Blood of Deception [ON HOLD]

Chapter Nineteen

After coming from the commemoration prayers in the court, Meiyue changed into a white satin hanfu with a modest cross for the collar. Bluebell flowers embroidered in royal blue furled the length of the skirt up to the blouse behind a silk sash. The attire set had a matching long coat with blue cuffs that touched the floor. The fabrics felt cool and smooth on her skin, although they were a little weighty.

Meiyue studied her image in the silver mirror, wondering if she'd chosen something too extravagant. Her interest wasn't to capture eyes more than she often already did in her other plainer garments. And that wasn't an exaggeration.

"I feel like I'm dressing for my wedding day," the princess remarked, still getting used to the loose-sleeves that completely concealed her hands. "My lips look frightening."

"You mean charming, princess," Xiaonu corrected behind her. The girl had done a remarkable job of painting her lips crimson, something the princess didn't recommend doing on daily basis. "Now the whole court will have their eyes on you."

Meiyue carefully turned to her maid, not wanting to upset the delicate fashion done to her hair. "I told you that's the opposite of what should be happening. Our plan is to escape to the library as soon as we hand over Kenshin's letter to whoever the Madonna is."

"Peacock Madonna," Xiaonu stated, much to her mild chagrin. "You must still be presentable to make companies with the courtiers so that you can ask them about her. Men will tell you anything simply because you're attractive."

Meiyue considered the prospect, neither agreeing nor denying. She took the blue booklet and envelope from the vanity cabinet and secured them safely in the cross of her collar. Xiaonu possessed the library key.

A bell tolled in the distance.

"It's starting!" Xiaonu exclaimed excitedly.

Meiyue glanced at her reflection once more and let out a deep breath. "Let's go."

~~~

When they reached the Ministry of Trial and Jury, tranquility gave away to noises that bloomed to the colorful twilight sky. Ministers, department chiefs, high-ranked officials, lords, and ladies of the high and low courts flooded the front courtyard. Noblewomen dressed in lavishness flapped their fancy fans as they fluttered to the brilliant trial court like jeweled moths to flame. Most paused on their tracks to steal glances at the advancing princess. Others came to offer her curtsies.

Meiyue caught dizzying whispers of admiration and returned the courtiers with forced smiles as she proceeded down the lane, eager to be out of people's attention. The path was brightened solely by lamps that hung from stone posts. No torches were lit, in fear of accidental fire. The air smelled more of perfume than real floral fragrance from the gardens.

The trial court, now arena, from the outside appeared to be like any other structures with vaulted roofs and red giant pillars. It was built on a surface higher than ground level to provide the needed space for the auditorium. Red paper lanterns dangled from the edges of the building, illuminating the area in a sense befitting a celebration.

From what Meiyue remembered, there were four main entrances that could lead to the ring. Two at the west were most likely used to guide the commoners in. She ascended the stairs along with the others. The sky was soon replaced with a low ceiling as she stepped inside the lobby.

The hallway led to two entries on either side. It felt stifling because of the crowds. Chatters drifted from the left as the common people passed into the arena. Citizens of the court took the right corridor. The wall curved in a circle on one side as Meiyue moved toward the second entrance.