully dance with a girl?" Mai hissed between gritted teeth, stumbling slightly as his foot crushed hers yet again. Her patience was wearing thin, and the discomfort was written all over her face.

Lilian, seemingly enjoying her discomfort, gave a slow, cruel grin. "It's not my fault you can't keep up, Mai. Maybe you should learn how to follow the steps properly."

He spun her with force, making her head spin and her stomach churn. Mai stumbled, her feet unsteady as she tried to regain her balance. "Ugh," she groaned, her legs feeling like jelly as he swung her again, spinning her with enough force to make her vision blur. "I'm going to throw up."

The Prince laughed quietly, his eyes gleaming with amusement. "I'm sure you'll survive."

With a loud gasp of frustration, Mai planted her foot firmly, using all the strength she had to dig it into the marble floor as they turned again. "Dancing with you is like hell," she muttered, stepping on his foot with as much force as she could manage. Her heel dug into his shoe, a sharp, painful jab.

Lilian's smile faltered for a second, a brief flicker of discomfort passing through his expression. He shot her a look of annoyance, his voice dangerously low. "You're making this difficult on purpose, aren't you?"

"I don't need to make it difficult," Mai retorted. "You're doing that all by yourself."

The crowd, sensing the tension and the unusual dynamic between the two, began to murmur. Whispers swirled, and some of the nobles couldn't help but chuckle at the spectacle before them.

"I heard," one noblewoman whispered to her companion, "the prince and Lady Mai are supposed to be a perfect match. They certainly look good together."

Another noble, shaking his head with a smirk, replied, "If by 'look good together,' you mean that they're dance fighting, then yes, they do."

Meanwhile, Lilian, either too proud or too stubborn to admit his failure, continued to lead the dance, his steps becoming even more erratic. He spun Mai again, causing her to grip his shoulder tightly to prevent herself from falling. Her legs were screaming in pain, each spin feeling like a punishment rather than a graceful move.

"I swear," Mai groaned through clenched teeth, "if you spin me one more time, I'll actually throw up."

Lilian ignored her, his grin widening as he twirled her one more time. She staggered this time, her hand slipping from his shoulder as she barely managed to stay upright. The crowd was still watching, some with amusement, others with sympathy.

"What a charming pair you make," a voice called from the sidelines, too loudly, drawing attention.

The Prince sneered in Mai's direction. "I'm not the one making a spectacle of myself, lady. It's your lack of grace that's causing all the commotion."

Mai, in a rare moment of composure amid the chaos, smiled sweetly. "Oh, don't worry, Your Highness," she said with a grin that didn't quite reach her eyes. "I'm not the one whose steps could make a lady scream in agony."

Lilian froze for a moment, his face flushing with both anger and embarrassment. But before he could say anything, she stepped on his foot again—this time purposefully—and gave him a sly smile.

"Maybe we should just call it a night, my legs are in no condition to dance anymore" Mai said to the Prince as they danced. But the Prince didn't listen to her and kept on dancing with her making her uncomfortable and angry.

Mai could only focus on the uncomfortable movements and the painful pressure building in her stomach. Prince Lilian, having spun her several times, seemed determined to make i dizzy.

"I told you," Mai muttered under her breath as she tried to steady herself, "if you spin me one more time…"

But Lilian, with an arrogant grin, gave her no respite. "Oh, I'm sure you'll manage," he taunted, his voice dripping with sarcasm.

As the music swelled, Prince Lilian spun Mai once more, his smirk betraying his disregard for her earlier warning.

"I said don't—!" Mai's words were cut short as dizziness overwhelmed her. Before she could stop herself, she leaned forward, and her stomach betrayed her.

A collective gasp swept through the ballroom as Mai emptied the contents of her stomach onto the prince's ornate suit.

Prince Lilian froze, his face a mask of shock and disgust. "You—how dare you!" he barked, stepping back as though the offense would somehow disappear with distance.

Mai's face burned with humiliation. "I warned you not to spin me again!" she snapped, clutching her stomach and trying to steady herself.

Lilian froze in utter disbelief. His eyes widened as he looked down at his now ruined suit, the rich fabric stained with the unmistakable mess. His face went pale, and his mouth opened and closed in shock as the crowd held their breath, watching the Prince's reaction.

