Aria sat on cushion pillow embroidered purple thread in front of a low table sipping tea with Lily kneeling beside her pouring tea into her cup whenever Aria finished a cup.
Sighing, Aria rested her head on her palm,"Lily,who do you think will be my husband among the two Princes," She asked
"I don't know Your Highness" Lily replied
"Oh come on Lily. Give me a suggestion,"Aria said pouting
"From the rumours, I heard that the Emperor will most likely choose Prince Jing since he's the Empress son but rumours still has it that Prince Xing might also be chosen as he's likely to be the next Emperor," Lily said whispering
Sighing again,Aria spoke "We just have to hope for the best. I just hope and pray I'm not married off to the worst human ever."
"Your Highness be rest assured that nothing of such would happen as the Emperor and our King are friends. The Emperor would most likely want to treat you well"Lily tried to pacify her mind
"Ok," Aria sighed deeply
"It's time to prepare for the banquet My Princess," Lily said standing up. "I'll go ask the servants to draw your bath while I prepare your dress," She said moving to the door to give instructions before moving to the chest of drawers to bring out Aria's dress for the night.
After taking her bath,her dress was brought forward as well as her innerwear and underwear. Raising a flimsy top she asked,"What's this and how many layers of clothing am I to wear?"
"It's a dobou My Princess and her in Great Wei they wear three different clothing. They have the underwear, innerwear and outerwear,"Lily explained
"Oh but what a dobou?" Aria asked confused
"It's used for the coverage of the breast. It's like a corset but not as constricting as a corset" Lily answered
"Oh let's put it on them", Aria said giving it to Lily.
After getting dressed, she twirled around and giggled " So comfortable. I could get used to this,"She said
"Are you ready Aria,"She heard her mother call at the door
Opening the door and stepping out she smiled at her mother, "Yes Mother,"she answered before interwining her hand with that of her mother's, "Mother,these clothing are so comfortable and freeing,"She said
"It truly is. It's a break from all those constricting corsets" Concubine Elena said to her daughter
After walking for a while they came out of their resting place and met her father and siblings waiting for them at the entrance.
"Took you both long enough" Princess Isabella said rudely
"Isabella!!" Princess Irene exclaimed elbowing her twin
"What? They did take too long,"Isabella replied rudely again while scoffing
"And I might send you back to your room Isabella,"The king warned angrily
"But,but," Isabella started
"Apologies now," The king said
"I'm sorry,"Isabella said meekly
"Nonsense. This is not the Wales Palace where your mother lets you misbehave. This is Great Wei and here you be of your best behaviours,"King Alexander lectured
"Yes Father,"All the children replied
"It's ok Father. Isabella is just been Isabella, Aria tried to calm her Father down, "Moreover we need to get going if not we'll be late to our own party," She reminded
"Yes yes move it everyone,"The king said
"Father, please act like a King,"Princess Irene said jokingly as everyone laughed aside from Isabella who scoffed
"What. I am acting like a King." King Alexander exclaimed as everyone laughed again
"Ok ok the carriages are waiting. Let's go," The king said seriously as the all piled into the various carriages in front of them.
~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~~*~~~~~~~~~
The banquet was graced by every member of the royal family and high ranking ministers of first to third ranks.
On the elevated stage sat Emperor Sheng and beside him sat a very beautiful middle aged woman dressed in good phoenix robes who happened to be Empress Xia. Behind them sat Prince Jing and Princess Heshuo Zhou Ai Lan.
On the Emperor side below sat King Alexander and his family. Opposite them sat First rank Consort Lin and behind her sat Prince Xing and Princess Di Zhou Mi.
After them sat the ministers and their families. The banquet was in full swing with presentations,performers and toast the royal family. Things were going well until Consort Lin cleared her throat.
"What is it Consort Lin," The Emperor asked
"Nothing Your Majesty. It's just that this banquet was hosted to welcome the Welsh royal house but we've not seen the Princess who is said to be brought for the alliance," Consort Lin said meekly
Murmurs started in the hall as people began to whisper amongst themselves. Aria started to lean into her mother who only held her hands to comfort her
"She sounds meek but her malicious and vicious intent are so so.... I don't even know how to describe her,"Her mother said angrily
"Consort Lin," Empress Xia called out warningly
"What Elder sister. I'm just been curious about her," Consort Lin answered
"That's ok. No need for that. Since you want to see her mmthen you will," Emperor Sheng said smiling at her
"Yes, Your Majesty," Consort Lin said bowing her head
"Princess Aria, can you please step forward," Emperor Sheng called
"Yes, Your Majesty," Aria answered as she stood up from her place behind her mother.
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Finding Love
Historical FictionTo stop her brother from getting into an arranged marriage, Princess Aria decided to take the burden upon herself. She decides to marry the unknown Prince and take on his culture, belief and tradition. In a strange land Aria found love, not just lov...
