The Other Side of the Mask

One hour passed… Two hours passed. I was in etiquette class, failing because of the problem on my mind. Unlike politics, I didn't care. My fantasies worsened as I thought of how XiaoLong would feel. Would he be the one to execute me? I could feel the hatred already. At dinner, TianYu kept asking if I was okay. I put on my fake smile and say that I am… but how could I be? This guilt!

I refill my vial from the big bottle Mayor Chun gave me, and put it away. I walk on the balcony.

"Ugh, I'm gonna have nightmares…"

"Why?"

A voice comes from behind me, and I turn around reflexively. I see XiaoLong. I avoid the question.

"Hey, XiaoLong. You've seen my real face so show me yours!"

I try to grab his mask off him. He swiftly dodges.

"Nope! Don't you dare!"

"Why not? It's only fair!"

"Just… don't… please…"

Looks like I hit a nerve…

"Then let's go train!"

He carries me down from the balcony again. This time, I was in actually movable pants. I spar with XiaoLong and he's surprised with my agility.

"Wow! You could be a knight if you want!"

I laugh, "What do you mean? You guys are way more agile than me. For example, you and the knight yesterday."

"Well, we're special guards...we're the Prince's specialized guards."

I falter. I finally got my mind off it and now it's back…

I stagger around for the rest of training.

"Are you feeling okay?"

"Y-yeah…"

"Let's head back early today."

"O-ok…"

I climb on the bed, but I can't sleep. Finally, I went to sleep, resolving that I'm not a pure little child anymore. I will be heartless for my family.

The next couple of days went like this: I take each class and actually try to achieve top spot to become Queen. I finish my meals early to go to the Royal Library to study. I try not to get too friendly with TianYu, but am forced to help her because of her cute face. (] . [ Too cute! UWU )

I add one more drop of poison each time to the cooking for the prince to find how drops will become effective. It will probably help me in later incidents in the palace...

At night, I train with XiaoLong. Then I take a good night's sleep, since I'm too exhausted to think about other things.

One week passed like this, and I could tell the nobles are getting restless. Even their parents know that TianYu and I are top in the trials. At breakfast, I see SanXing trying to pull that trick that Xuan MeiJing pulled on TianYu. This time, most noblewomen gather on the opposing side.