I prepare a bag with my makeup and jewels, before departing and head to the Palace with Hua
-I'm so excited... This is really something big, Lai'Er!- he screams smiling with joy
-I know... The Emperor's eyes and the whole Royal family will be on us... I hope everything goes smoothly-
-I cannot bare it if anything goes wrong... Ahh I'm shaking!- he hold his cheeks shaking his head
As we arrive we get moved into a small room to get ready... I change my clothes and begin doing my makeup.
Natural colored skin, of my original fairness...
Brown shading on the eyes with a long outer black line and a smaller inner one... Red under my eyes and a little moon decoration on my forehead.
Then I slowly tap the lipstick on my lips intensifying it more and more
-It looks like blood...- comments Hua while getting ready himself -... It's perfect!- he smiles before standing up -Let me help you with this- he moves behind me brushing my hair.
He braids a few locks over my head, letting them fall back behind with my loose hairs while some shorter ones corner my face
-Now...- he takes a little silver chain, adorned with butterflies, and secure it on my hair letting it stand out on the dark locks -Absolutely beautiful... The Crown prince will really marry his wife after seeing you? Hahah-
-You shouldn't joke about it Hua...- I warn him, being now inside the Palace
-Sorry... Let's go!-
We get moved to the courtyard, waiting for the actual ceremony inside the Palace to end...
They will be forced to pass by here when moving to the next Hall, so the newlyweds will be surprised by us in their path...
As soon as the doors open, the music begin playing and the soldiers start their dance meant to imitate the military training with fake screams following each movement...
-What is this?! It's beautiful!- exclaim the Crown Prince
-Hahaha... It is my gift for you... Dear son- comes the Emperor, patting his shoulder -Today is your day so enjoy it to the fullest, both of you- he nods to the woman beside him who bows down...
At the sides, I can see my brother searching in the crowd with his eyes and smiling fondly once his eyes meets Hua...
Behind the Palace runs a man in white robes, probably someone who arrived late... He slow downs just a few meter behind the Royal family, sneaking in the mix of peoples while trying to pass unnoticed but still receive a slap on the head by one of the other princes... Making him laugh awkwardly as he scratch his head.
Now it's my turn...
As the other soldiers make space for me, the Royals gasp in stupor... Most of them probably only heard about a woman in the Army, and some of them might have though I would have dropped off right after we met at the banquet...
But here I am, wielding a sword as all the other soldier and dancing for them.
My dance is provoking and scheming toward the other soldier... A bit of fake duelling goes along the way, but nothing serious.
I just have to cross my sword with one and push away another etc...
I feel all the eyes locked on me.
-That's my little sister...-
-Woah she's really beautiful...-
-Yeah I think so too... And look at her skin... She's really something else, so bold!-
-So Miss Ying is still doing good- sigh Master Hu standing beside his father...
-She's the famous soldier?!- the eyes of the young white man enlightens as he grabs the handrail -So there is actually something worth seeing at this wedding!-
It is time for the group dance, which follows the Dynamic of the first part, but with just a bit more of elegance and actual dancing...
The other soldiers all move away "scared" leaving me to turn around and meet my eyes with Linghe's mask... He smirks
-He's handsome!-
-Does the army really hide such a pearl?-
-I heard he is a guest tho...-
-I'll ask father to introduce us!-
He comes foward pointing his sword with confident steps but as I move back he pushes foward me, before launching his sword the air to take it in the other hand starting to dance in front of me.
He ends his part by taking out a rose and kneeling in front of me...
I cut the rose with my sword, pointing the blade to challenge him.
He smirks, standing back up and our false duel begin under the eyes of everyone...
One fake hit... One hold of hands... One deep stare... A dodge... More and more of this duel meant for seduction.
He hold my waist from behind before I push him away, going for an attack while he laughs quietly...
The ending scene for this part will be with us crossing our swords and him kneeling to kiss the back of my hand... Swearing loyalty and declaring defeat.
Or at least that's how it was supposed to be...
As we cross swords he let his own fall, while I'm hanging mine back, before rushing to hold my waist and kissing me lightly in front of everyone...
The Nobles stop chatting, completely shocked... Some cover their mouth gasping
Even the other dancer look in our direction dumbfounded and Hua only move his lips to say "Holy Crap..." with no actual sound coming out.
I open my eyes wide, to be met by his intense stare as he pulls away...
He just... This is absolutely a provocation to the Royal Wedding...!
-Incredible incredible!- begin clapping the head choreographer and soon after the ashamed Nobles follow him exulting
-To think they dared so much in front of the Emperor! It's beautiful it's beautiful!-
-Well, this is something new...-
-Finally a dance worth watching!- claps conten the groom
As I take one extra second to regain focus, Linghe let me go smiling before the last part starts with more festive dancing as the women cover us in petals dancing in circle around us...
I shake my head getting back on track, dancing with my sword along Linghe...
The dance end with us posing with heavy breath and small fireworks being shot around the yard.
We bend down, before clapping along the tons of happy Nobles
-Long life to the Crown Prince and Consort!-
-Long life!-
-Congratulations!-
The Prince laughs coming down the stairs with his bride -Well well, now...-
He places an hand on my shoulder and one on Linghe's
-...Thank you both for performing such an heavenly dance... You did a splendid work.
This round of applause is only for you- he says before bending down leaving me startled, the Crowd Prince is... Bowing to us?!
On the balcony I see curious eyes and the Emperor himself is nodding with a happy smile.
My brother is simply jawbroken
I search for Linghe's eyes who nods, taking the lead
-Thank you for the honour Your Highness- we bow down in sign of gratitude