The Other Side of the Mask

I quickly excuse myself first from the dining table once I finish.

"I will excuse myself first now."

"Okay, YingYue, don't forget about afternoon tea!"

"Yes, mother," I obey.

After a couple minutes away, a tear falls from my eye.

"Huh?"

I wipe it away.

"What's wrong, your highness?!" both Ji and Commander Yang say, worried.

"There's… nothing wrong… but why… are there tears?"

I wipe them, but more and more flow. Ji hugs me and comforts me.

"It's ok, we're here for you."

I dry my tears with a handkerchief from Commander Yang. After a while, I finally cooled down, but the hole in my heart was quite noticeable. It's better this way, I tell myself.

I immerse myself in the books of the library in the Eclipse Palace. There were many rare and illegal books that you can't find elsewhere. This even caught Commander Yang and Ji's interest.

"You can read too," I tell them, with a smile.

Books should be shared with everyone. I read some about the other kingdoms around us and some about the dark history of the kingdom. The stories of the abandoned children from nobles disheartened me as I weep for the poor children. No wonder the royal family of the Ri Kingdom marries by love only. Statues don't even matter at all. They could marry a pirate for all they care, as long as there's love.

I look at the time. About a half hour until the afternoon tea. I head to my room with Ji and Commander.

"Where have you been?" Xing asks worried and mad, " We only have a half hour left! How are we supposed to prepare you!"

"Xing, it's fine, don't redo my makeup. Just change the dress," I say as I try to calm her down.

She sighs, "Fine…"

Even though there's only a half hour, she does pretty well. My dress and shoes compliment my makeup. My hair is done appropriately for the tea setting.

I walk towards the garden with Commander Yang in tow. I glance around, memorizing the surroundings in the Eclipse Palace.

Suddenly, I spot XiaoLong and KaiZhen together. They are laughing and playing in the palace together.

"Those two became good friends after attending the ball so much," Commander Yang explains, "They also exchange letters a lot."

I turn away. It's not really my business anyways.