Kapitel 46: A Lifetime Ago: Betrayed

From the simple meeting in the forest, days turned into months and the man fell helplessly in love with that kind and sweet hearted girl. He never disclosed that he was the crown prince because he wanted her to love him for who he was, and she never really cared enough to ask. To the pure and simple girl, he was the man she had fell in love with. The two would spend almost everyday together in their own little world, and soon, the man promised to ask her hand on the day of her ceremony.

It was two days before their coming of age ceremony, and the pair of friends held onto each other's hands as they strolled down the busy market street. With the sun high in the sky, the two decided that it was best to grab lunch to hide away from the sun's glare. Hand in hand, and smiles all around, the pair of beautiful girls stepped into the tea shop.

Da Ai was in a daze as she looked at the bustling street below, and Fan He grinned at her friend. She poked a finger into Da Ai's smooth cheek and teased, "Looks like someone cannot wait to get married! Who is this mystery handsome man of yours?"

Coming back into focus, Da Ai giggled and gently swatted her friend's finger away, "I told you already, he's a high ranking officer in the military."

Fan He shrugged her arms, "Yea, yea, but how come he never wants to see me? You have to respect your superior, you know."

Dimples grew deeper as Da Ai laughed, "Superior?"

Her best friend grinned grew more playful in return, "As your unofficial sister, wouldn't he have to bow to this goddess right here?"

The girl laughed even louder and nodded her head in agreement. In two days, she would be engaged to her beloved and her best friend will become Crown Princess.

Firecrackers rang throughout the house as dignified guests entered the massive courtyard. Along the columns and wall were strings of of beautiful flowers, all a different color. A band sat in the corner, playing a happy tune, and guests left presents for the servants to put away. The two families of the girls had gave in when the pair insisted that they would share their ceremony together, so the normally average size party became something like a wedding. The music stopped as both families led their daughters out from the house.

Fan He was in a bright yellow dress that matched her sunny disposition, while Da Ai was more subtle and wore a refreshing sky blue dress. Their long hair was loose and framed their small, delicate faces. The girls looked at each other in happiness, and then sat down on the chairs in the middle of the courtyard. Their mothers came from behind and combed the girls' hairs with tears glistened in their eyes. Their fathers greeted the guests and clapped along with the crowd. The friends stood up from the chairs with their new hair buns and ornaments, looked at each other then hugged.

Then from the doorway, a man dressed in gold walked calmly towards the crowd. He was handsome and dignified as he stepped into the courtyard. Even through the lavious clothing, one could see his well defined muscles and there as a slightly ruthless air about him that stemmed from his years in the military. Yes, this was their crown prince, who had at last came back from the northern fronts.

Fan He's smiled grew even wider and her heart leaped with joy. He had finally came back to fulfill the Emperor's agreement. She also couldn't help but to admire the way his crown sat on his head, or how his royal jade ornament swung on his belt.

Compared to Fan He's excitement, Dai Ai was filled with horror. Her smiled faded, and every step he took was a like nail to her coffin. She looked sadly at her best friend and then at the man she loved. Despite her positive nature, she knew deep down that the two could not share a man, let alone a Crow Prince. The two were as close as birth sisters, but they could not share everything.

That was the reality. That was her reality.

The crowd all simultaneously bowed low to the ground. Tears slowly ran down her cheeks, and her hands trembled in sadness. Da Ai had a choice to make, and it tore at her. Her mother looked her with confusion and worry, but did not dare to move. Fan He was too happy to looked at her best friend. The prince came closer, until both Da Ai and Fan He saw his golden shoes. Then, he pulled the woman up from the ground and gently caressed her cheeks. He excused the crowd and everyone stood up in shock.

Fan He could not believe her eyes. Her supposed fiance was wiping away the tears of her best friend with great care. She saw the way he looked at Da Ai with so much love and indulgence. She had absolutely no idea what was happening. She stood rooted in her spot, watching the whole scene with wide eyes.

Da Ai gently shook her head, and moved Hu Gang's warm hand away. She had made her choice, and it was not the man she loved. It was for the sister she had grew up with. Hu Gang looked at the weary woman, and sighed. Shouldn't she be happy that he was the Crown Prince? She moved away from him and to Fan He's side.

After calming down, Minister Fan, Fan He's father, moved over to the Crown Prince, "Your Majesty, this is my daughter," he pointed at the girl in yellow, "She is your fiance. Surely, you must have mistaken her for her friend, Da Ai."

Hu Gang shook his head, "No, the Crown Princess will be Da Ai."

He walked over to her again, but she refused to look at him.

"I refuse."