Chapter 6 Is this a setup?
Whoever informs Lady Sora's father is incredibly quick because I arrive to much fanfare. My quarters are decorated in vibrant red cloth that contrasts with the cold winter skies. I exhale as Father informs me that I'm to be wed to the Prince tomorrow.
"Tomorrow?" I clarify as I feel the color drain my face. Suspicion rises in my stomach. Why the rush for Prince Jin to get married? Is it because of the Emperor's age? Or is it because Prince Jin isn't established enough on his own to rule?
"Tomorrow my daughter will be the future Empress," Father sings to himself as he exits my quarters.
Ying bursts through the courtyard, her eyes gleaming with excitement. The smile on her face is wide and I wonder what Father's rewarded her with for my success. I notice another golden hairpin in her hair that's grander than the one I gave her. I raise an eyebrow.
Who is giving her these extravagant hairpins? She doesn't notice my discomfort as she squeezes me into a hug. I don't react.
"You did it, Little Miss!" She cheers. "I'm so proud of you."
I give her a tired smile in response. Today's events have left me feeling the same type of exhausted I was when I first arrived in this strange place. She chatters with the other servants as she helps me undo my hair and makeup.
After they all leave, I turn to her. It's clear she's motivated by pretty things but there has to be something deeper. Why does she seem to resent Lady Sora? Is it jealousy? Or something scarier?
"Thank you for all your hard work," I say with all the sincerity I can muster. "I couldn't have done it without you."
I slip a light green jade bracelet off my wrist and onto hers. Her eyes light up with excitement as she dips into a bow. "Thank you, Little Miss! I'll finish preparing your bath."
She rushes off and I slump in my chair, finally alone. Not wanting to over-analyze anything, I close my eyes and take a deep breath forcing all my anxious thoughts to float through my head. The light fragrance of the incense helps to soothe me and I can feel my mind begin to calm.
"Your bath is ready," Ying informs me. "I'll help you out of these and I'll be here early tomorrow morning to help you prepare."
I watch her leave, savoring the alone time. It would probably be smarter to follow her and try to figure out what she's plotting, but I'm not sure I want to know.
At least this is a temporary problem and I won't have to be here forever. I'm sure that the Imperial Palace holds the key to me going home. All I have to do is figure out what I need to do to go home.
I re-review Lady Sora's journal. It's clear she's clever and perceptive, more so than I even initially realized. I shove her journal back in its hiding place and close my eyes, wishing to go back home.
The morning sunlight filters into my room. I wake with a start to check to see if I'm back home. Ugh. I'm still here. Ying's already begun to prepare the vanity for the day. This time, the lipstick and the rouge are the same vibrant red as the robes I'm meant to wear to today's wedding.
As Ying fusses over my hair and makeup, I try to guess what's going to happen next.
Besides me there are a couple of other significant characters that have been introduced.
The first is the Prince, who apparently isn't useful since he isn't the way home.
The next is Lady Jia, the daughter of the warring clan.
She looks gentle, but I know not to trust her.
The plot twist is usually that you can't trust the gentle ones.
Next, is Lady Ning. I can tell she's been spoiled rotten by her parents which means we won't get along.
She's going to be the most obvious contender I'll have to compete with.
Deep down, I suspect Ying will eventually betray me.
It's usually what these Webtoons do. I just don't know what her motive is.
There's something else that's bothering me. I know there has to be another love interest for me. They're usually the curve ball to side track me from my main goal. It's odd since the second love interest would have been introduced by now. They usually always show up by this point.
Ying helps me into the vibrant red bridal robes.
They're much heavier than any of the robes I've worn here thanks to the threads of gold and beads sewn into the silk.
The sleeves are layered dramatically so much so that I struggle to lift my arms. What's worse is that these shoes are nearly impossible to walk in.
She holds my arm and then releases me once I've gotten used to walking.
The Empress robes and headdress from the day before flash in my mind.
I can't imagine the weight she must carry as she walks around.
Ying ties my mother's perfume sachet around my waist next to the jade pendant the Prince gifted me.
My reflection stares back at me in the polished bronze mirror.
I sigh. It sounds ridiculous, but there are so many things I miss about my old life outside of my family.
I miss my bed, my toilet, my crochet hook, and the ability to savor a latte at my favorite cafe without a pair of eyes constantly watching me.
All of it gone just because I worked too hard. ..
"The Prince will be pleased." Ying pins my red veil into place and steps back to make sure my face is covered. "I will be there to serve you in the Palace tomorrow morning."
"Thank you," I murmur in response. Before I can think of a way to ask her what she knows of the Imperial Palace, a servant interrupts us. A line of guards trails behind him.
My stomach churns in response. In all the author's Webtoons, I hadn't remembered this many guards being assigned to a future bride. I push the feeling down as Ying loops her arm in mine.
"The auspicious hour is near," he announces. He guides us to the carriage waiting outside. Father thanks Ying and dismisses her to walk in the procession behind us. The carriage lurches forward, the procession following behind.
Even if we wanted to converse, there's no way we'd be able to hear each other over the drums and music outside. When we arrive at the Prince's Palace, the music only gets louder. I try to relax as Father helps me out of the carriage.
Waiting just before the threshold is the Prince. Father wordlessly gives him my hand. Together we step over the threshold, symbolizing the beginning of a new life. He guides me through winding paths, up a set of stairs, and into a grand hall.
Everything is red, the banners, the lanterns, and the decorations all vibrant. The Emperor and Empress sit at the back of the hall. We bow three times. I don't hear anything anyone says over all the commotion.
Before I know it, we're led in different directions. Servants lead me into an elaborately decorated bedroom. It's much grander than mine, with the bed covered in red and gold blankets. Auspicious fruits and sweet wine sit on top of a table.
"The Prince will be here soon," one of the servants informs me. "Please wait here."
Everyone leaves the room and I'm left here alone with my veil still covering my face. Ornate lanterns and candlelight cast an orange glow. I'm seated on the edge of the bed, my veil still covering the face. I wait in anticipation.
A loud crash followed by a boom startles me. Servants yell outside. I raise an eyebrow, unsure of whether or not this is some sort of test.
"My Lady, get down!" A man yells from outside. I struggle to get up, bogged down by the weight of my bridal robes. The clang of metal swords making contact from outside sounds as if it's too close for comfort.
Another boom echoes throughout the courtyard and I sit on the floor, my back against the sturdy wooden bed. To my surprise, a surge of anger rushes through me. Is this a setup?