LOTUS

CHAPTER VII: Try Me

The banquet hall remained in utter silence as bewilderment filled the room at the reaction of the two princes.

Even the emperor was shocked at the sudden display, however as the father of the empire he took control of the situation and ordered everyone to act accordingly.

The two princes sat back again with hesitation.

The eunuch who was standing at the sidelines resumed his duties and motioned to Bei Wei to continue.

Bei Wei who was even more shaken tried to focus on the task at hand.

Just moments ago she could have sworn her life was within her control and right now she feels that fate pulled a prank on her.

She wished she did not raise her head and meet those familiar obsidian eyes. She can only hope that he does not recognize her.

A stupid notion.

 Based from his reaction, he did not just recognize her, his eyes are saying a million things and reminding her of unwanted memories that constantly bugged her mind.

“Young miss, you need to pay your respects” the voice of the eunuch snapped her out of her insanity.

The eye contest between her and the loathsome man ended as she averted her gaze and started speaking.

“This humble servant Xue Bei Wei greats Your Royal HIgnesses” bowing to the entire royal family she did not say anything further.

“Such an enchanting child, Now I understand why your father holds you dearly” sending a meaningful gaze to the Master of the Xue manor, Xue Chen. Who was filled with worry at the situation his daughter is in.

The emperor released her and let her come back to her seat. All the while she felt an annoying gaze trained at the side of her face. She thought it was the same man that irritates her so much. But as soon as she looked at where the unwanted attention was coming, An unfamiliar face greeted her. However his eyes were filled with something she could not decipher.

She withdrew her gaze and brushed him off. She’s feels like she met him before but she could not remember when, where and how.

On her way back to her table, she saw her father looking at her with a worried face. She gave him a nod of reassurance and she could almost hear him sigh from across the room.

She proceeded on her walk back to her spot ignoring all the curious gazes and whispers every time she passes by a table.

As she sat down and faced front she can still see the scandalous man staring right at her. Although he is wearing a blank face, his eyes are telling her that he is smirking that annoying smirk of his inside.

“The nerve of this guy! What is he doing he--” her train of thoughts stopped on its own as realization dawned at her.

”ho- how is this possible?”was the biggest question hanging in her mind.

Ofcourse it is possible , but in Bei Wei’s mind  she just couldn’t believe herself to be in such a situation. She could almost imagine fate laughing at her predicament.

Clenching at the veil in her hand, she composed herself and focused making a plan on how she can  survive this turn of events.

As Bei Wei was the one to be called, the banquet continued its festivities. From the music to the food, the people are enjoying the exquisite celebration.

The eunuch  announced another part of the banquet and all the attendees were filled with excitement especially the young maidens who wanted to be the star of the event.

“As tradition, a chosen candidate shall present her skill and talent to the royal family, Your majesty ” the eunuch stopped to give way to the emperor to select a young miss.

“The crown prince will be the one to decide, this banquet is after all prepared for him ” the emperor passed the responsibility to the crown prince who shockingly agreed.

The crown prince scanned the banquet hall as if looking for a suitable performer. At this , the young miss’ of every household were trying their hardest to hide the anticipation at being given a chance to charm the room.

Landing his eyes on a stoic face, the prince’s eyes sparkled and the ladies who beheld it swooned at their seats.

“The house of Xue” was the only verdict of the prince.

Bei Wei’s head swung so fast she felt  pain in her neck. Disbelief filled her being at the man.

However when she looked at him, to her surprise the crown prince was staring at her in challenge.

If there is one thing that she cannot decline, it’s a challenge from an irritating specie. And right now, she is far from amused.

With resolve like steel, Bei Wei stood up and strutted to the center of the banquet hall. A eunuch approached her asking what she will perform. She gave her instructions and the eunuch immediately carried out her request. Looking straight ahead, she bowed at the royal family and signalled for the musicians to start.

At the first chords of the guzheng, Bei Wei started to move and the room was entranced at her display. She danced like an elegant swan, untouchable by the world. Her light blue dress swaying and floating around her adding allure to the performance.

She finished her performance with a gentle finger slightly grazing her lips. She set her eyes on the crown prince conveying her thoughts. With a raise of her brow , she taunted the stoic man sitting in front.

The crowd was clueless to the exchange since her face was hidden by the sleeves of her dress. Bei Wei straightened her posture and bowed again.

Little does she know , her challenge stirred something within the crown prince and she just walked through fate’s trap.

The two of them are inside of their own little world that they became  unaware of two hearts being clouded by jealousy.