Baron Li mansion.....
"My lady, are you okay? My lady! My lady! are you there, My lady?"
She's my maid, Sumo. She been shouting at the door for fifteen minutes now. My ears are unable to withstand her sharp tone anymore.
"What's the matter, Sumo? What is this noise all about?"
"My lady, I brought you some hot water. Can you open the door?"
I wasn't in the condition to open the door nor I want her to see me in this state.
I pulled the door few inches and narrowly spread my hands out to collect the bucket of water.
"My lady, are you alright? New moon night haven't started and yet you've locked yourself in room again."
I took a deep breath and Calm myself down. I peep at her through the space between the door.
"I'm alright, Sumo. Just pass the bucket to me and leave. Don't worry about me. I'm really alright."
She forced her hands to pick the bucket and pass onto me. I could see her disappointment and concern written all over her face.
I took the bucket from her hands and place it on the floor right next to me. I pushed the door to close but she pinned her hand on other side.
"My lady, can't I just stay with you. What if you need help with something at night?"
"Sumo, There isn't anything to help with. Just go and get some rest. You are free to go."
Her face looked troubled and unsettle. She pulled my hand into hers and said.
"I'm so sorry. My lady, you have to go through this every once in a month. I wish I could take away your pain."
I pat onto her hand and pull my other hand out of hers
"I'm really good. It isn't that painfull at all. Moreover, I'm use to this much pain now. You need not to worry and fell free to put off the work and rest well."
"If you say so, then I'm off to go but call me any time if you need anything. I'm just next your room."
I wait for her to leave and closed the door.
I smelled some peculiar scent filled in air. It smells like blend of sweat and delicate frangance of flowers. It's unique but not new. I know this smell better than anyone.
I move ahead in front of my mirror and start taking off my ornaments.
"Come out. I can smell you."
"Apologies, My lady, sorry for inconvenience."
He bowed and greeted.
He's my bodyguard and most trusted fellow, Max.
He is wholly devoted to me just like a follower to God.
I turned around and let him stand at ease.
"What's the matter, soo late at night?"
"My lady, I have an important matter to report."
"Go ahead, Max."
He pulled a paper out of his sleeves and reach out to me.
I picked the paper and open it.
"What's this about? It's looks like a map."
"You are right, It's the map left by someone anonymously at the entrance of mansion."
"I don't have enough time to enquire. It's almost the time for new moon. Max, go and stand gaurds outside the room. Let no one enter tonight."
By the way, I'm Li Mulan. Since, it's not my real name but a flex I still prefer this identity.
There are two more people in this mansion execpt me.
I'm the eldest daughter of Baron Li in eyes of world.
My younger brother, Li Alan, is patriarch of Li family after Baron Li.
Since he is a general and eleven out of twelve month he is at border. Thereby, I look after Li mansion on his behalf.
Li Uma, the second daughter of Li family and our youngest sibling. She's very much interested in medicine so everyone calls her physician Li.
Except us, there is Aunt lu.
She is housekeeper.
Sumo, Max and other servants.
It's midnight, and everyone in mansion are all in chaos right now. Reason?...it's me.
Just like menstruation to girls once a month and skining of snake once a month.
I went through metamorphosis, every once in a month, on new moon night. It's very painful phase.
It's feels like I'm burning alive.
Like my nails are being plucked.
Like my skin is being peeled out.
Like an arrow pierced through my heart.
I suffer tremendous pain. It's isn't something I can easily get over.
All night I harm my own body. I scream, and my scream echo through whole mansion. My screams, desperately plea for relief.
But all I could do is tuck my face under the pillow and accept it.
It's already been four hours since I have been scream. I know, everyone want to help me but they just can't.
Now I'm exhausted and almost run out of sweat.
Slowly, I'm getting back to normal.
All this is related to my real identity.
The identity of cursed princess.
Yes, you read it right.
I'm the real daughter of last king,
Princess Mulan.
Due to this curse of metamorphosis, I was exciled by my own father.
When I was eight years old,
He asked an imperial servant to escot me across border safely.
On our way, the servant sold me out to brothel in a jain city next to border.
Somehow I escaped the place but ended up at border. At that time, there was war between Amanda and Elmus.
I don't remember much from there but all that other says is I was found unconscious at the road near military camp.
Baron Li was general of Amanda army. He took care of me while we were at border. Soon after, we won the war, General Li received the title of Baron and his wife was pregnant with twins, Alan and Uma.
Baron Li believed that I was lucky for him so he took me in as his daughter. And I ended up getting away from reality and hide in this identity.
I'm pretty happy with this identity.
I Don't want to receive any Royal title or royal position. A life with happy family is good enough for me.