━ 𝘁𝘅𝘁 𝗶𝗺𝗮𝗴𝗶𝗻𝗲𝘀

my demon

Si Woo

meaning: begin, start, divine intervention, protection, rain

"Princess, His Majesty has announced a masquerade ball tonight and wants you to get ready," Jiah, the princess's handmaiden informed, holding a pale blue gown and a matching feather mask as Si Woo looked up from her book and frowned.

"A masquerade ball? What's the occasion? And, how many times have I told you to call me Si Woo," The princess chided gently.

"He says it's to find a husband for you, Prin- Si Woo. The noblemen from around the country will be attending," Jiah said, and Si Woo sighed, putting down her book.

"Not him trying to dictate my life again- do I have to go?" She asked, eyes pleading as Jiah shifted from one foot to the other.

"I'm afraid it's the King's orders..."

"Well, then I suppose I'll have to go, useless balls and parties..." Si Woo muttered under her breath, sitting down at the vanity table while Jiah quickly sorted through her accessories, picking out a pair of blue moonstone earrings and a matching necklace, along with several pearl hairpins.

Before long, Si Woo was all dolled up, her wavy brown hair twisted into an elegant braid, with pearl hairpins tastefully positioned amongst her hair and a few strands framing her face.

"I rather like this dress," Si Woo admitted unwillingly, glancing at herself in the mirror. Even though she hated the event was going to attend, at least she looked presentable.

"You look beautiful," Jiah said earnestly and Si Woo smiled.

"You should come to the ball too, I have just the dress for you," Si Woo said, walking to her closet and pulled out a lilac dress, placing it in Jiah's arms before her handmaiden could decline the invitation.

"I really shouldn't-" Jiah began, but her protests fell on deaf ears as Si Woo pushed her towards the dressing room.

ꕀ

"May we invite the belle of the ball, Princess Si Woo to take her seat while the noblemen introduce themselves," The royal announcer said as Si Woo did a curtsy and took her seat next to her father, whom she promptly ignored.

Countless noblemen whom Si Woo had never even heard of went forward one by one, introducing themselves and kissing her hand, not knowing that Si Woo gave up listening to their introductions after the fifth one, zoning out completely, other than making the occasional nod to pretend she was listening.

When the introductions finally finished, the ball officially began and Si Woo sprang up, trying to make her way out of the hall to the courtyard but as expected, was stopped by masked noblemen every step she took, asking for a dance.

"I'm sorry, but if you may just-" She muttered, trying to push past, but was suddenly swept into a dance, her arms flailing as she grabbed onto the nobleman's shoulder. She forced a smile, and listened to him introduce himself all over again while they waltzed across the room, with Si Woo trying hard to resist the urge to step onto his well-polished shoes.

After around 5 minutes, the music finally came to an end as the two bowed to each other and Si Woo quickly began her slow escape once again, and almost immediately, was stopped by another nobleman.

Oh god, this is going to be a long night...Si Woo thought, a fake smile gracing her face once more as she took her new partner's hand in hers, though desperately eyeing the doors out of the hall.

At last, it was time for refreshments and all the guests were crowded around the long tables of delicate pastries and drinks, allowing Si Woo to finally slip through the doors towards freedom, no matter how short it lasted.