The Royal Concubine (please read edited version)

Hiding Behind a Mask

          I was too reckless. Last night was something my old self would never do, even if I am a concubine. I left the emperor's room as soon as he dozed off to sleep, not leaving a trace of me behind. The sun followed my footsteps to my own bedroom. It's light trailed me until I closed my door, cloaking me in darkness.

With a sigh, I fell onto my bed, wrapping my body in the sheets. It wouldn't be too long before a maid came to get me. Today was the festival, something I was cautious about. I didn't know if Taewongun's plan would go smoothly, but I just wish I would get through it quickly.

A quiet knocking at my door startled me. A maid entered slowly, watching my sleeping form. "Lady Hye-Rin, it's the day of the festival, I'm here to assist you into your dress," she says, standing beside my bed. I pretend to awaken. Throwing my legs over the side of my bed, I sluggishly move to stand. My hair was a mess and my cheeks were flushed, not due to sleep.

More maids made their way into my room, each carrying a box. Two maids held my large dress in hand, holding it with great care. My nightgown was gently pushed over my head and a white undergarment came to replace it. The maids help me into the gorgeous gown that swallows my body whole. The different shades of red fluttered to the floor, making me look like a vibrant flame.

Tug by tug, my hair was pinned high on my head. Jewelry was intertwined in my dark brown hair and heavy earrings dangled from my ears. It was too much work to be a queen.

In the last box that a maid carried over to my dressing table had a small jar with a paint brush in it. "What's in the jar? Is it for my face?" I didn't think that face paint would be used at a time like this.

"The royal symbol, my lady. Please pull down the shoulder of your dress," The maid with the paint brush said.

I was confused but I did as I was told. She lifted the dipped paint brush to my forearm and started to paint; the ink was cold on my skin. My eyes were glued to the design that was forming. The paint would be hidden by the dress, why would it be of use.

"I am sorry you will have to confind to my painting skills, I am not qualified to paint such a symbol on your skin, but it is the emperor's wish," she adds quietly.

"May I ask what it is that you're painting." The maid seemed to be making some type of flower.

"The royal symbol, all royalty is either marked with it at birth or when they are married in. It is sometimes covered with makeup when the royals go out of the kingdom or are in dangerous situations. Today, we are painting one on you to match her royal highness, though it will only serve as trickery because it is not permanent." I nod as she talks.

"How... are the royals marked?" I ask with wide eyes.

"It is burned onto their skin." Her face turned pale just talking about it.

"Then why? It's dangerous isn't it?" I lose my formality, earnestly confused.

"The first emperor of our great kingdom had a flower as a birth mark. The mark was very important to him and our kingdom, so throughout the generations, they wanted to keep the mark to show their power and status." She puts the paint brush back in the box when she's done. After dusting the ink flower with a light powder, the maid puts my sleeve back in its rightful place. "That ought to hold out but please, My Lady, please avoid ruining it."

I nod in response and watch her retread out of the room. Did the emperor plan to at one point show the marking or was it liability to ensure the Queen and I's similarity? What I did know for a fact was that Yoongi was going to be shown interest from everyone. People would be alarmingly surprised to see how identical the queen and I look. Also it would cause confusion as to who was who.

With these thoughts I lost track of time as the maids finished my attire. I was dressed in the royal red robe given to only royalty. I saw it when the maids fitted me in it but I hadn't seen it on yet. So when they handed me a mirror I couldn't help the gasp from escaping me. I looked stunning and different, my skin radiating with the unusual color contrast. I lifted my fingers to gently run my hands over the various golden pin and ornaments that decorated my hair. My dark charcoal hair was twisted tightly around my head in a true regal style. To say the least, I was at a loss for words.
"I wish we could show your beauty off more, but this will have to do." One of my personal maids says soothingly. I nod in agreement. I tilt my head high, looking regal and strong. I almost scared myself, my inner self was still a lowly peasent.

"Good morning your majesty," I smile at Emperor Min. He was carefully eyeing the finishing arrangements.

"You look stunning, lady Hye-Rin." He almost gasps out loud. He would never get caught with showing so much affection to a concubine.

"How did you know I was not the queen?" I ask, pouting, "Do I look that out of place?"

"I've known you long enough that even the way you hold your arms beside your body is different than Queen Min's," he smirks. A guard comes up to him, showing him a scroll. I decide to not bother the emperor until we depart, so I head off by myself.

I turn to the large palaquin that I designed, which would hold the Emperor, the queen, and I. My hand grazed the bronze details and wooden fram. The pictures of the godly figures make up most of the sides of the panels. As I round the corner, I am met with a startle.

"Oh my!" The Queen jumps at my sudden presence, "I didn't see you there."

I try to calm my racing heart beat, "neither did I, I'm sorry I scared you, Your Highness."

She looks me up and down, warily. She opens her mouth to complain, but she rethinks her words, "I-," she pauses, "I don't hate you."

I stare at her in shock. She looks at the ground, her hands fidgeting. "What?"

She speaks quicker, more certain, "I don't want us to ruin this festival for each other, so, why don't we try to act civil." She seems to be trying so hard, "just until the festival is over."

"Sounds wonderful, my Queen."