terms you may need to know

saree
a garment consisting of a length of cotton or silk elaborately draped around the body, traditionally worn by women from South Asia.

hanfu
the historical styles of clothing worn by the Han people in China.

fa-zan
Chinese hairpin, often coming in various shapes and colours (see picture below)

ocarina
an ancient wind musical instrument—a type of vessel flute

THE CHAOS HAD NOT STOPPED.

"I literally slept for an extra two hours. How are Ellie, Rowan and Lucia still bickering about the aesthetics of donuts?"

Tahani sighed, shrugging in complete and utter defeat, "I have no idea," she whispered out, smoothing down her striking beige and gold saree, "but if you'll excuse me, I will now part to get you some food, you terrible child," she huffed, making her way down the hall, full maroon lips curling into a dissatisfied frown.

The youngest whipped her head around, selkie pink dress whipping with her.

"Hey! Donuts are a very tricky business. There's the shape of it - and the colours we have to pick - it mustn't be too bright because then it'd look icky but it shan't be too light cause then it ain't pretty!" Elena huffed, crossing her arms. Her tan skin shone against the warm rays of the afternoon, the sun gleaming down in amusement.

Rowan let out a loud chuckle, "Hey, that rhymed!"

Letting out a hefty sigh, Verine stepped forward, "Wait, what occasion are the donuts for? I'm the Royal Aesthetician, why was I not informed of this donut-picking business?"

The trio in front of her muffled laughter.

"No royal business here, miss aesthetician," Lucia sang, "Just a few very sugar-high princesses on the journey to find the most beautiful donut." Sweeping light amber ringlets back, the sun-kissed royal burst into waves of laughter, the flowy fabric around her shoulders shifting with an iridescent glow.

"Beauty is but a concept," a voice interrupted the chatter, strolling past Verine with light steps, "Everyone has a different idea of beauty. Ellie here might want a baby pink donut with little hearts, but Lucia might choose a golden one with the hues of the sunset. There's no most beautiful donut, every one of those is beautiful in another's eyes."

Verine smirked, moving to take a better look at the newcomer.

Estrella was dressed in a grey-red gown in the light of noon, with the sleeves hanging off her shoulders and pillowing to the ground. Around the ends of the dashing garment laid a trail of embroidered snowflakes, hints of silver and glittering white - an icy fortress of glamour. Her brunette hair was pinned into a bun, milky skin providing a stark contrast with the luscious dark locks.

"Good afternoon, Estrella!" Elena yelled out in glee as Rowan toppled over when she tried to stand up and greet the elder. Lucia gave a graceful bow, lightly snickering at the other two.

It took only a second's notice before the three had erupted into a jolly cacophony once more.

"You pushed me!" Rowan screamed, golden-brown irises shrinking in rage. Elena opened her mouth in retaliation but not before the older had leapt forward, expertly taking a large munch of her sister's precious donut.

"My donut!" Elena shrieked, getting on her feet and racing after Rowan, who had all but vanished in a blur.

Lucia roared in amusement, lifting the ends of her dress to reveal worn sneakers behind the exquisite frock, "Wait up!" she yelled in glee, hastily bowing to her elders before running forthwith incredible speed.

Estrella and Verine looked at each other, the ends of their lips lifting in understanding. Even with the length of the corridor and the space of the palace, the trio's voices could still be heard.

"Yet another day of chaos in the palace household. When will I find peace?" Estrella shook her head, turning her attention to Verine, "How was the sleep last night? Sufficient?"

Verine nodded, "Literally just woke up."

Estrella raised an eyebrow, "And you have not eaten, I presume?" she slurred out.

Before the princess could answer, however, the sound of passive-aggressive walking had arrived, with a very heated Tahani holding a plate of what looked to be french toast, bacon and an assortment of fruits. Her black hair was left at its natural state today, an abundance of curls that reached just below her chest. Although she was not particularly tall, her vicious stance was terrifying. In the afternoon glow, her dark skin shone, and with the glittering gold of her outfit, she resembled a dragon ready for war.

One did NOT want to cross an angry Tahani.

"EAT UP!"

The day continued smoothly.

