The Other Side of the Mask

"Oh that?" Ji explains, unbothered, "Both Kingdoms have warned that if anyone disturbs the ball, both kingdoms will cooperate to take them down."

"...wow, that's impressive…"

Knock, knock. Both Ji and I look at the door.

"Come in," I addressed.

A short haired, fashionable woman stands at the doorway with an absurd amount of materials behind her.

"Your highness, I am Xing, the number 1 designer in this kingdom. It is my honor to make your dress."

I fake a smile, "Welcome, I am Princess YingYue."

She curtsies and inspects my current outfit. I feel cold sweat dripping. I wore a blue and white dress that wasn't too poofy, like easy to move in.

Surprisingly, Xing smiles, "Your highness has a great fashion sense."

"... you flatter me," I stammer, unsure if she actually meant it or not.

Then she starts babbling, " The blue and white accents really compliment each other and the dress is really elegant and shows a sense of maturity. The hairstyle isn't too heavy for the outfit. It fits and gives a business sort of aura and…"

I stare, overwhelmed. Looks like she was serious about my fashion sense. She suddenly holds my hands, her eyes sparkling. "I love your fashion style!"

As I look closer, I see that behind those glasses is a girl only a bit older than me.

"Thank you, Xing,"I smile for real this time.

She takes my measures and asks about my preferences. After a few sketches, I choose my favorite outfit.

It is easy to move in, yet gorgeous enough for a royal show off. I thank the young, talented lady.

I head to dinner in a good mood.

"Do you like Xing?" my mother asks.

"Yes, very much, she is a talented lady," I smile cheerily while eating my steak.

My father asks a question with a worried expression, "YingYue, my daughter, have you found an escort for the ball?"

"Yes, father, I have chosen to have KaiZhen take me because he has been there before."

"... very well," my father responds. His face brightens a little, but still has some hesitation in it.

"What's wrong father?"

"Ah, I was just thinking about your future. You are at the age to take an engagement."

I put on a fake expression, "Don't worry, I'll find someone soon."

That is a blatant lie.

"Yes, daughter, make sure to find someone you truly love," father advises, "...just like how I found your mother."

They get all lovey dovey and I stand by, third wheeling my parents.

After a week, I received news about the south.

"Your highness, apparently, the pirates that escaped the night of the harbor regrouped and went to the ports of Yue Kingdom instead," Ji reports.

"Do you think they would want revenge?"

"I don't think they will right now because they are still recovering, but we do not know about the future."

"Ji, come with me tonight."

"What?! No, that's too dangerous!"

"It'll be fine," I comfort her, "You've seen my skills, besides, they're still regrouping right?"

Ji sighs and finally agrees. I take Commander Yang, the unit leader, Ji, the horseman from that day, and, of course, myself, as we ride to the port towns in Yue Kingdom.

"Listen up, we're only going to the nearest one to check out the situation," Commander Yang commands strictly.

I barely pay attention, "Whoa! It's the river!"

"Your. Highness. Please."

"Ok, ok…" I finally responded.