Phantom | WayV [...]

⁛≻Chapter 9≺⁛

◸Chapter 9: The Night Before◿

Mei returned to the chamber and saw Xiaoling waiting at her bed. All the other maids were absent and she guessed they were already downstairs.

Mei: You didn't go down?

Xiaoling: I was waiting for you. Now hurry. It's almost time.

Mei got ready pretty quickly with the help of Xiaoling who set her hair in a very pretty bun with seven flowers in her hair.

Mei: Seven is the sacred number, right?

Xiaoling: Yup. In lore of the seventh month... for you know...

Mei: Yeah... understood. Shall we go?

Xiaoling: Yeah, come on.

The two hurried to the ball room and stood in line next to Lady Lin. The council was on the opposite side and there were two guards by the huge castle doors, behind which the crowd should be excitedly waiting to get inside. 

Kun: Okay everyone. Welcoming smiles and be nice. 

Everyone nodded, lips stretching to warm smiles. Mei met Ten's eyes across the room who managed to wink at her right before the doors opened.

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The speeches from the two royals were done and Mei found herself wondering about Yuyin's whereabouts. Though she got distracted pretty quickly from the musicians who, like the rehearsal, were doing their magic. 

A lot of royals and Scortians got into pairs, dancing to the music. But Mei found herself next to Xiaoling who were watching the dance.

Xiaoling: I need a sir or lord to ask for a dance already. I'm getting impatient.

Mei just chuckled but froze when she saw a hand extend to her. She looked up from her glass and saw that it was Ten. 

Mei: Sir Ten?

Ten: Lady Mei. Could I have this dance?

Mei: I...

Xiaoling nudged her with her elbow before taking Mei's glass. Her friend gave her a teasing smile before walking away. Mei turned back to Ten who raised an eyebrow. She just smiled in response and took his hand, accepting the dance.

Ten: You got me nervous there. 

He said as they got onto the dance floor. His hand reached her waist while the other held her hand gently.

Mei: You thought I would reject you?

Ten: I mean... I would be disheartened if you said no.

Mei laughed a little and in response he chuckled. She had to admit. She loved that night and was not looking forward to the end of it.