While the other sisters went on to perform their own responsibilities, Verine had headed off to the library. As the Wisdom Keeper of Elavnia, she had to arrange the records regularly and check for any anomalies within the scrolls. It was a tedious job, but the princess loved the work. Words, music: they presented an escape opportunity, into freedom, justice, pea-

"Hey! If it isn't Verinini-oh! Wait, no - that's a terrible nickname. Scratch that. Verinoni? Veri-"

"Good afternoon, Prince Wang."

Jackson let out a large grin, one that would brighten anyone's day. Soft caramel brown hair fell just past warm deep hazel eyes as the man strode over to the princess, who was currently balancing herself on a very tall ladder. A long black coat trailed past his ankles, curled with an intricate pattern of glinting gold and crimson. Dashing as always, he reached out a hand as Verine climbed back down to greet the other.

"It's been a while, princess," he smirked, planting a small peck on the back of her palm.

Verine nodded, "Indeed," she replied, almond-shaped eyes creasing into crescents.

From the back, a crash echoed, followed by a flash of olive-toned skin.

Long lashes treaded bright eyes as Rowan lifted her head, mouth twisted in worry, "Sorry Verine! And um - hello Jackson!" she rang out sheepishly, standing behind a pile of fallen books.

Verine sighed as another figure appeared from behind the girl, hastily cleaning up the area, "Apologies, Princess Verine and Prince Wang. Rowan and I were just heading over for our class. We'll excuse ourselves now."

Verine stifled a laugh, nodding in turn, "You're still sticking to formalities, Namjoon?" she raised an eyebrow as the scholar hunched back, the gaze of his monolid eyes bouncing back and forth between the princess and prince smiling exuberantly towards him.

Still bowing, Rowan and Namjoon took their leave, backing away politely.

"That sister of mine has an illness, that is," Verine rolled her eyes.

Jackson gasped in concern, "Rowan's sick?"

The princess sighed, "Indeed. Lovesick."

Verine swept her hair back, laughter swooning through the atmosphere, mimicking an ocarina singing in the springtime.

Jackson snorted, adjusting his collar. He raised an eyebrow, stepping back playfully, "Wait a minute, you're wearing a new custom hanfu today? Any particular reason why?" he asked curiously, eyes squinting as if to insinuate something.

As the jolly prince had pointed out, Verine was clothed with her newest hanfu, one that shone pearl white and embroidered with various palace flora in a dreamy colour palette: pastel pinks, delicate silvers, emerald greens and intricate golden fairy wings at the sleeves. The hanfu flowed past her ankles, long loose sleeves hanging just above her wrists. It was a mixture of the princess's unique identity, one that represented her Chinese culture and her role as the fifth royal princess of Elavnia.
Verine had also paired the outfit with a fa-zan, carved in the shape of pink orchids, translucent and pristine. The clothing reflected off the sun's light, sheer and casting a hazy glow. The princess truly looked to be a fairy, or an angel.

"You're an angel fairy."

"Excuse me?"

"You look like an angel fairy!" Jackson squealed, eyes brightening in glee, "The white shining off the sun and the pastel pinks and the glittering - thingies, string?"

"Thread."

"Glittering thread on the clothing looks amazing! Gosh, you're so ethereal."

Verine couldn't help but let out a bubble of laughter. Jackson was one of her greatest friends. Loyal, strong, caring, compassionate - and literally an amazing hype man.

"Thank you, Prince Wang," she teased, "You look pretty good yourself."

Jackson smiled before abruptly shifting emotions. His smile fell flat, the warmth of his eyes turning icy, "You still haven't answered me, though. Why are you wearing a brand new hanfu today? Is there anything I need to know?"

Verine knew what he was hinting at. She sighed, reaching out to retrieve a dashing bright red book from the mahogany shelf beside her.

"If you're hinting that I have a secret lover, then all I can say is -"

Jackson leaned forward, ears perking up.

"- keep on waiting, sonny boy."

And with that, the princess crashed the book onto the prince's head and zoomed out of the library, a pitiful shrieking Jackson behind struggling to keep up with her pace.

Hello everyone! 

Exams are over <3

This chapter was pretty fun to write because we got some Jackson Wang in! Let's welcome the good ol' prince hehe - and also Namjoon, the tutor ;)

How did you guys like this chapter?
Really hope my writing was alright :')