ARC 2-5: MY HANDSOME KING

CHAPTER 5: Ball Time

Zia and her 5 friends were living in the lap of luxury.

As soon as she had taken over, the King swiftly contacted her, and they formed a similar deal to the one she had previously with the ex Boss.

Everyone else in slums were at the very least getting fed better food. As Zia had bought a few farms, and sent over some of the kids from the slums to work and learn.

Hopefully they'll be able to supply their own food in the future.

For now, her information network that she had built up for the last couple of weeks has finally yielded her what she wanted.

She finally knows what part of the plot she's up to.

The start.

In fact, the future empress has just gotten married to the king 3 months ago.

Therefore they are currently growing feelings with each other, dealing with all the concubine.

The doctor should still be safe...

Well at least for now.

"Zia, Zia, you got a letter." The twins shout out loud excitedly.

Zia nods. She reaches for the letter from them, and opens it to read.

"Who's it from?" Noah asks, while he sips his tea on the desk.

Noah was in charge of the information they gathered, keeping everything organised and tidy.

"The King." Zia replies.

"What did he want?" Ava asks. She was mid bite a cookie.

Ava helped Zia take care of stores, often the business aspect.

"He's inviting me to a ball he is hosting soon."

"Decline it. He must have invited you out of sheer politeness. " Drew points out. He takes another bite from his red apple.

Drew was perhaps the most important member in their circle of friends. He helped Zia keep tab of their resources, and with his charisma helped the slum kids keep faith in Zia.

Zia had other plans. "I want to go."

Of course she did. She wanted to finally see that general in the flesh, and also find the doctor.

Although she must lay low, because of the nature of her business, still, she had ample power and standing. Especially among the underground folk.

Noah who heard her answer nods. "Well, it is a good chance for networking. And if it's you Zia, I'm not worried. You can take care of yourself."

Drew however disagreed with Noah. "No, I don't think it's necessary. To put ourselves in risk like that. I mean, I don't think anyone would be plotting, but having public knowledge on Zia seems a bit.... Well it makes me uneasy. We should remain in the shadows. It's safer."

Zia nods taking into account their opinions, however in the end only one opinion matters.

And that's hers.

"But I still want to go. I wanna see what it's like."

Drew smiles helplessly, as an awe filled expression is plastered onto Zia's face. Sometimes he forgets she's younger than him. She's still a kid, no older than 18.

He decides to agree, just to indulge her. The negatives aren't really too bad anyways. It's just his personal preference. "Okay then. Ava, could you and Noah teach Zia the palace rules?"

Zia's eyes bulge out of their sockets at his order.

Rules!?

That's right!

How could she forget the palace famed rules!?

The one's that cannon fodder love to abuse!

Thank God she's a minor character, so she doesn't need to be so on guard, unless she's trying to compete for the limelight.

Otherwise she just needs to remain low key, while she scouts out who she wants.

Ava and Noah both agree to his request.

Drew was left in charge of finding Zia's ball gown.

It had to be luxurious so she could blend in, however low key enough so she doesn't draw any ire.

It was a tough job to do.

Finally preparations were complete after a couple of days.

The day of the ball also drew near.

Zia wore a lovely green gown that complimented her green eyes. The corset, was tight around her waist, accentuating her slim hips, and average sized breasts. The gown part was beautiful, with low key sequencing. It flowed down her long legs, causing for a luxurious illusion.

Zia's brown hair was still short at her neck, which was uncommon for girls in this time period. Still, her fair skin, which was finally clean of any grime or dirt contrasted beautifully in the dress. She really had the presence of a noble.

The other children were in shock. Especially the twins who happily ran circles around her. "Wow, Zia looks so pwetty!"

Zia's gaze in itself was deep and mesmerising, however her high cheekbones and small face, also created the perfect combination of strong and soft features.

You could say she was both sexy and cute. Both were correct.

However the most correct thing to say, would be that she was beautiful.

Zia nods at the kids. "Take care of everything while I am gone. I'm trusting you all."

