The Royal Concubine (please read edited version)

Under The Moonlight Dance

         That beautiful summer ended, and fall began. When the season changed, so did my feelings. Four months had passed at the Royal Palace. Emperor Min was strong, in mind and heart, like a jade. His eyes, dark as the fire coal, shone with power that never relented weakness. He's become my favorite masterpiece to paint.

         "Sit still your highness!" I plead to the laughing man called Emperor Min. I myself was giggling uncontrollably and so much to the point that tears were pooled at my eyes. My face hurt from all the smiling from today. It had started when Emperor Min proposed that I paint him. I had tried to deny his request in the most respectful way possible, who was I to paint him? My skills weren't fit enough, I begged him to understand. But he grabbed my hand and pulled me to the bridge where supplies had been put out by servants.

        "You promise to be very still?" I had boldly asked. My informality took us both by surprise. His face softened and his mouth slightly opened. Blushing, I bowed my head, "I mean-"

         "You don't have to be so formal Hye-Rin" he cuts me off and straightens his back.

         I nod back, my cheeks still warm. I take my brush and tap it lightly in black ink. My blank canvas stands in front of me, a fresh new start. My hands tremble slightly as I grip the handle and point it over the middle. Dark eyes follow my every move, my every breath, my every shake. I lock  into this intense game of gazing, my eyes meet his. They hold me prisoner, such a dark color seemingly unreal. His pupils widen, his full mouth pulled back slightly by the tug of his pearl teeth. The wind picks up speed and it flies under the pages, the fluttering of them the only sound.

         My clammy hands start to paint. The brush speaks a million words as I stroke it against the paper. My breathing became perfectly balanced with every moment that passed, I grew more in tune with the task at hand. I tried to let go of the Emperor's strong gaze on me, but a sudden feeling of importance enveloped me. 

          I smiled as the painting in front of me came together beautifully, though my hands and face were covered in browns and reds from my progress. I feel like a child painting her crush, though the comparison may be closer than I would figure. my eyes flew up to see Emperor Min's expression; he must be contemplating on if he wants to put up with this ever again.

          But to my surprise, his eyebrows lifted up in excitment, "Are you done? I would like to see it." 

           My eyes glitter in delight, "Yes, I hope you find it pleasing," I pick up the canvas to show him the results.

         He made a deep sound from his throat, then proceeded to study it, smiling, "At least you got the colors right."

          I gawked at his reaction but couldn't help but laugh. I wasn't over confident in my abilities, but I could let when he was joking.

          " No, it's wonderful, you made the devilish beast look quite handsome" His complement made my lips quiver as I try to keep a somewhat straight face.

          And just like that, I recalled why I am now thankful that I have the face of Queen Min, my unspoken rival.

          The weeks that followed were quite and still. His Highness has yet to visit me again, and the times we have passed by eachother, he has been too busy to acknowledge my presence. I knew it couldn't be personal considering the lovely time we had just a few day before, but loneliness hung to my heart. I wondered how much our friendship had blossomed.