Mai, though mortified, couldn't help but feel a flicker of satisfaction. She wiped her mouth with the back of her hand, giving Lilian a look that was a mix of apology and unspoken triumph. "Well," she said sweetly, "I did warn you."

Before the Prince could react, one of the palace maids rushed forward, her face pale with concern. She quickly began to dab at Lilian's suit, but the damage was done. Another maid appeared beside her, a faint trace of pity in her eyes as they ushered the Prince toward a corner of the hall.

Lilian's eyes narrowed, a murderous glare now aimed at Mai, but he swallowed his anger, his pride stopping him from unleashing the full fury that had been building up inside him. He opened his mouth, likely to shout some cruel remark, but then hesitated. The humiliating situation was already unbearable enough. He clenched his fists, turning on his heel and stalking off with the maids in tow, his posture stiff and rigid, trying to maintain what little dignity he had left.

Mai stood where she was, the chaos of the moment washing over her. Her legs ached, and her stomach still churned, but the satisfaction of seeing him squirm was enough to dull the pain. She straightened up, looking at the maids struggling to clean him off with a barely concealed smirk.

"Oh, Your Highness," she called after him, raising her voice just loud enough for the crowd to hear. "I'm so sorry. But didn't I warn you?"

Her words were sweet but dripping with a subtle, "I told you so" tone that only those paying close attention would catch.

The crowd, initially in stunned silence, now broke into murmurs, some of the nobles trying to hide their smiles, while others whispered with barely contained laughter. The scene had taken a dramatic turn, and for the first time, it seemed as though Mai was the one in control of the situation.

As Lilian disappeared from view, the string quartet faltered slightly in their playing, unsure whether to continue in the midst of such a spectacle. But Mai, unfazed, simply turned on her heel and walked to a nearby seat, smiling to herself. She could almost hear the prince's growl of frustration in her mind.

"Well," she muttered to herself, "at least I don't have to dance with him anymore." "Enough!" boomed King Eric from the head of the room, rising from his seat. His voice echoed through the hall, silencing the murmurs of the guests. "This is not the time for bickering."

The King descended from his throne, his imposing figure commanding respect. "Apologies to our guests," he began, addressing the crowd with a warm yet authoritative tone.

Turning back to the guests, he continued, "This evening was meant to celebrate unity and new beginnings. Let us not dwell on small mishaps but instead focus on the purpose of this gathering."

Mai's head dipped lower as King Eric's words rang in her ears. She felt small, yet his tone carried no malice.

With a gracious smile, the King spread his arms wide. "To all who joined us tonight, thank you for gracing this occasion with your presence. May your journey back be safe, and may we meet again in even greater joy."

The guests erupted into polite applause. Mai risked a glance at the prince, whose expression had soured even further.

"Your Highness, if you'll excuse me..." Mai whispered, curtsying quickly before hurrying out of the room.

Prince Lilian muttered under his breath, brushing futilely at his stained suit. "She'll regret this."

As the last of the guests began to leave, King Eric turned to his son. "And you, my son, will learn from this."

The prince glared but said nothing, his pride clearly bruised.

The grand ballroom doors closed behind the last guest, leaving only the echoes of the night's events—and the sense that this was just the beginning.

"I'd teach that brat a lesson. She wouldn't know when I'd hit her" Prince Lilian thought to himself.But the peace of her rest was short-lived.

"Good morning, Lady Mai," the guard greeted her with a warm smile. "The King has sent us to bring you to the palace."

Mai swallowed hard, nerves overtaking her. Before she could even speak, he continued, "There is a welcome party being held in your honor. All the nobles and rich guests are waiting for your arrival."

The maid approached Mai gently, holding out the gown. "The King has ordered us to prepare you," she said softly. "We are to help you bathe, dress, and style your hair for the party."

Seeing her distress, the maid stepped forward, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. "It's all right," she said kindly. "You've been through a lot. But today, you will be treated like royalty."

Mai nodded, still speechless. She had no words for what she was feeling.

The maids led her to the carriage, where they began to carefully dress her, their hands working gently as they helped her into the magnificent gown. They brushed her hair, styling it with care as if she were truly someone of noble blood. They let her red soft hair flow above her shoulders patting it gently as they wore her a tiara above her head fixing it in a right position.