The 5 children nod determinedly.

She smiles and happily boards her carriage. It was made form sandalwood, and had a nice scent to it. However the furnishings and details were what any standard official would have.

Zia watches from her window as the scenery passes by. The horses clip clops could be heard, as well as the chatter of the common people.

It was peaceful.

Zia herself was bouncing in energy, excited to see who she wanted to in the flesh.

The grin just couldn't be wiped off of her face!

The ball was a ball that was held every year. It was a chance for noble children to show off their talents, and earn brownie points with the King. Marriages were often set up this way and networking could be seen being done all over the place.

The only difference this time was that the King was revealing his new concubine to the world. That is of course the sweet intelligent fl.

She is perhaps the second or third addition to his growing harem. And in the future will manage his harem.

Still, people were curious about her, as the rank she was given was higher than the other two lesser concubine, showing her importance.

This was the stage where she would shine. Also where she would be plotted against.

Naturally none of this concerns Zia, as she is but a mere orphan rat.

How lucky!

The palace was as luxurious as she had remembered. The white walls were beautiful to look at, the gardens even better.

Unfortunately for Zia she had no special status, and therefore she was forced to line up behind the other official's carriages. The line was long too.

Eventually it was Zia's turn. She quickly hands them her invitation, and was allowed in.

Zia could feel her heart beat rapidly in anticipation.

She really couldn't wait to be inside.

The ball room was large and spacious, even with this many people present.

Everywhere Zia looked, it was something new to see.

The women in their dresses remained on one side of the room. They all looked gorgeous. Makeup done, hair done, polite manners.

Zia looked at the other side and the men were handsome. Suits done up, hair done up.

Plus the food that was ready to eat all over the place is what really got Zia excited. So many delicacies to try!

Zia was seated away from the throne. The more important you were, the more closer you were to the throne.

She was all the way in the back, having a good view of the place.

Finally important people began to arrive.

From second ranked officials, to first ranked, to finally the ministers and then the king.

Naturally the general had entered with them.

Zia felt herself drool as she watched the general enter. He was so cool, even better in person.

It was like everything was suddenly in slow motion.

His hair was slicked back, falling a bit in his eyes. His suit hugged his strong figure showing off his physique. His tanned skin that was littered with light scars spoke volumes of his training, and finally his piercing gaze and cold brown eyes made Zia excited.

He truly deserves to be saved!

Zia hums happily but hurries to stop herself. She didn't want to draw suspicion.

The general was of course seated near the King.

Finally, the King arrived in his flashy golden robes.

Everyone bows, as he gives his greeting sentence.

"All rise."

Zia does as taught perfectly.

Finally the ball can begin. "Welcome my dear citizens to the annual ball. I am glad to see everyone attend."

Zia automatically tunes out the King, as she stares longingly at the general.

Eventually gasps resound around, causing Zia to jerk her head in the direction of everyone's stares.

Standing there in all her glory was the fl.

"Presenting concubine Gu Ran."

The woman was gorgeous. Her black inky hair was done up with many priceless pearls. Her dress was a beautiful bronze, showing off her fit figure. Her Phoenix eyes were as dark as the night, as she mesmerized everyone with them.

Well almost everyone.

Zia didn't care for the fl. She was too busy looking at the general.

With the general's level of perception, how could he not notice such a heated gaze on him?

The general just pretends not to notice her, which works out for Zia.

Even if he were to return a glare of his own, it probably wouldn't deter her from admiring the art that he is.

Finally the music begins, and the first dance of the night will start.

Naturally Zia doesn't get up.

According to the plot there isn't a need to.

A cannon fodder will eventually egg on the King to dance with his new bride, and it'll cause a happy memory for him, only pushing them together.

However in the next section, where young nobles must prove their talents, that's when things will get dicey for the fl.

But of course Zia didn't care about any of this.

Nope, she had one target and one target only.

Actually.... She had 2.

But right now her eyes were set on the general.