The Other Side of the Mask 31 Chapter 31: Anger

My mind is filled with hatred and anger, but I cool it down. I don't have anything to do with them anymore. To think that TianYu would backstab me! Nevermind, this is for the better. We finish dinner with the two King, Queen couples chattering in delight. It seems that they are all on good terms. The Queen Huang, who I had thought was very disagreeable, turned out to be quite amiable with my mother around. I smile as I eat. TianYu and Prince Fu talk across from me. Whenever they try to include me into the conversation, I quickly turn them down.

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.

We finally arrived at the 'battlefield' or at least it was for me. I choose to sit beside my mother and Queen Huang, with TianYu across from me. Tea and snacks are served as the two queens start the conversation.

Chapter end