The Emperor's Concubine

Chapter Fourteen

"My lady! We must hurry, all the other ladies of the golden palace have left!" Magnolia rushes, looking for accessories and shoes.

A hired beautician styles my hair, while another applies my makeup. Diligently taking their time to prepare my outfit for the evening, I take a few breaths trying to calm myself from the many strangers I'll have to face.

"Maggie, don't worry. It's not starting yet." I softly giggle, watching her panic as she gathers the jewelry.
"Yes, but my lady, it's your first appearance!" Magnolia worries, quickly helping to put on a pair of crystal heels encrusted with small diamonds, "If his imperial majesty is as cruel as they say, you can't be late!"
"Maggie, those are only rumors. You and I have never met or seen his majesty before, so don't be so nervous." I softly chuckle, watching Magnolia act more energetic than I've seen.

The beauticians finish, and I look in the mirror.
My hair is styled elegantly into loose curls, my makeup soft as it accentuates my honey-gold eyes. A beautician quickly places the matching diamond headpiece on, fixing my bangs from hiding the accessory. The gold gown flows elegantly, with my makeup glowing from a simple pink shimmery eye shadow along with a rose lip gloss.

"Lady Luna, you look beautiful!" Magnolia admires in awe.

I stare at the mirror, taken aback by even my own looks.

"Thank you for helping me get ready." I smile kindly, admiring the beauty I've never seen before in my parents' castle.

The beauticians bow and thank me, assisting me to put on a long white-fur coat. 

Sitting in the carriage, I watch as the snow gently falls—the roads and fields glistening as they transform into a majestic winter land.
Taking a deep breath as my anxiousness returns, I focus on admiring the outside.

"I hope Hayden's well..." I whisper, unable to stop my worrying as I imagine him being stuck outside in this cold weather.

Escorted through the royal palace, I stare in awe at the large ceilings held up with marbled gold pillars. The floor designed with a mural encased into the floor—I'm left speechless from large gold framed windows that glisten from the reflection of the vibrant snow.

Making eye contact with other guests that are dressed formally, I quickly avert my eyes—overwhelmed by the stares of strangers. 

"Lady Luna!"

I turn to see Lance approach me—dressed formally in a black suit that's accented with a white pocket square.

"Lance, good evening." I smile, turning to walk towards him.

Meeting my smile with a kind smile of his, he bows his head.

"You look beautiful, Lady Luna! I'm sure you're more beautiful than the other ladies of the golden palace." Lance proudly puffs his chest, admiring the golden gown I wear.
"You're too kind, but the other ladies are far more beautiful. Though I must thank you, this gown you gave me is gorgeous beyond belief."
"It's more beautiful because of the wearer. Oh! His majesty is in the ballroom already, so are the other ladies of the golden palace. I'll quickly escort you to the ladies before the nobles are announced."

Following Lance as we rush through the halls, I keep my eyes glued to the ground as I feel the eyes of passing strangers stare back at me.

Soon, we enter through the grand ballroom doors, greeted by a sea of guests and vibrant lights—illuminated by the extravagant decor. My heart beats faster as I notice the figure that sits regally on the throne at the end of the ballroom.

Catching myself from looking up at his majesty, I bite my inner cheek as I focus on following Lance's shoes to follow him down the aisle.