Two Kingdoms | Park Sunghoon

19

Dearest Queen Aeri of Silla,

You are hereby invited to the Honourable King of Baekche, Park Hung Jae's Masquerade.

It will take place this Saturday, when the sun is halfway down the horizon. We request your punctuality, and request you to bring along your invitation.

The dress code is black attire. Your mask will be sent to you by this evening.

We look forward to having you join us.

Aeri read the letter over and over, thinking as to what to wear. This was the first time she had ever been invited to a ball, she wanted to make a bold yet elegant appearance. And no, it was not for Sunghoon.

She was suddenly was alerted by a knock on her door and she let the person in once hearing the voice of her maid.

"Your Highness, your mask and dress for the masquerade have arrived." Her maid informed her.

"Dress? I was informed only about the mask," Aeri asked confused, until the assistant handed her a letter that came with the dress and mask.

I know you wouldn't have any dresses suitable the for the kind of balls my father hosts. So consider it a sorry gift for ruining your hunt the other day.

- Future Husband
Park Sunghoon

"That idiot." Aeri whispered whilst having a smile plastered over her face.

The assistant began to unveil the dress he had chosen for her.

It was large with many black sparkling layers of leavers lace and chiffon. It had a fitted corset bodice, without any sleeves. Paired with a sheer black cape, encrusted with jewels at the collarbone. It was almost as though Sunghoon knew which dress would suit her best. The mask was half black and half gold with intricate designs and large black feather at the top.

The Queen slipped on her dress with the the help of her assistant, having her tie the corset bodice.

"If you tighten it any more I will scream, it feels as though you've cut off the blood circulation in my body," Aeri whined towards her aide.

"My Lady, no one wants a waist over nine inches."

"Well I don't care, my charm is enough"

"Since when have you been interested in charming guys?"

The realisation had hit her. Was she trying to impress someone? Was she trying to impress Sunghoon? The Queen only scoffed and shook her head in response. It was obvious to her aide Sang-ah for she knew the young woman best.

"My apologies, I must've overstepped and asked something too personal." The assistant spoke once more.

"It's okay, curiosity gets the best of everyone."

Aeri took one last check in the mirror. Inspecting every feature of her face, she touched up her hair and re-applied her lipstick.

As she stepped outside the castle, she walked over towards the carriage parked ready for her arrival. Similar to her dress, it was black and gold, having 4 black horses at the front.

And off she went to the ball.